A day to remember: Abilene teen becomes Dyess ‘pilot for a day’

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Will Powell
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Andrew Crespo began his day like any pilot's average day would begin - he put on his flight suit, had a preflight briefing, and then stepped to his B-1 to prepare for takeoff. But Andrew isn't like most pilots - he's only 13. 

Andrew didn't take off in the B-1, but he did taxi in the jet from the ramp to the runway - known as a busy taxi - to begin his day here in the "Pilot for a Day" program March 7.
The program offers children with catastrophic illnesses a chance to experience a typical day as a U.S. Air Force pilot. Andrew was diagnosed with Leukemia in July and is currently undergoing treatment. 

Andrea Harrigan, Andrew's mother, said Andrew often feels nauseated and spends much of his time in the hospital, but special experiences like this helps keep his mind off the pain. 

"I think it's just so wonderful he was able to do this, and I think it's something he'll remember for the rest of his life," she said. 

In addition to the B-1 taxi, Andrew received a tour of a C-130, helped load a Mark 82 concrete-filled bomb, flew the B-1 simulator, and toured other units on base.
Lieutenant Col. Vincent Lostetter, 7th Operations Squadron director of operations, coordinated the day's events. He has helped coordinate the program at various bases for nearly 12 years. 

"All of the (7th Bomb Wing) and (317th Airlift Group) Airmen poured their hearts out to Andrew for the tremendous battle he has fought over the past year," Colonel Lostetter said. "The number of volunteers completely amazed me, and the POCs we had for each event produced first-class tours that were nothing short of once-in-a-lifetime experiences for Andrew, his family, friends, and each one of us at Dyess who got to share a remarkable day with an outstanding young man." 

Andrew said he enjoyed everything, but his favorite part was the busy taxi and watching the B-1s take off. 

"It was crazy," he said, referring to the B-1 flight deck. "There were lots of buttons but little room to move. I've never flown in anything, not even a commercial airplane. I'd like to fly next time."