Child becomes pilot for a day

4/15/2010 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- With his dad squarely in his sights, a 9-year-old boy pulls the trigger in the cockpit of an F-15 Eagle simulator.

"Don't worry dad, I'm just going to do a practice landing," Isaac Ezell said jokingly as he searched the simulated sky for his father's jet.

Isaac participated in the Tyndall Air Force Base Pilot for a Day program April 8 with the 95th Fighter Squadron staff here.

Isaac suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. People with Asperger's demonstrate significant difficulties with social interaction and tend to show repetitive patterns of behavior.

"This was a great experience for Isaac," said Tech. Sgt. Joe Ezell, Isaac's father and an operational assessments technician at the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here. "We are very appreciative to the 95th Fighter Squadron for this special opportunity."

As a student at Lucille Moore Elementary School in Panama City, Fla., Isaac is part of the school's autism program.

"With April being Autism Awareness Month, the timing couldn't have been better," said Helen Ezell, Isaac's mother, . "Isaac was treated in such a positive light that he really feels he could grow up to be a pilot. This day opened up his view on what his future could hold."

Mrs. Ezell is also the president of the Autism Education Center in Lynn Haven, Fla.

Isaac's visit to the 95th FS included a pre-mission brief, life support demonstration, tour of the squadron, an F-15 static display and the opportunity to "fly" in an F-15 simulator. 95th FS members also presented Isaac with a flight suit complete with name badge and a squadron patch. Before receiving the squadron patch, Isaac had to complete all his mission objectives for the day.

"Capt. Caleb Haley was an awesome tour host and made sure Isaac had an amazing experience," Sergeant Ezell said.

"Our Pilot for a Day program is great way that we can give back to the local community," said Lt. Col. Phil Campbell, the 95th FS director of operations.

The program is designed to benefit children and their families who have disorders or illnesses. It is not directed at any one disorder or illness and is not restricted to children with terminal cases.

Isaac Ezell takes a ride in an F-15 Eagle simulator April 9, 2010, at the 95th Fighter Squadron while participating in the Pilot for a Day program at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lisa Norman)

When I was around 6, we lived in Panama City, and my Father worked at Tyndall.

I remember once they had some kind of open house at the Navy Base or maybe it was the Coast Guard, can’t recall for sure. Anyway they let me sit in the gunners seat of a twin 40 or 37mm anti aircraft gun.

I can still recall perfectly, one of the navy guys showing me a three round clip of shells. I thought they were big cannons tho of course not really. They also let me spin the guns using a crank while I sat at the gunners position. Still remember how easy it was even for a 6 year old to turn.

What an uplifting story!

Thank-you for posting it on Free Republic.

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