Published Thursday, October 26, 2006

A big Army Black Hawk helicopter landed on the Cosumnes River Elementary School playing field to the cheers of about 500 children Wednesday morning.

When Lt. Col. Louis E. Carmona visits twin daughters Sarah and Hannah at school, he does it with style.

He also makes sure to bring Principal Mike Anderson along for the ride. "I think I’d like to become a helicopter pilot," the principal remarked about the experience.

The California Army National Guard officer first piloted a Black Hawk helicopter to the school from Mather Airport three years ago.

This time, the Black Hawk was a medical transport, which allowed curious children to explore racks as well as test the seats, all the while asking questions of Carmona and the two other crew members -- How big? How heavy? How fast? … Can I fly?

Carmona responded to the last, "Call me in about 12 years." (The other answers: 53 feet. 8,000 pounds. Almost 200 mph.)

The visit was timed to coincide with Red Ribbon Week, the school drug-prevention program that stresses the importance of remaining drug-free and making good choices in life.

As sixth graders, the Carmona girls are in their last year at Cosumnes, but the presence of siblings Ray Louis, almost 2, and Sydney Rene, 3, in a stroller at the event suggests the future may hold more helicopter visits.