Army provides aerial salute over Central Texas medical complexes

KILLEEN, Texas - The flyover salute involved four helicopters from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade out of Fort Hood. The two Chinooks and two beefed-up Blackhawks took to the Central Texas sky to honor healthcare workers on the COVID-19 frontline.

Just before 10 a.m. Friday morning, after making a pass over St. David's in Georgetown, they flew toward Round Rock's Baylor Scott and White. From there, the aircraft swung over the Ascension Seton Hospital next to the Texas State University medical campus.

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At each location, people came out to watch. Among those in Round Rock were Dirk Lorimier and his sister Linda. "First responders put in so much time and effort, taking care of us all the hospital staff working in the hospitals around the coronavirus every day,” said Lorimier.

Linda added, “They deserve the recognition."

RELATED: Round Rock nurse reacts to Thunderbird flyover salute

Video released by the Army showed the vantage point of the pilots as they flew high above Central Texas. They followed a plan that looped from Temple, South into Williamson County, and back toward Fort Hood. The loop was more than 170 miles long. When the helicopters flew over St. David’s in Round Rock and up US 183.

One mom said she gave chase and described their trip up the roadway. "We were just driving all along the side of them, so that was nice for him to look out the window and see that,” said the mom.

The parking lot in open lots near the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center was filled with people waiting to see the flyby. Lauren Treadaway, who works at the hospital, brought her family. “That was really cool, it was exciting. We rushed in our car and got here as fast as she could,” she said.

Her two sons watched the flyover in their Buzz Lightyear pajamas. "Ummm they were super loud, super cool and loud,” said 5-year-old Lochren.

Older brother Beckett asked his father about the Chinooks. “Dad how big are those with two propellers?” asked Beckett.

The flyovers also took place in Harker Heights, Killeen and Gatesville. The Army crews flew over a total of 17 hospitals and medical care facilities.

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