Thank you to everyone who participated in an outstanding Veteran’s Day parade and ceremony on Thursday. Our two special guests, Dennis Bankson and Tim Messett, shared their incredible story about being helicopter pilots during the Vietnam War. Bankson flew the very same helicopter that is on display at our veteran’s park, while Messett was one of the pilots who flew in a rescue attempt when Bankson was hit. They spoke of the close brotherhood they shared with their fellow soldiers and their strong commitment to protecting each other. Helicopters played an incredibly important role in the Vietnam War, Messett said, and helicopter pilots experienced some of the highest casualty rates. Bankson compared seeing the Huey on display to seeing a ghost.
In a show of support, several more pilots and gunners who served with Bankson and Messett – Allen Neher, Herb Jenssen, Henry Rhea and John Van-Riper – all joined us in Carlsbad this week to participate in this ceremony. Thank you to everyone who visited Carlsbad and our beautiful veteran’s park this weekend. Finally, thanks again to Steve Angell, Alberto Villegas, Sam Plumlee and everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s event one of the best Veteran’s Day celebrations we’ve ever had.
We’ve received some concerning news recently concerning COVID-19. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state have been climbing over the past couple weeks. Additionally, the number of COVID-19 patients in our hospital has gone up significantly over the past two weeks, and more than 90% of those hospitalized due to COVID-19 are those who are unvaccinated, according to hospital officials. While we all want to get back to normal in every way possible, please don’t forget that the risk of COVID-19 still exists.
In partnership with the DOH and Eddy County, vaccination clinics are still being held every Monday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center (4012 National Parks Highway). This includes booster shots. To register, please visit https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/my-registration.html
COVID-19 tests are being offered at the civic center on Monday as well, and at the college on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance with testing or the vaccination process.
A Carlsbad job fair is planned for next Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pecos River Village Conference Center, 711 Muscatel Drive. The job fair is being organized by New Mexico Workforce Connections, the Carlsbad Department of Development and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by 92.9 The Brand. Thank you for helping get word out about anyone who is interested in this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway