Birmingham's Air Refueling Wing: Heroes in Defense

0:00In Birmingham, it's March 12th, and here's what is going on. As the United States nears its 250th birthday in 2026, places like Birmingham, Alabama, are highlighting everyday heroes. In defense, the 117th Air Refueling Wing, stationed at the local international airport, has supported global missions for more than 100 years. These airmen fly KC-135 strato tankers that refuel fighter jets, bombers, and cargo planes right in the air, that keeps American forces flying longer and farther. The wing includes pilots, mechanics, intel experts, and cyberpros who make it all happen. Their routes trace to 1917 as one of the first arrow squadrons in World War I. Union members help with D-Day in World War II, the Berlin Air Lift, and operations in the Middle East. After the 9-11 attacks, they patrol to American skies nonstop for 13 days. About 700 of the 1,100 total airmen serve part-time, balancing civilian jobs with their

1:02duties. They're your neighbors, church friends, and community members who switch gears when called. Today, the wing runs round the clock homeland defense under Operation Noble Eagle, a mission going strong since 2001. It's a local reminder that national security often comes from ordinary people doing remarkable work. These stories made possible by our sponsor, see the episode description. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly. Built for nighttime listening, us O-L-I, solelypillow.com