RAF MILDENHALL, England — Children who are very sick get a lot of attention.

But sometimes their brothers and sisters miss out.

Ten-year-old James Maisey loses his mom whenever she has to go away to care for his sick brother, Stuart.

“Stuart needs his mom at the hospital,” explained their uncle, Andrew Maisey. “James gets the short end of the stick. He needs reassurance, too.”

However, Friday was for James and kids like him when airmen at RAF Mildenhall hosted Sibling Appreciation Day.

About 40 British children who are growing up with the pressure of having a sick sibling were able to let it go for a while as they met airmen, toured a cargo plane, checked out gear and climbed around inside a helicopter.

“It’s cool to see all the buttons and stuff,” James said, adding that his favorite part was “sitting in the pilot’s seat.”

The group was brought together by the East Anglian Children’s Hospice, which specializes in helping terminally ill children and their families get through tough times.

Mildenhall’s Company Grade Officers Council organized the big day.

The airmen already host events for critically ill children such as “pilot for a day.” They figured the brothers and sisters of these children could use a smile as well.

“It gives them a minute in the spotlight,” said 1st Lt. Adam Minnich of the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “You don’t want them to feel slighted, like they’re not getting any attention.”

The children and about 25 adults arrived aboard three buses. After climbing around on the plane and helicopter and checking out the gear, they went for pizza.

Later, the kids also were treated to a K-9 show and fire truck display.

Jamie Conway’s little brother, 18-month-old Danny, died three years ago after months of fighting for his young life. For Jamie, who is just 11 years old, it was a rough time.

“You have to get used to being without him,” he said.

So when Jamie got to tour the helicopter, aim the gun and sit in the pilot’s seat, life was a little better.

“I liked all the control sticks,” he said.

Jamie concluded that his visit to the U.S. military base was a real eye-opener.

“It’s big” Jamie said. “And there’s a lot of security.”

Tech. Sgt. Ty Clark of Chattanooga, Tenn., and members of his team showed the kids their parachutes, night-vision equipment, pistols and machine guns, satellite radios other tools of the trade.

Then they signed autographs.

“I could tell from their eyes they were really interested,” Clark said. “It seemed like we captured their attention.”

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