Earth Day gets a lift

Edwards schoolchildren approach a Kern County Fire Department UH-1N firefighting and rescue helicopter to learn about the fire department’s role in protecting the local environment. The helicopter was flown in as part of the Earth Day presentations at Bailey Elementary School Friday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Ball)

Earth Day gets a lift

Kern County Fire Department captain Richard Anderson (right), with the help of crew member Martin Galvin, explains the workings of a helicopter rescue hoist to Edwards schoolchildren during Earth Day presentations at Bailey Elementary School Friday. According to Blake Burris, the aircraft’s pilot, the UH-1N “Huey” helicopter was originally a military aircraft during the Vietnam War era. It has since been modified with firefighting and rescue equipment for use by the Kern County Fire Department. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Ball)

Local schoolchildren enjoy Earth Day presentations

Published April 25, 2016
By Christopher Ball
412th TW

Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. -- Several base organizations, including the 412th Test Wing Environmental Management Office, the 412th Security Forces Squadron, and the 412th Civil Engineer Group Fire Protection Branch, coordinated with the off-base community to set up displays and activities for elementary schoolchildren on base Friday. Activities and displays covered a range of environmental subjects such as alternative energy, recycling, archaeology and agriculture. The Kern County Fire Department was on hand with a UH-1N "Huey" helicopter, which has been modified for firefighting and rescue operations. The helicopter, according to its pilot, was in military service during Vietnam.