WYOMING, Mich. — Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday to see pilots with the Michigan Air National Guard perform a flyover.
The Michigan National Guard's 127th wing took off from Camp Grayling early Tuesday afternoon before heading over Traverse City.
The wing made it to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans for a flyover at 3:08 p.m. before reaching Metro Health in Wyoming at 3:10 p.m.
Lt Col Bryan Amara, 191st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander with the 127th Wing, spoke to FOX 17 Tuesday afternoon about the flight.
"This is just our way of showing our appreciation. It's also a good opportunity to get some training in we need to," Lt Col Amara said. "We’re constantly deploying in and out of the country."
While the flyover was intended to show support for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the fight against the coronavirus, hundreds of people drove in to watch.
Jenny Ike traveled in from Caledonia with her kids to witness the flyover. “We are definitely feeling the stir crazy at our house, so yes we’re glad to be out in the fresh air," Ike said.
Steve Polega, Chief Nursing Officer at Metro Health - University of Michigan Health, told FOX 17, “Our nurses have been there, they’re always going to be there. They leave their families every night, every weekend, every holiday."
"Nurses were on the frontline before COVID, they’ll be there after COVID. But the response we’ve had from our community is refreshing," Polega said.
The 127th Wing is holding a photo contest for anyone who snapped a picture during the flyover. Head to their Facebook page for more info on how to enter.