Aeroshell Aerobatic Team to Fly Tribute for First Responders, Healthcare Workers

On Wednesday, April 15, the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team will perform a flyover of Monroe and West Monroe Louisiana, joined by backseat rider and Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D. As a tribute to first responders and healthcare workers of the community recently hit by severe storms, the formation flight will take place starting at 1:00 PM CST. 

On the heels of a similar flyover of Las Vegas last weekend by the USAF Thunderbirds, the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team hopes to encourage the community by utilizing aviation's unique stage and bringing the airplanes overhead to the community of Monroe. 

The Monroe airport was one of the locations hard hit by the tornado, suffering extensive damage. "After Monroe was struck by tornadoes this weekend, which compounded the difficulties of the coronavirus outbreak, my fellow teammates and I on the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team decided to arrange a flyover of the area to thank our first responders, lift the spirits of our people, and remind everyone that the current situation won't last forever," said Jimmy Fordham, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team pilot. 

Congressman Ralph Abraham followed up, stating "the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team is known around the world as a top-tier group of pilots who take tremendous pride in their work and unique WWII aircraft. This is a great way to thank our first responders and provide a brief yet powerful respite from the difficulties our communities are facing," he said.

"Like everyone else, we want more than anything to get back to work and resume our lives as usual. We deeply appreciate everything our first responders and medical professionals are doing to make that a reality," said Fordham.

The public is encouraged to view the flyover from their homes, in accordance with all local directives currently in place. There will not be any public events at the airport.  

Congressman Ralph Abraham surveys the damage at the Monroe Airport