Coastie for a Day: Claire Wineland

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Posted by: Christopher Lagan

Claire Wineland stands with her mother, Melissa Nordquist and crewmembers from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka before she rides aboard a Coast Guard rescue helicopter. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)

Claire Wineland stands with her mother, Melissa Nordquist, and crewmembers from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka before she rides aboard a Coast Guard rescue helicopter. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)

Claire Wineland isn’t your typical Coastie. She’s only 13-years-old and she was only a Coastie for a day. Claire, who suffers from cystic fibrosis,  spent last week fulfilling her dream to visit Alaska and spent the last day of it viewing Sitka and the surrounding area from the cabin of a Coast Guard rescue helicopter.

Post written by Petty Officer 1st Class Sara Francis.

Coast Guard Air Station Sitka personnel welcomed Claire Wineland, a 13-year-old resident of Calabasas, Calif., aboard a training flight to Mt. Edgecumbe volcano and around the City of Sitka on an MH-60T Jayhawk rescue helicopter Friday.

Honorary Coastie Claire Wineland in her Coast Guard flight suit. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)

Honorary Coastie Claire Wineland in her Coast Guard flight suit. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)

“It was amazing,” said Wineland. “It is hard to explain in a couple of words but it was invigorating.”

Wineland, who is terminally ill, reportedly dreamt of visiting Alaska but was not permitted by her doctor due to her health condition. Wineland’s condition reportedly improved and she has spent the last nine days in Alaska with her family. While at the Alaska Day Celebration in Sitka she witnessed a search-and-rescue demonstration by Coast Guard helicopters. Her family made the request to visit the air station and be allowed to fly.

“It was great fun,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Frawley, an MH-60T Jayhawk pilot with Air Station Sitka. “She’s a wonderful little girl and we were so glad she sought us out. It’s days like this that make it easy.”

Coast Guard rescue swimmers presented Wineland with a flight suit with leather name tag. After the flight she was presented a certificate designating her basic aircrew qualified.

Wineland chose to wear the flight suit during her return to California aboard a commercial flight.

  • Troy

    Coasties are hero’s in more ways than you can imagine.

  • Jerry

    Former Army guy here, but gotta give credit where it’s due…you guys rock! Way to go gents, you make us all proud!

  • Travis

    Very touching!! Thanks to CGAS Sitka for making that possible.

  • Admiral Bob Papp

    God bless Claire Wineland and God bless the Coast Guard!

  • Eric

    Outstanding! I am glad to see my fellow shipmates making dreams come true for those who would ordinarily be unable to see those dreams come to pass. BZ to all my shipmates who helped make that possible!

  • John Gallagher

    What a wonderful thing to do for such a great child!

  • MikeP in the Swamp

    What a great way to raise the spirits! By the smiles I’m guessing it worked for everyone involved and goes well beyond that, this story really made my day. For Gene and Mike, you guys make us all proud – THANKS!

  • helicopter flight training

    That’s a wonderful post..The coast guards were really great.They have save many lives in their profession.I really appreciate that one.

  • Steve and Brenda Nash

    Hi we are the parents of a 21 year old who has CF, we found out at 7 months old, at first it was hard to take. Her father is in the Coast Guard in Mandeville, Lousiana helping with Katrina relief. Our daughter completed high school and is now a hair stylist in Virginia Beach. Thanks Coast Guard for taking this girl on a ride, The Coast Guard has been a great experience for our family.

  • Jim Koshar, LT, USCG(Ret.)

    As our Commandant, ADM Bob Papp stated, “God bless Claire Wineland and God bless the Coast Guard!” With all the horrible things going on in the world – it is great to have our Service bring some sunshine into the life of this young girl and her family.

  • Batch

    I think that it is great that we have the opportunity to get involved in helping people to pursue their dreams- all while maintaining a high OP tempo. I know many shipmates that are more than willing to put in extra hours to help in any way that is needed, and it’s an honor to work for an organization that has been know to be in place (Katrina) before the phone rings!

    These stories are an encouragement, and I hope to see more in the future.

  • Leah Tantanella

    Wow, now that would be an experience not soon forgotten. God Bless the Coast Guard and thanks for making us proud to be Americans.
    “Semper Paratus is our guide, our fame and glory too.”
    Thankyou my two coastie bros, for all you do. Miss and love you dearly!

  • HHH

    Proud of Claire Wineland and proud to call these shipmates friends.

  • Steven B. Hanson

    I’m so proud to be in this organization. Thank you so much Air Station Sitka!!

  • Guthrie Savage Friedman

    She’s my best friend. I think I’m one of her best friends. Name’s Guthrie Savage Friedman

  • Guthrie Savage Friedman

    AMEN