HISTORIC F-111 AT HENDERSON PARK GETTING CLEANING, FRESH PAINT
The F-111 fighter jet at Henderson Park in Brenham is getting a touch-up.
The Washington County Veterans Association, who handles maintenance for the Vietnam-era jet on display across from the American Legion Hall, is collaborating with the City of Brenham and Steele Pro Wash to clean off the jet and add new paint.
Project manager Don Holley, a member of the WCVA and Brenham VFW Post 7104, says the work will help bring some new life to the historic aircraft.
The fighter jet was dedicated in November 2018 and bears the names of Captain Robert Sponeybarger and 1st Lieutenant Bill Wilson, whose F-111 was shot down over Hanoi in 1972. The two successfully ejected, but were captured and held as POWs until the end of the war. The jet on display in Brenham bears the tail number of their jet that went down in Vietnam.
Holley says the F-111 has been a big asset for Henderson Park.
Holley thanks Matt Steele, Jared Campbell and Jeff Fillmore of Steele Pro Wash for contributing their services, as well as the City of Brenham and Sean Church for lending a bucket truck. He also thanks Public Works Director Dane Rau and Mayor Atwood Kenjura, saying the city has been “super helpful” and is quick to provide whatever is needed.
Anyone interested in helping with ongoing maintenance for the aircraft can reach out to the VFW Post.