During the 50th anniversary commemoration and the Illinois State Convention of the KWVA on Deptember 15, 2002, a large dedication honored the pioneer jet aviators of the Korean War. An accompanying U.S.A.F. F-86 Saber Jet represented the F-86 flown by Lt. J.W. Hegeler during the Korean War while stationed at K-13 Suwon, South Korea, from Christmas Eve 1952 to November 1953. Lt. Hegeler flew 70 combat missions with the 25th Fighter Intercepter Squadron, 51st Fighter Intercepter Wing, U.S.A.F.