McPherson resident becomes a Little Falcon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Driving 50 miles to receive medical treatment is usual for one McPherson 6-year-old, but driving 50 miles to wear a flight suit, to join the ranks of the Red Falcons and become a Pilot for a Day is an experience to remember.

Noah Dossett, who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia, his father Monte, his mother Dana, his two sisters and his grandparents were invited to McConnell by the 350th Air Refueling Squadron as part of Pilot for a Day, an Air Force program that offers medically-challenged youth a chance to visit a base and join the Air Force family.

The 350th ARS selected Noah through a partnership with a Wesley's Medical Center.

First Lt. Monica Meeks, 350th Air Refueling Squadron navigator, served as Noah's wingman throughout the day.

"I knew it would be something special, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to have some fun and share part of our mission, life and experiences with someone," said Lieutenant Meeks.

After an ecstatic reaction to the squadron introduction, Noah moved on to the flight simulator where his excitement and enthusiasm went full throttle.

"Noah is an awesome kid," said Lietenant Meeks. "His first words were, 'Can I be a pilot?' I told him, 'You are a pilot today.' He was so excited the entire day."

Clad in a flight suit, Noah dashed toward a KC-135 Stratotanker static display and was greeted by Capt. Stephen Kemp, KC-135 pilot, and other Red Falcon members. Noah explored every inch of the KC-135, even turning on the different switches.

"It's all for the kid," said Captain Kemp. "You know if it's his dream to get up and be a pilot for a day and actually get to live it out as much as he can, then it's a worthy cause."

Next came the fire department, where Noah rode in a fire truck and used the water cannon. Along with the fire fighters who were present, he met with Sparky the Fire Dog.

Noah was also introduced to the world of the air traffic controllers during his visit to the tower simulator.

While being a Pilot for a Day gave Noah a chance for a new experience, it was also a moving experience for his father.

"It's been fun and really neat to see the squadron, and to meet the people that live and work here," said Mr. Dossett. "Noah likes airplanes and he has enjoyed all of this."

He said his family is grateful to all who helped coordinate the event.

"We appreciate the opportunity, and it will be an experience we will remember for a lifetime," said Mr. Dossett.

Noah's Pilot for a Day experience made him the third "pilot" since McConnell re-instituted the program in June of 2010.

"[The program] gives Airmen an opportunity to reach out to the community which they don't get on a day-to-day basis with the deployments and rotation schedule," said Col. Billy Langford, 22nd Operations Group commander. "It also shows the community that we care because the community has consistently showed us how much they care about us."

The day finished with a goodbye ceremony where Noah was presented with a squadron coin, unit patches and a plaque from the 350th ARS commander.