Seasons change and the mission goes on

A C-40C aircraft belonging to the 932nd Airlift Wing makes its way back to the Air Force Reserve unit in Illinois from a flight, as the leaves of fall begin to change colors near Scott Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Stan Paregien)

Prepping the C-40C for another mission

Airman First Class Tracy Pullen, 932nd Maintenance Squadron crew chief, stands before a shining C-40C aircraft belonging to the Air Force Reserce Command unit at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Among many duties, he works on scanning systems in the cockpit to check for faults and engine readiness before flights. "I love working on these planes," said Airman Pullen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Stan Paregien)

The key to VC-9 73-1682

Col. Bill Edwards, 932nd Airllift Wing commander, hands the aircraft ceremonial key to AMC Museum director Michael Leister at Dover Air Force Base, Del. VC-9 73-1862 was delivered to the Museum by the 932nd AW on Aug. 18. The aircraft, also known as Air Force Two, was piloted by Lt. Col. Rick Eccher, who brought her in for smooth landing at 1 p.m. The aircraft saw service in four decades escorting vice-presidents, first ladies and other U.S. dignataries. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Dan Oliver)

Standing by for the next mission

A C-40C is chocked and checked in between missions as it gets ready to go do the nation's business again. The 932nd Airlift Wing maintains three of the aircraft to travel worldwide as requested transporting high level distinguished visitor missions. The Air Force Reserve wing is stationed at Scott Air Force Base near Belleville, Ill. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Stan Paregien)

C-9 Departure

A C-9C from the Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing travels between runways as it prepares to fly to Dover Air Force Base on August 18, 2011. Once used to fly distinguished guests, it will now become a part of the Air Mobility Command Museum in Delaware. (U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Christopher Parr)

The C-40C and the wild blue yonder

A scale model C-40 rests on its perch outside the 932nd Operations Group building. The model has a 16-foot wing span and weighs 250 pounds. The project took more than a year to design, procure and deliver to the 932nd Airlift Wing. The 932nd AW provides first-class airlift for congressional and military leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Stan Paregien.