AFA McChord Makes 7-Year-Old Benny a C-17 ‘Pilot for a Day’

At Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a little boy with a huge heart became a hero among heroes. On April 16 and 17, AFA’s McChord Field Chapter in Tacoma, Wa., in partnership with McChord’s 4th Airlift Squadron, brought back a beloved tradition: the “Pilot For a Day” program. The program—launched by AFA McChord in the early 2000s—provides a child with a chronic disease or illness, the opportunity to experience life as a real pilot while meeting the heroes of JBLM.

This year’s pilot was seven-year-old Benny Blankenship—a spirited young boy who loves to read, swim, build with LEGOs, and cheer on the Seattle Mariners. Despite having endured eight surgeries in his short life, Benny’s smile lit up the room from the moment he arrived. A frequent patient at the pediatric cardiology clinic at Madigan Army Medical Center, Benny was nominated by the clinic to experience this unforgettable event. His story and spirit inspired the planning team, which included AFA Washington State President Dave Stookey, McChord Chapter President George Cargill, Tommy Carson of America’s Credit Union, and Capt. Anna Nicholson from the 4th Airlift Squadron.

Festivities kicked off the night before the main event with a welcome dinner at Farrelli’s Pizzeria in DuPont. Benny and his family—his mom and two sisters—met the AFA team and his escort pilot from the 4th AS. Benny wasted no time charming everyone, excitedly showing off his favorite shoes (his Army Adidas and cowboy boots), and sharing his love for Sonic the Hedgehog and Florida, where he had undergone surgery in the past.

The next morning, Benny arrived at Fort Lewis and met four Airmen ready to show him what a day in the life of a military member is all about. Outfitted in proper gear, Benny got to ride in one of the newest rigs on base. His first stop was the Lewis Military Police, where he witnessed the working dogs in action and even rode in a police cruiser.

The adventure continued with visits to the JBLM Fire Department, the McChord Air Traffic Control Tower, and a live Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) demonstration. When the squadron discovered Benny loved Arby’s, they made sure lunch came straight from his favorite place—just another way the team made the day all about him.

But the mission wasn’t over yet. Benny’s big moment came in the C-17 flight simulator, where Capt. Nicholson guided him through a high-stakes operation to “save” Sonic the Hedgehog. With steady hands and a big imagination, Benny successfully completed the mission.

Benny celebrated a job well done in the 4th AS Heritage Room for an ice cream social. There, he was awarded with a 4th AS challenge coin and officially given his call sign: “Knuckles,” after his hero Sonic’s best friend.

Events like AFA McChord’s “Pilot For a Day” program exemplifies the core mission of AFA—advocating for our Airmen, Guardians, and their Families, educating the public about the Air and Space Forces, and supporting those who serve and the communities around them.

In celebrating Benny, AFA McChord and the 4th AS didn’t just make one boy’s dream come true—they reminded us all what community, service, and heart truly mean.