Joseph Garcher

The 22nd Bombardment Wing (SAC), originally activated in 1948, was a key unit of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) based at March Air Force Base, California. Initially equipped with B-29 Superfortresses, the wing transitioned to jet-powered B-47 Stratojets in the 1950s and later to the B-52 Stratofortress, reflecting the evolution of America's strategic bomber force during the Cold War. Throughout its service, the 22 BW maintained a constant state of readiness, supporting nuclear deterrence and participating in numerous training and alert missions. The wing played a vital role in SAC’s global reach until the restructuring of Air Force commands in the early 1990s.

The 126th Air Refueling Wing (126 ARW) is a unit of the Illinois Air National Guard, stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Originally activated in 1942 as the 344th Bombardment Group, the unit served with distinction during World War II in the European Theater. In the postwar era, it was redesignated and realigned multiple times, becoming the 126th Air Refueling Wing in 1961 and transitioning to the KC-135 Stratotanker mission. Today, the 126 ARW provides essential aerial refueling capabilities, supporting U.S. and allied operations worldwide.