CORONAVIRUS
F-35 Jets Fly Over Utah To Show Support For Healthcare Workers
Apr 30, 2020, 6:02 PM | Updated: 8:15 pm
MURRAY, Utah – Four F-35A Lightning II jets from the demonstration team at Hill Air Force Base conducted a flyover for much of the Beehive State to show support for medical workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
The flight plan brought those jets over many Utah hospitals Thursday afternoon. Hundreds of healthcare workers went outside to see them go by.
We’ve all learned who the true heroes are in the past few months. Several signs have been posted outside Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, saying “Heroes Work Here.”
Healthcare workers who spoke to KSL said they appreciated the gesture.
People across the state watched the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II flyover. Here are some of their photos. Send us your pics, and we'll add them to this album. #UtahStrong
Posted by KSL 5 TV on Thursday, April 30, 2020
“Just to be outside on a nice, perfect day to see this happening – it’s really cool,” said Gil Corona.
Yes, his last name is Corona and he’s heard plenty from his friends and colleagues lately.
“It’s like I walk around with the vaccine in my body, so I’m good,” he said with a laugh.
Corona worked as a medical assistant at Intermountain Medical Center and, like many healthcare workers there, was happy to finally have an opportunity to laugh and relax for a few minutes.
Their smiles were mostly hidden because of the masks everyone was wearing. When the U.S. Air Force jets flew over their hospital, their smiles could be heard.
“That’s way cool!” yelled Corona.
Several others cheered and clapped.
The jets flew over hospitals all throughout Utah, from Logan to St. George and back, to show support and say thank you to healthcare workers.
Healthcare workers at @Intermountain in Murray excited to see the @HAFB flyover. They’re gathering outside now. #ksltv pic.twitter.com/WmAzov9xsr
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) April 30, 2020
“I just think it’s a good feeling of recognition, that people recognize what we do and that it’s important,” said nurse Kelsey Palmieri.
It sure hasn’t been an easy job lately, especially for those not only taking care of patients, but also potentially exposed to coronavirus just by doing their jobs.
“We are seeing a lot of patients. A lot of sick patients,” said Gary Brunson, an assistant nurse manager in the emergency department. “It’s fatiguing to be on high-alert for such a long period of time, but our staff is very resilient. They love what they do, so I think morale is as high as can be expected.”
It helps when even heroes who fly say thank you to heroes on the ground.
Even for a guy named Corona.
“It was just really cool to see the jets go by, as well as being a part of it,” said Corona. “It’s just really awesome.”
