Pilots for a day, opportunity of a lifetime

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Isaiah J. Soliz
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The youngest honorary pilots for the 2nd Fighter Training Squadron came to visit different base facilities and watch an aerial demonstration as part of the Pilot for a Day program April 21 at Tyndall.

Christopher Cox, 7, and Caleb Melville, 10, both members of the Shriners hospital for children showed great interest and were selected to participate in this program a day before the 2017 Gulf Coast Salute open house and air show.

“I think the Pilot for a Day program had an immense impact on the kids,” said Master Sgt. Melanie Herriges, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen dorm leader. “Their faces lit up, and they were very excited in everything they got to experience.”

This program allowed the young children to tour base facilities, learn about what the Air Force does and enjoy aerial demonstration rehearsals throughout the day.

“The children enjoyed it because it was a chance for them to sit down and relax,” said James Matchkus, Panama City, Fla., Shaddai Shriners chairman. “It was a chance for them to get away from everything.”
Their exciting day began when they received their own pilot flight suit and began their tour stopping by the F-15 simulators, where they simulated a flight in a fighter jet.

Matchkus said they loved the tour and the big smiles the children had on their faces made it all worthwhile.

“I feel this had a huge impact on Caleb, Christopher, their parents and the Shriners,” said Tech. Sgt. Laura Tancredi, 325th CES expeditionary engineering manager . “To be a part of the Pilot for a Day program and experience, just for a moment, what it is like to be a pilot or part of the military is a great familiarity.”

This special day ended with an aerial demonstration and a meet-and-greet with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds team.

“They were both excited,” Tancredi said. “I will never forget the smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes. It was an awesome opportunity to spend a day with them.”