Army National Guard Flies In For Visit To Franklin High School

Members of the New Jersey National Guard dropped in on Franklin High School students on Nov. 14.

Literally.

The soldiers arrived in a Blackhawk helicopter, landing it on the auxiliary football practice field, next to the school.

The occasion for the visit was “Military Opportunities Day,” said Heather Danberry, the high school counseling department’s military liaison.

The day was meant to “provide students with information about the different opportunities with the military available to them,” she said. “Students can come out, speak to the flight crew,” and ask them questions.

Army National Guard Helicopter Lands At Franklin High School

Sgt. Anthony Larobina, an Army National Guard recruiter, said the day was an opportunity for them to “get out to the community and say hey, we exist.”

Also on board the Army’s helicopter were two FHS seniors, Julie Rivera and Samya Reid, both of whom are already National Guard members.

It was the first helicopter flight for both.

“At first I liked it, but I’m afraid of heights, so it was a little struggle when they hit the air pockets and we fell down a little bit, but it was nice seeing the school, and we saw Six Flags also, so that was kind of nice,” Rivera said of the flight.

“It was exciting, seeing the whole of Franklin and seeing our school from a high view was really pretty.” Reid said. “I loved it.”

Both women hope to eventually pursue a medical career in the Guard, with Reid saying she wants to be a trauma surgeon, and Rivera not yet sure what she’d specialize in.

During the visit, students were able to walk through the helicopter and take a seat

Here are some scenes from the day:

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