Boys, 6, who have beaten leukemia become ‘pilots for the day’

Houston Pirrung and Jack Kirkbride are battle buddies in their fight against childhood cancer. Now, with pint-sized personalized flight suits, the two 6-year-olds got to become military battle buddies.

Houston and Jack are both fighting leukemia. Last week, though, their dreams came true when they became pilots for a day, taking the oath and getting their wings at Joint Base Andrews, The Washington Post reported.

The boys were able to tour the cockpit of a Boeing C-40 Clipper, among other aircraft, had their names added to a helicopter and spent the day palling around with members of the 113th Wing Air National Guard.

According to the Air National Guard, they were selected as the 21st and 22nd pilots for a day because of their friendship and determination while both being treated at John Hopkins Hospital.

The boys were given the rank of lieutenant general during their swearing-in ceremony, making them the highest rank on Joint Base Andrews for 24 hours, according to the Air National Guard.

Credit: Tech. Sgt. Arthur Mondale Wright

Credit: Tech. Sgt. Arthur Mondale Wright

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