Air Force Memorial: Former Airman contributes to dedication

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The Air Force has always played a large part in Douglas Landgraf's life. So, he sees it as only fitting that he is now playing an important role in the dedication of the Air Force Memorial.

Mr. Landgraf served 11 years as an active duty Airman and he now works as an aircraft mechanic and ramp coordinator as a contracted civilian with the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

This weekend, both of Mr. Landgraf's job titles will make him a vital part of ensuring the dedication ceremonies for the Air Force Memorial are a success. He, and his team, will service, park and provide other support to the numerous aircraft taking part in the dedication ceremony - from F-15s to Ospreys to several vintage fighters and the elite Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

Still, Mr. Landgraf sees his part as nothing more than business as usual.

"Moving transient aircraft and supporting them is pretty much what I do on a day-to-day basis," said the Alexandria, Va., native.

And, seeing as Andrews AFB hosts air shows and open houses on a regular basis, handling the added stress these events often bring with them is also something Mr. Landgraf is familiar with.

He is confident his team will perform as they always do -- perfectly.

"We see air shows and open houses go through here all the time," said Mr. Landgraf. "Heck, on a daily basis we have the President and other dignitaries flying in and out of here. So, performing under pressure is something we're used to."

Mr. Landgraf is happy to be a part of the memorial's dedication. He owes a lot to the Air Force, he said, and knowing he helped make the service's new monument official is something he doesn't take lightly.

"I like to know that even though I'm not enlisted anymore I'm still contributing," he said. "I'm still making a difference in an event so large and so important to the Air Force."