STOUGHTON, Wis. — An iconic plane monument outside Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 328 in Stoughton, Wis., was badly damaged after a semi-truck crashed into it Monday night.
Stoughton Police are still working to identify the driver.
The hit-and-run has shaken veterans and community members who value the historic display.
“This plane is a piece of history, so it’s pretty heartbreaking,” Rob Drogsvold, VFW post commander, said.
The 1960s-era T-33 jet now has a cracked wing, twisted metal and a nose planted in the ground.
The monument holds particular significance for Don Wahlin, an Air National Guard veteran who piloted the aircraft during his 23 years of service.
Wahlin, who also founded Stoughton Trailers — a semi-trailer manufacturing company — described his unit’s mission as vital to national defense.
“Our mission at that time was to shoot down Russian bombers as they came across the North Pole,” he said.
The jet was placed at the VFW post years ago, with help from the post and Wahlin’s late wife, after it was retired by the U.S. Air Force. The monument has since become a cherished symbol of service and sacrifice.
Drogsvold expressed the community’s determination to restore the display.
“I know Don’s 100% goal — and I think every member at this post agrees — is to see that plane upright and flying again,” he said.
The post is now working with its insurance provider and The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force to explore repair options.
Despite the setback, VFW Post 328 remains resilient. Drogsvold noted that the post’s newly renovated kitchen has reopened, providing a silver lining.
“People can stop in, see that the plane is down, but also see that we’re still open for business,” he said. “We’ll get through this just like we get through everything else.”
At nearly 90 years old, Wahlin remains optimistic about the future of the monument.
“I didn’t like to see it get knocked down, but I hope to see it back up soon,” he said.