Children fighting cancer become pilots for the day

Captain Y from the 253 Squadron had the pleasure of meeting with one of the children, Dvir, who visited the Ramon Air Force base. "’I’m brave, I can climb it on my own,’" he tells me. "I looked at him and I couldn’t believe it- a 7-year-old boy who is fighting a serious illness. I don’t know where he gets this courage from," said Captain Y.

"We were outside and started to move toward the runways," continued Cpt. Y. "On the way, we encountered a deep ditch that we needed to cross, and to my surprise, Dvir was able to get out by himself. This moment showed me that during any difficult and ongoing situation, you have to remain optimistic and believe that you’re capable of overcoming anything."

The connection between Dvir and Cpt. Y. is only one of the many connections that are made in this event. Although the squadron has led this event twice a year for six years, this past one had a special significance.

"Especially now that we’re involved in many operational activities, this day is important to us," emphasized Cpt. Y. "It helps contribute to the children, and also gives us additional strength to deal with our complex and ongoing challenges."

The day itself began when four buses arrived from various hospitals throughout the country with more than 100 children and their families. "This event was particularly significant because a large number of children arrived directly from the hospital beds," recalled Chief Warrant Officer (R) Pini, who initiated the event after meeting a sick child with cancer that dreamed of being a soldier.

"When they arrived," said Cpt. Y., "soldiers were waiting for them at the entrance with pilot overalls similar to ours, but in their size with their names, and special patches for them. After the children got dressed and ate a nice breakfast on base, they received a briefing from the squadron commander who talked about the air force and our squadron, and from there, everyone went out to watch a training jet."

“Then it was time for the children to become the pilots," said Cpt. Y. "We went to the plane’s hangar, the kids put on full flight equipment, sat in the cockpit of the fighter planes and helicopters, and received a detailed explanation."

“Many children dream of being pilots,” said Cpt. Y. “This is an opportunity for them to feel like pilots for one day." As the day went on, the enthusiasm built and reached a peak when the fire department joined. They gave a short demonstration and finally, the day ended with a performance from the Air Force Band.

"This event is meant to show the children that people are thinking about them," concluded Captain Y. "And most importantly, the personal connections created remind each and every one of the children how brave and special he/she is."