Kadin Brewer, 13, of Arizona, rides in the chief's hatch of an M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Friday, July 25, 2025. Kadin, a cancer survivor, received the opportunity become a U.S. Army armorman, firing a M1 Abrams, experience a tank gunnery, and interact with soldiers of the 4th Battalion 70th Armored Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment, fulfilling his dream of being a tanker.

Kadin Brewer, 13, of Arizona, poses next to a Bradley Fighting Vehicle with a group of soldiers assigned to the 1-35th Armored Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped Brewer, a cancer survivor, fulfill his dream of being a U.S. Army armorman for a day.

Kadin Brewer, 13, of Arizona, receives a safety briefing just before riding in an Abrams Main Battle Tank at the Oro Grande Range Complex, New Mexico, on Friday, July 25, 2025. Kadin, a cancer survivor, received the opportunity become a U.S. Army armorman, firing a M1 Abrams, experience a tank gunnery, and interact with soldiers of the 4th Battalion 70th Armored Regiment, fulfilling his dream of being a tanker.

FORT BLISS, Texas — In a heartwarming display of community and compassion, the Make-A-Wish Foundation partnered with the 1st Armored Division to make a dream come true for an Arizona youth. Thirteen-year-old Kadin Brewer, an Army enthusiast recovering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a U.S. Army tank commander for a day.

Kadin, who has courageously beaten cancer, was the guest of honor at a special wish-granting ceremony hosted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation in partnership with 1AD. Surrounded by the men and women of the Old Ironsides Division, the day’s activities — including firing an M1 Abrams tank, live-fire exercises, and simulations — showcased the power of hope, the strength of community, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Kadin Brewer, 13, of Arizona, handles an inert 105mm tank round at the Oro Grande Range Complex, New Mexico, on Friday, July 25, 2025, during a Make-A-Wish Foundation event. Kadin, a cancer survivor, received the opportunity become a U.S. Army armorman, firing a M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, experience a tank gunnery, and interact with soldiers of the 4th Battalion 70th Armored Regiment, fulfilling his dream of being a tanker.

Kadin Brewer, 13, of Arizona, shakes hands with Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, deputy commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, at the Division Headquarters at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped Kadin a cancer survivor, fulfill his dream of being a U.S. Army armorman for a day.

Kadin Brewer, 13, of Arizona, poses for a photo with his brother, father, and a soldier from the 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment at a live fire range at the Oro Grande Range Complex, New Mexico, on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped Kadin, a cancer survivor, fulfill his dream of being a U.S. Army armorman for a day.

“It’s just one of those things you see on television all the time, and you go, ‘Man, that’s a really great opportunity,’” said Capt. Sam Desrosier, a company commander assigned to the 4th Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team. “My company got the honor to execute this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and when I brought this up to my Soldiers, they were super happy to do it for Kadin.”

Honoring Kadin’s wish highlights the ongoing commitment of Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division to support those who matter most — our communities. It also underscores the powerful impact of nonprofit partnerships with the U.S. Army in uplifting the people who support the military.

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation can do anything and make your wish come true,” said Kadin. “This wish wouldn’t have come true without the U.S. Army.”

Kadin Brewer, 13, of Arizona, salutes then releases a battalion formation of the 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment alongside Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bernasconi, the battalion commander at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped Kadin, a cancer survivor, fulfill his dream of being a U.S. Army armorman for a day.

Kadin Brewer, 13, of Arizona, poses with his family in front of an M1A1 Abrams Main Battle tank at the 1st Armored Division Headquarters at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped Kadin, a cancer survivor, fulfill his dream of being a U.S. Army armorman for a day.

Kadin Brewer, 13, of Arizona, poses with his family, holding a 1st Armored Division patch presented by Command Sgt. Maj. David Sweeney, and Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, deputy commanding general of the 1st Armored Division on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helped Kadin, a cancer survivor, fulfill his dream of being a U.S. Army armorman for a day at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team turned out in force to support the celebration, standing in formation to welcome Kadin into the tanker family. For some Soldiers, honoring his wish was deeply personal, as they recounted their own family members who had battled cancer.

“Our Soldiers train hard every day in case our nation calls,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bernasconi. “Today’s mission was to bring hope, memories and joy to a child and his family — who have demonstrated immense courage and resilience.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has granted more than 500,000 wishes worldwide since its founding, continues to bring light to children with life-threatening conditions, providing memorable experiences that offer strength and encouragement. The 1st Armored Division is proud to support such initiatives that bring joy and healing to our communities.