183d Wing

09/26/2023

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM).

This year’s theme is, “Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One.” The theme reflects the diversity inherent within the Hispanic community, as well as the strength that comes with unity. It reflects the imperative of inclusivity – valuing both diversity of background unity of purpose. Inclusivity enables DoD to harness the full potential and talent of diverse communities unified in the preservation and protection of military interests at home and abroad. Approximately 15.6% of United States Air Force members are of Hispanic or Latino descent.

The national observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to cover a 30-day period that encompassed the days of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. Later that year, the expanded observance was enacted into law—PublicLaw 100-402.

09/21/2023

Colonel Shawn Strahle has been selected as Deputy Commander for the 183d Wing.

In this role, Col Strahle oversees various wing programs and provides guidance and support to the Wing Commander in enhancing the wing's combat readiness. Col Strahle also serves as the senior cyberspace officer for the Illinois National Guard.

Strahle is no stranger to the unit. He came to the 183d in 2003 and served as the 183d Communications Flight Executive Officer. Since then, he has served as Commander, 183d Communications Flight, Commander, 183d Air Communications Flight, Commander, 217th Engineering Installation Squadron, and most recently, J/G/A6 Communications Director, Joint Force Headquarters, Illinois National Guard.

09/12/2023

183d Wing Hosts Wellness Day for Airmen

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Air National Guard 183D Wing hosted a WellnessDay for unit members, September 10th, on base. Wellness is not just simply beingfree of illness and hardship, but to acknowledge the need for self-improvementand acting for the betterment of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.Airmen participated in a wide range of self-care activities centered on learning andusing skills to navigate stressful moments.

Thank you to all the local organizations who provided services to make this day possible.
USO Illinois
Military OneSource
The Wakery
University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts
Ahh Yoga
FitBodies
American Red Cross of Illinois
H & M Livestock and Petting Zoo
Godspeed Pet Rescue, Inc.
Hope Therapeutic Riding Center
Rigneys School of Archery
Kare 9 Nigel
Kare 9 Brutus and Veteran Gene
Kare 9 Dinah
Kare-9 Britta and Veteran Dale
Holistic Healing Company

08/09/2023

Illinois Air National Guard 183d Wing Hosts Open House with Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport's 75th Anniversary

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Air National Guard 183d Wing hosted an open house in conjunction with the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport's 75th anniversary, August 5-6, in Springfield, IL. The event provided a rare opportunity for the public to gain insight into the vital missions undertaken by the 183d Wing and to marvel at an impressive lineup of static military aircraft displays. The open house took place at the both the airport and 183d Wing base, where visitors were welcomed and treated to a memorable experience.

One of the highlights of the open house was the chance to explore the various static displays of military aircraft. Enthusiasts and curious visitors alike could get up close with legendary aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, CH-47 Chinook helicopter, and UH-72 Lakota helicopter. For aviation enthusiasts and history buffs, it was a truly remarkable sight to witness these mighty aircraft firsthand and appreciate the significant roles they play in the defense of our nation.

Beyond the aircraft displays, visitors were also treated to an engaging and informative experience. Guests who toured the 183d Wing base toured stands where members of each squadron in the 183d were eager to share their knowledge and passion for their jobs, conveying the mission of the 183d Wing and offering insights into the daily life

Established in 1948 as a fighter unit, the wing has a storied past that includes flying F-51 Mustangs, F-84 Thunderstreaks, F-4 Phantoms, and F-16 Fighting Falcons. The wing was reconfigured in 2008 to support jet engine refurbishment air operations support.

Over its more than 70-year history, the 183d Wing has evolved and adapted to meet the ever-changing demands of the United States Air Force, demonstrating its commitment to excellence and service.

08/06/2023

The first day of the 183d Wing Open House was amazing! Day 2 looks to be even better. Come out and join us. Get an up close look at the KC-135 Stratotanker, the C-130 Hercules, UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and LUH-72 Light Utility Helicopter
and the C-12 transport aircraft.

Meet members of the 183d Wing,and learn about we do!

Today 10:00am - 3:00pm!

08/06/2023

Check out some highlights from day 1 of the 183d Wing Open House! We are open 10:00am - 3:00pm tomorrow as well. Come out and see us!

08/06/2023

Our recruiting team was out in full force at the 183d Wing Open House today!

08/05/2023

HEY EVERYONE! The rain has passed, and the Open House is ON! Come on out to see the 183d Wing and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport! Tour the base from 10:00am - 3:00pm today and tomorrow!

