F-35 fighter jets flew across Utah and over several hospitals to thank medical workers fighting on the front lines of COVID-19. (Photo: Sean Moody KSL Twitter page)
MURRAY, Utah – Gary Brunson is the Assistant Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. The job can be tough, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
That’s why Brunson and dozens of his co-workers stood outside the hospital Thursday afternoon as the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Squad and the 388th Fighter Wing flew overhead.
“A lot of times, this is kind of a thankless profession. Being on that high alert is very fatiguing, so I think it’s just an opportunity to understand how many people appreciate the efforts of the staff in the emergency room.” Brunson said.
The fighter jets were taking part in the Utah Strong Flyover, a way to thank medical workers who are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
The planes took off from Hill Air Force Base, then flew over hospitals and medical centers in the Davis and Salt Lake areas. From there, the jets went down to St. George then back up to Park City.
Intermountain medical assistant Gil Corona, who used to live near an Air Force base, was impressed with the flyover.
“It was really cool to just see the jets go by. As well as being a part of it, it’s just really awesome,” Corona said.
The jets also flew over veterans’ homes to thank those who’ve served in America’s wars.
The flyover was not just a thank you flight. It also served as practice for the squad.
Even so, Brunson remains grateful.
“We’ve had a lot of outreach from the community, but this is on a bigger scale,” Brunson said.