139th Airlift Wing Commander

04/19/2026

Could not be prouder of these Airmen.

Please help me congratulate our 139th AW MO Air National Guard State level recipients.

Congratulations MSgt Steffi Power, MSgt Kiley Hickok Gibson and SSgt Elizabeth Huey.

04/12/2026

Incredibly proud to have been invited to the Pentagon this week.

We got an opportunity to brief at the highest echelon of Air Force leadership and to the Indian Air Force about the magic we do at the 139th Airlift Wing and AATTC.

“Rosie’s Corn Patch” makes world wide impact!!!

Link in the comments.

04/10/2026

Come have coffee with us in the morning.

I have a few updates from my trip to DC this week.

03/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AkUAyLPeV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Heavy Heart. Please pray for the Guard family and all involved.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of three Airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow Airmen who mourn their loss. On March 12, 2026, they were among the six Airmen on a KC-135 Stratotanker that went down in western Iraq while flying a combat mission in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. The incident occurred in friendly airspace involving two aircraft during Operation Epic Fury. We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization. Additionally, we ask that you respect the family's wishes and provide them with space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.

02/21/2026

Great article by our own SMSgt Crane. The CRI was a grind but the team crushed it!!

Readiness is the Standard

Airmen of the Missouri National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing proved readiness under pressure during a combat inspection, meeting strict standards to deploy and operate effectively in a contested environment.

LEARN MORE:
https://www.ang.af.mil/Media/Article-Display/Article/4383674/139th-airlift-wing-demonstrates-readiness-during-combat-readiness-inspection/

01/23/2026

🔥💪 Absolute warrior mentality on display.
During our combat readiness inspection our Airmen trained in scenarios where air superiority and communications could not be assumed. Faced with simulated chemical attacks ☣️, cyber disruptions 💻 and degraded operations 📡, Airmen adapted and executed the mission, demonstrating an absolute warrior mentality required in today’s fight.

“Preparation and ex*****on validated our status as a premier C-130 wing in the Air National Guard.” - Col. Barrett Golden, 139th Airlift Wing Commander.

The 139th Airlift Wing conducted a combat readiness inspection Jan. 9–11, 2026, at Rosecrans National Guard Base, testing the wing’s ability to deploy and operate in a contested environment

01/14/2026

Incredibly honored to be a part of the Governor's Prayer Breakfast this morning and share Bible verse in the program.

Gov Kehoe has been a wonderful support and advocate for the 139th Airlift Wing and St Joseph, MO and it was wonderful to meet him again and be part of this program.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬"

01/13/2026

Team 139,

I am extremely proud of the entire 139th Airlift Wing for your exceptional performance during the recent Combat Readiness Inspection (CRI), culminating in the successful generate phase on 11 Jan 2026. It was a grueling 36 hours in 3 days, and I continue to get feedback from the inspectors that attitudes and efforts remained high.

You executed rapid mobilization, aircraft generation, and sustainment operations in severely contested scenarios, and all supporting operations with precision, discipline, and unmatched teamwork. Inspectors consistently praised the professionalism and combat-ready posture that define the Fighting 139th.

This was a total-Wing effort and every section contributed seamlessly. Your preparation and ex*****on validated our status as a premier C-130 Wing in the Air National Guard. Perfection was never the expectation and many lessons where learned. I am confident we will have a successful outbrief from AMC on Wednesday at 1400, and as always will walk away with a few items that we can certainly improve upon.

I am honored to serve as your Commander. Maintain these high standards—our nation counts on it. GREAT WORK!!!

12/10/2025

A HUGE thank you to Congressman Sam Graves for introducing this bill. I am hopeful it passes.

See below and share with your Airmen that attend college or intend to attend college. ANG members could be eligible for permanent federal tuition assistance as well. More details to follow.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressmen Sam Graves (MO-06), Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Eric Sorenson (IL-17), introduced the Air Guard Standardizing Tuition Assistance to Unify the Services (STATUS) Act, bipartisan legislation that requires the Secretary

12/08/2025

December drill weekend is a wrap!

Great work by all of our Volunteers, Resiliency Team, Friends In Service of Heroes, and Smithfield Foods.

Over 50 Hams and countless Red Beans and Rice packets were donated for our Airmen.

Very blessed.

PS- share your best pic in the comments of the hangar or DFAC event. I’ll start.

11/18/2025

Super cool to be at a Veterans Day ceremony and witness Airmen Henson enlist for her entire High School to witness.

Welcome to the team Airmen Arabella Henson.