MIDDLE RIVER, Md. – The Maryland Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Squadron hosted two children as honorary pilots June 7 as part of the Pilot for a Day program at Warfield Air National Guard Base at Martin State Airport.
The Pilot for a Day program, facilitated by the Gold in Fight Foundation, invites children and families from the local community who have catastrophic illnesses to receive flight gear and spend the day with pilots. The two children honored were Maverick Bell and Elena LeMoine.
“Spending the day with these amazing kids and their families, seeing the smiles on their faces and the excitement in their eyes, is something I will forever look back on,” said Maryland Air National Guard Capt. Carson Miller, an A-10C Thunderbolt ll pilot assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron.
Miller, as well as Maryland Air National Guard Lt. Col. Daniel Griffin, another pilot for the squadron, conducted the event for the families to enjoy. They also were supported by members of the 175th Maintenance Squadron and 175th Operations Support Squadron.
“It was an amazing day, with amazing people and amazing hearts,” said Angelina Broseker, Maverick’s mother. “We thank you and will forever remember this day!”
Maverick, 5, an energetic older brother, pre-K student and multi-sport athlete, was diagnosed with Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (EMRS) in 2023. He and his family have endured countless hospital visits for biopsies, CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, a spinal tap and more, contributing to an unimaginable journey of being treated for childhood cancer.
“Maverick’s resilience and determination gave him the name of ‘Mighty Maverick,’ that was well known around the hospital hallways anywhere he visited,” Broseker said. “This real-life superhero put a smile on everyone’s face and remained the heartfelt kid he always was prior.”
In October 2024, Maverick completed his chemotherapy treatments and is now approaching nine months cancer-free.
“I think it’s amazing that you guys gave your time today and everyone was so kind and generous,” said Nga LeMoine, Elena’s mother. “This is a memory they will never forget.”
Elena, 10, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer, when she was 4 years old. She has experienced 14 rounds of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and at least 10 rounds of radiation therapy at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. She has also participated in experimental progressive treatment options with other centers.
After a long journey, Elena reached her five-year anniversary of being marked with no evidence of disease.
After a big and exciting day wearing their flight suits and hanging out on the flight line, the children’s favorite parts were meeting the pilots and testing out the A-10 flight simulator, which gave them the chance to be pilots for a day.
“This was without a doubt the most meaningful day of my career and being able to support these kids and the foundation is something I will always cherish,” Miller said. “Elena and Maverick are fighters, and I know the strength of them and their families have inspired every person in the squadron.”