Students enjoy career day

MINDEN, Nev.

by Lisa Welch

Special to The R-C

The hit of career day at Jacks Valley Elementary School was the Chinook helicopter. The children stayed in for recess when it was about to land. It felt like the walls of the school were shaking. The National Guard of Reno sent this magnificent helicopter with its support staff. This particular Chinook has been to Afghanistan for a one-year deployment two years ago and could be called back into action. It is 100 feet from nose to tail with two 5,000 horsepower turbine engines. With three hooks on the bottom of the helicopter, it can carry 26,000 pounds, which according to the captain, that's about 10 Toyota cars.

It can hold two Hummers or 30 men, although it's held 49 people in full combat gear. Although the Chinook's primary mission is to shuttle troops, food and ammunitions, they can hook on a 2,000-gallon water bucket similar to what the sky crane can carry to help during wildfire season.

When it came time for the children to ask questions, kindergartner Issac Pina said, "My mom says not to fly too close to joggers." The captain replied, "Oh no son, we'd blow them right over."

The University of Nevada, Reno, has a great military program for training for the FBI, CIA or in the military. Austin Sneed, fifth-grade, was excited about the veterinarian from Carson Valley Veterinary because she showed the power tools that help with joint replacements.

NDOT had a great snow blower on display and deputies from the sheriff's office spoke with the kids. A North Sails of Minden representative talked about how they manufacture sails for the World Cup sailboat races. They start with a piece of fabric that looks like fiberglass, then add layer after layer of glue and yarn made out of Kevlar. When finished, the fabric is six times stronger than steel.

Thanks to all of the people and companies who contributed to career day at Jacks Valley Elementary. Special thanks to counselor Jackie Hostler who made it all happen.