Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

128th Air Refueling Wing

U.S. Air Force•15 members

128th Air Refueling Wing Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 128th Air Refueling Wing?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

128th Air Refueling Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 128th Air Refueling Wing (128 ARW) is a unit of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, headquartered at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Originally established in 1947 as the 128th Fighter Group, the unit has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, transitioning to air refueling operations in 1961. The wing operates the KC-135R Stratotanker, providing essential aerial refueling support to U.S. and allied aircraft worldwide. Throughout its history, the 128th ARW has participated in major operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to both national defense and humanitarian missions.

About 128th Air Refueling Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Historic Origins: The 128th Air Refueling Wing (128 ARW) traces its roots back to 1940 as the 362nd Fighter Group, flying P-40 Warhawks during World War II.
Air National Guard Transition: After WWII, the group was redesignated and became part of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, eventually evolving into the 128th Air Refueling Wing.
Korean War Service: The wing was federalized and mobilized for duty during the Korean War, supporting combat operations and training missions.
Refueling Mission Initiated: In 1961, the unit transitioned from flying fighter aircraft to a primary air refueling mission, operating KC-97 Stratofreighters and later, KC-135 Stratotankers.
Operation Desert Storm: The 128 ARW played a pivotal role in Operation Desert Storm by providing critical in-flight refueling to coalition aircraft during the Gulf War.
Global Reach: The wing has supported US and allied air operations across the globe, including missions in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, reinforcing its motto "Global Power for America."
9/11 Response: Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the 128 ARW provided immediate support for homeland defense under Operation Noble Eagle.
KC-135R Stratotanker: The wing currently operates the KC-135R Stratotanker, a vital aircraft for extending the range and endurance of US and allied aircraft.
Community Involvement: Based at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the 128 ARW is known for its strong community ties and support for local disaster relief efforts.
Distinguished Honors: The unit has earned numerous awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, reflecting its exemplary service and operational excellence.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

128th Air Refueling Wing

U.S. Air Force•15 members

128th Air Refueling Wing Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 128th Air Refueling Wing?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

128th Air Refueling Wing

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

James Patten

U.S. Air Force Veteran · 1971 - 1974

Message View Profile

Kara Herrmann-Zakula

U.S. Air Force · 1985 - 1997

Message View Profile

Kevin Farber

U.S. Air Force · 1976 - 2005

Message View Profile

Jerome Schiessl

U.S. Air Force · 1982 - 2011

Message View Profile

View all members

Air Force photos

View all photos

About 128th Air Refueling Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Historic Origins: The 128th Air Refueling Wing (128 ARW) traces its roots back to 1940 as the 362nd Fighter Group, flying P-40 Warhawks during World War II.
Air National Guard Transition: After WWII, the group was redesignated and became part of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, eventually evolving into the 128th Air Refueling Wing.
Korean War Service: The wing was federalized and mobilized for duty during the Korean War, supporting combat operations and training missions.
Refueling Mission Initiated: In 1961, the unit transitioned from flying fighter aircraft to a primary air refueling mission, operating KC-97 Stratofreighters and later, KC-135 Stratotankers.
Operation Desert Storm: The 128 ARW played a pivotal role in Operation Desert Storm by providing critical in-flight refueling to coalition aircraft during the Gulf War.
Global Reach: The wing has supported US and allied air operations across the globe, including missions in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, reinforcing its motto "Global Power for America."
9/11 Response: Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the 128 ARW provided immediate support for homeland defense under Operation Noble Eagle.
KC-135R Stratotanker: The wing currently operates the KC-135R Stratotanker, a vital aircraft for extending the range and endurance of US and allied aircraft.
Community Involvement: Based at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the 128 ARW is known for its strong community ties and support for local disaster relief efforts.
Distinguished Honors: The unit has earned numerous awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, reflecting its exemplary service and operational excellence.