My crew of seventeen volunteers has now filled all the holes and dents in your Tomcat. We sanded her from nose to tail, your volunteer firefighters graciously rinsed her down, and we began the painting process. Today, the first coats are on, and we are applying her squadron and Navy markings. It has truly been a labor of love.
When I ask these men what motivated them to come, they point to the people of WaKeeney. The fact that such a small town possessed the determination, patriotic pride, and vision to acquire one of our treasured Tomcats, rescue her from obscurity, and place her in a position of honor inspired us all.
That spirit brought volunteers from every corner of the country—from Washington to South Carolina, West Virginia to Colorado, and from Michigan and Delaware to Texas.
Some of these men flew the Tomcat. Others maintained her. Many had no previous connection to the aircraft at all, save for the story of WaKeeney and the pride its citizens have shown in preserving her.
Every one of them came at their own expense and accepted no compensation beyond the opportunity to work on a magnificent old airplane alongside an extraordinary community.
In this day and age, it is easy to become jaded and cynical, to believe that there is no magic left in the world. Yet we found some in WaKeeney.
So, on behalf of the volunteers who had the privilege and honor of working on your Tomcat, we thank you. We celebrate the airplane you saved, the community that cherishes her, and the spirit of patriotism that brought us all together.
May you enjoy a wonderful Fourth of July, knowing that your Tomcat once again stands proudly because of the example you set.
—Hamlin Tallent,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired)
President, F-14 Tomcat Association
SEE RELATED STORY: From carrier deck to Kansas plains: Restoring an F-14 Tomcat in WaKeeney