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.defense.gov/social-media-policy/fbclid/IwAR3N6QWJqATLC9WOPqywupA_cw964YmbLMlnKqSQ2l9bb92MMsrMwBkZZA4/

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  isn't just about the aircraft, it's about the Airmen who support the entire mission. 126 Civil Engineer Squadron trave...
06/16/2026

isn't just about the aircraft, it's about the Airmen who support the entire mission.
126 Civil Engineer Squadron traveled to Yokota Air Base, Japan, for two weeks for hands-on training that strengthened readiness and reinforced the U.S.-Japan alliance. 🇺🇸🤝🇯🇵

See how Airmen from the 126th CES sharpened their skills and built international partnerships abroad. 👇
Illinois National Guard Scott Air Force Base Air Mobility Command Yokota Air Base US Air Force Civil Engineers AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG)
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

33 service members from the 126th Civil Engineer Squadron assist Yokota Engineers.

  Congratulations to Airman Caleb Rheinhardt, 126th Force Support Squadron, on being selected as the June recipient of t...
06/09/2026

Congratulations to Airman Caleb Rheinhardt, 126th Force Support Squadron, on being selected as the June recipient of the 126th Air Refueling Wing First Sergeants Council's Diamond Sharp Award!

Over the past two months, Rheinhardt has stepped beyond his duties in food service to support the mission wherever needed, assisting with DFT preparations, supporting the fitness team, and volunteering for numerous squadron tasks. His dedication, adaptability, and willingness to serve embody what it means to be a Multi-Capable Airman.

Great job, Airman Rheinhardt!
Illinois National Guard Scott Air Force Base Air Mobility Command Air National Guard Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois 126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen Resiliency Center AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG)

Another productive drill weekend in the books for the 126th Air Refueling Wing. This June Drill we fellowshipped over pr...
06/07/2026

Another productive drill weekend in the books for the 126th Air Refueling Wing. This June Drill we fellowshipped over prioritizing mental health through a mental health walk and activity fair, Latte's, and some farewells.

Illinois National Guard Scott Air Force Base AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG) 126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen Resiliency Center

Today, we honor the legacy of the 344th Bombardment Group, whose courage  helped pave the way for Allied victory during ...
06/06/2026

Today, we honor the legacy of the 344th Bombardment Group, whose courage helped pave the way for Allied victory during World War II.
On June 6, 1944, as Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, Airmen of the 344th Bombardment Group flew dangerous coastal batteries near Cherbourg, France.
As members of the 126th Air Refueling Wing, we proudly carry forward the lineage and traditions of these remarkable Airmen.
We remember their service. We honor their sacrifice. We preserve their legacy. Illinois National Guard Scott Air Force Base Air Mobility Command U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Air National Guard AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG) 126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen Resiliency Center United States Air Force The National Guard

Strengthen your relationship and reconnect with your spouse at the upcoming Strong Bonds Couples Retreat, July 10-12, at...
06/05/2026

Strengthen your relationship and reconnect with your spouse at the upcoming Strong Bonds Couples Retreat, July 10-12, at Margaritaville Resort, Lake of the Ozarks.

This weekend retreat features "Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage" curriculum, designed to help couples improve communication, strengthen their connection, and build a healthier, happier marriage.

The Chaplaincy is providing the lodging for both nights. Whether you've been married for one year or twenty, this retreat offers a great opportunity to invest in your relationship while enjoying a relaxing getaway.

📅 July 10-12, 2026
📍 Margaritaville Resort, Lake of the Ozarks
📞 618-229-9041
📧 [email protected]

Space is limited, so register today!

*Childcare is not provided.
Illinois National Guard 126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen Resiliency Center

UNDERCOVER COLONEL!  In this week’s episode, Col. Nick Henschel, 126th Air Refueling Wing, commander, went undercover wi...
06/04/2026

UNDERCOVER COLONEL! In this week’s episode, Col. Nick Henschel, 126th Air Refueling Wing, commander, went undercover with Airman 1st Class Gavin Lovel and Master Sgt. Keith McPherson from the 126 Logistics Readiness Squadron to learn how they manage the wing’s operational readiness and deployment processes. Lovel had Henschel log into the Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning Ex*****on Segments on SIPRNET to view current deployment taskings, assign Airmen to fill those open taskings, process hardship swap-outs, and identify re-deployment dates. Lovel also had the Colonel research transportation options for our deployers and build travel itineraries.
“The Contingency War Plans office is a small but mighty team that does an incredible job of managing our deployed forces. With hundreds of 126ARW Airmen currently deployed all around the world, this team performs a critical function to ensure that we are filling all of our war fighting requirements – they also ensure our members return home on time!” said Henschel.
If interested in joining our LRS team, please reach out to the 126ARW recruiters and stay tuned for the next episode of . Illinois National Guard Scott Air Force Base Air Mobility Command U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Air National Guard

  U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brad Rodgers and Lt. Col. Brent Smith, pilots with the 108th Air Refueling Squadron, flew thei...
06/02/2026

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brad Rodgers and Lt. Col. Brent Smith, pilots with the 108th Air Refueling Squadron, flew their final flight in the Illinois Air National Guard, June 1, 2026.
Rodgers and Smith commissioned together, went to pilot training together in the same class, the same KC-135 training and went on their first deployment together.

"In many ways, we completed pilot training and built our careers on the buddy system," Smith said.

"That’s why the joint fini flight was so meaningful—and entirely appropriate. We have shared virtually every major milestone in our careers, and our families have become very close over the years," Smith said.
Rodgers is retiring after 27 years and Smith after 25 years.
Illinois National Guard Scott Air Force Base Air Mobility Command U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG) 126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen Resiliency Center

Airmen from the 126th Civil Engineer Squadron are in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to support the Joint Task Force Operations Gua...
06/01/2026

Airmen from the 126th Civil Engineer Squadron are in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to support the Joint Task Force Operations Guantanamo Bay. They are working along Airmen from 122nd and 130th CES. Thank you to Mass Communications First Class Omar Rubi for the photos. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Illinois National Guard Air National Guard AFMS - Scott - 126th Medical Group Air National Guard (ANG)126th Air Refueling Wing Airmen Resiliency Center US Air Force Civil Engineers Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
Scott Air Force Base Air Mobility Command U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

Capt. Nick Lopez, 906th Air Refueling Squadron, was awarded our nations highest honor for aerial achievement on Tuesday,...
05/28/2026

Capt. Nick Lopez, 906th Air Refueling Squadron, was awarded our nations highest honor for aerial achievement on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 for his distinguished action while flying in combat.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with a "C" device for his quick actions as a KC-135R Stratotanker, pilot, in combat. Scott Air Force Base Air Mobility Command 18th Air Force U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) United States Air Force Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois KMOV
KMOX News KSDK News St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Fox2Now The Big 550 KTRS St. Louis Public Radio
Belleville News-Democrat

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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