Illinois National Guard Troops Welcomed Home at Mount Vernon Outland Airport: Highlights

By Carmelo Turdo

Members of the IL Army National Guard were welcomed back at Mount Vernon Outland Airport upon their return from a training deployment last Thursday. The troops arrived in three Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft flown by the IL Air National Guard 182nd Airlift Wing based in Peoria, IL (two flights with each aircraft). Airport Manager Chris Collins assembled a great team of staff and volunteers to safely direct and park the aircraft. The troops were greeted at the terminal by a unit of Young Marines and ushered to waiting coaches for the remainder of the trip. The Aero Experience was on site to capture the arrivals, and we can now share some of the photos here.  

Special thanks to Mount Vernon Outland Airport management and the IL Air National Guard for their hospitality and professionalism in all they do.