20th BS helps cancer patient become Pilot For a Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Seventeen year old Sarahann Creech is now a pilot; at least for one day. 

Members of the 20th Bomb Squadron participated in the Pilot For a Day program Feb. 18 at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. The B-52 flightcrew, which was made up of seven Barksdale officers, flew an hour to meet with the military's newest pilot. 

Sarahann is a cancer patient with a form of Leukemia that is a fast-growing cancer of the white blood cells. Currently she is on chemotherapy on an outpatient basis and doing very well. 

"I think this is a great program," said 1st Lieutenant Ryan Allen, 20th BS, navigator for the mission. "It was a great way for the aviators to get involved in the community and from the comments we heard, Sarahann really enjoyed it." 

Upon her arrival to NAS Corpus Christi Sarahann was presented with a flight suit which she wore throughout the day. She was given several unit patches to display on her new uniform along with a parachute and received a survival equipment demonstration. 

Sarahann was also given a tour. Once she finished her tour, Sarahann and her family were able to stand in the front row to watch Barksdale's B-52 perform practice approaches from the taxiway. The B-52 approached the runway at 50 feet above the ground, but was not able to land due to the length of the runway. 

Although Sarahann spent her entire day at the NAS, the Barksdale crew completed their flyby in 15 minutes. 

Pilot For a Day founder, George Ruiz, spent the day with Sarahann, herself and her family and after the B-52 soared over, they said they enjoyed the experience. 

"She really enjoyed herself," he said. "As the B-52 flew over she commented that it was great." 

According to Mr. Ruiz, Sarahann's father, Mike Creech, said the program is just as great as the Make-a-Wish foundation, if not better. 

The 20th BS crew members flew the B-52 at 50 feet above the ground so Sarahann could get a good look. 

"We flew low approaches over their flightline," said Maj. Gabriel Cantu, 20th Bomb Squadron instructor pilot. "The flyby was routine for us so the most rewarding part of participating in this program was after we flew. The pictures of the event were emailed to us and we got to see her reaction. It hit home that we had an influence on her. 

"Sarahann had a great time," Major Cantu continued. "Although we didn't get to talk to her, we were told she was very excited to be there." 

Even though this was the first time the flightcrew had participated in the Pilot for a Day program it will not be their last. 

"The opportunity was passed down from wing scheduling," said Major Cantu. "Myself and the other crew members volunteered to participate. 

"I like to participate in programs like this because it gives us the ability to interact with the local community," he added. "We are able to give them a good experience especially to those who have terminal illnesses. This experience was great. We are going to try to participate at least once a quarter." 

The other flight crew members agree. 

"The purpose of the program is to give these kids a glimpse of what it is like to be an aviator," said 1st Lieutenant Joshua Strafaccia, 20th BS, copilot for the mission. "They took Sarahann in and make her part of the squadron for a day so she can get the full experience." 

The Pilot For a Day program is unique to Corpus Christi and its surrounding area. Local hospitals select the child and since the program started, 82 individuals have been able to experience being a pilot for a day. Since then, 13 of the children have passed away -- two of which were buried in their special flight suit and scarf.