Apache Army Attack Helicopters Land at Mena Airport

BY MELANIE BUCK –

A flight of six Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters made a fuel stop in Mena on Thursday, March 2, 2017.  The aircraft were en route from Fort Campbell, Kentucky to Fort Hood near Kileen, Texas. The pilots enjoyed lunch at a nearby restaurant in Mena. One of the pilots mentioned they will be making a return trip on April 15 and plan to again stop for fuel in Mena.

Airport Manager Fred Ogden explained the economical importance of such a stop in the area. “Each chopper had a crew of two. That’s 12 lunches sold locally and 12 people that may tell fellow pilots what a great place Mena is to stop and refuel.  As far as fuel, that was about 300 gallons per aircraft, or 1800 gallons total, at about $4.00/gallon, on which the City of Mena collects a tax and the local FBO operator will earn a profit. This is money that will circulate though the local economy.”

Ogden added, “Most of all, it’s good to know this airport can be of service to the young men and women who take the fight to ISIS.”

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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