Whiteman Air Force Base salutes KC’s essential healthcare workers with flyover

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Posted April 30, 2020

Five aircraft took to Kansas City skies on Tuesday morning to salute essential healthcare workers in the greater Kansas City area with a flyover.

Pilots were dispatched from Whiteman Air Force Base, 73 miles outside downtown KC. The pilots helmed one B-2 Spirit stealth bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing, two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and two T-38 Talons.

The flyover was mapped over eight different medical centers and hospitals — Centerpoint Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital North and South, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, St. Luke’s East Hospital, Research Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital Plaza, Western Missouri Medical Center and Bothwell Regional Health Center.

“While defending the homeland has taken a new shape, we are proud to serve alongside those who serve in and out of uniform” Col. Jeffrey Schreiner, 509th Bomb Wing commander, said in a press release. “This flyover is our way of sending a heartfelt salute and ‘Thank You’ to all those on the frontlines in the fight against this virus. Without their dedication and hard work, we would not be able to execute our vital, strategic mission.”

Gallery

  • Two A-10 Thunderbolts cruise over the Country Club Plaza to cheers from watchers on rooftops. Photo by Ben Henschel.
  • The A-10 Thunderbolts cruise over onlookers from the Plaza fountains to the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Photo by Taylor Keal.
  • Four T-38 Talons cruise over a parking garage in the Country Club Plaza, toward St. Luke’s Hospital. Photo by Ben Henschel.
  • A B-2 stealth bomber from the 509th Bomb Squad flies over the Country Club Bank building. Photo by Taylor Keal.
  • A-10 Thundercats fly at moderate speeds over the Plaza. Photo by Kate Nixon.
  • T-38s cruise over St. Luke’s Hopspital. Photo by Taylor Keal.
  • The T-38s cruise eastward past the Plaza on their route, set to circle back around and fly over the Plaza from south Kansas City. Photo by Taylor Keal.
  • The B-2 parts eastward after passing St. Luke’s Hospital. Photo by Sarah Golder.

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Author Spotlight

Ben Henschel

Ben Henschel
(bhenschel.com) Senior Ben Henschel only has a few weeks left on staff, but he's holding on to every minute. As the 2019-20 Kansas Student Journalist of the Year, and runner-up National Journalist of the Year, he designed the current Harbinger site and manages published stories, as well as writing in-depths, local news and op-eds. He also runs broadcasts with the team, taking point on anchoring most games. Henschel is also in charge of promoting published content on The Harbinger's social media platforms. »

Taylor Keal

Taylor Keal
Beginning her third year on the Harbinger staff as a photo mentor, Taylor Keal is excited to get back in the swing of shooting clubs, games, classes, and other east events. Taylor enjoys photography so much that she even started carrying around a small yellow digital camera with her wherever she goes to capture the best moments. When she’s not behind the camera, she is at her studio, Starstruck, dancing. In between dancing and photoing you can find Taylor participating in her other activities which include student store, DECA, SHARE, LINK crew and NHS. Outside of activities, Taylor enjoys hanging out with friends, taking naps, and going to McDonalds. »

Sarah Golder

Sarah Golder
Senior Sarah Golder is super excited to go into her third year on staff and figure out how to be a co-Photo Editor. Along with Harbinger, Sarah is involved in NHS, Youth Against Climate Change Club, JSU, traveling, AP classes, and volunteering at animal shelters being swarmed by super cute puppies. If not out taking photos (@sarahgold.photography ;) ), you could probably find her at a small coffee shop drinking too much caffeine. »

Kate Nixon

Kate Nixon
Kate Nixon is a senior going into her third year on staff. This year, she is a co-head photo editor and involved in swim, Freelancer, Coalition, and Share. Outside of school, she enjoys working with animals, volunteering, and napping. »

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