The other day I was working in my home office and heard the unmistakeable sound of a very low flying helicopter as it swung over the house. I grabbed my camera and went out on the deck, hoping to get some “black helicopter” pics (you never know when you might need those), and I was excited to see it line up and come down just a couple blocks over from the house. Jumped in the truck and made my way over to the local elementary school where I was treated to a very special event.
When I got onto the playground, I could see all of the kids in the school sitting on the grass that overlooks the soccer field and track. The helicopter was winding down, more neighborhood adults were arriving, and the kids were wiggling around with excitement. The rotors and the noise quit, and everyone got very still. Then the crew compartment opened up and the crew started climbing out, and as they did all the kids and adults broke into cheering and clapping, and the kids rushed the helicopter and surrounded it. Can I tell you what a lump in the throat that gave me?
The kids were great, and the two pilots told them about the aircraft and the $18,000 helmets, and about being home from Afghanistan barely two months and how they brought the Apaches home (”where’s the bulletholes” one kid wanted to know… “we FIXED ‘em!” was the reply). I was impressed with how respectful the kids were, and how respectfully the men treated them back. And patient! I’d hate to guess how many T-shirts, waterbottles, and arms they autographed.
And after the kids had their fill, they went off to the other fun things you get to do on the last few days of school… and we adults got to shake hands with these two soldiers, and tell them thank you and how grateful we are for the job they do. You guys are heroes! Thanks!
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