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

Master Sgt. Heather Fleeger, First Sgt. for the 126th Medical Group, gives a hands-on demonstration of a medical suction pump to Alayna during a medical simulation class 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

Alison completes a low crawl underneath camouflage netting during the G.I. challenge course 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 obstacle course. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens.)

In Memoriam...

Col. Pete Nezamis (left), Commander, 126th Air Refueling Wing, and Lt. Col. Leslie Summers, a chaplain assigned to the 126th Air Refueling Wing, place a wreath in front of a memorial at Scott AFB, Ill., on March 19, 2012. A ceremony was held to commemorate the four 126th Air Refueling Wing aircrew members who perished in an aircraft accident 30 years ago. Maj. William S. Dixon, Jr., Capt. Kenneth L. Herrick, Capt. Robert J. Nicosia and Master Sgt. Richard A. Crome were aboard a Illinois National Guard KC-135A Stratotanker while on a routine training mission when their plane exploded near Greenwood, Ill. In addition, 23 members of the 928th Tactical Airlift Group, Air Force Reserves, who were passengers also lost their lives. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens)

In Memoriam...

The early morning sun lights up a memorial dedicated to the four 126th Air Refueling Wing aircrew members who perished in an aircraft accident 30 years ago. Maj. William S. Dixon, Jr., Capt. Kenneth L. Herrick, Capt. Robert J. Nicosia and Master Sgt. Richard A. Crome were aboard a Illinois National Guard KC-135A "Stratotanker" while on a routine training mission when their plane exploded near Greenwood, Ill., on March 19, 1982. In addition, 23 members of the 928th Tactical Airlift Group, Air Force Reserves, who were passengers also lost their lives. The 126th Air Refueling Wing, located at Scott AFB, Ill., held a memorial ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the accident. The static display aircraft in the background is a more recent version of the "Stratotanker", the KC-135E. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Ken Stephens)