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  • Airman to Aviator: 117th Airman Selected for Southwest Airlines Cadet Program

    “I’ve always loved flying. Every year when they would ask me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I would say that I want my dad to take me flying.” said U.S. Air National Guard Senior Airman Christine Jett, an Airfield Management Shift lead at the 117th Operations Group (OG).While many airmen are

  • 117th Air Refueling Wing Performs Water Survival Training

    Airmen from Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base conduct water survival training at Oak Mountain State Park, Ala. This was certification training for aircrew and prepares them for situations that may occur when unexpected flight conditions force a landing.

  • Master Sgt. Nieves Talks Ph.D. and Love of Learning

    Master Sgt. Jared Nieves is the 117th Air Refueling Wing inspector general (IG) program manager and inspection coordinator assigned to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron. The IG program is responsible for ensuring units are within compliance with inspections mandated by law and also assess the unit’s

  • Golfer, Farmer, Real Estate Agent, Airman

    Tech. Sgt. Stephen Standridge is a boom operator for the 117 Air Refueling Wing and has been in the National Guard since 2013. Before he was a boom operator refueling the world’s greatest air force he worked in the personnel office at the 117th Operations Group.Standridge is also a seven-time U.S.

  • COVID-19 PANDEMIC ALTER SCHEDULES

    The COVID-19 pandemic has caused alterations to deployment schedules of the 117th Air Refueling Wing. Airmen from the 117th ARW are currently assigned to four combatant commands deployed across the world.Most deployments were scheduled from 60 to 180 days in duration. Government orders made to

  • A Community Rallies to Answer a Call

    There is always one specific needed item that rises to the top when disaster strikes. During storms it is shelter, during a financial crisis it is funding, during war times it is weapons, but during a global health pandemic we have quickly learned that facemasks are a top priority.The way the

  • The Cake Lady

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Jane Hauth has baked and delivered cakes and other pastries to Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base for the last three years as part of an ongoing charitable effort.Hauth, affectionately known as “the Cake Lady, has dedicated countless hours baking for the military, police and

  • Birmingham Airman Volunteers At Local Charity Organizations

    As Airmen we all have a duty and a part in protecting our nation.  But there is service all of us can offer to our local communities in addition to our roles in national defense.Tech. Sgt. Tatiana Cookingham, a production controller in the 117th Maintenance Squadron, volunteers her time to local

  • Base Honor Guard, Another Way To Serve

    The 117th Air Refueling Wing Honor Guard team is seeking Airmen interested in honoring veterans and providing exposure to the military.  The Honor Guard provides a way to tell a story about a portion of someone’s life.  When they take part in a veteran’s funeral the Honor Guard provides direct