08/01/2023

We are just a few short days away from the 183d Wing Open House!

August 5th and 6th
10:00am - 3:00pm each day

Military aircraft! Civilian aircraft! Vintage aircraft!
Nearly 40 aircraft from Illinois Air and Army units, along with civilian aircraft from Illinois State Police and Illinois Division of Aeronautics. And of course those beautiful vintage aircraft on display from the Air Combat Museum!

Children's activities provided by Kidzeum and the Boy Scouts.

Air National Guard Band of the Midwest will provide for the event.

COME TOUR THE AMAZING 183D WING AND LEARN ALL ABOUT WHAT YOUR LOCAL ILLINOIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS DO!

07/21/2023

VOLK FIELD CRTC, WI — Day two of the 2023 Enlisted Leadership Workshop was full of breakout sessions, including, financial planning, fitness and nutrition, professional military writing, emotional intelligence, personality types, and education benefits.

Approximately 150 Airmen from three states and 7 different bases are in attendance to include, the 182 Airlift Wing, Peoria, IL; the 183d Wing, Springfield, IL; the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott Air Force Base, IL; the 157th Air Intelligence Squadron, Jefferson Barracks, MO; the 115th Fighter Wing, Madison, WI; the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, WI; and the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center. Airmen have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, attend breakout sessions, and participate in team building exercises to further their readiness and development as a premier force.

182nd Airlift Wing
126th Air Refueling Wing
157th Air Operations Group
115th Fighter Wing
128th Air Refueling Wing
Volk Field ANGB
Illinois National Guard
Air National Guard
Director of the Air National Guard
CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass

07/20/2023

Please join us August 5-6, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, for the 183d Wing Open House! Come see the many military and civilian aircraft on display, visit the children's activities, and tour the 183d Wing!

07/20/2023

Volk Field CRTC, WI -- The 2023 Enlisted Leadership Workshop kicked off July 18th, at Volk Field, WI. Tech. Sgt Peyton Ressler, 183d Wing, lays out the agenda for the three day event. (Video by U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Shelly Stark)

07/19/2023

The 2023 Enlisted Leadership Workshop is taking place 18-20 July, 2023, at Volk Field CRTC, WI. Approximately 150 Airmen from three states and 7 different bases are in attendance to include the 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria, IL; the 183d Wing, Springfield, IL; the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott Air Force Base, IL; the 157th Air Intelligence Squadron, Jefferson Barracks, MO; the 115th Fighter Wing, Madison, WI; the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, WI; and the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center. Airmen have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, attend breakout sessions, and participate in team building exercises to further their readiness and development as leaders in a premier force.

182nd Airlift Wing
126th Air Refueling Wing
157th Air Operations Group
115th Fighter Wing
128th Air Refueling Wing
Volk Field ANGB
Illinois National Guard
Air National Guard
Director of the Air National Guard
CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass

07/17/2023

Please join us August 5-6, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, for the 183d Wing Open House!

