Children transform into ‘Airmen’ during Tyndall’s practice air show

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Four young lives were transformed on Tyndall's flightline during the Gulf Coast Salute air show practice Friday. 

One young boy turned into an honorary Air Force fire fighter while three others were named "Pilot of the Day." All of them shared stories of their first time in uniform and on an Air Force base. 

"I would definitely go into this field if I didn't have this disability," said Alan Wakefield II who has been learning how to live with cerebral palsy since he was five months old. "But then if I didn't have this disability I wouldn't be here." 

Tyndall was not where Alan expected to be that day. His parents told him they were taking him to the familiar Shriners Hospital for yet another appointment. When he arrived on base, his mother, Robin, remembered him saying "No, are you serious?" Alan was just four days shy of his 16th birthday and his family thought it was the most appropriate gift. 

"This is a lifetime dream come true (for Alan)," said Robin Wakefield. 

Flying in the flight simulator was a highlight for the dedicated pilots, especially Alan who said he watched Top Gun 25 times and remembers every line. Capt. Jackson Whiting, 95th Fighter Squadron pilot, not only shared lines from the famous movie with the teen who was his Wingman of the day; he was also able to create their own memory of a simulated dog fight with virtual aircraft in their stationary F-15. 

"He no kidding rolled in behind this four-ship and took them out," said Captain Whiting. "Its amazing how quickly he picked up how to use the simulator and basic F-15 maneuvers." 

"It was easy," Alan added. 

While Robin credited the teen's skills on the video game Ace Combat 4, the pilot and his Wingman pointed out that the simulator's cockpit was far more challenging than the PlayStation 2 game controller. 

"It was more realistic with all those buttons, altitude and thruster," said Alan who also got to fly with his brother. 

Nikki Armitage, 16, didn't want to get out of the simulator during her turn. 

"I crashed it," she said about the tanker she blew up under pilot instruction. "Need for speed." 

The only thing that scared her a bit was when her co pilots carried her wheel-chair bound body up a flight of steps to place her in an actual F-15 cockpit. 

"For someone who has gone through so much, to be excited about something we do day in and day out is rewarding," said Capt. Russell Badowski, 2nd Fighter Squadron pilot. "They look up to you. I wish we could do more." 

Maintainers made an impression on Nikki's mother, Leah Armitage, by putting the teenage girl's name on the side of the jet. 

"Everyone has been so wonderful and they haven't left her side (all day)," said Leah about the experience her daughter wouldn't normally get to do. 

Elizabeth Deaton, 11, couldn't find the words to describe her experience as a Raptor pilot but she said driving the plane was fun. 

While the "pilots" were flying, Austin Mayer, 15, was "fire fighting" on Tyndall's training area. He had the opportunity to ride in the Striker, the fire department's newest water-spewing machine. 

"We let him do everything he was physically able to do," said Staff Sgt. Altmore, 325th Civil Engineer fire protection specialist. 

Perhaps the courageous feel of being a fire fighter will help Austin be stronger when he faces his near-future bone surgery or perhaps Alan will get to work on a military flightline one day or perhaps Nikki will continue to smile when her mom reminds her of her Air Force day. One thing is for sure; all the children had a positive experience that will leave a lasting impression. 

"It's an experience not many can say they have had," said Senior Airman Brian Pittman, 95th Aircraft Maintenance crew chief who said he saw a few new things that day.
"All I need to know is that I have a chance," said Alan who is currently in high school seeking an aviation career in his near future. 

It is tradition for Shaddai Shriners to randomly pick a handful of children out of the approximately 320 served to attend the special air show as "pilots" and "firefighters" of the day each year Tyndall opens its gates. Children are treated for a variety of conditions from scoliosis to burn treatment to muscular disorders. Shriners transport them to more than 20 hospitals in the region.