Joey was shown how radar operates in the approach control radar room. There’s a new aviator on the scene in Kleberg County and his name is Alfred J. “Joey” Garcia of Riviera.

Joey recently participated in the Training Air Wing Two Pilot for a Day program at Naval Air Station Kingsville.

Joey, 15, is a sophomore at Riviera Kaufer High School and has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

He is currently a patient at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi.

The program is a joint effort with Driscoll Children’s Hospital of South Texas that brings chronically or critically ill patients to the base for a day and allows them to experience life as a student naval aviator.

His mother, Marina, accompanied him throughout the day’s activities.

Not only did Joey receive his own flight suit, squadron patches, and a demonstration of the 35 pounds of survival gear that pilots wear, he also toured the Approach Control Radar and Weather facilities.

Joey ‘lands’ a T-45C in the flight stimulator. Joey also visited Air Operations and was shown the various aircraft that student pilots are trained in.

He had the opportunity to radio a pilot from the flight control tower with the “go ahead” to take off for a flight.

The highlight of the day for Joey was the T-45C flight simulator training exercise where Lt. Mike Galdieri helped guide Joey through three different flight situations, which included landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier.

Following a tour of the Security Department and the Fire Department, Joey was designated an “Honorary Naval Aviator”.

Training Air Wing Two’s sponsor pilot for the latest Pilot for a Day was Marine Capt. Colin Bailey, and the sponsoring squadron was Training Squadron 21.

Joey and Lt. Mike Galdieri in front of a T-45C plane Training Air Wing Two’s Pilot For a Day coordinator is Marine Capt. Luke Prigg.

NAS Kingsville and Training Air Wing Two have been participating in the Pilot For a Day program since June 2006.

The goal is to give youngsters a day away from the hospital and an opportunity to hopefully take their minds off of their illness by providing them with a fun day filled with wonderful memories.

“We usually have two children a month who participate in this program; one child will go to NAS Corpus Christi and one to NAS Kingsville,” Javier Landivar, Patient Relations Representative said.

“Joey was chosen on the recommendations of the hospital personnel,” Landivar said.

When asked his feelings about the day’s activities, Joey said he was very happy and excited by everything he learned.

Joey tests his gear and oxygen mask before getting the A-OK. “This is really fun and cool,” he said with a smile.
Lt. Mike Galdieri shows Joey the inside of a T-45C plane and all of its components.
In the Air Traffic Control Tower, Joey saw how air traffic is managed.
Willie Johnson, Air Traffic Control, and Lt. Mike Galdieri watch as Joey authorizes a pilot on the ground to take off.
Pilots welcome Joey aboard Naval Air Station Kingsville.