On Friday, May 23, Cardozo’s school community had the privilege of watching a Navy helicopter, called the MH-60S Knighthawk, land right on our school’s baseball field. Hundreds of students watched in awe as the huge chopper touched down.
This wasn’t just a random visit from the U.S. Military, but instead was part of Fleet Week — a special event when members of the U.S. Navy and other military branches come to New York City to show people what they do. The students who were especially thrilled to be part of this day were those involved in Cardozo’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, also known as NJROTC.
The helicopter landing was a big deal because something like this hadn’t happened on New York City school property in at least 10 years. It took a lot of planning and approval to make it happen, but in the end, it was worth it. The student cadets, as well as other Cardozo program students, got to see the helicopter up close, meet real Navy crew members, and learn more about what it’s like to serve in the military.
Daniel Morales, a 1st class Damage Controlman in the U.S. Coast Guard was asked what the importance of this event. “It’s important to get information out to the public especially about the coast guard,” he said.
The Coast Guard is such a small branch and not many people know what they do for our country. Being able to meet and speak to students was great in terms of networking and communicating — letting the community know exactly what goes into being part of each branch.
Chief Brian Brooks of the U.S. Navy shared that it was even more special to be able to partake in this event on the Navy’s 250th birthday. “The fact that we get to have this event and interact with everyone here, and promote what the Navy does — hopefully we can get some interest with the students here.”
Chief Tao Chen, one of Cardozo’s NJROTC program leaders, said, “When people think of the military typically they think of war and soldiers and things of that sort but realistically the community doesn’t understand the different skill sets that some of these young men and women learn in service.”
Chief Chen elaborated that it’s important for students and the community to break down the stereotypes oftentimes associated with the military, there is so much more that they do than just fighting wars.
When talking with some of the NJROTC cadets in the program, many of them shared that this experience is something they will take with them in their futures and their careers.
NJROTC senior Bhaswi Singh said, “I think I’ve learned a lot from a lot of the people that showed up today. I got to learn about the military.”
“I think what is most important is that other people learn what our program does within the school. I hope they see you know why we celebrate or remember Memorial Day and why it’s not just the day off for us,” Singh added.
Ryan Palmares, another cadet, shared that this event is something that students don’t get to see often and it’s a great way to see what jobs they offer in the military. The most important part, he shared, was bringing the community and the military together.
Principal Meagan Colby also shared in her opening remarks to the community that it was important, not only to commemorate Fleet Week, but also to bring awareness and shine a light on the meaning of Memorial Day. With the event falling on the Friday before Memorial Day, she urged students and community leaders to take a moment and remember all of those who lost their lives making the ultimate sacrifice — for freedom.
