The Seymour Johnson Air Force Base hosts a very special day for one young man.
On his 13th birthday, Jackson Forssberg got to be a Pilot for a Day, touring the facilities at the Goldsboro base and checking out all the awesome equipment used by the 4th Fighter Wing.
Jackson was joined by his mother and brother for the day at the base.
Senior Airman Spencer Spurlock with the 336th Fighter Squadron says he’s never been a part of anything like this, and he was grateful he could help make the experience possible for Jackson.
Tech. Sgt. Andrew Purshock says it was an amazing feeling putting the day together for Jackson and his family.
At his young age, Jackson has already battled Crohn’s Disease and colon cancer.
Capt. Ronnie Nelson, a pilot with the 336th Fighter Squadron says Jackson’s day at the base included using the flight simulator, time at the SJAFB Fire Department and sitting inside the cockpit of an actual fighter jet.
Jackson was even given the call sign “Apollo” by the Air Force crews at the day’s end.
His mother Lisa Howard says checking out the F-15E fighter jet and the camaraderie would stand out from the day.
Howard even shared a message wishing the federal government would put more funding toward childhood cancer.
The Pilot for a Day program supports children with lifelong disabilities, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the life of a U.S. Air Force pilot by accompanying them through various units on base packed with personalized pilot experiences.
