News Search

News

Honorary pilot for a day visits Laughlin

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Having recently accomplished one of his dreams of playing with the Del Rio Rams High School Baseball team, Juan Orozco Jr. is getting the chance to live out another as he zips into his flight suit as Laughlin's latest honorary pilot for a day here July 26.

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 program is a great opportunity for the base to make a difference," said 1st Lt. Drew Jaszczak, 85th Flying Training Squadron assistant chief of training. "It all starts with really catering to each child, making the day theirs, and getting them to feel like they're a part of the squadron,"

Juan Jr. began his day with Team XL by having breakfast with members of the 85th FTS before being taken for a tour of the base.

"The best thing about this event is the ability to tie the pilot for a day candidate in to another support network and really make a lasting difference," Jaszczak said.

On his tour Juan Jr. and his family saw the 85th FTS in action, visited the Laughlin Fire Station, witnessed the work of Radar Approach Control section and the tower, viewed military working dogs in action and flew the skies over Laughlin in a T-6 simulator.

"He's done the simulators before when he was younger but for him to get so close to the plane today has been very special to him," said Patty Akins, Aunt to Juan Jr.

This visit was most special because Juan Jr. had a brain aneurysm in 2005 when he was 11-years-old and was expected to die, explained Juan Sr., and he has been under the knife numerous times to combat the effects inflicted on his body.

"His chances for living were zero percent and it's a miracle he lived, but he's never let his experiences get him down," his dad said. "Experiencing a lot of great people and seeing them work is great and what Laughlin has done for him is great."

The day wrapped up for Juan Jr. and family with a squadron farewell.

"Laughlin is a great place with great people and I'd love to live here, work here and raise kids here," Juan Jr. said. "It's great to be here and to meet so many people from so many different places."