TWIN FALLS — Today was a special day for many healthcare and frontline workers as two A-10 Thunderbolts, and two F-15E Strike Eagles flew over medical centers across Southern Idaho. The flyover path started in Caldwell at 10:00 a.m. and traveled to Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Mountain Home, Ketchum, Sun Valley, Hailey, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Burley and lastly, Twin Falls.
The flyover at St. Luke's Magic Valley hospital occurred just before 11:30 a.m., where members of the public and healthcare professionals stared in awe of the four fighter jets. The goal of the flyover was to support and honor those working to fight the Coronavirus. Many healthcare workers were delighted to witness such a significant token of appreciation.
Valerie Leonard, Director of Nursing and Patient Care at St. Luke's Magic Valley, stated, "It means a lot, and it means more than we thought it would. To have people recognize the work that we do on a daily basis."
Leonard also thought it was important that people should also be reminded to show their support of people who are battling COVID-19. With the hospital's recently implemented, no visitor policy, many of these patients are fighting this disease without family support. The staff has done their best t try and be there for them as much as possible.
Many members of the public observed the flyover and were very glad to witness such a spectacle. They were also pleased to show up and show healthcare workers how much they appreciate their work, yet many were delighted to see the community come together as everyone is going through this pandemic.
Local resident Alisha Baithabong had said, "We are a community that likes to do things together, and that they come out and show their support as well."
The brief moment of appreciation came and went, and now people must focus on continuing their responsibility of living their lives safely. Face-masks, social distancing, and hand hygiene are all encouraged to be practiced by every community member. Valerie Leonard commented on the subject saying, "Our people, in this community, are our last defense against this disease."
