Helicopters Flying Over Austin Merely Practice Drills (Updated)

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Given the tension of the times, military Apache attack helicopters seen flying over much of Austin on Thursday sparked some measure of alarm among residents. Relax, military officials said: It's just a practice run for a war hero's burial service at Fort Hood.

Richard Overton died Dec. 27 at the age of 112. Born near Bastrop, Texas, on May 11, 1906, Overton served a three-year stint in the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought in the 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion during WWII, serving as a corporal in the South Pacific. Overton joined his all-black military unit in 1942, and became a skilled sharpshooter.

He was widely revered, not just for his war exploits but as an East Austin neighborhood fixture. Visitors would often drop by to meet Overton, who could usually be found on the porch of his home while smoking a cigar. He's to be buried on Saturday.

Related story: Nation's Oldest WWII Veteran Dies In Austin At 112

Earlier reports indicated the helicopters — spotted flying above Central Austin as well as eastern and southern portions of the city — were practicing for a Saturday ceremony commemorating Maj. Gen. Tracy R. Norris taking the Texas Military Department command reins from Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols. The ceremony is scheduled at 10 a.m. at the camp located on 2200 West 35th St.

The ceremony follows the gubernatorial appointment of Norris in December as adjutant general of Texas after Nichols announced his retirement in November. In being appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Nichols became the first woman adjutant general in Texas history.

Whatever the reason for the flights, it's no reason for panic. So relax, citizens. The city is not under attack. Don't take our word for it; read the Texas Military Department tweets below to be fully comforted:

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>>> Image via Texas Military Command