MANSFIELD, Ohio — The City of Ashland was honored Thursday when the 179th Airlift Wing dedicated one of its eight C-130 Hercules aircraft to the city.
“I’m excited to tell you that the little boy in me is coming out as I stand near this huge mechanical and electronic machine, and our city’s name will be flying around the world on this magnificent plane,” said Ashland Mayor Glen Stewart during the dedication ceremony.
The mayor was joined by many other Ashland officials, as well as a representative of U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs’ office, Ryan Dilworth, who read a proclamation regarding the dedication.
Naming the aircraft in honor of local communities is tradition, according to Wing Commander Col. Gary McCue.
“We did it in ’91 with the original eight C-130s. We were about to do it with the C-27s, but they moved on, but since we’ve gotten the new, old C-130’s we wanted to do it again,” he said previously.
This is the sixth dedication they’ve completed, having previously dedicated aircraft to the Mansfield, Lexington, Clear Fork Valley, Ontario and Shelby communities.
Other communities they plan on paying tribute to include Crestline and Galion.
“It’s a great way to show support to our communities who’ve done nothing but show support for the unit, which has kept us here,” he said.
The two crew chiefs who maintain the C-130 that now bears the name “Spirit of Ashland” are Tech. Sgt. Jason Amert and Staff Sgt. Patrick Malter.
Jane Roland, administrator of the Ashland County Veterans Service Office, also attended the ceremony.
She said, “Little did I know in 1970, when I was a babysitter for Gary McCue, who you know as Col. Gary McCue, that we would be here today honoring Ashland, Ohio–a town that we both called home. I have devoted my career as a veterans’ advocate, and I am so proud of Gary and the man that he has become.
She continued, “I am also proud of the city of Ashland, and the graceful lady that she has become, as we celebrate her bicentennial this year. Ashland is a much different place than it was in 1970. We have had our ups and our downs. Currently businesses are thriving, new businesses are coming into town, Ashland University is opening its doors for yet another year, and downtown Ashland is on the verge of revitalization thanks to a $300,000 grant.
“I am so honored to be here today, and I am so honored to call Ashland, Ohio my hometown.”
