Laughlin honors Pilot for a Day

  • Published
  • By George McKnight
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Fitted with an authentic flight suit and squadron patches, Laughlin had an honorary member join their team as part of the wing's Pilot for a Day program July 27. 

A lover of pizza, ice cream and cookies, Rozlyn Bermea was diagnosed with Craniopharyngioma, a tumor on the brain. In order to remove the tumor, she endured a 12-hour surgery and although the tumor is currently non-malignant, Rozlyn must undergo a complete check-up every three months to ensure the tumor does not return.
Eleven-year-old Rozlyn's day began when she met her wingman, 1st Lt. Nikki Jansen, 85th Flying Training Squadron, outside Anderson Hall and was escorted inside for some breakfast. 

Rozlyn and her family then went to the fire station where she met Sparky the Firedog, received a tour of the fire station and enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit in one of the fire trucks. 

Additionally, she was given a ride in the flight simulator, had the opportunity to visit with Airmen in the Air Traffic Control tower, and watched a Military Working Dog demonstration by the 47th Security Forces Squadron. 

When Lieutenant Jansen was asked what she thought Rozlyn's favorite part of the day was she said, "Rozlyn wanted me to tell everyone that the best part of the day was all of it." 

As for Lieutenant Jansen, her favorite part of the day was showing Rozlyn the T-6 trainer aircraft that had her name stenciled on it, an honor usually reserved for crew chiefs and commanders.

Rozlyn's day at Laughlin wrapped up with a hearty farewell from her new squadron members as they said goodbye to a very special child. 

Laughlin Air Force Base's "Pilot for a Day" program invites children of all ages, military or civilian, to be a guest of the 47 Flying Training Wing and one of Laughlin's flying squadrons for an entire day. In so doing, we strive to give each child a special day and a break from whatever challenges they may face.