126th Air Refueling Wing

The 126 Air Refueling Wing is the oldest Air National Guard unit in Illinois and also holds the distinction of being the first air refueling unit in the Air National Guard. Our motto is: Anytime, Anywhere! 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. Today, with more the 90 years of experience, the 108 ARS continues its assigned flying mission with the KC-135 Stratotanker.