Local youth becomes "Pilot for a Day"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony M. Ward
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The 301st Fighter Squadron hosted a local youth with spina bifida here June 21 as part of a program called "Pilot for a Day."

The purpose of the program is to give children with serious or chronic illnesses a break from the various challenges they may face and lift morale for them and their families.

A.J. Harrison, brother-in-law to Tech. Sgt. Justin Jacobs, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, has always wanted to be a pilot, but has a form of spina bifida -- a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings.

During his visit, A.J. was given the opportunity to join the men and women of the 301st FS, becoming their wingman and pilot for a day.

A.J. participated in various activities throughout the day to include a mission briefing, aircrew flight equipment familiarization and the utilization of night vision goggles.

His favorite part of the day, however, came when he stepped inside the cockpit of an F-22 Raptor.

"A.J. really enjoys the aircraft," said Cathy Leedy, A.J.'s adopted grandmother. "He is always really excited when we see something in the sky. We have this contest to see who is going to spot it first. He enjoys coming out and watching the planes. He tells me every day, 'I saw so many planes fly over' or I'll tell him how many I saw."

As the day came to an end, A.J. received several souvenirs, including a squadron t-shirt, coin and patch, as well as a portrait of an F-22 Raptor signed by the 301st commander and several other members of the squadron.

"This is the first time the 301st has done this," said Lt. Col. Robert Buchanan, 44th Fighter Group director of Operations. "It's great for the kids and great for their families to come out. We would love to continue our 'Pilot for a Day' program. All of us are fathers, so we love kids. We would love for them to come out and have a chance to see the F-22, so we will definitely continue this."