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Sheppard AFB salutes area COVID-19 healthcare workers with Spirit of Texoma flyover May 1

  • Published
  • 82nd TRW Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As a tribute to the hard work, commitment and perseverance by area healthcare workers during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Sheppard Air Force Base will give a high-flying “Thank You” Friday, May 1, with Operation Spirit Over Texoma.

Installation and 82nd Training Wing commander Col. Kenyon K. Bell and Col. Russell D. Driggers, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, will team up in true Spirit of Texoma fashion beginning at 4 p.m. A few 80th FTW training aircraft will be on a 1-hour trip around the region for this mission of gratitude called "Operation Spirit Over Texoma."

Here is the tentative flight plan for area residents to follow to see Sheppard’s finest soar overhead. Keep in mind that times are approximate.

Flight plan
4:00-4:10 Take-off from Sheppard AFB
4:10-4:20 Lawton
4:18-4:28 Frederick
4:26-4:36 Electra
4:29-4:39 Iowa Park
4:32-4:42 Burkburnett
4:35-4:45 Wichita Falls & Sheppard AFB

Driggers will lead, while Bell, positioned on top of United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls, will be communicating with the lead aircraft during the flyover.

Col. Clayton Bartels, 80th FTW vice commander, will be at Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma, communicating with the lead aircraft.

Remember to continue to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local social distancing guidelines.

Be sure to tag your pictures and videos with #AirForceSalutes and #SpiritoverTexoma