Local girl becomes pilot for a day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Summer breaks for many children are filled with cartoon watching, trips to the pool and playing outside with friends. For nine-year old Mikala Hodgens, a girl from Wichita, Kan., summer vacation included being a pilot for a day and honorary member of the 350th Air Refueling Squadron, July 20, 2011.

Mikala, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in January, was chosen for the Pilot for a Day program through a partnership with Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan.

The program gives children with life threatening illnesses the opportunity to visit Air Force bases, experience various aspects of the base and most importantly, have a fun-filled day.

"Today was for the Hodgens family," said 1st Lt. Tyler Jackson, 350th ARS navigator and Mikala's program coordinator.

The 350th ARS "Red Falcons" hosted Mikala, her father Doug, mother Micki and six-year old brother Braydon for the day.

To prepare for her mission as a pilot, Mikala was given a flight suit to wear and received a mission brief. Her McConnell experience included touring a KC-135 Stratotanker, donning fire-protection gear and riding in a fire truck, flying the KC-135 simulator, and observing military working dogs perform their duties.

"It's been a wonderful day out here," said Mrs. Hodgens. "As a parent, I'm very grateful. It's wonderful that an organization like this can grant kids the opportunity to come out and just have a day of fun, a day of laughter, and a day to decompress from the medical aspects that they have to live every day."

Mikala's favorite activities for the day were flying the simulator and seeing the dogs chase and takedown a person.

The day ended with a pizza party hosted by the 350th ARS. Lt. Col. Scott Thatcher, 350th ARS commander, presented Mikala with a 350th ARS coin and honorary patches. Representatives from the other flying squadrons also presented Mikala with mementos.

McConnell is a base that has a strong community partnership, and programs like the Pilot for a Day boosts the morale of not only the child and family being hosted, but the morale of Airmen as well, said Jackson.

"It makes you feel good inside and want to contribute," said Jackson. "It makes your heart smile."

As the day ended, Team McConnell said goodbye to the Hodgens family who left McConnell with a greater understanding of the mission of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, smiles on their faces, and a one-of-a-kind summer vacation story to tell on the first day of school.

"We've always been a family that's very grateful for everyone's service and the time given for our freedom," said Mrs. Hodgens. "Thank you."