Archive: Around Town

Due to the outpouring of positive feedback that was received upon the completion of "Operation Thanks From Above, Western New York", The National Warplane Museum (NWM) President, Austin Wadsworth has announced plans for another flyover. This mission will take place in the Southern Tier of New York on Saturday, June 6th with a projected take-off time of 10:00a.m. The upcoming flyover will honor first responders, medical personnel and essential workers all across the Southern Tier of New York.

Operation Thanks from Above, Southern Tier will overfly 45 key sites extending from Jamestown east to Binghamton, including the communities of Olean, Wellsville, Hornell, Bath, Corning, Elmira, Cortland, Ithaca, and Watkins Glen. Takeoff from Geneseo is planned for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Planned flyover locations as well as a map are forthcoming.

The NWM's very own Douglas C-47, affectionately named "Whiskey 7" will take to the skies, accompanied by one other aircraft, a P-51 Mustang named "Mad Max." The Douglas C-47 is a WWII veteran and was the lead aircraft in the second wave of the D-Day invasion on June 6th, 1944 over Ste. Mere Eglise, Normandy. The values associated with this aircraft are bravery, sacrifice, honor and hope so it is only fitting that it will lead the way in reminding our local heroes how appreciated they are.

Since the start of the coronavirus, each worker, family, and organization has had to make drastic, unusual, and spontaneous changes to the way that life and business are conducted. On the frontline, we are fortunate to have first responders and essential workers who take risk to ensure that safety, care, and supplies are available to everyone, every day. These heroes accept risk and they expect fatigue.

"We are incredibly honored to take part in yet another flyover mission to show forth our gratitude and support to those on the frontlines. The outpouring of positivity from the community following the first mission has been incredible and we couldn't be more grateful to be a part of this movement," says Todd Cameron who is a key member of the team organizing the mission and the Director of Flight Operations at the NWM.

Residents in the designated areas will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their homes and should maintain all social distancing guidelines during this event. If residents do plan to travel to a designated spot for viewing, we ask that they adhere to all social distancing guidelines and also wear a face covering. As mentioned above, more details about the mission will be released the week of the flyover including a map detailing approximate locations and flyover times.

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