On Thursday around 5:30 pm, two Apache Helicopters from the Mississippi National Guard landed at the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport carrying two awards.
Once the two helicopters landed, the crew presented plaques to Chief Chris Kirksey of the Walnut Ridge Police Department and another to Michelle Anthony, Manager of the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport. The awards were given after a July 2015 incident where one of the military helicopters that fuel at the airport had mechanical problems and was unable to continue on it’s mission.
According to the flight crew, the staff at the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport and the Walnut Ridge Police Department went above and beyond the call of duty. Airport staff did everything in their power to extend the facilities of the airport to the military in their time of need. Walnut Ridge Police provided countless hours of security for the multi-million dollar aircraft.
Mechanics from the Mississippi National Guard were able to repair the aircraft and return it to duty with the assistance of the Walnut Ridge Police Department and the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport. Mayor Charles Snapp along with Walnut Ridge Fire Chief Frank Owens were on hand for the event. Snapp told the pilots that Walnut Ridge was fortunate to have such a great facility and honored to have the military using the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport.
For more information on the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport visit www.walnutridgeairport.com
For more information on the Walnut Ridge Police Department and the City of Walnut Ridge visit www.cityofwalnutridge.com .
For more information on the Walnut Ridge Fire Department visit www.walnutridgefd.com .
