Thursday, January 13, 2011

** Saskatchewan retrofits plane to replace damaged air ambulance

** US Army base in Kentucky honors memory of fallen combat medic, others

CANADA NEWS

** In response to recent criticism by the NDP opposition party that air ambulance resources were inadequate, the province of Saskatchewan has decided to retrofit a plane to augment its fleet. That is the word from CBC (January 12) which said the aircraft will replace a King Air 200 damaged January 3rd during a snowy landing at Maple Creek Airport. According to the news site, the latest medevac addition is actually a veteran from the government’s air ambulance service. Modifications, including updated equipment, are expected to be completed by this Saturday. The out of commission plane, meanwhile, which sustained a damaged nose and propellers, is being funded for its repairs by an insurance claim.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Fort Campbell, Kentucky will be honoring a combat medic killed in Afghanistan during its monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony for January. The Leaf Chronicle (Jake Lowary/January 11) said the service will pay homage to 14 soldiers in all. Among these is Thomasville, Georgia Specialist Shannon Chihuahua, 25, who was killed by small arms fire November 8 in Wataphur District, Konar Province. Chihuahua, who was with the 101st Airborne Division 1st Brigade Combat Team, had been in the army since July 2008. He leaves behind a wife Kristen, as well as daughters Sophia and Annabelle.