The Celebrate Freedom Foundation is raising money to repair a historic attack helicopter hit by an alleged drunk driver last month at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
The Vietnam War-era Cobra chopper was used to teach students about science, technology, engineering and math, commonly known as “STEM” subjects.
“Everything they learn in school is on that helicopter,” said Lori Wicker, director the organization’s STEM program. “Even history and art.”
The helicopter is one of six the organization has renovated or is renovating to educate students and inform the public. Veterans and active-duty soldiers volunteer to do the renovations on the helicopters, which are donated by the Army and individuals.
The helicopters have visited 150 schools and 100,000 students in five states.
The organization decorates one of its helicopters with lights each Christmas, Wicker said. The Cobra, named “Annie,” had just been put on display Dec. 14 in front of the foundation’s hangar next to the former John Hardee Expressway when it was struck.
According to police reports, Thomas Andrew Anderson, 37, of Harrisburg, N.C., had been drinking at the Skyline Club near the airport.
About 2 a.m., he left the club and was heading to Interstate 77, police reported. But he mistakenly took an access road at the airport instead of the expressway and hit the helicopter, which was parked at the end of the access road, according to the police reports.
Reports say Anderson was checked by EMS for injuries and released. He was charged with driving under the Influence, less than .10, first offense, according to court records.
The helicopter, which was restored and decoratively painted, sustained an estimated $6.6 million in damages, including to the rotor, transmission, fuel tank, skids and weapon mounts, Wicker said. And like a totaled car, she said, most of the vehicle is now out of alignment.
“And we still haven’t gotten it off the ground, so there may be more damage,” Wicker said.
Annie is capable of flying, but hasn’t flown since 2001, she said.
She added that Anderson’s and the foundation’s insurance won’t come close to covering the repairs.
Individuals or companies wanting to donate can do so at GoCFF.org or call (803) 822-8812.
And while the cost of repairs is staggering, “every little bit helps,” Wicker said.
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