William Pemberton

The 134th Air Refueling Group, part of the Tennessee Air National Guard, was established in 1957 and is based at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base near Knoxville, Tennessee. Originally activated as the 134th Fighter-Interceptor Group, it transitioned to an air refueling mission in 1964 with the acquisition of the KC-97 Stratofreighter, later upgrading to the KC-135 Stratotanker. The group has supported numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, by providing vital aerial refueling capabilities to U.S. and allied aircraft. Over the decades, the 134th has earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and continues to play a key role in both state and national defense missions.

The 187th Fighter Wing is an Air National Guard unit based at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama. Established in 1962, the wing traces its lineage to the 160th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, which served in World War II. Throughout its history, the 187th has transitioned through various aircraft, including the RF-84F Thunderflash, F-4 Phantom II, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon, reflecting its evolving mission from reconnaissance to fighter operations. The wing has participated in multiple deployments, supporting operations such as Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, and has earned recognition for its operational excellence and contributions to national defense.

**Headquarters United States Air Force (HQ USAF)** serves as the highest echelon of leadership within the U.S. Air Force, responsible for developing policies, plans, and programs to ensure mission readiness and effectiveness. Established as a distinct entity in September 1947 with the creation of the independent Air Force, HQ USAF assumed the central role in directing air operations, force structure, and strategic planning. Throughout the Cold War, HQ USAF guided the service through rapid technological advancements and global conflicts, from the Korean War to Operation Desert Storm. Today, HQ USAF continues to provide leadership, oversight, and strategic vision from the Pentagon, adapting to emerging threats and advancing airpower for the nation.

The 117th Air Refueling Wing (117 ARW) is a unit of the Alabama Air National Guard, stationed at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama. Established in 1923 as the 117th Observation Squadron, the unit has served in various roles, including reconnaissance and tactical operations during World War II and the Korean War. In 1994, it was redesignated as the 117th Air Refueling Wing and equipped with KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, focusing on aerial refueling missions to support U.S. and allied air operations worldwide. The 117 ARW has participated in numerous operations, including Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing critical air mobility and refueling support to combat and humanitarian missions.

The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is a major command of the United States Air Force, established on January 23, 1942, originally as the Army Air Forces Flying Training Command. Its primary mission has been to recruit, train, and educate Air Force personnel, shaping the force through basic, technical, and flying training programs. Over the decades, AETC has played a critical role in developing airmen, adapting to new technologies and operational requirements throughout the Cold War, post-9/11 era, and into the 21st century. Headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, AETC remains foundational to ensuring the readiness and professionalism of the U.S. Air Force.

The 106th Rescue Wing (106th RQW) is a distinguished unit of the New York Air National Guard, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York. Originally established during World War II as the 394th Bombardment Group, the unit underwent several redesignations before becoming a rescue wing in 1975. The 106th RQW specializes in combat search and rescue missions, notably participating in high-profile operations such as the rescue efforts during Hurricane Katrina and the NASA Space Shuttle program. Its pararescue personnel, known as PJs, have received numerous accolades for their bravery and lifesaving missions both at home and abroad.