95th FS holds second ‘Pilot for Day”

  • Published
  • By Airman Glenn Moore
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Visiting his dad's old squadron Oct. 12 helped Ryan McGraw, 10, Pilot for a Day, cope with his loss. 

This was the 95th Fighter Squadron's second time inducting a child as its special guest in their Pilot for a Day program. Before he stepped into the simulator, Ryan had the opportunity to meet the commander, participate in a step brief with pilots and tested for uniform and mask fitting. 

Ryan witnessed his father, Edward McGraw suffer a heart attack June 6, 2003. At the time he was stationed at Robins AFB, Ga. During McGraw's first tour as a military member, September 1988 to December 1991, he worked at the 95th FS. 

"It was really good for him to see some things his father did that he never got the opportunity to see," said Tara McGraw, Ryan's mother. "It was great for Ryan because they treated him more like a member of the crew than a child." 

"He was beaming at the end of the day," said Jwen Radford, Ryan's grandmother. "The squadron really made everyone feel really special." 

Even though the squadron has a very busy training schedule, the commander views this program as a great way to give back to the community and share the mission. 

"There are many who are not as fortunate and through what ever means we can provide, comfort or a fun experience, we can give back," said Col. Routt, 95th FS commander. "Through this program, I hope to paint a good picture of the 95th FS, the 325th Fighter Wing and the Air Force. We can tell the Air Force story to the community." 

When Ryan was asked what part of the day he enjoyed the most he was quick to respond. 

"One was the simulator and the F-15 was great," said Ryan. "The other part was to be able to see how my dad did his work." 

It is clear the 95th FS motto "Once a Bonehead, always a Bonehead" is true, as the squadron opened its doors to comfort a child of a former "Bonehead." 

As the 95th FS successfully completed its second Pilot for a Day, the squadron is proud it has made a difference in another child's life. 

"He really loved it," said Ms. McGraw. "It was everything we hoped for and more."