The New York Wing’s Vanguard Composite Squadron reached out this summer to provide a 14-year-old terminal bone cancer patient’s with a memorable experience at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s “Gathering of Warbirds” in Reading, Pennsylvania.
The Marty Lyons Foundation, which grants wishes to children with terminal conditions, contacted the squadron’s deputy commander, Maj. Susan Neal, in October about the young World War II enthusiast’s desire to visit Pearl Harbor. His illness made such a journey impossible, but Vanguard members’ participation every year in the museum’s World War II re-enactment offered an opportunity to help address the youth’s interests, especially since he had never attended the event.
The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum donated an admission pass, food and VIP guest passes for not only for the 14-year-old but his father and brother as well. Vanguard members acted as escorts for the day, making sure the youth enjoyed a memorable experience.
The squadron approached the Wheels of Liberation Museum, based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, about donating a $20 tour of one of the museum’s World War II tank. Instead of a tour, Wheels of Liberation made the teen their special guest and invited him and his family to ride in the tank during the show parade.
After lunch, he started to tire. While his condition prevented him from flying, he was able to sit in the cockpit of a Stinson 10A. He was also able to get his picture taken with a rare Messerschmitt Me262, a German World War II fighter aircraft making its first appearance at the gathering. Neal described how touched she was when the crowd parted so the youth was able to get close to the Me 262 for a photo._____1st Lt. Clara A. Cordato Public Affairs Officer Vanguard Composite Squadron New York Wing
