Jerry Seelinger, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and former Superintendent of Aero Medical Services for 20 years, spends his lunch hour almost everyday at the Arts & Crafts center at Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) in Missouri. Why the dedication? Seelinger makes stained glass panels that most consider substantial works-of-art.

Seelinger has been creating stained glass pieces for the past five years. He began working with the materials through a class at the Arts & Crafts center. Through the glass art, Seelinger has been able to produce original pieces for family, friends, charity and his own collection.

In 2006, Seelinger created a stained glass piece, measuring one square foot, featuring the Air Force logo and a B2 Aircraft. He donated the art to the 509th Medical Group, where he works as a contractor in data automation managing the clinical health care system. The organization auctioned the piece for $500, which was a sizable donation used to support their holiday party.

“It’s great to be able to use the services and materials available at the Arts & Crafts Center when I create these stained glass pieces,” said Seelinger. “This hobby has been an excellent stress reliever and I am constantly referring my co-workers to the center to take classes, so they also can take advantage of this program.”

For the past two Christmas holidays, he has developed stained glass designs for the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) in Warrensburg for charity. The stained glass pieces are designed around Christmas themes and raffled-off, with proceeds going towards the veterans’ programs at ALA.

To learn more about working with stained glass visit www.stainedglass.org.

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