Kyle Swanson is honored for his military service at the Minden Airshow. Photo/Molly Hucklebridge Coolidge

Local doctor Kyle Swanson was recognized this month for his military service and medical accomplishments.

During Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Swanson served in the Army and performed surgeries on soldiers and Afghan civilians injured during the conflict. He is now an orthopedic surgeon with Barton’s Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Carson City and South Lake Tahoe.

During the Minden Airshow he was selected as a Hometown Hero. His reward? A ride in an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

He was given four hours of training, which included special breathing techniques and emergency preparedness.

The flight took off from Minden-Tahoe Airport and lasted 60 minutes with pilot Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh. Walsh said it was a “maximum flight” with “maximum turns.” In one instance, the pair completed 9.3 rotations. 

Hometown Heroes are selected from around the world with usually one hero and one flight chosen per an airshow.