Local boy becomes A-10 pilot for a day

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ryan Richardson
  • 354th Fighter Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Thirteen year-old Tyler Guerra, along with his father John Guerra, visited Davis-Monthan Air Force Base March 14 as the newest participant in the Pilot for a Day program.

The program is focused on benefiting local area children who suffer from serious illness or disability, and provides a day custom built for the child focused on military aviation.

Tyler's day started with an escort by host pilot Capt. Scott "Stallog" Silvester, who took Tyler to the 354th Fighter Squadron to meet the 355th Operations Group Commander, Col. Thomas Deale, and the 354th Fighter Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Michael Millen.

The first order of business was to get Tyler to life support where he was set up with his custom fit flight suit and patches. In front of the entire squadron, Tyler was sworn in by Colonel Deale as an honorary 355th Fighter Wing pilot. He smiled ear to ear as he completed the last line of the oath, "I promise to ask questions, smile, and have as much fun as military regulations allow!"

After his induction, Tyler was invited to try on all of the life support gear A-10 pilots fly with, including night vision goggles.

Tyler spent the rest of the morning tour watching Air Force para-rescue personnel parachute on the local drop zone, practicing his flying skills in an A-10 flight simulator, and receiving a hands-on tour of an A-10 Thunderbolt II.

The group met back at the 354th Fighter Squadron for lunch, where Tyler talked to squadron pilots over pizza and soda. During lunch Colonel Millen presented Tyler with a 354th Fighter Squadron lithograph signed by all of the squadron pilots.

Tyler was off to the fire department after lunch, and he was treated to a demonstration of fire fighting skill against a simulated aircraft fire. From there he visited the 563rd Rescue Group, where he met rescue pilots and maintenance personnel, and was given a personal tour of both the HH-60G and HC-130 aircraft.

After many questions, great experiences, and most importantly fun, the day was complete. The smile on Tyler's face said it all...mission success!