Former crew chief pulls heavy burden for retired pilot Published Sept. 14, 2015 By Senior Airman Kyle Gese 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- When Mike Battaglino, an instructor with the 362nd Training Squadron and a former crew chief, heard the news about his former commander, he knew he had to do something. U.S. Air Force Col. Shawn "Norm" Pederson was a Thunderbird pilot and vice commander of the 4th Fighter Wing. In 2007, Battaglino was assigned as his assistant crew chief for the flagship of the 494th Fighter Squadron. The commander took a personal interest in the young crew chief, and a mentoring relationship began that would eventually come full circle. Just weeks after retirement, Pederson suffered a crippling aneurism that left him in a short coma and under the care of his family. "It hit me pretty hard a few months ago when I found out exactly what he and his family have been through over the past year," Battaglino said, "so I knew I had to do something to help." A veteran of "strong man" competitions, Battaglino decided it was time to test his strength by carrying as much of Pederson's burden as he could. So he vowed to pull a fire truck at Sheppard once for every 500 dollars raised, up to three times. "So far, we have raised close to $2,000 for Norm and his family," he said. "But I know the bills far outweigh anything I could raise. I just want to do as much as I possibly can, because if it weren't for Norm I would not be where I am today." Battaglino stated that Pederson is making improvements, but still needs a significant amount of medical care. "I wouldn't do this for just anyone ... there has been an outreach across the country of people that have been impacted by Norm," he said. "He means something to me, that's why I'm doing this ... If you have a strength, use it to do something good for someone else." If you would like to show your support for Pederson and his family visit https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/kwz8.