Laughlin gives special opportunity to one of its own

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's flight line and training facilities played host to the Air Force's newest pilot here Nov. 20.

On that day, Nicholas "Nicky" Pena, 3, was sworn in as an honorary pilot at the 87th Flying Training Squadron in Anderson Hall.

Pena, who has an anaplastic ependymoma brain tumor, was invited to be a part of Laughlin's Pilot for a Day program. A host pilot served as his wingman for the day, answering any questions and ensuring he and his family had a day to remember.

"The day was absolutely amazing! The men and women of Laughlin created a magical day for Nicky and our entire family," said Pena's mother Sabrina, a sexual assault response coordinator here.

After being sworn in, Nicky and his family were taken on a tour of the squadron. From there, Nicky, his mother Sabrina, his father Viviano, his brother Alex and his grandmother Alpha Yocham were taken to Laughlin's fire station for a tour and shown a glimpse of the training that Air Force fire fighters must endure.

"Laughlin's Pilot for a Day program invites children of all ages, military or civilian, to be a guest of one of the base squadrons for an entire day," said Capt. Eric Bissonette, 87th FTS. "In doing so, we strive to give each child a special day and a break from whatever challenges they may face."

After the fire station tour, Nicky and his family were shown Laughlin's air traffic control tower and what airfield operations look like from 10 stories up. The honorary pilot had a chance to interact with tower controllers and observe and help clear aircraft for takeoff and landings. From there, Pena and his family were given a tour of the 47th Security Forces Squadron. During the tour, the 47th SFS put on a military working dog demonstration that held Nicky's full attention. The Pena's were then taken to a hanger on Laughlin's flight line, which contained Nicky's very own airplane -- a T-38 aircraft inscribed with his name.

After lunch at Silverwings in the Base Operations building, Nicky had the chance to see the flight simulator that helps train the world's best pilots, which was one of his favorite parts of the day, his mother said.

"I have worked at Laughlin for over 14 years and this reinforced why I am so proud to be a part of the Air Force family," said Sabrina Pena. "Everyone was very understanding and showed tremendous patience with Nicky. It is impossible to express with words how much we appreciate all the hard work and graciousness the 87th showed us. They have blessed our lives!"

By all indications, Nicky's Pilot for a Day experience was one to be remembered. All involved deemed it successful and Pena's mother said the 87th FTS really focused on making Nicky feel special.

"It is a privilege and an honor for Team XL to host Nicky and his family and to offer this young hero a chance to experience life as a Pilot for a Day," said Capt. Bissonette. "The support and dedication of all agencies involved was overwhelming and really made the day a success for the Pena family."