Friday afternoon, the Maryland National Guard will fly its A-10 Thunderbolts over much of the state in tribute to health care professionals and first responders.
The community flyover begins at 1:55 p.m. in Frederick and then heads near Damascus, through Wheaton and then Silver Spring, according to Montgomery County Police Commander Darren Francke.
CORRECTION: There is a minor typo in this graphic. Towson's ETA should read 3:12 p.m. NOT 3:16 p.m. All other ETA times are accurate.
— MD National Guard (@MDNG) May 7, 2020
“Our Soldiers and Airmen are proud to serve alongside those on frontlines keeping everyone safe during these challenging times,” said Maj. Gen. Timothy Gowen, adjutant general of Maryland.
“This day is a small way to show our appreciation to everyone that is doing their part to combat the coronavirus. And to everyone who has been impacted by this pandemic, please know we are in this together and we stand with you.”
The flyover will feature a formation of four A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft.
“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the frontline heroes taking care of us and to all of those in essential industries keeping our state moving forward,” said Lt. Col. Paul Kanning, commander of the 175th Operations Group, Maryland Air National Guard. “We want honor how much they mean to the great state of Maryland.”
Md. Air National Guard to fly over Olney today to thank health care workers, first responders and others on front line of fight against COVID-19. Should be over MedStar Montgomery about 2:08 p.m. National Guard says expect some noise as 4 A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft fly over.
— GreaterOlneyNews (@OlneyNews) May 8, 2020
Residents are asked to observe from the safety of their home-quarantine. Marylanders should maintain social distancing and avoid large gatherings.
More than 1,300 members of the Maryland National Guard are supporting the state during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing transportation, commodity distribution, medical augmentation and more.
