Allina staff,

other responders plan to watch

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota National Guard along with the 934th Air Wing of the Air Force Reserve will conduct additional statewide flyovers in recognition of those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response as part of Operation American Resolve.

“Last week’s flyovers were an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight,” said Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. “We chose several hospitals as flyover points, but it is truly only a symbolic gesture, as the intent isn’t to honor only those facilities, but all the essential workers statewide. Whether you are a medical provider or a meat packing employee; a teacher or gas station attendant; an emergency responder or a garbage collector, your work and the care you provide have kept our state safe and functioning. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.”

“We are proud to extend our gratitude across Minnesota and honor those who have been working non-stop to keep our community safe by thanking them with this series of flyovers,” said Col. Chris Lay, 934th Airlift Wing commander. “Together with our Air National Guard partners, we want Minnesotans to know that this American Resolve is a tribute to the spirit instilled within our Nation and we will prevail beyond this difficult time.”

The schedule calls for the flights to pass over the Mayo Clinic Mankato between 12:15 and 12:35 p.m., traveling northeast to southwest. The flight will pass over New Ulm Medical Center between 12:25 and 12:45 p.m., traveling southeast to northwest, and over the Redwood Hospital in Redwood Falls between 12:30 and 12:50 p.m., traveling southeast to west.

New Ulm Medical Center staff, Allina Health EMS, New Ulm police and fire, and county sheriff’s deputies will gather at 12:25 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, along 8th Street, by New Ulm Medical center to observe the flyover, said an Allina press release. Between 100 and 150 observers are expected to be on hand to witness the flyover.

EMS, police, fire and sheriff’s vehicles will have their lights flashing and hospital officials want the public to know that the hospital is still open to everyone, said Allina.

The aircraft flying these missions will be combinations of F-16 Fighting Falcon and C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth, and the 133rd Airlift Wing out of Saint Paul, as well as from the Air Force Reserve’s 934th Airlift Wing.