Ronan soldier comes home for visit via Blackhawk
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RONAN – John Gehring, a 1991 graduate of Ronan High School, who currently resides in Helena, returned to the Mission Valley in an unorthodox manner on Friday, July 8, as he and co-pilot Shawn Kaufman arrived via UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at the Ronan Airport.
A full-time National Guard member, Gehring is required to fly multiple times a month to keep his operating skills “current and proficient.”
“We have the same flight requirements as active military,” Gehring said. “This is the second time I’ve flown (a Blackhawk) into Ronan.”
According to Gehring’s mother Florence, she usually visits with John monthly, but flying the large military helicopter into town takes the cake. Gehring said he looked forward to the flight because of the beautiful landscapes that lie between Helena and Ronan.
“It was a great flight,” he said. “The Mission Valley is such a gorgeous spot to fly into. It’s nice to stop here from time to time.”
The flight from Helena lasted just under an hour as Gehring first flew to Lincoln, then over the mountains to St. Ignatius.
Back in January 2010, Gehring returned from his second tour in Iraq.
While stationed in Iraq, Gehring served as a Captain for the 1-1 89 General Support Aviation Battalion.
