Pilot for a Day

We had an amazing experience today at Dyess. Jack was blessed to be a part of the "Pilot for the Day" Program. Thanks to Super Dave our good friend from church who is a B-1 Pilot and to Guy S. who is a civilian firefighter on base. They both have worked hard to coordinate and bring today to fruition. The kids had a blast. We started out meeting several members of the 9th Bomb Squadron. Jack was presented several keepsakes from the base Colonel, who took time from his very busy schedule to meet Jack. After a short B-1 presentation we headed to the EOD Dept., the bomb squad. They got to see the bomb robot in action, then moved out to the range where Jack was able to detinate 2 different explosions. Then on to the Canine Unit where we saw some very cool and very trained dogs in action. We learned a bit about having a dog as your police partner. Then onto the building where we learned about all the guns and granade launchers. The kids were able to hold the weapons and try on some gear. Once that was over there were 2 Humvee's waiting to take the kids on a ride. They arrived back after about 10 minutes and had mud all over the vehicles and branches hanging off the rear view mirrors. Apparently the kids got to see some offroad action. Then onto the firestation. We saw their working, living and eating quarters. The kids got to put out a contained fire with the fire extinguishers, then we travelled by fire trucks to the training site and watched the jaws of life rip off a door from a car. Jack was able to shoot water out from the big fire truck. Then all the boys took turns. You will see in the slideshow where Jack turned the water on our vehicle, the captain's truck.
Then we ate pizza for dinner back at the 9th Squadron's Lounge area. We refueled then headed out to the transport van and loaded up to see Jack off to take his ride in the B-1. He was given headphones and a microphone to communicate with us. His call sign given to him by one of the B-1 crew was Jumpin Jack Flash, or Flash for short. He boarded the B-1 and was given a couple of duties for the checklist. Then they taxied down to the end of the runway. Jack and Super Dave climbed out of the plane and rejoined our group. It was a most special day for our kids and their good friends that came with us. God is great, just like the music says on the slideshow. Thank You to Dyess Air Force Base and especially to Dave and Guy. We are so grateful and blessed by you.
Click here to see a slideshow of the day.

Click here to read the Abilene Reporter News article written by Charles Anderson Sr.

Comments

Sarah said…
It looks like that tall, bald kid had the best time of all! :-) I love that Jack is Jumpin Jack Flash now! So glad I got to see the pics. What a wonderful day and experience. That Super Dave and Mr. Guy -- what wonderful men!
Anonymous said…
What an awesome day! Thanks for sharing those great pictures with us. I'm so glad everything went well.
AbbieCRAZY said…
Jumpin Jack Flash is a gas, gas, gas.....

Wow! That looks like the time of a life that's all I can say. Did you get to at least ride in the Batmobile?
Anonymous said…
Jumpin Jack Flash certainly was a "hit" with everyone there!! Not that the rest of you weren't!! LOL!! It was just wonderful of everyone there to grant Jack's wish. They are special people and will be in our prayers.

I posted updates and the article on our BLOG today...for all of our viewers to read.

There are many people continuing to lift Jack and your family up to the Lord...many blessings, sis!

Say hi to Rob and all the kids!!!

Love ya,

Jan & Tom
Anonymous said…
WOW! That is awesome! Super Dave and Mr. Guy -- praise God for them.

So glad Jack and everyone had such a great time. I want to do those things too! HA!

Loved the slide show.
Erica said…
I was so excited to see your family on the news last night. It meant so much to see Jack having such a great time. It is such a blessing to see all the wonderful people looking out for Jack. You are always on my heart and in my prayers. Praise God for such an amazing day:)
Anonymous said…
The tears came when I saw Jack climbing into the B-1. "Dios grandioso!" Jack will surely be flying high from this experience for a good long time.
The slide show is awesome. Thanks again for sharing.

Sharon Winkler
Anonymous said…
Such fun! So glad that you all got to experience that. The slide show is good. Thanks for sharing that. My love, Glenda H.
Anonymous said…
Thanks for putting up the slide show. I am having our church office email that link to all our members who are on the web, so that they can see who we've been praying so ernestly for.
Linda said…
What a fun-looking day.....Jack truly looks the part of a pilot! I know each of those men at Dyess were blessed by your family! Great slideshow....have a super week. Blessings, Linda L.
Anonymous said…
What an incredible day for an incredible family! God has blessed you with so many blessings. Thank you for blessing us! Go Jack go! Love the slide show. Love you, Jacki

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