Welder in action

Tech. Sgt. Paul Zimmerschied, a welder with the 433rd Maintenance Group at Lackland AFB, welds the metal band around the canister of the Air Force Reserve jet car's exhaust. During Airfest 2006, two of the bands that strengthen the canister where the afterburner is ignited developed tears. With the help of the 433rd MXG metal shop, the jet car was able to continue to perform on the second day. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Master Sergeant Collen McGee)

Metalheads

Sponsored by the Air Force Reserve, Bill Braak, a former Reserve C-141 flight engineer turned driver, appeared at the Lackland AFB Airfest 2006, november 4-5, with his Air Force Reserve Rocket car. The car utilizes a Westinghouse J34-48. Originally used in the North American Buckeye T-2A aircraft. Bill, center is surrounded by the members of the 433rd Maintenance Group sheetmetal shop. The Reservists helped get the car back into action after the first day of performances caused a couple of small tears in the metal bands reenforcing the canister in the aft section of the car.