Local boy earns his wings as Laughlin’s pilot for a day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Donning his custom flight suit which bore the wings of an honorary pilot, one local youth was welcomed by Team XL and the members of the 434th Flying Training Squadron early November as Laughlin's Pilot for a Day.

Julian Roque, an 8-year-old boy undergoing rehabilitation for a traumatic brain injury, was selected as Laughlin's Pilot for a Day. The program allows local children with serious to life-threatening illnesses and their families to tour the base and experience life as an Air Force member.

"I couldn't be prouder to be a part of the Pilot for a Day program," said Capt. Adam Cling, 434th FTS assistant flight commander. "This is a fantastic, and it's an amazing opportunity that allows Laughlin to host some of the local youth who deserve a special day."

Julian and his family were greeted by members of the 434th FTS upon arriving on base, and were taken to meet the rest of the 434th FTS for breakfast.

After breakfast, Julian began a tour of the base and visited a T-6 Texan static display, the fire station, Radar Approach and Control section, and the aircraft simulators.

"It's been an amazing day and so much has happened," said Leticia Roque, Julian's mother. "He enjoyed everything, including seeing his name on a plane, seeing the fire trucks and flying in the simulator. Most of all, he loved getting his own flight suit with all the patches on it."

Throughout the day, Julian never stopped smiling and expressed his own love of the day's events.

"Today was great," said Julian. "I loved the game (simulator), and seeing the plane with my name on it and meeting everybody here."

Julian's day concluded with a squadron farewell and presentation with the 434th FTS.
"We are very grateful for everything Laughlin has done for us," said Leticia. "I think it is amazing for everyone to take the time from their busy schedules to put this on for us. It's a great blessing for our family to get this experience."