The
spectacular appearance of the "Jet Ranger 1 Helicopter for Diet Pepsi" sets
the stage for an "awesome" encounter with students. The
copter lands right on the school grounds, piloted by popular KIIS-FM and KTLA TV
personality, Commander Chuck Street. As a role model for kids, Chuck
cuts a heroic figure for both boys and girls as he steps up to the
microphone to deliver his message. Enthusiastic feedback from principals,
teachers, parents and students shows the School Patrol audience
is highly receptive and responsive to his message.
Failed
spelling tests as a young boy, the quest for more knowledge about helicopters
and the suggestion of a teacher to go to the library to read during the
summer after third grade are the ingredients for Chuck’s compelling
talk. Chuck discusses his own boyhood experiences; showing the kids how
he overcame his obstacles and made his dreams come true. He shares his
passionate feeling about the importance of reading. He encourages students
to go to libraries and find books on favorite subjects, so they can make
their own dreams come true, too, "because The Sky’s The Limit!"
Along with this main theme, Chuck weaves in stories about his unique career
and safety tips.
The
Program
A
School Patrol event usually takes place on a Tuesday or Thursday during the school year and is provided to schools free of charge. Each school
landing must be approved by the state. If a school requires additional
insurance for the helicopter landing, it is a simple procedure to
list them on Chuck's five million dollar insurance policy. Coordinating
the date and time of the visit is usually done with a teacher, principal
of the school, or a parent active in the school's PTA
Once
all the necessary preliminary arrangements are made, on the day of
the event, one of Chuck's crew members assists in the set up. Arriving at the
school an hour ahead of the scheduled landing, he sets up the speaker
system, table, prizes, and signs. The signs are placed on
each side of the table where Chuck does his talk, one says MOUNTAIN
DEW and the other, KIIS-FM. During the program at strategic points,
the crew member turns the signs around for the kids so that the message
becomes BUCKLE UP and READ.
When
the copter has landed, there is a three minute cool-down of the rotor
blades. As the engine stops, Chuck steps out of the helicopter to
walk the 200 feet distance up to his audience. The crew member or
the principal of the school introduces Chuck in the midst of the cheering
kids.
The
Message
Chuck's
message lasts about thirty minutes and is interspersed with funny little
comments that make the kids laugh. At the end of his talk, he asks
for volunteers, and from a yearning sea of little waving arms, he picks
out four or five children to come up to the microphone. One by one
he talks with them and asks them a simple question. Each one is awarded
a T-shirt for answering the question. Chuck also gives out posters and
Official Commander Chuck Street
bookmarks.
If
the school and schedule permits, the students are allowed to leave
their seats, and in an orderly fashion, file closely to the helicopter.
After getting a good look, everyone resumes their seats. Teacher
photos with the copter are taken and final good-byes are said. Chuck
prepares for a dramatic exit beginning with the whirl and hum of the
rotors. Lift off occurs, amidst screams and cheers, as Chuck circles
the copter overhead and soars off into the sky.
