Sam Jerred, 9, salutes Capt. Matthew Tanis, 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot, after receiving honorary pilot wings on the flighline during a “Pilot for a Day” event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4, 2014. Throughout the day, Sam participated in events such as sitting inside an F-15E Strike Eagle, touring the air traffic control tower and watching aircraft take off from the runway. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)
Capt. Matthew Tanis, 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot, helps Sam Jerred, 9, into an F-15E Strike Eagle cockpit during a “Pilot for a Day” event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4, 2014. This program gives the opportunity for local children with serious illnesses and conditions to learn about the Air Force mission, and it provides them with a day to escape their normal hospital routine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)
Senior Airman Jeffrey Berry, 493rd Fight Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, fits a fighter jet helmet on Sam Jerred, 9, during a “Pilot for a Day” event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4, 2014. The program gives the opportunity for local children with serious illnesses and conditions to learn about the Air Force mission, and it provides them with a day to escape their normal hospital routine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trevor T. McBride/Released)
Sam Jerred, 9, observes aircraft on the flightline during a “Pilot for a Day” event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4, 2014. This program gives the opportunity for local children with serious illnesses and conditions to learn about the Air Force mission, and it provides them with a day to escape their normal hospital routine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)
Sam Jerred, 9, waves to a 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C fighter pilot before take off during a “Pilot for a Day” event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4, 2014. Throughout the day, Sam participated in events such as sitting inside an F-15E Strike Eagle, touring the air traffic control tower and watching aircraft take off from the runway. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)
Capt. Matthew Tanis, 493rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot, helps Sam Jerred, 9, speak over the radio to fighter pilots during a “Pilot for a Day” event at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4, 2014. The program gives the opportunity for local children with serious illnesses and conditions to learn about the Air Force mission, and it provides them with a day to escape their normal hospital routine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trevor T. McBride/Released)