When 6-year-old Andrew’s wish came true, he felt right at home. Everyone was wearing camouflage, just as he often does.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation arranged for him to spend a day among people he idolizes – the men and women who serve in the armed forces. All four branches of the U.S. military, active, Reserve & National Guard, worked together to give Andrew an incredible day among their ranks.

Andrew, who is diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, lives just 30 minutes from March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif. He and his family reported bright and early in March 2009 for his wish.

Reporting for Duty

The day started with a visit to the base Falcons, who keep the runway cleared of smaller birds. Then it was off to a tour a C-17 transport plane - Air Force personnel made Andrew feel like part of the crew with a flight suit, helmet and helmet bag. They also pinned aviator’s wings to his new uniform. This C-17 plane was even more special because it was stopping at March on a training mission from Travis Air Force Base.

Andrew then met a detachment of Marines bound for Camp Pendleton. The Marines decided he needed more than a flight suit – they prepared a uniform fitted just for him and made him an honorary Sergeant Major. Many of the Marines even joked with Andrew saying he’d only been there for five minutes and had more ranks than they’d received in 10 years.

The Army and Navy were also eager to meet Andrew. One long-serving soldier was so pleased to meet Andrew that he gave him a collection of coins and medals that he’d collected over nearly 40 years. The Navy also had Andrew decked out in uniform and let him sit in the captain’s chair of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat. Plus, the Navy Sea Cadets showed off their “armory” and let Andrew target practice with their computerized shooting range.

“He was just having fun,” said his mother, Diane.

On the Flight Line and Beyond

Up next was Andrew’s favorite part – seeing all the military hardware up-close. Diane said he loved being able to get inside and look around. He saw everything from a supersonic F-16 fighter to a huge KC-135 airborne tanker. Though he couldn’t climb inside, the unmanned Predator drone also fascinated Andrew.

Andrew’s hosts weren’t ready to call it a day. They showed him inside fire trucks and military police cars before he climbed inside a Humvee. After that, it was time for Andrew’s return to civilian life.

Overwhelming Effort for a Courageous Kid

Hundreds of military personnel had a hand in granting Andrew’s wish. And no matter what uniform they wore, they were all united in that day’s mission – bringing joy to one courageous kid.

The armfuls of souvenirs and pictures will make sure that Andrew always remembers his “day in the military” wish – and the dedicated people in uniform who made it possible.

“It was nice. I didn’t think they’d do that much for him,” Diane said. “Then I cried!”

Photos by Staff Sgt. Angel Gallardo

-Justin Schmid