Inclement weather caused the Fort Worth event to be canceled, but the skies cleared just in time for Operation Airdrop to take place in the parking lot of Globe Life Field. President of the All Veteran Group and retired U.S. Army Golden Knight Mike Elliott and his team skydived from 10,000 feet with thank you banners, military banners and a 1,000 sq. Foot American flag in tow. This heartwarming tribute also featured sky-typing aircraft that drew a 2-mile-wide heart in the sky. The heart drawn in the air symbolized the loving appreciation we all feel for our healthcare workers, first responders and fallen military heroes.
“We had some weather this afternoon, but just like an everyday soldier, we never quit. We maintained focus and made it happen,” said Mike Elliott. “We want to say thank you to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thanks to the families that supported them. Thank you to all of the healthcare workers that are risking their lives daily to making this world a better place”
The weather did not stop members of the community from honoring our nation’s heroes. The event had an overwhelming amount of support from leaders within the community and brave people who have served. Attendees included two Medal of Honor recipients – Mike Thorton and Doc Ballard, Medal of Honor Museum CEO Joe Daniels, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, AirPower Foundation Chairman Sid Eppes, Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Ron Price as well as Chamber President & CEO Michael Jacobson and Chair of the Chamber’s Veteran’s Business Council Jack Webb.
“Greater Arlington is a safe place to live, work and do business because of our heroes. I am grateful to the Airpower Foundation for bringing us together and making this meaningful event possible,” said Michael Jacobson, President & CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
“It meant a tremendous amount to me to see these veterans come out and put on this display, no matter what the weather, for all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our country, “ said Chair of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Veterans Business Council Jack Webb. “[This event is] not only for those that didn’t return home but to those families who did not have that loved one return home to them – the gold medal families, the husbands and wives, the children, the brothers and sisters and moms and dads that gave up a family member for this country. We are seeing that today with our medical folks that are out there on the front lines willing to sacrifice all.”
This touching demonstration was made possible by the Airpower Foundation and its partners: The All Veteran Group, Fort Worth Oral Surgery, Baylor, Harris, JPS, Tarrant Regional Water District, Bell Fort Worth Alliance Airshow, Alliance Aviation Service, The Vintage Flying Museum, The Texas Rangers, The City of Fort Worth, and The City of Arlington.