When 5-year-old Ethan wished to be a soldier, he had no idea his wish would take him on a week-long tour of duty to three of our country’s finest military bases.

Ethan’s first stop was Fort Benning, Ga., where his “battle buddies” welcomed him as one of their own and saw him through basic training and Airborne and Ranger schools. Dressed in pint-sized fatigues, Ethan quickly rose through the ranks and became an honorary first lieutenant. The newly promoted officer even ordered a private to drop and give him forty!

The young soldier continued on to Fort Stewart, Ga., where he learned to operate Humvee and tank simulators – one of the favorite parts of his wish. He also participated in a vehicle stop with the military police and got to watch a military police dog apprehend a suspect.

At Fort Gordon, Ga., the final stop of his tour, Ethan enjoyed training with the military police K-9 unit.

Ethan’s wish culminated with a homecoming parade in his hometown. The hero’s welcome included crowds of spectators, waving American flags and holding “Welcome Home” signs. Hundreds of yellow ribbons lined the main street, and the middle school’s marching band played patriotic tunes as fire engines, police cars, and military vehicles passed by. The parade ended at Ethan’s grade school where the entire student body waved flags and sang “God Bless America.”

During a private ceremony attended by the mayor, a state senator, and other officials, Ethan was presented with his discharge papers honorably releasing him from military service.

Thanks to many people, both military and civilian, Ethan’s wish came true in a way that left not just Ethan changed forever, but also the number of people who came together to share the power of a wish.