Guard Bonuses Explained: $7,500 Cash + 100% Free Tuition
This episode of Roll Call, the official podcast of the 126th Air Refueling Wing, sits down with the Wing's Recruiting and Retention team to break down the Summer Surge bonus — $7,500 for a three-year enlistment — 100% free tuition through the Illinois National Guard Grant, and which career fields have bonuses available right now. Plus, why the clock is ticking before the fiscal year runs out.
If you would like to book one-on-one time with Master Sgt. Rich Olsen, 126th ARW, retention manager reach out to him through here at this link, https://outlook-dod.office365.us/bookwithme/user/d3ac6f20988c4175a2fb7c55c7b986dc%40us.af.mil?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled
Also in this episode:
September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you need help or just need to talk, reach out to the Wing's Director of Psychological Health, Ms. Linda Schuh, at 618-229-9040. If you are having thoughts of suicide or know someone in crisis, call the Military Crisis Line at 988, press 1.
Project Safeguard info session — Sunday, Nov. 8, 1300–1430, Building 5048. Learn practical ways to safeguard your weapon at home and the research behind why it matters for suicide prevention. RSVP to linda.schuh.1@us.af.mil by Sept. 25.
Fall Boom Operator (Inflight Refueling Specialist) selection board for Drill Status Guardsmen — applications due COB Oct. 31, board meets Nov. 7. Contact your CSS for the full application checklist.
Lattes with the Lord — this Sunday during September drill, Wing HQ, 0715–0815.
Wing Family Holiday Party — Saturday, Dec. 5, 1100–1600.
Need Public Affairs to cover your event, want a portrait, or need an official passport/international driver's license photo? Find all our links at linktr.ee/126ARW.
Roll Call is focused on people, mission, and community. Hosted by Senior Master Sgt. Brian Ellison. And to our deployed Airmen — we're thinking of you.
#126ARW #RollCallPodcast #IllinoisAirNationalGuard #AirRefueling #ScottAFB
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2026 17:27 |
| Category: | Interviews |
| Audio ID: | 93696 |
| Filename: | 2609/DOD_111959334.mp3 |
| Length: | 00:25:11 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
| High-Res. Downloads: | 0 |
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