126th Air Refueling Wing

126th Air Refueling Wing The 126 ARW is the oldest Air National Guard unit in Illinois. Today the 108 ARS continues its assigned flying mission with more than 90 years of experience.

The 126th roots are in Chicago where we spent 77 years evolving from the 108th Observation Squadron flying the PT-1 "Trusty," and O-2H, O-38, and O-47 Biplanes; to a Fighter-Bomber Wing flying the B-26 Marauder, the C-47 Skytrain, and the F-51 Mustang; to a Fighter-Interceptor Wing flying the F-84 Thunderstreak and the F-86L Sabre Jet; and finally our transition in 1961 from an Air Defense Wing to

the 126th Air Refueling Wing flying the KC-97 Stratotanker, with the 108th Air Refueling Squadron (the previous 108th Observation Squadron) under its direct control. For information about ID cards please call 126th Force Support Squadron 618-229-9500. https://www.war.gov/social-media-policy/?fbclid=IwAR3N6QWJqATLC9WOPqywupA_cw964YmbLMlnKqSQ2l9bb92MMsrMwBkZZA4


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🛩️ 65 YEARS OF LEADING THE WAY 🛩️On this date, Sept. 6, 1961, the 126th Air Refueling Wing and the 169th Tactical Fighte...
09/06/2026

🛩️ 65 YEARS OF LEADING THE WAY 🛩️

On this date, Sept. 6, 1961, the 126th Air Refueling Wing and the 169th Tactical Fighter Squadron performed the first in-flight refueling mission ever by an Air National Guard unit, known at the time as “Operation Hook-Up.”

Sixty-five years later, that legacy is still being written.

“The 126 ARW has a long history of success. 65 years after accomplishing the very first air refueling in the Air National Guard, we are still leading the way with our mission effectiveness. We were recently awarded the Rusty Metcalf Trophy for best mobility wing within the ANG, and that excellence fuels our future!” — Col. Nick Henschel, 126th Air Refueling Wing

From the first hook-up to the Rusty Metcalf Trophy — 65 years of setting the standard.

They passed 17,000 pounds of JP-4.

KC-97 Tanker Crew:
Aircraft Commander Maj. Matterson C. Brooks, Air Force Adviser;
Co-pilot Lt. Col. Joseph J. Kovacs, 108th Air Refueling Squadron, commander;
Navigator Maj. Clarence R. Lockridge, Air Force Adviser;
Flight Engineer Staff Sgt. Ronald D. Hafer Sr., 108th ARS;
Boom Operators:
Master Sgt. Arthur H. Andrist, 108th ARS
Staff Sgt. Donald R. Bethard, 108th ARS

F-84F Fighter Crews:
Col. Harold C. Norman, Director of Operations, Illinois ANG Headquarters;
Capt. Herbert J. Kochman, Flight Commander, 169th Tactical Fighter Squadron;
Maj. Edwin J. Rawlings, Flight Commander, 170th Tactical Fighter Squadron;
Capt. Thomas G. Storey, Flight Commander, 170th Tactical Fighter Squadron;
Lt. Col. Robert L. Smith, Commander, 110th Tactical Fighter Squadron;
Lt. Col. Elmer R. Parrish, Director of Operations, 131st Tactical Fighter Wing

If you’re related to any of the Airmen named above or you recognize a name from your own family’s history. We’d love to hear from you in the comments. Sixty-five years later, we want their story to reach their families too.

Illinois National Guard Air Mobility Command Air National Guard Friends of Scott Air National Guard 182nd Airlift Wing 183d Wing 131st Bomb Wing Missouri Air National Guard

09/04/2026

Why do people become recruiters? For Staff Sgt. Heaven Roth, it comes down to one thing, watching someone's dream come true

Hear more from Roth and a few other members from the 126th's recruiting and retention team on the newest episode of Roll Call, dropping this Wednesday. 🎙️ Illinois National Guard Air Mobility Command Air National Guard AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG)
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
Scott Air Force Base U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) 126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen Resiliency Center

🔧 THROWBACK THURSDAY 🔧Sixty-five years ago, a small but enthusiastic crowd gathered at O'Hare to welcome the 126th Air R...
09/03/2026

🔧 THROWBACK THURSDAY 🔧

Sixty-five years ago, a small but enthusiastic crowd gathered at O'Hare to welcome the 126th Air Refueling Wing's very first KC-97 Stratotanker, flown in from Nashville.

