PORTLAND, Ore. — The mission was as clear as the sky on Friday morning for the 142nd wing of the Oregon Air National Guard.
“We sure hope it’s something a little exciting, maybe break some of the monotony for folks and it’s our way to show our appreciation for those in our local communities that are keeping us safe,” said Colonel Adam Sitler, Commander of the 142nd.
The air wing flew today as part of Operation: American Resolve, a nationwide effort that began with the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds performing flyovers of U.S. cities to show support for the nation’s health care workers.
“Ideally raise some spirits, increase morale, here for those who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response,” said Col. Sitler.
Two F-15 Eagles took off from Portland International Airport, making a pass over PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver around 8:50 a.m.
From there, the jets booked it out to Hood River and the Dalles, back over the Portland metro area, down the Oregon coast, and back up north through the Willamette Valley—zipping past 39 health care sites in all.
“A lot of our folks work in these professions so we have a lot of healthcare providers that are members of the wing, along with first responders and so it’s a doubly neat opportunity to say thanks to the members of our own team that are out there serving the community in their civilian capacity,” Col. Sitler said.
The demonstration also served as important training for the air wing, as it helps maintain pilot currency and proficiency. It costs nothing extra for taxpayers because today's mission was already part of the operating budget. “That helps keep us razor-sharp on all the other missions that we’re doing here at home as well as abroad,” said Col. Sitler.
With everything so up in the air, it was a moving salute that was much appreciated by the ‘boots on the ground.’ “It was pretty amazing and really heartfelt that they would do that,” said Ann McCoog, a registrar and switchboard operator at Providence Newberg.
“We know this is going to get better,” Col. Sitler said. “We know there’s light at the end of this tunnel, we’re all in this together.”
