Gov. Rauner Proclaims Today 126th Air Refueling Wing Day in Illinois

Press Release

In recognition of the outstanding service provided by the men and women of the aerial refueling wing of the Illinois Air National Guard, Gov. Rauner proclaimed today, June 2, 2018, 126th Air Refueling Wing Day in Illinois.

"The wing lives up to its motto - Anytime. Anywhere," Gov. Rauner said. "Anytime they're needed, they answer the call. Anywhere they're called, they go to protect their country. I am honored to give these deserving and valiant heroes their own day in Illinois history."

The 126th Air Refueling Wing received its eighth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for service provided from December 2014 through December 2016. During this period, the 126th Air Refueling Wing made history as the only known wing to fly a 55-year-old KC-135R aircraft for ten missions under a "black letter" status with "zero discrepancies" or maintenance issues.

Members of the wing have deployed to the majority of 21st century conflicts in which U.S. Armed Forces have participated. In 2017, 30 percent of the wing's citizen airmen deployed in support of ongoing military operations worldwide.

"The service members of the 126th Air Refueling Wing consistently demonstrate their performance excellence while supporting United States Air Force operations," said U.S. Representative Mike Bost. "I'm proud of their hard work and dedication to ensuring the best aircraft maintenance and repair work is done at Scott Air Force Base. Our national defense depends on having our military aircraft able to fly in a minute's notice, so the work they do every day is critical in keeping all of us safe at home."

The wing's in-air refueling mission plays a vital role in the defense and deterrence mission of the country, providing bombers, fighter jets, and cargo planes with the fuel to stay airborne for longer times, making them more effective in their missions.

Previously stationed in Chicago, the unit spent time at both Midway International Airport and O'Hare International Airport before moving to the active duty Scott Air Force Base in 1999.

"On behalf of Illinois and a grateful nation, I salute the 1,000 service men and women in this exceptional unit," Rauner said. "Their selflessness, service, and loyalty to our flag are the qualities that define our military, that fuel our goodwill, and make America the world's beacon of hope for freedom and democracy."

Consisting of more than 1,000 Air National Guard and active duty Air Force personnel, the 126th Air Refueling Wing is the only aerial refueling wing in the Illinois Air National Guard and routinely practices its mission of immediate, sustained, long-range air refueling of both nuclear and conventional aircraft with U.S. Armed Forces and NATO allies.

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