Refueling the B-1 Bomber

Staff Sgt. Jameson Liggett, a Boom Operator assigned to the 108th Air Refueling Squadron at Scott AFB, Ill., completes fuel calculations prior to an aerial refueling mission. Aerial refueling extends aircraft range and mission duration subsequently providing air superiority over areas of operation. The 108 ARS is assigned to the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, and routinely performs aerial refueling for U.S. Armed Forces and NATO allied aircraft. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens/Released)

Refueling the B-1 Bomber

Maj. Andy Meyer, a KC-135R Stratotanker Pilot with the 108th Air Refueling Squadron, reviews his flight plan at Scott AFB, Ill., prior to an aerial refueling mission. The aircrews of the 108 ARS, assigned to the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, regularly practice mid-air refueling with other U.S. Armed Forces and NATO aircraft to maintain proficiency. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens/Released)

Kids on Guard 2012

Katlyn (right) and Megan assist other Charlie Flight team members pushing an electric vehicle during the G.I. Challenge at the 126th Air Refueling Wing's Kids on Guard day held on June 26, 2012 at Scott AFB, Ill. The annual event gives Air National Guard members the opportunity to give their children a glimpse into military life. Activities throughout the day included a military working dog demonstration, a tour of a KC-135R Stratotanker, a medical hands-on simulation, disaster response training and the G.I. challenge course. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt.Ken Stephens.)

Kids on Guard 2012

Tech. Sgt. Kris Randolph, a Crew Chief with the 126th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, gets "dog piled" by members of Charlie Flight while waiting for their turn at the G.I. Challenge at the 126th Air Refueling Wing's Kids on Guard day held on June 26, 2012 at Scott AFB, Ill. The annual event gives Air National Guard members the opportunity to give their children a glimpse into military life. Activities throughout the day included a military working dog demonstration, a tour of a KC-135R Stratotanker, a medical hands-on simulation, disaster response training and the G.I. challenge course. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens.)

Kids on Guard 2012

Colonel Dave Reynolds, Vice Commander, 126th Air Refueling Wing, Scott AFB, Ill., fields questions during an in-brief to children participating in the wing's annual Kids on Guard day held on June 26, 2012. Each year the event allows Air National Guard members the opportunity to give their children a glimpse into military life. Activities throughout the day included a military working dog demonstration, a tour of a KC-135R Stratotanker, a medical hands-on simulation, disaster response training and the G.I. Challenge obstacle course. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens.)

Act of heroism is recognized with an Airman’s Medal

Lt. Col. Douglas Edwards (right), 906th Air Refueling Squadron Commander, receives the Airman’s Medal from Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay, 18th Air Force Commander, in a ceremony at Scott AFB, IL on May 21, 2012. Edwards received the award for rescuing an elderly woman from a burning vehicle on Nov. 2, 2009 near King Hill, Idaho. With complete disregard for his own safety, Edwards succeeded in freeing the injured and trapped victim from her car just moments before the entire vehicle became engulfed in flames. Local Sheriff Deputies responded within eight minutes of the initial 9-1-1 call about the accident and later told Edwards the victim would have been burned alive if he hadn’t acted so quickly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Franklin Hayes)