George Rutherford

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.