Four Sky Soldiers landed a Vietnam era Huey helicopter at Whitewater High for classes to tour, but in addition to giving tours, the Vietnam veterans received a special gift.

Students in Whitewater High’s World History and U.S. History classes presented the Sky Soldiers with over $400 to help benefit the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Hampton, Georgia that acquires, restores and maintains historic vintage flying aircraft representing Army aviation during the Vietnam and Cold War. Sky Soldiers, along with dedicated volunteers, conduct patriotic flying presentations, public helicopter rides, and educational presentations.

“We raised the funds by explaining to our students what the organization does and that organizations like this are very costly to operate, so it was important to try to raise some money for them,” says David Brown, who teachers U.S. history and economics at the school. “The students suggested that each could donate a dollar to help off set the cost of fuel.”

Students in World History and U.S. History have been studying the Vietnam War this school year, so the Huey Helicopter provided a chance for them to see and hear about the multiple roles that it played in the war.

“It was also a way of showing our appreciation to these veterans for their service because our students learned that these men did not get a very warm welcome home originally,” says Brown.

Fourth and fifth grade students at Sara Harp Minter Elementary also got to tour the helicopter.