On a cool, overcast morning in Greenville, the sky over St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School filled with the distinctive whir of a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The aircraft, piloted by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan Bucher of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, landed on the school grounds as part of the school’s Veterans Day salute.
Family ties add a personal touch
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bucher, a father of three children who attend St. Mary, explained why the helicopter was part of the ceremony. “Every year I typically come in and talk to my children’s classes about Veterans Day. This year we decided to take it up a notch and actually bring a helicopter in so that everyone could take part and look at it,” he said. The visit gave his four sons a chance to see their father in uniform, land the aircraft, and receive a warm hug from each of them.
School’s tribute to service members
Principal Jim Brown described the day’s program as a comprehensive tribute. “We’ll sing the Star Spangled Banner, hear speeches, and play taps,” he said. Outside, twelve American flags were lowered in a solemn ritual, reminding students of the freedoms secured by veterans past and present. “We take for granted a lot of the freedoms we have because of what our veterans have done for us,” Brown added.
Students get an up‑close look
After the helicopter touched down, students were invited to tour the aircraft. “We’ll be around here until about 11:00, then head back to West Bend,” Bucher said, noting that the flight crew would return home after the event. The experience gave the children a tangible connection to the men and women who serve in the armed forces, reinforcing the school’s mission to honor sacrifice and patriotism.
Looking ahead
School officials said this was the first time a Black Hawk has landed at St. Mary, and they hope to make the visit an annual tradition. “Plans are in the works to have the chopper return next year,” Brown said, indicating that the community’s response has encouraged continued collaboration with the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
The event highlighted the strong ties between local families, the school, and the National Guard, showcasing how community institutions can work together to celebrate the nation’s veterans while providing an educational experience for the next generation.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
