(Photo courtesy of Irmo High School)
Students at Irmo High School received a powerful history and STEM lesson when the Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF) visited campus Tuesday, October 21, bringing along its AH-1F Cobra Attack Helicopter — a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and Bosnia.
The helicopter, affectionately named after legendary performer Lena Horne, drew crowds of curious students and staff. CFF team members used the visit to share insights with Irmo’s JROTC units about career opportunities in aviation, technology, and defense — as well as the essential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills needed to pursue them.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson joined the event, meeting with students and praising CFF’s hands-on educational outreach.
“Celebrate Freedom Foundation has done a fantastic job connecting with students all over ours and neighboring states,” Danielson said. “We’re proud that so many of our students have an interest in their programs.”
CFF’s STEM Education Outreach Program travels to schools across South Carolina and neighboring states including North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. The initiative promotes STEM-based learning to help build a globally competitive workforce and strengthen America’s technological edge in an increasingly complex world.
About the Program
Founded by military veterans, the Celebrate Freedom Foundation’s mission is to honor past service, educate future generations, and inspire leadership through aviation and STEM outreach.
The AH-1F Cobra — a centerpiece of the program — serves as both a historical artifact and a teaching tool, sparking interest in aerospace engineering, robotics, and defense technology.
Those interested in supporting or hosting a CFF visit can contact the organization at 803-822-8812 or [email protected]
