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Show S July 19, 2012 1 ‘1. M 171 7 F-16 pilots welcome 'Pilot for a Day' BY MARY Lou GORNY Hilltop Times editor 0 n June 12, the 421st Fighter Squadron added Collin "Upgrade" Rowley as an honorary "Pilot for a Day" to its band of pilots for the afternoon. The 17-year-old, wearing a flight suit, patch and dog tags, joined escort Capt. John "Tuff" Loveman for a briefing on F-16 capabilities. Collin asked questions about g-forces, and listened intently to some of the technical details about the aircraft's missiles, radar and historical background. Upon learning that Collin's treatment options for metastatic medulloblastoma, a fatal brain tumor, had become limited, Collin's father, Greg Rowley, then contacted Hill AFB and asked if the aspiring young pilot, might get a chance to tour the F-16s maybe even catching a flight. The 421st Fighter Squadron enthusiastically responded to the request, once it was approved. Lt. Col. David "Baja" Shoemaker, 421st FS commander, said the day's events were an extension of the good community relationships the 388th Fighter Wing maintains but that more importantly, "It is the right thing to do." The new commander of the 421st FS said this was the first time he had a chance to see his pilots in this type of a setting. "It's pretty cool," he said. "When we're up there and we're off each other's wing you've got to know that guy who's checking your six." He said the chance to interact as a Honorary 'Pilot for a Day' Collin Rowley (left) spent some time with the 388th Fighter Wing on July 12 at Hill Air Force Base. Capt. John Loveman, an F-16 pilot with the 421st Fighter Squadron, escorted Rowley and his family to the simulator, air traffic tower and a static aircraft display. Rowley was diagnosed with metastatic medulloblastoma, a fatal brain tumor. ANDREA MASON U.S. Air Force group of pilots in such a setting adds to the trust the squadron pilots have of each other. As the pilots good naturedly welcomed the young man into their midst, the events expanded into taking a visit to an F-16 flight simulator, static display and demonstrations of Survival, Evade, Resist and Escape techniques, and other essential skills and equipment F-16 pilots need to possess. Collin also visited the Airfield Control Tower and had the chance to talk to pilots while they were in flight. Greg Rowley said they've taken trips to visit family in Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico, and participated in recreational activities involving ATVs and shooting. He described Collin as a typical boy growing up who liked to play with firecrackers and typical things a young boy Katie, a new character introduced by Sesame Street to relate to military children, leads other Sesame Street characters at the USO show at Syracuse High School on July 14. Muppets bring smiles and cheers as USO Sesame Street visits Hill AFB BY KRISTA STARKER Hilltop Times correspondent I t was big laughs, smiles and fun as children sang and danced along with their favorite Sesame Street characters. July 13-14 the USO held their Sesame Street Tour at Syracuse High School. The tour stars a new character, Katie who comes from a military family, who helps children connect with someone that feels like them. During the show Katie learns that she will be moving away again and is sad because she will miss all her friends and is nervous to try to make friends in a new place. But never fear, her friends help her to come up with ways that they can stay in touch when she moves away including talking on the phone, sending videos on the computer and sending letters and pictures through the mail. "Things are always changing, don't be sad and blue, change can make you happy cause it brings you something new," sings Elmo during one of the songs while he tries to cheer her up. During the show the children cheered when their would be interested in. In the request letter to have his son visit the base, Greg Rowley described his son's service to others, including special needs and disabled students, before the diagnosis of a brain tumor, and Collin's solid athletic and academic record, both in Utah and out-of-state with his mom. Collin plans to attend high school in August. ALEX R. LLOYD U.S. Air Force Above, Maj. Douglas Dodge, 388th Component Maintenance Squadron commander, and his daughter, Meredith, and wife, Deborah, enjoy the USO Sesame Street show at Syracuse High School. At right, Abigail Lloyd, plays with a whirleygig given out to all at the event as she and others played in the aisles and rushed the stage. favorite characters; Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Rosita, Katie, went into the crowd to say hi and dance with them. The Lenton family said at the event that they thoroughly enjoyed the show and they especially loved the upbeat songs that got them all dancing along. In the end of the show, Katie realizes that no matter where she goes she will always be in contact with her friends and that if she takes the first step to say hi, she can make new friends anywhere she goes. Aisha Gibson and her daughter Audrey were thankful to the USO for putting on a great show for them. "It was great! She had so much fun dancing. It's encouraging to know that other people support the military," said Aisha. Audrey's favorite part was seeing her favorite character Elmo, because he is silly. For more information about the Sesame Street USO tour visit their website at www. uso.org/sesame please note that if you attended the event this is the website where you can find photos from the event. Parents can also visit www. sesamestreetfamilyconnections.org for resources, kid's activities and more. |