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350th ARS recruits 9-year-old pilot

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Military children may wonder what life is like for mom and dad when they go to work. One child had an experience far beyond a typical bring-your-daughter-to-work day.

Nine-year-old Claire Stewart, who has battled non-hodgkin's lymphoma and is now in successful remission, followed in her father's footsteps by becoming a 'pilot' when she joined a 22nd Air Refueling Wing flying squadron's "Pilot for a Day" program, June 20.

The program is held quarterly and was hosted by the 350th Air Refueling Squadron. It strives to give children a special day to walk in an Airman's shoes and have a break from the challenges they face with their ailment.

"You can definitely tell that this event wasn't thrown together real quick," said her father, Maj. Scot Stewart, 22nd Operations Group pilot. "I'm blown away by all the forethought and detailed work that went into making this day special for her."

The day began with Claire becoming an honorary pilot when she was bestowed her own child-sized flight suit and squadron patches. This was the first of many surprises she would experience with her parents Scot and Michelle and 10-year-old sister Hayley.

The family was escorted by a convoy of 22nd Security Forces Squadron vehicles for a tour around the base while police cars sounded off their sirens and Claire waved at spectators who cheered her on.

The parade of cars arrived at the 22nd SFS squadron headquarters, where she was greeted by dozens of Airmen and became a "Defender for an Hour."

Airmen held a military working dog demonstration for Claire and gave her a security forces beret along with several other gifts.

Her next stop was the 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department, where Claire received hands-on experience with firefighter equipment, which entailed wearing a fire suit and handling a fire hose.

Claire said the outfit was a little too heavy for her, but she had always wanted to try one on.

She also toured a KC-135 static display on the flightline and visited the base flight simulator, where she placed her new pilot title to the test.

A typical father/daughter bonding experience would entail Claire and Scot going out fishing, but on this day, they spent time together soaring above 'Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,' as pilot and co-pilot.

"The whole day has been a blessing and such a great opportunity for her," said Scot. "She experienced so many good emotions. It's definitely going to have a lasting impact on her."

Claire and her family members were not the only people who were moved.

"Words cannot describe how rewarding it was for us to be able to put on this event for her," said Senior Airman Gabrielle Biegler, 350th Air Refueling Squadron commander support staff and organizer of the event. "Everyone who was a part of it did a great job. We're just all very thankful we were able to make this happen."

Claire is expected to complete her chemotherapy treatment this December. Her father said that he is grateful for the support he has had from the McConnell community.

"The military and leadership here has been super supportive and helped me out by letting me stick with my position for an extended period of time," said Scot. "It has made it easier for us to keep up with her treatments with the doctors who we are familiar with."

The adventure came to an end at the 350th ARS building, where the young pilot was met by dozens of Airmen who stood at parade rest as she entered the room. After celebrating with pizza and gifts from base squadrons, Claire was given a commander's coin by the 350th ARS commander, Lt. Col. Richard Coalson.

With a smile, Claire said that she was just glad that she could share her day as a pilot with her family and she will remember it always.