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Pilot for a day

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Emily Chilson
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 77th Fighter Squadron has a new pilot, 8-year-old Devon Nekic. 

Devon's visit to Shaw was spurred by a routine doctor check-up. 

He began his battle against cancer at age 4, and after treatment and chemotherapy, it went into remission for two years. However at Devon's most recent check-up, he was diagnosed with a form of terminal cancer. 

Devon's mom, Kim Nekic, decided to make the most of what time she had left with Devon. 

"I'm going to take every chance I get and trust in the Lord," she said. "He's my son, it's my time and nobody is going to take it from us." 

So Devon, his mom and his older sister, Lindsey, made the trip from Paynesville, Ohio, to Shaw Air Force Base. 

The red carpet was rolled out for Devon from the moment he arrived at the 77th FS. Devon was given his own flightsuit, with patches to boot. 

After suiting up, Devon, alongside his pilot tour guide and uncle, Lt. Col. Marc Dauteuil, ventured out to the flightline to see an F-16CJ up close, and watch the maintainers at work. Devon's ability to direct aircraft came naturally as he mimicked the crew chief's hand signals. 

Devon's next stop was the control tower, for a grand view of the flightline and F-16 takeoffs. Shaw Fire Department's Engine No. 9 was waiting for Devon when he burst through the doors of the control tower. 

Devon marched straight to the fire truck where firefighters greeted him. Next, he climbed into the truck for a ride and was given his turn at the controls. 

"He really enjoyed spraying the hoses and hearing the sirens," Ms. Nekic said. 

Devon rode in the fire truck all the way back to the fire station, where he was introduced to Sparky, the fire department's mascot, and human-size Dalmation. Devon and Sparky immediately became best friends as Devon grabbed Sparky's hand, or paw, donned fire gear just like Sparky's and set off on a tour of the fire department. 

The day came full-circle, ending at the 77th FS for a burger burn and an official presentation to Devon on behalf of the squadron. 

"This was really special," Ms. Nekic said. "That our family was able to get together, and had never even been on a base before." 

Devon couldn't get enough time with the pilots of the 77th FS. He showed them his flightsuit, his patches and re-lived the day's events as he used hand motions to demonstrate an F-16 takeoff. 

Although Devon was only a pilot for a day, the memories will last Devon and his family a lifetime.