National Guard holds honorary enlistment ceremony for boy

A Texas boy battling a rare disorder isn't letting it stop him from reaching his goals.

Rowan Windham, 8, is a survivor. He was diagnosed with Shwachmann-Diamond syndrome which is a rare disorder that does not allow his bone marrow to function correctly.

The National Guard is taking him in.

In his eight years, the boy has spent nearly one thousand days in the hospital and is headed for Seattle in hopes of a bone marrow donor. However, before he does that the Camp Mabry family wanted to grant the little soldier his biggest wish: to be enlisted in the army.

"It's devastating when you find out that your child has something that you cannot fix," said Rowan's father Brian Windham. "You're a bystander on the sideline."

Rowan enlisted himself on a piece of paper a couple of years ago. He said he would join for $5 and would pay the Army.

"I love to help others and help people," said Rowan when asked why he wants to be a soldier.

At the end of the ceremony, General Ryan gave Rowan a Stetson and a pair of spurs, that General Ryan says recognizes his ability to move forward and think positively.

"I have an 8 year old son and a 15 year old daughter, so kind of the same family members. It's great to see Rowan be so strong and so independent in his current situation," said General Ryan.

Rowan's family say their faith is what keeps them strong and, despite his predicament, Rowan continues to be a symbol of courage.

"Thank you and this is the best day of my entire life," said Rowan.