Photo By Airman Taylor Warehime | U.S. Air Force Col. Barbara Bartch, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot and former deputy commander of the 121st Air Refueling Wing, is joined by her friends, family, and colleagues for a ceremony to celebrate her retirement at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, February 21, 2026. Bartch retired after serving 35 years in the Ohio Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman First Class Taylor Warehime) see less
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RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio – U.S. Air National Guard Col. Barbara Bartch, former deputy commander of the 121st Air Refueling Wing, retired after 35 years of service to the 121 ARW during a retirement ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, January 21, 2026.
Col. Andrew Powers, 121 ARW commander, presided over the ceremony, delivering his remarks on Bartch’s accomplishments.
“Along this journey, Bartch amassed 509.2 hours over 162 sorties as a boom operator, 4,257.5 hours and 1,256 sorties as a pilot, 65.4 hours over 19 combat sorties, and 596.6 combat hours over 85 combat sorties in support of Northern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and so many more, “ said Powers. “She set conditions for and enabled Ohioans to help Ohioans in times of great need”.
Bartch enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard in June 1990 as a knowledge management specialist, and then became a boom operator, copilot, aircraft commander, sexual assault response coordinator, chief of safety, squadron commander, group commander, and lastly, deputy wing commander.
“While one chapter is closing and another is opening, know that your Guard family will continue to be there with you and your own family,” said Powers. “We take comfort in knowing that by giving up your time with us, you’ll have more time with them to build cherished memories.”
Bartch’s family, friends, and fellow wingmen attended her ceremony.
“There are so many memories and so many great opportunities I’ve had over the last 35 years,” said Bartch.
Bartch shared some of her memories during her speech.
“This wing is more than aircraft and flying hours. It is and always will be about the Airmen,” said Bartch. “The dedicated professionals who serve with integrity and excellence, whether you work on a flight line, a flight deck, an office, a clinic, or a warehouse, what you do matters”.
“Serving amongst you has been the greatest honor of my life,” said Bartch.
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