U.S. Air Force photo Union Local will soon feature a retired F-16 Thunderbird jet on its campus.

Union Local High School soon will feature an actual jet on its campus.

The Union Local Afterburner Committee announced Monday its official acquisition of a retired United States Air Force F-16 Thunderbird Jet, which will be permanently displayed on campus as a tribute to American military service, aviation history, and community spirit reflecting the official mascot of the school.

This effort began in 2018, when local community members, including President Dirk Davis, Pete Busack and the late Scott Mumper, initiated the process to secure a retired military aircraft for display. Through a series of introductions and tireless coordination, including with the Navy Yard in Washington D.C., Naval Air Station Pensacola, and ultimately Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Union Local submitted a formal request for an F-16.

Melissa Shaw, Static Display Program Coordinator, and Mark J. Wertheimer, Museum Curator, both with The United States Air Force, were instrumental in guiding the process. In August 2021, the Air Force approved Union Local’s application, setting the stage for years of preparation and fundraising.

Construction of a pedestal to support the jet began in July 2024 by Richard Pryor of Buckeye Steel, and was completed later that fall with installation by John Tressel of The Tressel Company. Following a successful presentation to Air Force officials in late 2024, Union Local moved from #53 on the waiting list to the #1 position by December, and communications with Worldwide Aircraft Recovery for transportation to Ohio beginning soon after.

The project reached a milestone on June 3, 2025, when Union Local was officially awarded a retired F-16 Thunderbird Jet–a celebrated aircraft once part of the Air Force’s elite demonstration squadron.

“This is more than just a plane — it’s a symbol of perseverance, patriotism, and pride for the students and the entire community,” said Busack.

Those wishing to donate to this project may send a check made payable to Union Local Afterburners P.O. Box 416 Bethesda, OH 43719. Donors will be recognized on the plaza wall.