JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- This year’s pilot for a day program hosted Benny Blankenship, a courageous young boy and an avid Sonic the Hedgehog fan, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, April 17, 2025. The pilot for a day program provides a child with a chronic disease, or illness, the opportunity to experience the excitement of becoming a real pilot and interact with JBLM’s finest service members. Additionally, these courageous youths have the chance to share these memories with their families. Team McChord is proud to host children like Benny every year and help bring about a day of fun and excitement in their honor.