Guthrie JROTC students take flight on CH-47 Chinook helicopter

It was a morning to remember for Guthrie High School JROTC students as they lifted off aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Guthrie Regional Airport. The orientation flights, approved by Major General Thomas Mancio, Adjutant General of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, provided students with a rare and memorable experience.

The aircraft, flown by the 245th Aviation Regiment out of Lexington, Oklahoma, arrived shortly after 9 a.m. Students and supporters first gathered for a safety and mission briefing before posing for a group photo with the flight crew next to the helicopter.

A total of 96 students and several JROTC supporters, including Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson, GHS Principal Dusty Throckmorton, and Board of Education President Tina Smedley, participated in the flights.

The Chinook completed four rotations, with about 30 students per flight. Each group experienced a 15–20 minute ride along the east side of Oklahoma City before returning to Guthrie.

Family members and guests were able to observe the flights from a designated hangar at the airport, creating a shared moment of excitement and pride for the JROTC program.

“This was a unique and rare opportunity for our students,” said program leaders. “It’s an experience they’ll never forget, and it highlights the incredible support we receive from the Oklahoma Army National Guard and our community.”

The Guthrie JROTC program, which serves over 100 students, continues to provide cadets with leadership development, training opportunities, and experiences that build confidence both in and outside the classroom.