– Operation Razorback – Local pilots take supplies to hurricane victims

By REVIS BLAYLOCK

NEA Town Courier

Billy Curl of Blytheville was contacted by a friend who was talking about the devastation at Greenville, Tenn., left by Hurricane Helene. The area was cut off due to the hurricane and the only way to get supplies in was by air.

It only took getting the word out and Blytheville businesses and citizens filled the trailer and a van in four hours. Pilots Sam Jackson and Billy Curl load the planes on Wednesday evening. (Photos By Revis Blaylock)

Curl made a few contacts and several local pilots decided to put action on their concerns.

The volunteers decided to call their mission Operation Razorback.

Once the word was out of their plans to transport needed supplies by air, Curl said the local businesses and citizens answered the call. A trailer was parked at the Blytheville Chamber of Commerce parking lot and within four hours it was filled and more supplies filled a van.

The group gathered on Wednesday evening to load their planes for take off early Thursday morning.

It took some planning, but it all fell into place. Curl said they had to be in compliance and made contact with the proper agencies to be able to fly into the Greenville Airport. The 386 mile trip will take about two hours and 45 minutes.

Local pilots making the humanitarian flight include Curl, Mike Jacques, Danny Query, Greg Hart, Sam Jackson and Rhett Morphis.

John Hickson and Gabrielle Curl came from Memphis to assist in the project and accompany the pilots on the trip.

Mayor Melisa Logan was on hand Thursday morning to thank the pilots and volunteers for their efforts and expressed her appreciation to everyone who donated items.

The pilots are looking at a second trip in the near future to deliver needed supplies to the area.