Team McChord greets its newest Pilot for a Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keoni Chavarria
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Team McChord welcomed Ewan McFadgen, their new Pilot for a Day, and gave him and his family a tour of McChord Field July 10, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

During his time here, McFadgen, visited some of the squadrons and was able to control some of the vehicles and handle equipment used by Airmen every day.

The Pilot for a Day program helps benefit children who are affected by a catastrophic illness, giving them a tour of McChord to help them on their recovery.

McFadgen began his day at the 4th Airlift Squadron where he was coined by Col. Leonard Kosinski, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, before heading to the McChord Field fire station.

With the help of Staff Sgt. Christopher Reyes, 627th CES fire protection crew chief, McFadgen was able to get in a fire truck and control the hose to put out a controlled fire.

"The fire truck was the best part," said McFadgen.

Before leaving the fire station, McFadgen was given a remote controlled fire truck toy from Tech. Sgt. Thomas Anderson, 627th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department crew chief.

"It was great to show the resources we work with and allow Ewan to experience what we do every day," said Reyes.

McFadgen then visited the 627th CES to see some of the construction vehicles McChord Airmen work with.

With assistance, McFadgen was able to drive a few of the vehicles including the grader which was his favorite.

After driving a few other vehicles, McFadgen left to see a demonstration by the 627th CES Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team.

The EOD team showed McFadgen and his family an assortment of equipment before letting McFadgen control an EOD F-6A robot, a robot used when dealing with explosives or unknown packages.

He was then given a presentation of the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron, a unit whose mission is to train, equip, and employ combat control, tactical air control party and combat mission support Airmen.

At the 22nd STS, McFadgen was taken out onto the flight line and was able to sit in the cockpit of an Aero L-39 Albatros, before heading into the hangar to look at their equipment. He was able to play with a few pieces of their equipment such as night vision goggles and look through rifle scopes.

He also rode in their all-terrain vehicle before ending their time at the squadron with a coining by Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Guilmain, 22nd STS superintendent.

From the 22nd STS, McFadgen made a quick visit to the control tower and then headed to see the Directorate of Emergency Services working dog compound. The squadron gave McFadgen a demonstration with their canine unit and how they use them in their daily lives.

The family then returned to the 4th AS for a pizza and ice cream party with the Airmen there.

During the party, Lt. Col. Elizabeth Scott, 4th AS commander, gave a speech and presented McFadgen's parents with a gift.

"The best part of Pilot for a Day is that it is not just for a day. Ewan and his family are now a part of our Fightin' Fourth family and we are proud of him as he embodies our motto of 'Fly, Fight, and Live Proud,' every day," said Scott.

After finishing their lunch, the family headed over to a hangar to tour a C-17 Globemaster III. McFadgen sat in the flight deck while pilots explained the capabilities of the aircraft and its mission before concluding his day with flying in a simulator.

At the end, McFadgen's mother, Melissa, gave her appreciation to the 4th AS for welcoming her son and his family to McChord Field and to all of the Airmen that were able to help.

"We know how important everyone's time is and we really appreciate it," said Melissa. "It has been amazing."