Reserve wing gives cancer survivor VIP treatment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monica Dalberg
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Josh Shafer, a 10-year old cancer survivor, was the Hero for the Day here at the 514th Air Mobility Wing on April 25th. Hero for the Day is a program designed to bring people who are facing or have faced health challenges to the base for an up-close and personal tour of McGuire Air Force Base and the Reserve mission.

When Josh's parents were told their 5-year old son had leukemia, they were devastated and not sure how they would deal with his illness. In a matter of time Josh became their hero and, through his own actions, taught them how to go about it all.

"He never complained. He got through all procedures and treatments stronger than us," Josh's mother, Amy Jo, said. "To see him now with a bright future," she added, five years after diagnosis and three years in remission, "I just feel very blessed and relieved."

Lt. Col. Rhonda Kelly, 76th Air Refueling Squadron executive officer here, heard of Josh's fighting spirit through a friend and nominated him to be the Hero for the Day.

"The 76th may have initiated the endeavor, but many organizations had a hand in bringing (Josh's tour) to fruition," Colonel Kelly stated. "Folks put in time and effort to provide an unforgettable day for the Shafer Family and the 76th thanks everyone who played a part in that," she added.

Josh, wearing a flightsuit and accompanied by his own flight crew of his parents, friends and relatives, met with 514th AMW members, saw the falcons that clear base skyways, checked out the airplanes and "flew" in a simulator.

"It was harder than I thought, driving a plane and being a pilot," Josh said, after taking the yoke in the simulator. "I am really thankful for (getting to) be at the base for the day," Josh said of his time here. "It was really cool!"

Watching Josh move about a C-17 Globemaster III brought tears to his grandmother's eyes. "It makes me happy that he can be a normal boy and enjoy things as a 10-year old boy should."

"For as long as I can remember he's always wanted to be a teacher or a doctor," chuckled his mom. "After (our) visit to the base he said, 'I might want to be a pilot and fly airplanes.'"