National Guard chopper pays visit to Kittatinny Regional High School

Newton - Members of the N.J. Army National Guard traveled by “Huey” helicopter for a special visit to the Kittatinny Regional High School campus on Dec 21. The trip was part of “Educate the Educator Day” hosted by the National Guard and the armed forces to help school officials better understand the role the military might play in the lives of their graduates. Sgt. Richard Russo arranged the event so key people at Kittatinny could travel to Fort Dix for the day. What better, faster (and a more exciting) way to do it than to land a UH-1 (“Huey”) helicopter at the school. Along with Sgt. Russo, the helicopter transported John Steele and Alicia Savadge. two Kittatinny students who have enlisted in the N.J. Army National Guard. Joining them on the trip was Susan Kappler, Kittatinny principal, and John Gill, guidance counselor. The “troops” left Kittatinny at 8:30 a.m. and made a grand return to the Kittatinny campus at 1:45 p.m. The return landing at the school was enjoyed by approximately 200 students and teachers who came out to Kittatinny’s Romer Field to witness the event. After the Huey set down, students were invited into the chopper and had the opportunity to ask questions of the flight crew. While attending the program, participants experienced hands-on simulations, and engaged in discussions and meetings that provided important information to the school about the role of the U.S. military in today’s society.