DVIDS – News – Legacy on the wall: retired Airman’s mural honors Rickenbacker ANGB history

Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Johnathan Walker painted a mural inside the passenger terminal over the course of just under a year, finishing in August 2026, as a visual tribute to the rich history of Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
The mural is the Ohio State flag, with Tuskegee Airman General Benjamin Davis Jr., four Women Air Force Service Pilots, and World War I Fighter Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker painted over it. Each of these people or groups ties back to the history of Rickenbacker ANGB.
When asked why he would want to take on such a big project, Walker emphasized the importance of remembering the history that came before him and so many other military members who serve at Rickenbacker today.
“I wanted to keep history going here; a lot of these things people forget about, and I think this is such a big part of what this place was,” said Walker when talking about his motivation behind painting the mural. “I think it’s important to know where we come from and have that history so people don’t forget it.”
Walker did everything himself, from coming up with the design to the final stroke of a paintbrush; he spoke on the process and what it took. First, he researched and found photos of the people he wanted on the mural, said Walker. Next, he drew the design he wanted, then used a projector to project it in full size onto the wall before painting. Finally, he would paint in segments, typically an hour or two at a time until he finished the mural.
“I was doing it on my off time, trying to come in and complete it,” said Walker. “During work hours, we’re busy, so I would do an hour here or there, maybe after work, or come in on a weekend to paint — so definitely a lot of hours.”
On August 8, 2026, Walker retired in front of the mural he had recently finished, concluding a 26-year career with the Air National Guard during which he served as a defender, criminal intelligence analyst, firefighter, recruiter, and most recently the military personnel flight chief. He spoke about what this meant to him, saying, “For me to do it, being able to leave something for other people to appreciate was very nice. It might generate curiosity; someone might see this and ask who these people are. It might drive someone to actually dig in and see who was here before us.”
Walker’s mural now stands as a vibrant reminder of the heroes and history that define Rickenbacker ANGB. His hard work has ensured that the stories of those who came before will continue to inspire all who pass through the PAX terminal. The mural is more than a pretty wall to look at; it’s a tribute to the base’s proud history.