At an early age, Shawn Bowen's life was challenged with an illness everybody dreads.

The Carter Lake Elementary student began a tough battle against lymphoblastic leukemia and endured more than three years of chemotherapy.

Only about the last half of his life hasn't been rough.

But on May 17, Shawn, 9, felt as though he was flying on a cloud. Standing with his family atop Heritage Hill on McChord Field, he wore a pilot's hat and uniform because he was the Pilot for a Day, engaging in a round of fun activities assisted by the 4th Airlift Squadron.

"This is the coolest thing ever," Shawn exclaimed as he turned and moved the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), or, in his terms, "a really cool robot." He later said the day had been going "great" and agreed that he was having a lot of fun.

While large C-17 cargo planes gained altitude and disappeared into the overcast morning sky, Shawn's feet were planted on the ground. He was busy trying to figure out how to fit an oversized remote controller around his body.

It was the biggest remote control he'd ever handled, much bigger than any hand-held one he's played at home or a friend's house. Nevertheless, he learned quickly how to use the joystick and jolt the EOD forward, backward and all around.

It was a fun-filled day for both Shawn and his family. His father, 1st Lt. Justin Bowen, who works with the 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion, couldn't have been happier. His son was cancer free and having the time of his life.

"Seeing him having a good time after what he's been through, after these last four years, it's been a special treat," said Bowen, who will deploy to Afghanistan by the end of the month.  "These are memories before I head out, before this adventure and spending time together."

Pilot for a Day is an Air Force program that enables challenged youth to visit an Air Force base, becoming part of the team in the process, according to a USAF press release. Shawn was selected because of his extraordinary circumstances.

Later in the day, Shawn experienced a C-17 simulator and sat in the pilot seat of the C-17 Globemaster III. He was also given a tour of the fire department. He navigated, honked and sprayed water on the McChord tarmac.

Capt. David Agee looked on and said getting to meet Shawn has been inspiring. "For me, I'm thrilled to be doing it," he said about organizing the program. "I've been wanting to do the program and when the opportunity arose, I didn't want it to slip away."

Shawn's road to recovery after being diagnosed with cancer in 2008 coincided with the family facing adversity. That year, Bowen was laid off and his wife, Sanya Bowen, was forced to quit nursing school. That's when he joined the Army, providing job stability and a new direction for the family of five.

Yes, this was a day Shawn Bowen will remember. And with his cancer in full remission, he's no longer scared. Rather, he's a boy excited and full of life.