Erik B. Age 16 Waterville, Maine "I wish to be flight commander for a day."

Wishes "to be" so often reflect a child's truest nature, and Erik's wish was the first of its kind for our Make-A-Wish chapter. Erik, 16, wants to attend the Air Force Academy and fly jets, so when asked to name his wish, he was decisive. "I want to be commander of an air station for a day." Thanks to the good folks at the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center in Colorado, Erik's dream came true. CMOC is an underground station that provides warning of ballistic missile or air attacks against North America, assists the air sovereignty mission for the U.S. and Canada, and - if necessary - serves as the focal point for air defense operations to counter enemy bombers or cruise missiles.

Erik, who has Hodgkin's Lymphoma, was greeted by CMOC Commander Brig. Gen. DeCuir for a tour of the facility - which would only begin after Erik suited up in his new custom flight uniform complete with patches.

Along with his mom, dad, and brother, Erik toured the industrial area, and the space, air, and command centers. While in the command center, Erik received a phone call from a high ranking general, who requested an update on the security of North America. Erik calmly responded with "All is well on the home front and North America is safe." The tour ended with a staff update from all the CMOC directorates.

"Commander Erik" conducted a 30-minute meeting with his personnel, during which he made critical decisions and gave direction to his staff. When posed with a tough question, Erik asked his advisor, "What is your recommendation?" Upon conclusion of the meeting, Brig. Gen. DeCuir presented Erik a photo and a Commander's coin to commemorate his visit.

If Erik's day as commander is any indication, he'll soon be soaring with the best of our military leaders.

Wish Granters:  Lisa Mellott-Masure and Tracie Adamson

Wishmaker®:  Leon and Lisa Gorman