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B-roll from the 121st Air Refueling Wing pilot for a day event.
Interview with U.S. Air Force Col. Mark D. Auer.
RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio -- The 121st Air Refueling Wing hosted 15-year-old Chase Fulmer and his family for its Pilot for a Day program July 27, 2017, here. The program is conducted periodically by the Wing to provide an opportunity for a child with special needs or a life-threatening illness to receive a hands-on tour of the base and become an honorary 121 ARW member.
Fulmer was accompanied by his mother, Natalie Fulmer, his sister, Paige Fulmer, and his teacher at Gahanna Middle School West, Heather Turner.
“We are excited to have Chase here with his family,” said Col. Mark D. Auer, wing commander. “Chase brings a lot of joy to his family and community and we hope that this day provides some of that in return.”
Fulmer, who is on the autism spectrum, has a passion for aviation.
“We take him to the airport all the time to watch the airplanes come in and take off,” said Natalie Fulmer, Chase’s mother.
Fulmer was presented with his very own flight suit and was treated to a day of activities, beginning with an honorary induction ceremony, where he was “sworn in” and pledged to have fun, ask a lot of questions, look cool in his flight suit and smile often, “so help me Mom.” He also participated in pre-flight activities and received hands-on tours of several sites on base, including Aircrew Flight Equipment, the fire department, Security Forces and the boom simulator, which simulates the aerial refueling of various aircraft by a KC-135 Stratotanker. Fulmer said one of his favorite activities was learning how to marshal the aircraft.
Fulmer’s mother said he was so excited about this opportunity, he set his alarm for 6:30 AM two days in advance.
“Chase loves aviation and to come here and watch him is priceless,” said Natalie Fulmer. “This is just so overwhelming. He loves it so much.”
Heather Turner, who has been Fulmer’s intervention specialist at Gahanna Middle School West for the past three years, was invited by Natalie Fulmer to take part in the day as well.
“For me, it was incredible to see him in the flight suit, but I also loved getting to see his face when he got to sit in the cockpit and walk around with these Airmen who are his mentors. There were so many things.” said Turner.
Fulmer also participates in the Gahanna Special Olympics and has received medals in the events of track, bowling and swimming. In the future, Fulmer said he was interested in pursuing a career in aviation.
“It’s been such an amazing day - I can’t describe it,” said Natalie Fulmer. “Chase will remember this forever.”
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 08.22.2017 11:29 |
| Category: | B-Roll |
| Video ID: | 540657 |
| VIRIN: | 170727-Z-UU033-001 |
| Filename: | DOD_104652819 |
| Length: | 00:04:07 |
| Location: | OH, US |
| Downloads: | 6 |
| High-Res. Downloads: | 6 |
This work, Gahanna teen becomes honorary pilot for a day, by Ralph Branson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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