Child becomes a Raptor pilot, explores Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  An incredible five-year old boy saw some of his dreams come to life when he became a pilot for a day at Tyndall Air Force Base in December.

Dylan "Fathead" Hardee, a child in the beginning stages of the Make-A-Wish program, recently toured different base facilities to include Life Support, the Hush House, the tower and the 43rd Fighter Squadron. He also had the opportunity to sit in the F-22 Raptor while wearing his own flight suit.

"Make-A-Wish program has gone above and beyond," said Lisa Perales, mother of Dylan. "It's not just submitting an application, its so much more."

Dylan was diagnosed with brain cancer and his final 'wish' is to go on a Disney Cruise, which is still in the works.

Mrs. Perales said the program isn't just about terminally ill children, but it is about hope. She said the cancer has taken away part of his childhood already, especially since it is so aggressive and requires a lot of treatment, but in this program anything you imagine is possible.

Ben Rausa, 325th Maintenance Squadron, is a wish granter for the Make-A-Wish program. He contacted Dylan and his family more than a month ago and with his Tyndall AFB affiliation, was able to help Dylan have a day to remember.

Mr. Rausa said this is an opportunity to show the family a side of the base people don't usually see. In this program he said they always take into account the family members as well.

"He has always talked about wanting to be a soldier," said Mrs. Perales, "and he has always loved planes."

During Dylan's day as a fighter pilot, he said the planes were his favorite.

Dylan followed around Capt. John Hensz, 43rd FS Instructor Pilot, who taught Dylan all about the jets and being a pilot. He showed Dylan how to 'gear up' and 'fly' the jet.

"It touched my heart more than it touched his heart," said Tech. Sgt. Sherri Stanfill, 43rd Fighter Squadron Guard Liaison. "He put his helmet on and was ready to tour the jet. The tower seemed to be one of the main highlights, he picked up the binoculars and couldn't put them down."

Dylan's family was also able to enjoy Tyndall's assets; he is the middle child with a younger brother and an older sister. He also has another brother on the way. Everyone got a chance to go up on the tower and sit in the jet.

Despite Dylan's situation, he has kept high spirits and has reacted well to the treatments.

"His transformation over the last nine months has been amazing," said Mrs. Perales. "He has passed all the odds and the doctors are impressed with all his efforts."

Dylan chose a Disney Cruise because he is a fan of the Disney characters and the family has recently been to Disney World for an America Cancer Society conference.

Mr. Rausa will continue to work with Dylan until his wish is granted, keeping in contact often letting Dylan and his family know the wish granters are thinking about them.