SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- When he was 6 or 7 years old, Ray L'Heureux would stand outside his home in Salem, Massachusetts, watching planes flying overhead, to and from Logan Airport.
He dreamed about one day flying planes, and when he got older, he saved his allowance, raked leaves and shoveled snow, so he could purchase model airplane kits.
That boyhood passion for flying eventually led him to his appointment as the commanding officer of Marine One, and he even wrote a book about his unique experience titled "Inside Marine One: Four U.S. Presidents, One Proud Marine, and the World's Most Amazing Helicopter."
-- Sharing with Hale Kula students
Nov. 24, Col. Ray "Frenchy" L'Heureux shared his story with the fifth graders at Hale Kula. He also brought his pilot's helmet and passed it around for students to try on.
"It's never too early to start thinking about what you want to be," he told them. "Next year, you'll be in middle school. You should be thinking of a career path."
L'Heureux went on to share photos and stories of how he went to college, joined the Marines, learned to pilot helicopters and eventually fly Marine One, the President's helicopter.
-- Flying presidents
He has the unique distinction of flying four U.S. Presidents -- George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. He showed photos with all four Presidents and said his favorite part of the job was landing on the White House lawn. He never tired of that experience.
The colonel told the students they need to study hard, keep active and physically fit, and follow their passion. He asked students if their parent had ever been deployed. Almost all hands went up.
"When I was piloting Marine One, I was away from home a lot," he told them. "I was away from my family, and I missed them, just like you miss your dad or mom when they're gone."
-- Inquisitive minds
After his presentation, students lined up to ask L'Heureux questions: Why did you join the Marines instead of the Army? Did you ever meet the Presidents' families? How did you get selected to fly Marine One? How big is Air Force One? Why did you write this book? How long did it take you? Who was your favorite President to fly?
L'Heureux patiently answered their questions and took photos with the classes.
Students reflected on what they learned.
Taylor Quenga wrote, "What I learned about Col. L'Heureux is that he has been interested in planes since he was a little kid. I also learned that he is still interested in planes and that his dream came true."
Jamie Nena added, "I learned from Col. L'Heureux that he had to study hard to get a big opportunity like flying Marine One. Because of that, he made me want to study harder to succeed in my career."
It is evident that L'Heureux had a positive impact on the fifth graders.
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