SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- Master Sgt. James Mundy, a member of the 178th Wing, restores aircraft static displays at Springfield Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Aug. 15.
“The static displays are inspectable, heritage items,” said Mundy. “They have to be maintained exactly like they were when they flew.”
Decades ago, the 178th Wing faced a challenge of maintaining flying status aircraft and restoring static displays on base. To solve the dilemma, Mundy was chosen as the man for the repair job.
Each summer, Mundy comes out to the 178th Wing to work on repainting the static displays.
“I’ve been painting these airplanes for as long as I can remember,” said Mundy. “I’m proud to say our static displays out here are some of the nicest in the inventory.”
Although the static displays only need fully restored about every 15 years, Mundy conducts annual touch-ups to ensure the aircraft are in excellent condition.
Mundy joined the Air National Guard in 1984, and originally worked as an aircraft mechanic.
“Those were some of the best years of my life out here in the Guard,” said Mundy.
Mundy’s dedication to his Air Force career and aircraft restoration makes him an integral part of preserving the wing’s history.