Blackhawk visits Monett JROTC

First Sgt. John Lewis gave a safety talk to JROTC students prior to their rides in the U.S. Army Blackhawk. Military budget cuts hasn't allowed for the Blackhawk presentation at the Scott Regional Technical Center in Monett for several years. According to Lt. Col. Maella Blalock, JROTC instructor, the program hasn't been to Monett in about five years. "This is always a treat for our students," she said. "This really encourages them." It takes nearly $4,000 per hour to bring the 'copter, flight crew and cover fuel costs for the presentation. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)
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JROTC students were loaded up and raring to go on their maiden flight aboard a U.S. Army Blackhawk on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Staff Sgt. Russ Hagar, a 2003 Monett High School graduate, remained outside the vehicle during it's pre-flight check. Hagar, 27, has been in the same career for 10 years. "I've been to four countries, have a great career and have met some great people through the National Guard," he said. "They take care of you. They're like a second family." (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)
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Engine whining and blades whomping, the U.S. Army Blackhawk lifted easily off the ground with its human cargo of eager JROTC students from Scott Regional Center in Monett. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these kids," said Staff Sgt. John Marbut, JROTC instructor. This Blackhawk has been deployed to Iraq and, most recently, ferried the Gov. Jay Nixon over the devastation of tornado-ravaged Joplin in May 2011. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)
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JROTC students at Scott Regional Technical Center inspected all aspects of the U.S. Army Blackhawk that arrived on campus on Wednesday, Oct. 10. This particular helicopter has been in service in Iraq at least twice. Choppers are disassembled, transported by ship and reassembled when they reach their destination by maintenance crews assigned to their upkeep. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)
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Looking incredibly complicated, the Blackhawk cockpit looks like a video gamer's dream. "It's easy to fly," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 and pilot Jeff Schwerdt. The four-man crew assigned to the 'copter was visiting JROTC students at Scott Regional Technical Center on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Students were allowed to inspect the interior of the unit before being taken for a spin above Monett. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)
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JROTC students at Scott Regional Technical Center tried out the pilot's and co-pilots seats of the U.S. Army Blackhawk that arrived on campus on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Staff Sgt. John Marbut, JROTC instructor, said learning to fly helicopters was a good career move for students, who would be assured of specialty careers upon discharge from the U.S. Army National Guard. "They can fly for private industry, hospitals, anywhere," Marbut said. "If I had to do it over again, I might consider learning to fly." (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)
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The flight crew of the United States Army's Blackhawk that visited the Junior ROTC class at the Scott Regional Technical Center in Monett on Wednesday, Oct 10 is pictured above. From left, are: First Sgt. John Lewis, Staff Sgt. Russ Hagar, Major John Francis and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jeff Schwerdt. Students in the program were taken for a 10 minute spin above the Monett area. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)
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The first set of students in the Junior ROTC class at the Scott Regional Technical Center in Monett prepared to board and strap in to the Blackhawk helicopter for a spin above Monett. Students had to complete all homework assignments and other assigned tasks before being eligible to ride in the 1980-era chopper. The Blackhawk is still used in Army combat and transportation missions today. (Times Photos by Melonie Roberts)
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