07/13/2023

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Fourteen members of the 183d Wing Force Support Squadron traveled to the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center to complete mission essential tasks and home station readiness training June 10-23 at Gulfport, Mississippi.
The training included operating vehicles available at the CRTC, completing the ServSafe certification process and a variety of classroom training on topics ranging from force beddown and shelters to contingency lodging, laundry and feeding operations.
The vehicles trained on were a standard 10K forklift, an all-terrain forklift and a 44-passenger bus. All airmen completed the forklift courses, while only three trained with the 44-passenger bus.
To complete the forklift training, airmen had to finish a competency course on each. The course for the 10K forklift involved maneuvering a cone path forwards and backwards without hitting a cone.
The all-terrain forklift course involved lifting a pallet from atop a platform with the help of another airman using hand signals. Then airmen had to drive a course with the pallet before returning and replacing it on the platform with hand signal guidance. Airmen were required to operate the all-terrain forklift and also be the guide for the operator.
The 44-passenger bus training required drivers to navigate the Gulfport CRTC and simulate situations at intersections and roadways throughout the base.
“Because we produce a tangible product on drill weekends, we cook and serve the food, then we have to clean up, that requires 80 to 90 percent of our drill, and then we’re trying to fit in training on top of that,” said 1st Lt. Justin Releford, the officer in charge of the 183d Wing FSS.
The ability to complete this training at the Gulfport CRTC is essential to the 183d Wing FSS’s force readiness, as it allows them to isolate themselves from the base and focus on training specifically.
“It is imperative that we maintain this style of two week annual training where we can get off station, focus on our training and really hone in our skills and get all of our certifications done without distraction.” said Releford.
This trip is the second time the 183d FSS has traveled to the Gulfport CRTC to complete HSRT and METS, with the previous trip being in 2021. The trips have provided a chance for the 183d to build relationships with the Gulfport CRTC and increase interstate coordination.
“Sergeant Dearing, he’s been doing this for a long time and he knows the liaisons well and we know a lot of the permanent party personnel well,” said Releford, “It definitely helps our ability to communicate and work together effectively as a team.”
That strengthening of relationships went beyond those with Gulfport personnel, as this trip also offered 183d FSS members a chance to build camaraderie with one another and boost morale through time spent together.
“This has been a huge team building event and morale building event because we’re able to do stuff daily as a team,” said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Dearing, the superintendent of the 183d Wing FSS. “We work together, then we’re able to go out and have dinner and go to the beach or someplace nice and build our relationships with each other.”
Among the events that helped build those relationships was a crawfish boil that the group held along with members of the Gulfport CRTC to close out training. The boil gave FSS members a final chance to spend time with one another and to broach relationships with Gulfport members.
“With drill weekends, there’s not a lot of opportunity to get to know each other and build that camaraderie,” said Releford. “Down here, during our off time, that is what we did, and that has strengthened our team.”

07/03/2023

Members of the 183d Wing Force Support Squadron, Medical Group and Comptroller Flight pose for a group photo at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, June 15, 2023. The 183d FSS was accompanied by members of the medical, finance and ground transportation to assist them with their training in Gulfport. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon Ballowe)

More to come...

06/15/2023

German Air Force 1st Lt. Stephan Köberle, an S1 personnel officer with the Luftwaffe’s Weapons Systems Support Center 1, visited the 183d Wing today. During the visit, Lt Köberle was shown a presentation about the mission and squadrons that comprise the 183d Wing, and then was given a tour of the base with senior officers.

The 182nd Airlift Wing is hosting Lt. Köberle, as part of the Military Reserve Exchange Program. The MREP provides immersive training opportunities to broaden professional development and increase interoperability with our partner nations. It also aims to display readiness, share best practices and foster international security cooperation while strengthening relationships with our allies.

06/14/2023

183d Air Operations Group Members Participate Humanitarian Exercise

06/07/2023

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Col. Robert Gellner, Commander, 183d Wing named Col. Lawrence Yazzie the new 183d Wing Mission Support Group Commander at an assumption of command ceremony on base, June 3, 2023. Before coming to the 183d Wing, Yazzie was formerly the Director of the National Guard Bureau Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. An Air Force Academy graduate, Yazzie brings over 20 years of experience to his new assignment.

Growing up on a Navajo reservation in Arizona, Yazzie dreamed of becoming an armed forces officer, but faced many challenges that came with reservation life. Despite limited educational opportunities growing up, Yazzie was accepted into the Air Force Academy, where he was a four-year member of the basketball team. One of only a handful of Native Americans to graduate from the academy, Yazzie went on to serve in the Active-Duty Air Force and in the civilian sector for Fortune 500 companies.

Before becoming the Director of the National Guard Bureau Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Yazzie served as the commander of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 168th Cyberspace Squadron. Throughout his military career, Yazzie sought to give back to his community and the armed forces, while instilling values of service, education and success to those under his command. Yazzie keeps the memory of his upbringing on a reservation close to his heart. He hopes to be a positive role model for the youth on the reservation and show them that they can overcome any obstacle.

Illinois National Guard

06/05/2023

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Congratulations to Illinois Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Marty Green who was promoted on Sunday, June 4, at the Illinois National Guard headquarters on Camp Lincoln in Springfield. Brig. Gen. Green has been selected as the Assistant to the General Counsel-Air for the National Guard Bureau. General Green previously served as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Staff Judge Advocate for Air Mobility Command while concurrently serving as the State Staff Judge Advocate for the Illinois Air National Guard. In addition, he served as an inaugural member of the National Guard Bureau’s Legal Services Advisory Group that advises the Chief of the National Guard Bureau on all matters involving legal services for the National Guard.

Illinois National Guard

06/05/2023

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Brig. Gen. James Silvasy retired from the Illinois Air National Guard, after more than 37 years of service.

