PFAD exposes ill children to Air Force

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Savannah Stephens
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The Columbus Air Force Base Pilot for a Day program was established in 2001 for the purpose of inviting seriously ill children and their families to the base for a day of fun and relaxation.

Due to their illnesses, many children spend large amounts of time thinking about doctors, hospitals, needles and other unpleasant aspects of their daily lives.

This program helps children and their families momentarily take their minds off of the daily stresses associated with the child’s illness by partnering them with a buddy pilot for a day full of red carpet treatment and Air Force excitement.

A typical day begins with a welcome ceremony hosted by the squadron commander, introduction of the child’s buddy pilot, the presentation of the flight suit for the child to wear and a short briefing on the mission of Columbus AFB. Next, the child and family are escorted around various parts of base to see everything that CAFB has to over. Each child has their name printed on a jet – making that aircraft officially theirs for the day.

Finally, after a day of simulator sessions, fire department tours and more, the group meets back in the hosting squadron’s heritage room for complimentary lunch. During lunch, the child receives a base memento commemorating their tenure as a “Pilot for a Day.” Host pilots then escort the families back to the main gate for goodbyes.

The next Pilot for a Day will be hosted by the 41st Flying Training Squadron on June 16, 2017.