Boy becomes an 'Airman for a Day'

by Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

7/17/2014 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A boy from Walla Walla, Washington, who is being treated at the Shriners Hospital in downtown Spokane, Washington, visited Team Fairchild Aug. 11 and experienced what it was like to be an Airman on a day-to-day basis.

Zayne Rutter was in a serious accident in May when he was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle, and after a long few months of recovering, he was chosen to be a part of the program, 'Airman for a Day.'

"I think it is a very special honor for him to come out here and learn about what the Air Force does and how they serve and protect our country," said Heather Meza, Zayne's mother. "Experiences like this contribute to his recovery and bring a positive note to it."

The program itself was implemented by Team Fairchild many years ago and serves as an opportunity for children like Zayne to take a break from whatever challenges they face and see firsthand what it is like to be an Airman.

Zayne began his journey as an Airman by witnessing a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape water demonstration and visiting the Fairchild fire department. He was able to tour with his mother and grandfather, who have been by his side during his recovery.

According to Meza, Zayne underwent four surgeries in seven days after his accident and encountered multiple open compound fractures of the femur, tibia and fibula. She said he was lucky he was wearing a helmet because if not the accident may have been fatal.

"It's been a great experience to focus on one individual and give back and make him feel special," said Staff Sgt. Sam Converse, the 509th Weapons Squadron scheduling NCO in charge and event co-coordinator.

Converse said the wing as a whole works with the community a lot, but it was a good feeling to be able to work with Zayne for the day. She was proud to be a part of the whole event and said his happiness was priceless.

"He is thrilled about this experience and he will remember this for the rest of his life," said Del Blaine, Zayne's grandfather. "It's great Fairchild is doing this for him."

During the tour Zayne also watched the parachute jumpers, saw a military working dog demonstration, toured a KC-135 Stratotanker, ate lunch at the dining facility, and flew the flight simulator. He also gathered many souvenirs from patches to a crew bag which he would remember the day by.

"I feel special, not a lot of kids get to come out here and do the things I am doing," said Zayne.

Zayne said he felt privileged to come to Fairchild for the day, and his family agreed this was an event that would remain as one of the most memorable moments in his life.