Silvasy, from Gurnee, Illinois, began his career in the active Army as a helicopter pilot after commissioning through the University of New Hampshire’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1985. He transitioned into the Illinois Air National Guard in 1990 where he served as a KC-135 pilot with the 126th Air Refueling Wing. After joining the the 183d Wing, he would become Commander of the 183d Air Operations Group, and then move on to Joint Force Headquarters, where he would finish his career as Chief of Staff of the Illinois Air National Guard.

General Silvasy is a Command Pilot with over 4,900 flight hours in both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. He has over 150 combat hours and is a veteran of Operations Restore Hope, Deny Flight, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Unified Protector. He is a qualified Dual Status Commander. General Silvasy has been a commercial airline pilot since 1996 with over 10,000 hours in the B-747, B-777, B-767, B-757 and B-727 aircraft.

Illinois National Guard

05/23/2023

Illinois National Guard’s 183rd Wing Breaks Ground on $13.4 Million Base Civil Engineer Complex

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and the Illinois National Guard broke ground Tuesday on a $13.4 million 24,000-square-foot Base Civil Engineer Complex at the 183rd Wing on Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport.
The two-building complex will allow the 183d Wing’s approximately 70 Airmen in its Civil Engineer Squadron to train together in a modern facility equipped to house modern equipment. Currently the squadron is scattered across seven buildings on opposite ends of the base, three of which do not comply with federal anti-terrorism and force protection standards, two of which are over 50 years old and not designed for military civil engineering functions, and all seven of which have high operating and maintenance costs and are not energy efficient.
“Investing in our national security and supporting our dedicated servicemen and women is not just a responsibility, but a duty we owe to our great state and nation,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). “This $10.2 million in federal funding I secured for the new Illinois National Guard complex is a testament to our unwavering commitment to provide our guardsmen with the resources they need to continue executing their missions and maintain readiness for new missions in the future.”�“We are grateful to our Congressional delegation for their assistance in moving this important project forward,” said Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. “Not only will this help in our training, but I believe this modern facility will also help our recruiting and retention efforts.”
With Senator Durbin securing the majority of funds for the project through Congressionally Directed Spending—more commonly known as an earmark—in the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Omnibus appropriations bill, the balance of the cost for the project will be drawn from other available federal funds. The project is slated to take two years to complete.
Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher and Airport Director Mark Hanna joined Durbin and Neely, along with the Assistant Adjutant General – Air and Commander of the Illinois Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Dan McDonough, and 183d Wing Commander Col. Robert Gellner. Representatives from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office and the of U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski were also present along with Sergio Pecori, the Chief Executive Officer of Hanson Professional Services, which designed the project designer and Jason Litteken, the President of Litteken Construction, the general contractor for the project. (Photos by U.S. Air National Guard Airman Danielle Dillard and Senior Airman Katherine Jacobus)

Illinois National Guard
Senator Dick Durbin
Senator Tammy Duckworth
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski
Misty Buscher for Springfield Mayor

05/12/2023

ABRAHAM LINCOLN CAPITAL AIRPORT, IL – Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrated in May, is a month to recognize and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of the Asian and Pacific Islanders that serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Arthur Chang is one of the 3.4% of enlisted Asians that serve in the U.S. Air National Guard.

Chang is a financial specialist at the 183d Wing, Springfield, Illinois. Chang was born in 1999 in Taiwan. His entire lif, he dreamed of coming to America. The military played an essential role in Chang's dream becoming a reality.

Chang had hoped to be able to attend high school in the United States, but because of a delay with his green card, he had to wait until college. In his first year of college, Chang got randomly assigned a roommate, Staff Sgt. Andrew Malcomson.

Malcomson is also assigned to the 183d Wing. Chang said it was rooming with Malcomson that really opened his eyes to what the military had to offer.

"He was telling me about how he was going to school for free, and I was paying a lot," Chang said.

Chang considered if the military would be a good option for him, ultimately deciding it would be.

"If I have the honor to serve, and they also pay for my college, towards my dream, towards my future,' he said, 'It seems like a great decision."

Not only did the military help Chang pay for college, but it also helped him obtain his citizenship. So, Chang enlisted with his green card, and when he returned from basic training and tech school, he applied for citizenship.

