Joe Foss Field static displays get a facelift

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Nancy Ausland
  • 114th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --  Thanks to five very determined Airmen, the static display aircraft at Joe Foss Field, S.D. are getting much needed "facelifts" this summer.

The Airmen, all members of the 114th Maintenance Group, are serving as temporary technicians for the summer to complete the project.  Some are college students and are thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the unit in this way.

"It's been a fun way to spend my summer." said Senior Airman Jake Vollmer.  "I've gotten to work with some other young members of the unit that I wouldn't have normally even met."

Along with Vollmer, the other members working on the project are Senior Airman Constance Weaver, Airman First Class Dylan Abraham, Senior Airman Adam Watson, Airman First Class Cody Barse, and Senior Airman Nicholas Jones.  All are members of shops in the Maintenance Group, but only Jones is actually a member of the Structural Repair shop, which is usually responsible for prepping and painting aircraft.

"It's been a little hot out here this summer, but to see the end result makes it worth all the sweat." stated Vollmer.

Chief Master Sgt. Blake Parke, 114th Maintenance Operations Flight chief, along with Senior Master Sgt. Robert Funk, 114th Fabrications Shop Supervisor, are responsible for the upkeep and appearance of these aircraft.  As the Historical Property Custodians it is up to them to be a sort of curator for these displays.  They are responsible for ensuring the static displays get the required amount of routine maintenance, like washing, painting, or repairing minor issue. 

"The aircraft on display are a view of our past as a unit.  These jets represent the people and equipment that got us here today, and where we go in the future.  It's amazing to witness the pride and professionalism they are putting into the upkeep of these static displays. These Airman are the leaders of tomorrow." said Parke.