Helicopter drops by Solana Santa Fe for Red Ribbon Week

Solana Santa Fe Elementary School had an impressive surprise visitor on Friday, Oct. 22. As part of the school’s Red Ribbon Week events, a helicopter from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Air and Marine U.S. Customs and Border Protection landed at the school. Students had gathered on the blacktop and squealed as the helicopter cleared the clouds and treetops, and touched down on the grass.

Pilot DC Mills explained to the children that the helicopter patrols the U.S. and Mexico border.

“We prevent drugs from coming into the country,” Mills said. “But it’s up to you to just say ‘no’ to drugs.”

Afterward, each student was able to see the helicopter “up close” with Mills and co-pilot Steve Dobbin.