Photo By Capt. Kaitlin Holmes | Eddie Paul, a 9-year-old battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia, learns more about...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE PEAL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- When 9-year-old Eddie Paul Bearb learned that he would be granted one wish, he didn’t have to think twice about what it would be. Since as long as he and his parents can remember, Eddie Paul has wanted to be a pilot in the United States Air Force, and on July 30, he took his first true steps to achieving that dream.
As part of Pilot For A Day, a program created to provide children with serious or chronic conditions the opportunity to experience life as an honorary pilot, Eddie Paul was able to take a break from the daily challenges he faces to spend the day being welcomed into the 535th Airlift Squadron here.
After being introduced to the squadron with his own flight suit and wings, Eddie Paul watched his dreams unfold before his eyes as he prepared a C-17 for take-off, operated an Explosive Ordnance Disposal robot, saw the world through night vision goggles, and completed a C-17 simulation mission.
“From step one, he was an amazing, outgoing, smart and intelligent 9-year-old,” said Capt. John Clason, the 535th AS Pilot For A Day president. “His eyes were wide open the entire time he was here. He brightened the room and the day when he walked in.”
For a military history enthusiast (Eddie Paul thoroughly enjoys math and science as well), a day hanging around some of the Air Force’s most capable aircraft and personnel was a day well spent.
Members of the squadron, who seemed to enjoy seeing a fresh, younger face around the flight line, greeted Eddie Paul with handshakes throughout the day.
He even had the chance to tour the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing — home of the F-22 Raptors, the aircraft Eddie Paul wishes to fly after he commissions out of the Air Force Academy someday.
Visiting Hawaii all the way from a small town in Louisiana, Eddie Paul said he enjoys the F-22s because they’re “stealthy.”
Clason, who also played the role of Eddie Paul’s sponsor and tour guide, noted that the day largely became about personalizing the Air Force second core value of Service Before Self for his squadron, and that everyone was on board when it came to making the day special for Eddie Paul and his family.
“He gets to come in and be a part of the squadron and feel that sense of unity and that sense of togetherness with us, and we’re here to provide that for him, so it’s a win/win on both sides,” Clason said. “We all get to feel great about the day and it’s for the best cause that you can think of.”
Dreams Come True, a nonprofit organization dedicated to granting dreams for children with life-threatening illnesses, promised Eddie Paul any wish he’d like, and he dreamed big.
Despite his diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Eddie Paul continues to work diligently toward the acceptance requirements needed to attend the Air Force Academy.
“I hope he makes it to the Air Force Academy,” Clason said. “I’ll write him a recommendation letter.”
The Airmen of the 15th Wing are proud to offer the Pilot For A Day program and see the day as a privilege to be able to offer kids like Eddie Paul a chance to experience life as a pilot.
“I was blown away,” said Clason. “And I’ll be honest; you have to hold back tears sometimes, because you know this might be his only opportunity to do something this great. You never know what the future holds and we wish Eddie Paul and his family the best.”
| Date Taken: | 07.30.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2015 17:34 |
| Story ID: | 171999 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HI, US |
| Hometown: | CANKTON, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 255 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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