ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.-- Seven-year-old Noah Branscum, who battled leukemia two years ago, became a pilot for a day at Altus Air Force Base, April 9, 2021.
Branscum along with his parents, siblings, and grandparents visited various places on base to interact and see what a day in a pilot’s life is like.
Branscum and his family learned first-hand what Altus AFB’s mission is, “We train exceptional mobility Airmen.”
“This is awesome, it reminds me of the students we teach here but to a greater degree, he’s just a kid and showing him something like this can change his life forever, that’s what’s important,” said Staff Sgt. Collin Green, 56th Air Refueling Squadron, instructor boom operator.
Altus AFB’s vision of becoming the Air Force’s community of choice is driven by interactions not only with our Airmen, but also with those not in uniform.
“This is one of our many ways to give back to the community,” said Green. “It is very important to show them and the American people who and what they are supporting in the military.”
Branscum and his family had first-hand experience seeing the base’s air traffic control tower, Galaxy Grill, the fire department, flight simulators, the Military Working Dogs and toured the KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17 Globemaster III, and KC-46 Pegasus.
“It’s hard to put into words, you just enjoy doing things as a family because you don’t know if you’re going to be able to do things like this again. So, you’ve just got to take it for what it is and enjoy it,” said Amber Branscum, Noah’s mother.
Branscum and his family were selected for the pilot for a day program through the Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases in Children in Oklahoma City. Branscum finished his treatment at the center, back in June 2019.
“I try not to cry, it’s so exciting to see him enjoy stuff and have fun and not have to worry about things,” said Amber Branscum. “He’s only seven, he doesn’t need to worry about adult issues, it’s fun to just be able to see him play.”