MCUL Newsroom

FreeStar Financial Credit Union Expands Partnership with Selfridge Military Air Museum

FreeStar Financial Credit Union joined the Selfridge Military Air Museum and the Selfridge Base Community Council on Sept. 15 for the official unveiling of a fully restored Curtiss JN-4 biplane, affectionately known as "Jenny."

Widely regarded as the most iconic aircraft of the World War I era, the Curtiss JN-4 was mass-produced by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company beginning in 1915 and served as the primary trainer for an estimated 95% of American WWI pilots. The replica displayed at the museum is similar to the Jenny that completed the first official flight from Selfridge Airfield on July 8, 1917, connecting the aircraft directly to the earliest chapter of the base's history.

Following a three-year restoration, the replica is now permanently installed in the Aviation Education Hangar at the Selfridge Military Air Museum, providing visitors with a new opportunity to engage with the region's military aviation heritage.

During the unveiling ceremony, FreeStar Financial Credit Union and the museum dedicated the Jenny display and an accompanying plaque in honor of Raymond White Jr., chairman of the board at FreeStar Financial Credit Union. White served more than 34 years in the United States Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. He has volunteered in service to the credit union since 1999, first on the Supervisory Committee and later on the Board of Directors.

The dedication recognized White's lifelong commitment to the United States military, Selfridge Air National Guard Base and financial service to the surrounding community, reflecting the longstanding connection between the credit union and the military community it serves.