The mission of the Post 533 F4D Restoration Committee was to restore a piece of history, not only for the Air Force, but also for Bastrop County and the Legion Post 533.

 

This war jet sits in front of the James H. Perkins American Legion Post 533 in Bastrop, just across from Bastrop State Park. Until recently, it had been quietly maintained by the Post, blending into the background so much so that those who drive by often miss it. But now some caring individuals have come together as a committee in an effort to restore the jet to its original beauty and to recognize its contribution to the United States through a Texas Historical Commission “Undertold Story” marker.

 

This jet initially flew combat missions in Vietnam in 1966-67. It went to Okinawa and to Europe. It was decommissioned at Bergstrom Air Force Base and slated for the scrap pile until the American Legion started a drive and succeeded in having it relocated, on loan, to Post 533 in Bastrop. And now the American Legion would very much like to restore the plane. The committee needs approximately $16,000 to accomplish their goal.

 

The F4D Jet “Go Fund Me” page reads, “It has come the time that we must invest a considerable amount to repaint and refurbish this ‘lady.’ We are planning to repaint it in its original camouflage scheme, just as it was in Vietnam. We have the qualified personnel on board for this project and we want to do this war bird justice and show her pride in her history. We appreciate all efforts and, as always, she will be sitting proud and on display for all to see.”

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While the Post 533 F4D Restoration Committee works toward its goal to restore the plane, the BCHC will work toward an Undertold Story Marker to acknowledge her contribution to our history.

 

Click here to see the Facebook page regarding the Post 533 F4D Restoration.

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ELGIN COURIER:

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Wednesday, October 17, 2018

By Cindye Ginsel

American Legion Post 533 war jet is restored

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A war jet sits in front of the James H. Perkins American Legion Post 533 in Bastrop, just across from Bastrop State Park. Until recently, it had been quietly maintained by the Post, blending into the background so much so that it often went unnoticed. But some caring individuals came together to form the Post 533 F4D Restoration Committee. Its mission was to restore a piece of history, not only for the Air Force, but also for Bastrop County and the Legion Post 533.

 

This jet initially flew combat missions in Danang, Vietnam from 1968 to the early 1970s. It went to Okinawa and to Europe. It was decommissioned at Bergstrom Air Force Base and slated for the scrap pile until the American Legion started a drive and succeeded in having it relocated, on loan, to Post 533 in Bastrop.

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American Legion Commander Robert Quintanilla and First Vice Commander Ken Anderson oversee maintenance of the war plane while Commissioner Mel Hamner; Bastrop Police Chief James Altgelt; Trey Job, Managing Director of Public Works & Leisure Services for the City of Bastrop; Bastrop Chamber President Becki Womble and singer Joni Rae Jack comprised the restoration committee. Dave Coker, current financial officer for the American Post 533, served as the project manager for painting and landscaping

 

The F4D Jet "Go Fund Me" page read, "It has come time that we must invest a considerable amount to repaint and refurnish this 'Lady.'

We are planning to repaint it in its original camouflage scheme, just as it was in Vietnam. We have the qualified personn3el on board for this project and we want to do this war bird justice and show our pride in her history. We appreciate all efforts and, as always, she will be sitting proud and on display for all to see." Together, local businesses and the community raised nearly $20,000 to restore the jet to its original beauty and to recognize its contribution to the United States. The appointing was nearly completed this past weekend. All that remains is to paint the underbelly of the plane.

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Commissioner Mel Hamner, said, "It was a pleasure to work with the American Legion Committee that included both Becki Womble and Joni Rae Jack from the Chamber of Commerce to put together the dinner, speaker and auction necessary to raise the needed funds to return our fighting lady to her former splendor! She can now stand out as one of Bastrop's favorite landmarks."