New Jersey Air National Guard honors health care workers with flyover
TRENTON, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Pilots from the New Jersey Air National Guard flew over New Jersey Tuesday in a salute to front line workers.
F-16's from the 177th Fighter Wing and a KC-135 stratotanker from the 108th Wing zoomed overhead.
On the top level of the parking garage at Jefferson Health Cherry Hill, healthcare workers lined up to watch.
"It's a once in a lifetime event. It's nice to see people support us as healthcare workers and what we do," said Emergency Department Nurse Lucia Demo.
"It means a lot. It gives the associates a moment to pause. And realize what they're doing. It makes an impact for everyone in the community," said Jefferson Cherry Hill Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Dutterer.
Not far from the hospital families gathered to watch. Many wore masks and some brought flags and chairs to watch the flyover.
In Atlantic City spectators came out too, watching the aircraft in formation.
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The tribute was part of a nationwide Air Force Salute, thanking front line workers by flying over testing sites, military and veterans facilities, and hospitals.
"The honor that they are showing us, it's just - it's so humbling. I don't even know how to put it into words," said registered nurse Belinda Myers.
She doesn't normally work in the ICU at Jefferson Cherry Hill, but she raised her hand when the hospital asked for volunteers.
"It's a tragedy. But it's been an amazing experience for all of us because we have all put together and been the team that we knew we were. This has just brought us closer than we have ever been," said Myers.
On Wednesday, the Air Force Reserve's 514th Mobility Wing out of Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst will fly over hospitals in Burlington and Camden Counties.
The Air Force has said these flyovers are training operations for pilots, and do not use any additional resources.
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