Spokane resident earns more than wings as pilot for a day

by Tech. Sgt. Michael L. Brown
141st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

6/25/2014 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Most pilots go through months of training and receive several certifications before grabbing the yoke of an aircraft. Sam Diaz, an 8-year-old-boy from Spokane, Washington, recently earned his honorary pilot's wings over the course of a single work day here June 18. His wings earn him a spot as an honorary pilot in the 116th Air Refueling Wing; but it is outside the aircraft that really matters to Sam.

The weather-loving third-grader been diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic skin disorder that causes wounds all over the body due to extremely fragile skin. That doesn't stop Sam from living life. Sam's interests include playing soccer, learning about science and he loves tornados and hurricanes.

"He checks weather radar daily," his mother, Allison said. "He really hopes to see a tornado someday."

It wasn't a surprise when Sam's face lit up at the weather shop, during his visit with the Air Force meteorologists. . When he saw the 3-D weather radar a big smile crept across his face. The weather shop explained to Sam why monitoring and producing weather reports are important to the Air Force and how weather affects flight operations. Sam learned how to use a handheld weather meter and a lensatic compass. Staff Sgt. William Guthrie then took Sam outside and let him put what he learned to practical use. He judged the wind speed and direction, which is critical information to a pilot landing a KC-135 Stratotanker here at Fairchild.

"I have a special present for you," said Guthrie. "You get to take home that weather meter."

Sam's eyes got wide with disbelief, and then a rush of happiness washed over his face. "Thank you," Sam said while playing with his new gadget.

"That's not all, I think Mr. Scheidt has one more special gift for you," said Guthrie.

As the group moved indoors out of the balmy weather they met Tim Scheidt, he looked at Sam and smiled.

"I have a friend that works down at KHQ, a Mr. Dave Law," said Scheidt. "He is the meteorologist there and would love to have you visit to tour the studio and see a news weather station."

At this point the excitement is visible on Sam and his parents face.

"That is so great," said Allison, "We have been trying to get him into a live news weather station for some time."

Sam also visited the Aircrew Flight Equipment shop, the Flight Safety Simulator, the Fairchild Fire Department and toured a KC-135 Stratotanker and a UH-72A Lakota Helicopter.

At each stop Sam was introduced to the military personnel responsible for each section and each gave him a demonstration of what they do there. Night Vision Goggles and survival gear were demonstrated to Sam at Aircrew Flight Equipment; he got to fly the flight simulator and control the computer terminal for the boom operator simulator at flight safety; and then he got to control and put out a fire with a water cannon mounted to one of the fire trucks at the fire training site.

At the end of the day he was brought back to the 116th Air Refueling Squadron for the official "pinning on" ceremony presided over by the 141st Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Daniel J. Swain.

When Col. Swain asked Sam what his favorite part of the day was there was a long pause while he thought of all the things he had done, then, "the weather guys," Sam said. "And I liked the flight simulator," Sam said. "It was cool."