Mulvane native becomes a pilot

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  With a presentation of a 384th Air Refueling Squadron Coin and a custom made flight suit, Jesse Whiteside, a 5-year-old boy from Mulvane, Kan., joined the flying family of the 384th ARS Sept. 16, 2010.

Jesse, who was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, also known as ALL, his father Jeremy, his mother Amy and his 2-year-old brother Jamison were invited to McConnell AFB by the 384th ARS as part of the Pilot for a Day program, an Air Force program that allows medically-challenged youth a chance to visit a base and become part of the Air Force family.

Each quarter a different air refueling squadron hosts the Pilot For a Day event and the squadron contacts local area hospitals to see if they have any kids or families interested in participating in the program.

Jesse said "Thank you, Ben" for giving him the chance to become a Pilot For a Day at McConnell. Ben Broxterman, a child life coordinator at Wesley Medical Center, put the 384th ARS in touch with Jesse.

As part of the program, Capt. Tiffany Taylor, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century chief, served as Jesse's wingman for the simulator flight, answering questions and ensuring Jesse's experience was memorable.

"It's amazing anytime we can show children what we do and help them feel better about themselves; it's all worth it," she said.

After Jesse's flight in one of McConnell's KC-135 simulators, Captain Taylor presented him with his name patch with pilot wings.

John Dock, KC-135 simulator project officer and quality assurance representative, was moved by the chance to offer Jesse a ride in the simulator.

"This is the highlight of the job; everything we do is okay but this makes the experience worthwhile," Mr. Dock said. "We train our pilots but we take care of our little pilots."

Jesse also toured the 384th ARS, a KC-135 Stratotanker and the base control tower, rode in a base fire truck and fired water from the truck's water turret.

While being a Pilot For a Day gave Jesse a chance to think about more than just his lymphoma and treatments; it was also a moving experience for his mother.

"Today has been wonderful, especially since he hasn't had a lot of reasons to smile lately, so this is wonderful," said Mrs. Whiteside.

Jesse's Pilot for a Day experience made him the second "pilot" since McConnell brought the program back in June of this year.

Efforts for the program to be reinstated at McConnell began seven months ago, spearheaded by Capt. Gabe Arrington, 344th Air Refueling Squadron readiness flight commander.

The day concluded with a ceremony where Maj. James Wilson, 384th ARS acting commander, presented Jesse with a portrait to commemorate his experience as a pilot at McConnell.

The importance of providing programs such as Pilot for a Day was not lost on members of the 384th ARS.

"This program is a wonderful opportunity for us to help brighten a child's day," said Capt. Cindy Finke, 384th ARS chief executive officer. "Our goal is to create a special day for our young 'pilots' and their families, and provide something exciting for them to look forward to while undergoing medical treatment."