Angel becomes pilot for a day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 47th Flying Training Wing was host to a pilot for a day here Dec. 15 when Angel Patino and his family received a very important persons look at what Laughlin does on a day-to-day basis.

Angel, a 5-year-old boy, was chosen to participate in the Pilot for a Day Program because he was born premature at three pounds with a cleft palate, no ears, asthma and a pulmonary disease. The doctors warned his father, Lee Patino, to not get his hopes up for his new born son.

"I constantly prayed to God to help him, that's why we named him Angel," said his father.

While one of Angel's favorite things to do is go for walks in the park with his family to see ducks, Laughlin members were hoping the Pantino family would also enjoy their time here.

"Laughlin has the unique ability to help the pilot for a day and their family forget about the hardships they have had to overcome and just spend a day full of fun," said 1st Lt. Casey Smergut, 87th Flying Training Squadron. "It offers the chance to create some happy memories that should last a lifetime."

The Pilot for a Day Program was created in 1994 to benefit children and their families in local communities who have severe illnesses and have a day completely devoted to them.
While the event was geared towards Angel, it was equally as fun and beneficial for his two sisters and brother.

"They all were having a blast sitting in the cockpit of a real airplane," his father said. "We all have been waiting for this day, we were so anxious we couldn't sleep last night."

Even though Laughlin play's their part by honoring four children and their families yearly through the program, the program shows the support between the local community and base.

"I think this is a great program that the base has and show's how we all work together," Lee said. "It's important because it shows people the other side of the military and what they do day-to-day. I hope more people have the opportunity we had today."

Although the honorary pilot's day ended in the early afternoon, the excitement was still there later in the evening.

"The best part of the entire day was later that evening when I stopped by the Patino's house to drop off a few pictures," Smergut said. "During this time, I met with the family again and the children were still talking about the entire experience. It was nice to see how much of an effect this event had on the entire family."

Angel's father said that they were blessed with the opportunity and can't thank the Air Force enough.

"It's a great honor to have been chosen to come out here and be a part of this," he said. "It was an amazing experience that we will never forget."