The crew that flew the plane to O'Hare was composed of: Major Brooks, AF Adviser as Pilot, Brig Gen Donald J.
Smith, Chief of Staff Illinois Air National Guard as Copilot,
Major Lockridge as navigator. SMSGT McLean, Air Force Adviser and SSgt Hafer of the 108th flew as Flight Engineers, and SSgt Vern Bowers as Boom Overator.

Sixty-five years later, we're still on the boom — and we've got another anniversary coming up on Sunday. Stay tuned. ⛽✈️

Illinois National Guard Air Mobility Command Air National Guard Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
Scott Air Force Base U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

🏆 Just today we have been been named the best Air Refueling Wing in the Air National Guard for 2025, earning the Rusty M...
08/31/2026

🏆 Just today we have been been named the best Air Refueling Wing in the Air National Guard for 2025, earning the Rusty Metcalf Trophy at the NGAUS Conference in Indianapolis!

This honor reflects the hard work of every Airman across the wing, from missions overseas to readiness at home.

Read the full story 👉https://www.126arw.ang.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4586864/discipline-sacrifice-teamwork-126th-arw-earns-metcalf-trophy/
Illinois National Guard Air National Guard
AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG)
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Scott Air Force Base
Air Mobility Command U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) The National Guard National Guard Association of the United States - NGAUS

Today is National Dog Day! It's a good time to remind you that Gator works with Linda Schuh the Director of Psychologica...
08/26/2026

Today is National Dog Day! It's a good time to remind you that Gator works with Linda Schuh the Director of Psychological Health, stop by take a quick Gator break 126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen Resiliency Center or schedule appointment, Gator is here to help make your day a little brighter. His services are offered with a wagging tail and are 100% confidential! Illinois National Guard Air Mobility Command Air National Guard AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG)
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Scott Air Force Base
Air Mobility Command U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

126th Medical Group participated in Tactical Combat Casualty Care — Combat Medic / Corpsman training. TCCC-CMC which is ...
08/24/2026

126th Medical Group participated in Tactical Combat Casualty Care — Combat Medic / Corpsman training. TCCC-CMC which is advanced Air Force medical training, it educates our corpsmen and medics on how to treat various injuries while simulating the difficulties of a real tactical environment. This is how Air Force medics bring our Airmen home. Illinois National Guard
Air National Guard AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG)
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
Scott Air Force Base Air Mobility Command
U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)
U.S. Air Force Medical Service - AFMS

08/20/2026

🛩️ FULL THROTTLE. FULL BENEFITS. ⛽
That's the 126th Air Refueling Wing — keeping fighters fueled and missions flying.
This summer you can earn a $7,500 bonus with a 3-year enlistment contract.
Talk to a recruiter to find out more 618-229-9126.
Illinois National Guard
Air National Guard
AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG)
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
Scott Air Force Base
The National Guard


08/13/2026

🚨 $7,500 BONUS — LIMITED TIME 🚨

This is what "ready" looks like. The Illinois Air National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing is offering a $7,500 bonus for a 3-year enlistment contract through the Summer Surge Incentive — available for ANG reenlistments and Airmen transferring from Active Duty or the Air Force Reserve.

Train hard. Serve your state and country. Get rewarded for it.

Illinois National Guard Air National Guard
AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG)
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
Scott Air Force Base Air Mobility Command
U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)
The National Guard

📞 Talk to a recruiter today, 618-229-9126

Address

126 Air Guard Way
Scott Air Force Base, IL
62225

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 3:30pm
Thursday 8am - 3:30pm
Friday 8am - 3:30pm

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