MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- One Misawa Airman, Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Wickham, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle manager, had a key role in the latest exhibit addition at the Enlisted Heritage Hall at Maxwell Air Force Base's Gunther Annex, Ala.

The exhibit - a Convoy Gun Truck - was unveiled during a ceremony at the museum July 23 and recognizes the role Airmen play supporting convoys in Iraq.

"Before my deployment to Iraq, I visited the U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Ft. Eustis, Va., as part of my training with the Army," said Sergeant Wickham. "While there, I learned that the Army only has one gun truck from the Vietnam War period at the museum. After I returned from Iraq, I realized the gun trucks used by Air Force units in Iraq were being returned to the Army and being replaced with factory produced up-armored trucks. I wondered how anyone would know what our Airmen in the Air Force have done in this war on the ground."

With this thought in mind, he said he contacted the staff at Heritage Hall and they were excited about the idea of adding a gun truck to the museum exhibits. The next issue would be getting the gun truck to the states free of charge.

"It was a challenge, but it was amazing how it all came together," he said. "One person in particular, Ms. Janie Smith, Headquarters, Air Force Material Command made this dream a reality. Her tenacity and enthusiasm convinced the Navy and the civilian shipping company representatives to support the project and transport the truck. So with the help of the Air Force, the Army, the Navy and a civilian shipping company, lots of tedious paperwork and many phone calls, the decommission gun truck finally ended up at the annex."

During a tour at the annex, Senior Master Sgt. Tommy Weaver, 1st Special Operations Logistic Readiness fleet manager Hurlburt Field, Fla., noticed the gun truck and was asked to help with repairs.

"It needed a lot of work and I was asked if my shop could do it," said Sergeant Weaver. "I said we could, but I would have to get my leadership to buy in on the idea and get some volunteers."

The job of restoring the gun truck called for commitment.

"The main reason we committed was ... we have a tremendous amount of our Airmen here in vehicle maintenance and operations who have deployed and either maintained or operated these trucks at their deployed locations," said Sergeant Weaver. "Our vehicle operators here at Hurlburt and all over the Air Force have worked (really hard) and deserve every bit of recognition for driving the most dangerous roads in the world. We just wanted to have a small part in preserving history."

So, from one idea and with everyone's small part, the gun truck is now a static display. Every visitor to the museum will know the story of the Airmen who have served and continue to serve in convoy gun truck units.

"It's really exciting to know that this gun truck is now on display at the museum," said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Hunt, 35th Fighter Wing NCOIC military equal opportunity.

Sergeant Hunt, a former vehicle operator, also served with Sergeant Wickham in the same unit.

"I am definitely proud and honored to have served with all the men and women of my company including Sergeant Wickham," said Sergeant Hunt. "It's great that he had the presence of mind to think about the future and I can't wait to visit the museum and see it for myself."

After two years, the gun truck is now on display at the Enlisted Heritage Hall, the only museum for the enlisted men and women of the Air Force.

"It never occurred to me while serving in combat about making history ... just avoiding (improvised explosive devices), staying alive and accomplishing the mission safely," said Sergeant Wickham. "Although I returned from my deployment to Iraq without any casualties in my unit, my sister units lost two Airmen and I felt there should be some way to honor them. I'm pleased that anyone who visits the museum will know that there were many Airmen involved in the ground war on terrorism and learn about the ones who gave their lives for our country."