New Mexico National Guard helicopter visit inspires Summer ChalleNGe students in Española

ESPAÑOLA, N.M. – Twenty-one students participating in the New Mexico National Guard’s Summer ChalleNGe Program at Carlos F. Vigil Middle School received an up-close look at military aviation when an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter landed on campus, giving participants a firsthand opportunity to explore the aircraft, meet its aircrew and learn about the opportunities available through education, hard work and military service.

The helicopter visit was designed to reinforce the program’s focus on mentorship, leadership and goal setting while giving students a memorable experience that connected classroom lessons with real-world career possibilities.

Following the landing, students gathered around the aircraft where the aircrew—Chief Warrant Officer 2 Remington Gillum, Warrant Officer 1 Justin Malouff, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Kist and Sgt. Jacob Ramos—explained the Black Hawk’s capabilities, described their careers in the New Mexico National Guard and answered questions about aviation, military service and the training required to become an Army aviator or crew member.

Students then explored the aircraft’s cabin and cockpit, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the equipment and teamwork required to accomplish aviation missions.

Also on display was a New Mexico National Guard Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV), operated by Staff Sgt. Lawrence Hovey and Spc. Laniyah Tapia.

Subscribe to the Daily Las Cruces Digest

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *How would you like to be addressed in personalized emails?

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Students had the opportunity to explore the tactical truck while learning how the versatile vehicle supports a wide range of military missions, from transporting Soldiers and equipment to disaster response operations throughout New Mexico.

The visit supported one of the Summer ChalleNGe Program’s primary objectives—showing young people that their future is filled with opportunities if they remain committed to their education, develop positive habits and work toward meaningful goals.

“We hope these students leave today understanding that the path to opportunities like this begins in the classroom,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Remington Gillum, a New Mexico National Guard Black Hawk pilot. “Whether they want to become a pilot, a mechanic, a Soldier or pursue any other career, success starts with setting goals, working hard and refusing to give up on themselves. If today’s experience inspires even one student to dream a little bigger, then we’ve accomplished something important.”

The Summer ChalleNGe Program is a partnership between the New Mexico National Guard, local schools and community organizations that helps middle school students build resilience, confidence and life skills during the summer months.

Through hands-on activities, physical fitness, leadership development, team-building exercises and mentorship from National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, the program encourages participants to develop the habits needed for long-term success.

The helicopter and tactical vehicle demonstration highlighted the National Guard’s commitment to investing in New Mexico’s youth by providing positive role models and exposing students to careers they may never have considered.

For many participants, the visit served as more than just an exciting event—it demonstrated that with determination, discipline and perseverance, today’s students can become tomorrow’s pilots, mechanics, crew chiefs, first responders, educators or community leaders.

As the Summer ChalleNGe Program continues across New Mexico, experiences like the HH-60M Black Hawk landing help reinforce a simple but powerful message: success begins with showing up, setting goals and believing that a brighter future is within reach.