Jet Will Soar at Union Local High School
After a long battle to bring a jet to Union Local High school, an Air Force jet left its home at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas on November 11. Currently residing in Bellevue, Nebraska at Worldwide Aircraft Corporation, it will be making its way to Ohio with an estimated arrival in the spring of 2026. Chairwoman of the UL Afterburners, Taylore Frasnelly shared the dedication of the jet will take place on June 22, 2026.
According to Frasnelly, the group has been working on the $125,000 project to install a retired U.S. Air Force F-16 jet at the school since 2018 when the Afterburners applied for a jet with the U.S. Navy and Air Force. The USAF approved the committee’s request for an F-16 fighter jet in 2021. President of the committee, Dirk Davis, set plans in motion and brought the team together.
The committee has raised about $92,000 through donations and fundraising so far to bring the jet to the school, install the aircraft on a stand and construct a plaza. Any remaining funds will go toward perpetual care and the dedication ceremony next summer.
T.J. Jefferis Construction, contractor John Tressel and Richard Pryor from Buckeye Steel Construction installed the pedestal for the jet last November.
According to the group’s Facebook page, while in Nebraska “specialists will fabricate and install a custom trunnion stand which will allow the airframe to be properly mounted to the top of the pedestal at Union Local School. This stage is essential to ensuring a secure, long-term static display that honors the aircraft’s heritage”.
The UL Jets Afterburners raised more than $90,000 to bring a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet to the school. Photo provided by UL Jets Afterburners.
The U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet coming to Union Local Schools left the Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas on Nov. 11 and is now in the hands of Worldwide Aircraft Corporation in Bellevue, Neb. Photo provided by UL Jets Afterburners.
“We’re very excited for not only the jet to be a display of the sacrifices and commitments that those have made to our country, but also the representation of what teamwork will get you,” Frasnelly said. “Regardless of how small your group is, together you can do anything.”
Frasnelly and committee member Pete Busack said the Union Local School District has been very supportive, stating the staff recognizes the effort and is appreciative of what the committee is trying to do for the community. Frasnelly added positive reactions from the community have given the group motivation to keep the project going.
Busack said outside of an Air Force base or a museum, no one else has this plane anywhere in the United States.
The two described the project as historic, noting that the USAF is providing it as a gift because it will be visible to the 55,000 drivers who travel Interstate 70 each day. Busack said the jet will appear to be “flying” toward eastbound drivers. Additionally, nearly 9,000 vehicles pass by the school on SR 149 daily, also with a clear view of the aircraft.
Frasnelly emphasized that donations, not taxpayer dollars, are making this project possible. The plane, however, will remain the property of the United States Air Force and will be on loan.
Those wishing to donate to the project may send a check made payable to Union Local Afterburners P.O. Box 416 Bethesda, OH 43719. Donors will be recognized on the wall planned for the plaza.
The community can follow updates on the project on the group’s Facebook page.
A stand is in place for a U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet that will be displayed in front of the Union Local School complex. ©Barnesville Area News Company photo.
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