NEWS

Airing their thanks

FLIPPING OUT FOR THE GUARD: Physical therapist and fitness trainer Erica Migneault was among the hospital staff who watched the National Guard parade, but she was the only one to do a back flip in response.

THE REAL HEROES:The National Guard paraded past Kent Hospital in a show of appreciation for the heroes – both caregivers and patients – fighting the coronavirus.

SALUTE FROM THE AIR: A National Guard Blackhawk lingered over Kent as personnel on the ground drove by the hospital.

RECORDING THE OCCASION: Hospital staff members acknowledge last Thursday’s demonstration of appreciation by the Rhode Island National Guard.

FLY OVER: A C130J operated by the National Guard flew over the route that Guard vehicles followed in driving by Kent Hospital

SAYING THANK YOU: There was no missing the intention of the visit by members of the National Guard by air and land.

Posted Wednesday, May 20, 2020 1:00 pm

By JOHN HOWELL

They have come by jeep, tow truck, classic car, fire truck, police cruiser, and even on four paws to show their appreciation for the work being done by the staff at Kent Hospital.

On May 14, the Rhode Island National Guard came by land and air to join in support of those on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19.

The flyover by a C130J was quick. The four-engine transport plane followed the route of camouflaged personnel carriers, which carried members of the Guard waving placards of thanks as they passed the hospital on Toll Gate Road in Warwick.

Meanwhile a Blackhawk helicopter circled above as nurses, doctors and hospital administrators enjoyed the sunny day, waved, clicked photos and took a breather.

It was another in a series of parades that have brought out the community in support of a fight against an unseen enemy – one that has forced us apart yet underscored how vital it is that we work together.

(Text and photos by John Howell)