Soldiers surprise students, smiles soar

Louisiana Guard holds helicopter display at Dutchtown Primary

By Staff Sgt. Denis B. Ricou
Louisiana National Guard, Public Affairs Office

BATON ROUGE – Louisiana National Guardsmen and school staff surprised students at Dutchtown Primary School by flying over, landing and giving a tour of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in Dutchtown, April 21.

Lt. Col. Johnathon Ballard, commander of the 1st of the 244th Assault Helicopter Battalion based in Hammond, offered to bring the helicopter to the school as a way of showing appreciation to the children with family members in the military, especially those deployed overseas.

“The event was very special to the children and even more special to the Soldiers,” said Ballard.  “It is a welcome break to go out into our communities and provide a service that these kids will never forget.”

Mary McMahan, the schools principal, explained that they purposely didnt tell the students about the helicopter and planned for them to be outside.

“I told them to wave to the pilot and maybe they would come back,” said McMahan. “The helicopter flew over us and then turned around … the kids were jumping up and down waving!”

“We are so appreciative of our Guardsmen spending their time today to bring smiles to our students,” said McMahan. “No one can deny the fact that our Louisiana National Guardsmen are dedicated to our country and our state.”

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BATON ROUGE – Louisiana National Guardsmen with the 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion based in Hammond assist Dutchtown Primary School students in and out of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a display at the school in Dutchtown, La., April 21, 2011. The LANG brought the helicopter to the school as a way of showing appreciation to the children with family members in the military, especially those deployed overseas.  (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Denis B. Ricou, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office/Released)