SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, Pa. - You can see it if you travel Interstate 90, a United States F-94 fighter jet from the Korean War. The plane has been a landmark in the Erie County Memorial Gardens cemetery since 1959.

"People don't know the name of the cemetery," said Joe Monaco, the cemetery's sales and marketing director. "But when you tell them where it is, they go 'oh, where the jet is.'"

But the jet was recently in danger if missing its 57th veterans day in the Erie area. The U.S. Air Force owns the plane, and they require a sponsor to maintain it. So after its current sponsor -- a 91-year-old Erie World War II and Korean War veteran -- could no longer maintain it, the cemetery put the word out that this plane could be taking off.

"I've had calls from all over the United States," said Monaco. "Anybody and everybody has wanted to help with the plane."

Vietnam and U.S. Army veteran Ronald Phillis and members of VFW Post #470 in Erie were among those wanting to help.

"We're trying to give back to the community for our fallen veterans," said Phillis.

Giving back will take some work. Phillis and his fellow VFW members will be responsible for painting the plane, weeding around the tires, and other basic maintenance. He's already getting calls from local ROTC groups, asking to help out.

The plane is essentially gutted, things like the engine are now all gone. But what remains for many veterans and their families are the memories of days gone by.

Phillis and VFW Post 470 members already had insurance on the plane. They also take care of the military flags at the cemetery. They're currently waiting on the Air Force to finalize their sponsorship paperwork.

He hopes by getting other members involved that the fighter jet can serve as a community project, to honor service men and women, on Veterans Day and beyond.

"It's veterans giving back to veterans," said Phillis. "Thank a vet, that's what we're about."