2nd ARS Airmen support ailing wingman

Lt. Col. Nicholas Leonelli, 2nd Air Refueling Squadron commander, gets his head shaved by Staff Sgt. Margarita Mailander, 2nd ARS independent duty medical technician, to support his wingman Maj. Nicholas Rowe, the unit’s operations officer, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., June 19, 2015. Rowe was diagnosed with cancer and will undergo chemotherapy treatments. Sixteen squadron members shaved their heads in support of Rowe and his coming challenges. (Courtesy photo/Released)

2nd ARS Airmen support ailing wingman

Published June 29, 2015
By Pascual Flores
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Upon learning that their wingman was diagnosed with cancer and would soon begin undergoing chemotherapy treatments, members of the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron rallied.

In a show of solidarity, 16 of his squadron members shaved their heads alongside Air Force Maj. Nicholas Rowe, the unit's operations officer and Coral Springs, Florida native.

"Going through chemo treatment and losing your hair can be challenging for some folks and I wanted to shave off my hair to show that we are family," said Air Force Capt. Robert Buckley, 2nd ARS, assistant director of operations. "Typically, most of us live away from our blood families, so the squadron becomes the family."

The husband and father of three never imagined the helping hand that would be extended by his squadron members and their families. When going through a difficult time, the kindness and understanding of the people around you can be invaluable, as demonstrated by the way the unit and spouses network came together to help the Rowe family.

Opening their hearts to the Rowes, the squadron dropped off meals and offered child care during Rowe's many doctor's appointments.

"Being away from our natural family is never easy when you are down with things like this, but the Air Force family has wrapped their arms around us and given us the strength we needed to get through the lows," said Rowe. "Whether it is the organization, the unit or our neighbors, it really gives us strength."

"This is all about being good wingmen and truly taking care of one of our own," said Lt. Col. Nick Leonelli, 2nd ARS commander, who also shaved his head.