Missing from the park’s landscape in recent months has been the UH-IH Huey Helicopter that had been on display for many years between the VFW Hall and a military tank at the park.

Crews removed the helicopter in June so that it could be restored. Now that the restoration project has been completed, the Vietnam-era chopper is back at its perch in the park.

A crane moved the helicopter back into place Sept. 12 as crowds looked on during the process.

After many volunteer hours and donated funds tail number 267 is back in its place of honor.

According to Andy Burke with Tonganoxie VFW Post 9271, the VFW wanted to thank Tri-Hull Crane, Pretech Corporation, Ad Astra Custom Shop, Tonganoxie Fire Department, the Combat Air Museum, Himpel Lumber, Northwest Helicopter and Chester Pickens for all their many contributions.

The helicopter has been part of the park for just more than 20 years.

According to a Mirror story in June 2002, members of Tonganoxie’s VFW Post watched as Erik Crain unloaded the Huey helicopter at the VFW Park. Per the story, the veterans plan to paint the helicopter and put it on display in the park.

The helicopter, of course, has been on display at the park since then.

A full article with dates for the rededication ceremony will be provided in a future print edition of the Mirror.