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PILOT FOR A DAY: Cody Sugai

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lauren Main
  • 15th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii- --  His eyes were wide with excitement as he crawled into the pilot's seat on the flight deck of the C-17 Globemaster III simulator. His legs were too short to reach the pedals and he could barely see over the controls, but it was no matter. With the assistance and support of his family and escorts, Cody Sugai became a pilot for a day.

Cody Sugai is an outspoken 11-year-old who is recovering from strokes caused by arteriovenous malformation. In partnership with Kapi'olani Medical Center, where he is being continuously treated, the 15th Wing welcomed Cody for the Pilot for a Day program.

The program focuses on children who have serious or chronic conditions. The 15th WG's "Pilot for a Day" program invites children of all ages to be guests of the 15th WG and one of its flying squadrons for an entire day. The day is planned to give each child, and also the child's family, a break from the challenges they may face.

Cody, who was accompanied by his family and his pilot escort, started off his day with a demonstration of the 647th Security Forces military working dogs. He watched Aaron, the dog, sniff out explosive materials from one of many suitcases and take down suspicious characters during a role play scenario.

"The dogs were my favorite to start with, but after I got to fly the simulator, I changed my mind," said Cody.

During his flight in the simulator, Cody repeatedly chanted "crash, crash, crash!" and giggled and laughed until he couldn't breathe. He squealed with delight as the simulator turned and took a nose dive for the mountains.

"I think he had a great time," said Captain McCann, KC-135 pilot with the 96th Air Refueling Squadron and Cody's pilot escort. "I'd say he really liked the night vision goggles, and I know he had a great time crashing the C-17 simulator."

In addition to the C-17 experience, Captain McCann had the opportunity to show Cody and his family a static display of the plane she pilots, the KC-135. Cody climbed through the boom and the cockpit and even had the opportunity to sit on the edge of the engine.

At the end of the day, Cody was met by Col. Joe Dague, 15th WG vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Craig Recker, 15th WG command chief, who greeted him with a certificate and a coin.

Cody's parents were grateful for the opportunity the members of the 15th WG provided to
their son; but of course, the members of the 15th WG insisted it was their pleasure.