Local News
Submitted Photo
Eldon Joersz, a retired Air Force major general, left, visits with U.S. Sen. John Hoeven at a celebration of Joersz’s airspeed record in 1976 in an SR-71 Blackbird at a ceremony in his hometown of Hazen Friday, Oct. 23.
HAZEN – The Hazen community dedicated a sculpture Friday, Oct. 23, to a native son who piloted an Air Force jet to a world airspeed record 50 years ago.
Ret. Maj. Gen. Eldon Joersz was honored at a ceremony that included the dedication of an SR-71 Blackbird sculpture. On July 28, 1976, Joersz, then a captain, and Maj. George Morgan set the airspeed record of 2,193 mph, Mach 3.3. The Lockheed SR-71 remains the world’s fastest jet aircraft, and the speed record still stands.
Joersz went on to command Air Force units across the country, including the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base. He also served in Vietnam, where he flew 158 combat missions.
“Today we welcome home General Joersz, and we show our appreciation for him with the unveiling of this sculpture,” said U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, who attended the event. “He represents the best of us with his willingness to serve, his dedication to state and nation, his record of excellence and the bravery he displayed in the face of uncertainty. To the City of Hazen and all the partners who worked to make this day possible, thank you for your commitment to your community and to honoring a great man whose impact will not soon be forgotten.”
U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, also attended the event.
Joersz, who lives in McKinney, Texas, graduated from Hazen High School and attended North Dakota State University, where he was commissioned into the Air Force through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). He retired from the Air Force in 1997, after three decades of service.
The cost of the 14-foot by 26-foot replica and monument totaled about $180,000. The project was made possible through the efforts of the Hazen Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, the City of Hazen, Hazen Community Development and many friends and family members of Joersz.
