Del Rio boy joins Laughlin as ‘Pilot for a Day’

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  An 8-year-old Del Rio local, was selected to be Laughlin's honorary pilot for a day here, April 17.

Daniel Gloria, who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and suffers from heart murmurs, was selected to visit Laughlin for the day as part of the Pilot for a Day program. Pilot for a Day is a program that allows terminally ill or disabled children a chance to experience a day in the life of a pilot.

After arriving on base, Daniel was given a flight suit with the 87th Flying Training Squadron patch. After getting dressed, he became a pilot for the day, something many children can only dream of.

As a pilot he had breakfast with the officers from the 87th FTS, walked the flight line, visited with the fire department, watched a military working dog demonstration and shook hands with the squadron commander.

"Daniel seemed to love every minute of it, which is what makes the day even more special," said 1st Lt. Tom Mueller, 87th FTS instructor pilot. "It is extremely rewarding to see a child like Daniel get to see what we do on a daily basis."

"Daniel's favorite part of the day was the T-38 Talon simulator," said Sylvia Gloria, Daniel's mother, "It's one of the many experiences here he will not soon forget."

"This was an awesome and memorable experience the family will treasure," said Sylvia. "Daniel will remember this for a long time."

At the end of the day, all Daniel could do was smile and say 'thank you' to everyone who made the day possible as he was handed his own set of wings and a portrait signed by every member of the 87th FTS to conclude his day as Laughlin's Pilot for a Day.