'One of the best Veteran's Day events': NM National Guard lands helicopter at Hope Christian School

There was a slight chill in the air on Monday morning, but at the soccer field near Hope Christian High School in northeast Albuquerque, the air was full of anticipation and tiny American flags.

These flags, held by high school and middle school students, staff members and visitors, waved back and forth as the roar of a New Mexico National Guard Blackhawk helicopter sounded over head. Suddenly, the aircraft came into view, flying toward the field from the northeast. The heads of those in the crowd shot upward as the helicopter zoomed past the field, before making a U-turn and heading back to the school.

Fallen leaves from nearby trees began to kick up and fly through the air as the helicopter began its descent to the field. The once-distant roar was now consuming the field as the helicopter touched down on the grass. Once stationary, the flight crew filed out of the aircraft and started its post-flight routine of placing blocks around the tires and powering down the engines. While this was taking place, an instrumental version of the national anthem sounded from speakers on the field.

Once the rotating blades of the helicopter slowed to a halt and the flight crew completed its work, the green light was given to the eager students to approach. Following close behind them was a smiling Hope Christian principal Wade Randell.

The helicopter landing on the field on Veterans Day, was the culmination of a year of planning.

"Dominic Anderson, one of the pilots (of the helicopter), actually did a tour with my cousin overseas, so I've known him for years," Randell said. "(He) has kids here at Hope, and we connected about (an event) honoring veterans."

For the past three years, Hope Christian has held school on Veterans Day. In that time, the school has been looking for a way to show their appreciation for the nation's veterans and military.

Anderson, who has been a Blackhawk helicopter pilot for the past seven years, said the New Mexico National Guard has done similar events with their helicopter at public schools around the state and doing one at Hope was perfect for Veterans Day.

"Once (Hope Christian) reached out to me, I went to leadership and said, 'They wanted to say thanks for what we do for the state,' and they were kind of taken aback for a second, but said it would be a really great opportunity for the school and the community," he said.

Anderson and rest of the flight crew gave tours to students and answered questions about the aircraft. Students got a chance to sit inside the helicopter's cabin and cockpit.

After the high and middle school students had their opportunity, it was the elementary school students' turn. First graders Jovi Pacheco and Armani Castaneda had never seen a helicopter from so close before.

"Whoa, that's so cool," Armani exclaimed. "I really like the spinners on the top."

Jovi was more interested in the cabin.

"My favorite part was going into it and sitting down," she said after touring the helicopter.

Anderson, who took the time to answer as many questions as possible, said Monday's event was a personal highlight that he'll remember for a long time to come.

"This has been one of the best Veterans Day events I've ever attended," he said. "The energy level, the excitement and best of all, (the students) all stood in line and shook our hands and thanked us for our service. That's one of those things that reminds us why we do what we do."