Laughlin welcomes an honorary pilot

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Angela Martin
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  After exchanging her normal outfit for a flight suit, Yvette Corona flashed a beautiful smile of appreciation towards all of Team XL as she was escorted around Laughlin March 15 as honorary pilot for a day.

The Pilot for a Day program was created in 1994 at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, to benefit local children with serious to life-threatening illnesses and their families by having a day completely devoted to them.

"This is a great program that brings together Airmen and families from the community in a mutually beneficial experience," said 1st Lt. Zachary Thompson, 84th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot and Yvette's escort for the day.

While visiting Laughlin, the Corona family feasted on a gourmet breakfast, witnessed a military working dog demonstration, toured the 84th FTS and flew over Laughlin in a T-6 Texan II flight simulator.

"Every time Laughlin hosts a pilot for a day, everybody plays a role to make it a success. It's not just one squadron or one person that makes it happen, but everybody from the base," said Thompson.

Yvette's mother, Janie Corona, explained that her daughter has cerebral palsy, a condition that targets balance and coordination, making it difficult for Yvette to speak and stand. But her condition did not affect her positive attitude throughout the day.

"We are very excited to be here!" said Janie. "Yvette has been having a lot of fun and it's hard not to tell. She surprises me day-by-day with everything that she does."

Although Janie works as a beautician at the barber shop here, this was Yvette's first opportunity to visit the base.

"My kids have always been really excited about me working out here," Janie said. "Just to know that somehow, someway their mother contributes to the Air Force means a lot to them. A haircut may not seem like a lot, but the guys here need one every other week to maintain the standards."

Although Pilot for a Day pays special attention to the honorary pilot, Yvette's three brothers were also impacted by the experience.

"For my sons, meeting Laughlin's Airmen has been a really good experience for them," said Janie. "They know that I meet so many people that make a difference around the world, but walking through the squadrons and seeing how everything works really amazed them."