"The process usually takes over a year, but with my military status, I was able to get it done within two months," he said.
Over the last five years, the military has helped to naturalize over 33,000 service members, from more than 30 different countries. The unique perspectives, skills, and cultural experiences these service members bring to the military are critical to building strong and effective armed forces.

Chang believes that diversity makes this country great and different from others.

"Being American is not about skin color or your political opinion; it's just about who you are,' he said, 'I am being American just by being myself."

Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the military, as well as promote awareness and understanding of diverse cultures and histories within the military community and beyond.

"I am an American, and I am an Asian. I serve this country,’ Chang said, ‘just as many of us do.” (Story by U.S. Air National Guard Airman Danielle Dillard)

Illinois National Guard
Air National Guard
Director of the Air National Guard
CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass

05/09/2023

ABRAHAM LINCOLN CAPITAL AIRPORT, IL -- The 183d Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, held an on-base exercise, Exercise HYDRA BITE, May 5 and 6, 2023. Exercise HYDRA BITE focused on demonstrating the 183d Wing’s ability to respond to simulated threats at a Main Operating Base (MOB) to a Forward Operating Site (FOS) in an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) scenario.

Exercise HYDRA BITE gave 183d Airmen the opportunity to simulate being deployed to a MOB and moving to a FOS in an ACE scenario to increase readiness for a possible deployment scenario. The exercise simulated deployment events, security events and contested, degraded, operationally limited (CDO) events.

During the Exercise, Airmen responded to simulated threats and crises, such as medical emergencies and attacks on the base. Airmen also were members of Post Attack Reconnaissance (PAR) Teams that conducted sweeps of the base to check for simulated damage, casualties, or unexploded ordnance.

Exercise HYDRA BITE is the second of four exercises the 183d Wing will conduct, getting gradually more intense each time, to ensure Airmen are as prepared as possible to be mission ready in any situation. (Story by U.S. Air National Guard Airman Danielle Dillard / Photos by U.S. Air National Guard Airman Danielle Dillard, Senior Airman Katherine Jacobus, and Master Sgt. Shelly Stark)

Illinois National Guard

05/09/2023

05/05/2023

The 183d Wing will be holding a readiness exercise 5-6MAY. The exercise tests the ability of wing members to deploy and operate in a deployed setting. If you are in the area and witness members in gas masks and chem suits, or engaging in tactical maneuvers, there is no need for alarm. This is a standard piece of the readiness exercise. The exercise will be contained to Wing property. Again, this is just an exercise.

05/02/2023

Major Beth Miller, 183d Air Mobility Operations Squadron, attended the inaugural Air Reserve Component (ARC) Athena event earlier this month, at the 911th Airlift Wing, Pittsburgh, PA. Athenas are MAJCOM level entities, developed and staffed by service member volunteers to address barriers to women serving in the military. ARC Athena is a combined Air Force Reserve Component and Air National Guard team tackling ARC-specific issues and barriers to female service members.

The two-day event included presentations on the nine lines of effort (LOE) ARC Athena is currently championing, as well as several key note speakers including General Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief, National Guard Bureau, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass. The nine LOEs cover a variety of topics from female uniform initiatives and drill weekend daycare issues, to pregnancy discrimination and female specialized healthcare. The event was a great opportunity to network with Total Force leaders and bring knowledge back to the 183d Wing to address local issues. The highlight of the event for Maj Miller was meeting CMSAF Bass!

CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass
Chief of the National Guard Bureau
Illinois National Guard

04/11/2023

ABRAHAM LINCOLN CAPITAL AIRPORT, SPRINGFIELD IL — Lt Col Matthew Cain accepts the 183d Air Mobility Operations Squadron (183 AMOS) guidon from Col Nicolas Henschel, Commander, 183d Air Operations Group (183 AOG), as he assumes command of the 183 AMOS.

Lt Col Cain achieved the rank of Staff Sgt., prior to receiving his commission in 2001. After receiving his commission and completing pilot training, he joined the 182d Airlift Wing as a C-130 pilot. Lt Col Cain is a Command pilot who has more than 3,800 flight hours onboard the T-37, T-1, C-130E, C130H2, and C-130H3 aircraft with over 650 combat hours.

Prior to accepting command of 183 AMOS, Cain served as the Director of Operations for 183 AMOS the 183 AOG.

The assumption of command ceremony is a military tradition deeply rooted in history and dates back to the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia. The formal assumption of command ceremony affords troops the opportunity to witness a new leader assuming their dutiful position.