By SALINA POST
On behalf of Salina Post Happy Fourth of July!
In a Fourth of July celebration on Wednesday, Colonel Patrik Goss of the Army National Guard and his crew landed their Blackhawk helicopter on the 9th hole of the GreatLIFE Salina Golf Course.
Even as a light drizzle started to fall, many spectators dressed in red white and blue waved American flags and looked upwards, waiting to see the Blackhawk helicopter come into view.
In an impressive low-altitude maneuver, Goss landed precisely at the 9th hole to the sounds of cheers and applause.
Colonel Goss and his crew stayed for several hours, allowing everyone attending to get up close and personally view the helicopter. Families, children, and golf enthusiasts took turns exploring the aircraft, taking photos, and speaking with the crew.
"I was golfing one day at a Veterans Affairs Golf Tournament, and they asked us about the Fourth of July event; could we bring the helicopter up, because obviously today is the day to do it —we're celebrating America's birthday," said Colonel Goss. " I did some checking, did some paperwork, got the right approvals and permissions to land and here we are."
The event was organized as part of the Independence Day festivities and an approximately 45-minute firework display at GreatLIFE Salina, 1800 South Marymount Road.
Colonel Goss expressed his connection and love of the Salina community.
"We live in small-town America, which I absolutely love. This has been my home for 30 years and I know almost everybody standing around me out here. It's amazing," Goss said.
Goss has served for 35 years with 10 years in the Marine Corps and 25 years in the Army Guard. He also served as a Salina Police Officer for a decade.
"I love this town. It's a great town, and when I got the opportunity to work full time and fly helicopters. I had to take it, but amazingly enough, I did it right here in Salina, Kansas," Goss said.
He also spoke about the importance of engaging with the younger generation.
"When I was a little kid, you got to see them [helicopters], never climb in touch them. When we've been to State Fair and other places, it takes us a bit longer to get it started after since we got to put all the buttons and switches back where they go," Goss said jokingly. "We let them climb in and really feel it. Some of these young men and women out there who are maybe eight or nine years old may take my job someday."
Kelley Friend, the GreatLIFE Golf Course Superintendent, explained how the idea came about.
"A couple of months ago, my better half Marjorie [GreatLIFE Salina General Manager] said, 'Oh, it'd be really cool if we could get Colonel Goss to bring his work vehicle,'" Friend said. "So all we did was ask, and it was from there we had no idea. It was like asking for a million dollars. You don't think you're going to get it."
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Happy Fourth of July from the Salina Post Newsroom! Today, as we celebrate our nation's independence, let's cherish the values of freedom, unity, and community. Wishing everyone a joyful and safe holiday filled with laughter, good company, and great food.