—132d Wing is proud to announce its 4th Annual ‘Pilot for a Day’ event,
dedicated to bringing joy and inspiration to patients from the local children’s hospitals. This
extraordinary day allows these brave children to experience the thrill of aviation firsthand,
including guided tours of military aircraft, interactive flight simulations, and honorary pilot wings.
By offering a day filled with excitement and unforgettable memories, the Iowa Air National
Guard aims to uplift and honor these young warriors, showing them that the sky is the limit. For
more information contact Master Sgt. Michael Kelly at michael.kelly.51@us.af.mil.
Who:
● Iowa National Guard Airmen and Soldiers and community partners
● Children’s hospital patients and their families
When: 12:00 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2025
Where: 3100 McKinley Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50321
RSVP:Before noon May 2 to Master Sgt. Michael Kelly at michael.kelly.51@us.af.mil or 515-
661-2575
Access: Arrive no later than 11:45 a.m. Credentialed media are allowed to use cameras and
voice recorders. The event is closed to the public.
Event details:
● The goal of the Pilot for a Day program is to provide children, who have serious or
chronic conditions, and their families with the opportunity to be guests of the 132d Wing.
● The program strives to give each child a special day as an honorary pilot and a break
from the challenges they face. Children are selected for the program by certified Child
Life Specialists at local children’s hospitals. Participants battle a variety of illnesses and
diseases, to include “terminal” illnesses.
● For many children with severe, but not “terminal” illnesses, the Pilot for a Day Program
is a significant milestone in their recovery. Local media representatives are invited to
cover Pilot for a Day events to promote public education, community awareness and
community involvement. Each honorary pilot leaves with patches, souvenirs and
memories to help sustain them in the face of their personal challenges.
About the 132d Wing:
The 132d Wing trains, deploys, executes, and sustains operations in missions supporting our
nation, state, and community.
About Iowa National Guard:
The Iowa National Guard is a state agency of Iowa, and a reserve component of the United
States military. It is empowered to function under control of the Governor, as a state asset in
times of emergency or natural disaster, or if needed to carry out limited actions during non-
emergency situations. The National Guard may also be called into federal service in response
to a call by the President or Congress.
