MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The children in Maria Hunter's kindergarten class have several role models, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Yoda and other popular Star Wars characters.

After visiting Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on a special field trip Nov. 29 the kindergartners added the Marines from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 to their list of favorite heroes.

"The children can't stop talking about the Marines they met," said Hunter, kindergarten teacher, Stella Maris Academy, La Jolla, Calif. "A lot of the students look up to Star Wars characters, but now they also have these Marines, who were so impressive to the children and even their parents."

Hunter lined up her class early the morning of Nov. 29 in front of the squadron's turnstile, while the parents waited patiently by their children's sides. Maj. David C. Borkowski, aviation maintenance officer, and Capt. Kate E. Fleeger, pilot, HMH-465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, were there to greet the well-organized group.

Many of the children, especially the girls, were stunned to meet a female aviator.

"A lot of little kids see the military as something only daddies do," said Fleeger, an Olney, Md., native. "Seeing women in uniform shows them that mommies can do these things also. There are opportunities out there for both men and women, and it is good for these kids to see that up-close."

When Fleeger and Borkowski led the class inside the hangar, their eyes widened as they stared up at the large CH-53E Super Stallion.

"They weren't expecting the helicopter to be so large," said Hunter. "A lot of the children and parents have only seen a commercial plane from airlines like Southwest. They didn't think that a helicopter could compare."

Borkowski and Maj. Cory M. Cunningham, plans officer, MAG-16, 3rd MAW, and coordinator for the trip, spent the next hour answering questions, lifting children up into the cockpit and covering the children's ears as the sounds of aircraft filled the hangar.

"The hands-on experience is great for the kids," said Borkowski, a Detroit native. "Not many young kids get to do this, and it's important because it influences them in a positive manner. I wish I had this opportunity when I was younger."

The majority of parents, like Maritza Reh, share Borkowski's outlook.

"You can see the helicopters in the air when your driving along the highway, but you can't see the Marines who operate the aircraft," said Reh, a Caracas, Venezuela native. "A lot of people don't understand what the Marines do until they visit a base and find out what it is really like to serve the country. I know everyone, including my daughter and myself, are so proud of these Marines and everyone else in the military. This visit helped show my daughter why they are so important to our country."

After the children gave their final hugs and parents thanked the Marines, Hunter lined up her class in the same orderly fashion as they entered the hangar.

"I would be very, very proud if some of my students became like the Marines we met on this field trip," said Hunter. "I already know that a couple of my students will end up joining when they're older, and I just hope my next class gets the same opportunity to meet these Marines in the future."