It was a day many Clinton High School JROTC cadets won’t soon forget as two Black Hawk helicopters from Whiteman Air Force Base touched down in a field behind the high school’s north parking lot on Tuesday, March 25.
The special visit gave all 34 cadets in the program the opportunity to experience a real military helicopter flight — something JROTC leaders say helps build confidence, leadership skills, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone.
Following a detailed safety briefing, the helicopters lifted off on their first trip. One aircraft carried 10 Clinton School District teachers and administrators, while the other transported a group of cadets. After approximately a ten-minute flight, both helicopters returned to the field where more cadets were quickly loaded for a second round of flights.
JROTC Operations Officer Matthes and Platoon Commander Brandell told Radford Media Group, experiences like this are a powerful learning opportunity for younger cadets.
They explained that the hands-on experience encourages students to try new things and opens their minds to future career and educational opportunities — including military service, aviation, and leadership roles in their communities.
The visit also highlighted the growing impact of the Clinton High School JROTC program, which focuses on developing discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and community service among students. Program leaders say activities like Tuesday’s helicopter flights help make learning memorable while reinforcing life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
School officials and JROTC instructors, Major Carter and First Sergeant Collison are encouraging more students to consider joining the program, noting that JROTC is open to all high school students and provides unique experiences that build confidence, character, and leadership.
For many cadets, the roar of the Black Hawk blades and the view of Clinton from the sky made for an unforgettable reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible opportunities.
