Medicine Valley juniors who have joined the National Guard are, from left, Tanner Eberle, Dena Engel and Daniel Sandman. Sandman said he joined the Guard because he wants to make the active Army his career. Eberle said that he, too, will eventually join the active Army, where he wants to "work on something big," and become a helicopter mechanic. Engel said she is proud to be able to serve her country. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette)

Students from Medicine Valley High School in Curtis gather around the Nebraska Army National Guard Chinook helicopter that landed on the football practice field April 23.

Staff Sgt. Adren Uhlig, left, of Curtis was greeted after the landing by his 8-year-old son, Coby, a Medicine Valley second grader. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette) [Click to enlarge]

Third grader Cassy Easley, right, peered through the Chinook's windshield. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette) [Click to enlarge]

First grader Daniel Warnecke jumped to touch the tip of a rotor. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette) [Click to enlarge]

CW2 Matt Greathouse, left, of Grand Island explained to Lori Welch's first graders that the Chinook is used to transport troops and supplies, and is not armed. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette) [Click to enlarge]