The 126th Air Refueling Wing has been recognized as the best Air Refueling Wing for 2025 by the National Guard Association of the United States at a ceremony in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the NGAUS Conference and Exhibition, Aug. 31.
The wing commander, Col. Nick Henschel, received the Rusty Metcalf trophy on behalf of the Illinois Air National Guard wing, stationed at Scott Air Force Base.
"I'm honored to accept this award on behalf of the 900 men and women from the 126 ARW," said Henschel. "I'm incredibly proud of our Airmen for all their amazing accomplishments over the last year and very happy that the Air National Guard recognized their outstanding performance."
The Curtis N. "Rusty" Metcalf trophy is named for the former National Guard Bureau Deputy Chief, Plans and Operations Division. It is presented to the best Airlift or Air Refueling Wing in the Air National Guard.
Throughout 2025, the wing supported six combatant commands. Including Operation Midnight Hammer, it played a pivotal part in the air bridge that culminated in the largest B-2 strike in history.
During Operation Rough Rider, its crews flew 16 combat sorties, offloading more than 143 thousand pounds of fuel to fighter jets, supporting operations to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
"This award demonstrates high standards in mission accomplishment, but it also represents a culture of excellence," said Henschel. "The 126 ARW has a long history of operational success and that trend continues today. We like to say that the best predictor of future success is past success, so the future is very bright for the 126 ARW."
The Maintenance Group won the ANG Maintenance Effectiveness Award by leading the entire KC-135 enterprise with an 83.7% Mission Capable Rate and 73.5% Aircraft Availability Rate, marking the 10th consecutive year the group has led in those categories.
"Earning the Metcalf Trophy is a testament to the unwavering commitment this wing brings to the mission every single day," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Carroll, 126th Maintenance Squadron, aircraft structural maintenance. "It is a representation of the discipline, sacrifice, and teamwork of every member who strives to achieve excellence in all we do."
The wing executed the first-ever alternate location nuclear Combat Readiness Exercise, which directly supported the Air Force Chief of Staff's #1 priority.
"After doing all the training and all the exercises, one of the things that stood out was the alternate duty location, where it was the first time ever for the nuclear exercise," Carroll said. "After all that hard work and training we put in, and then seeing that come to fruition this year, it made me feel proud to be a part of the wing."
The wing's Mobile Support Team worked with the Army Reserve during the Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise, executing a Strategic Command-directed bladder fuel transfer to 9 aircraft.
During an Innovative Readiness Training in Puerto Rico, the Medical Group, working alongside other U.S. military servicemembers, provided 9,900 no-cost medical procedures to 1,900 patients.
"The feeling is honestly wonderful because knowing that the work I put in directly contributed to the wing winning the Metcalf Trophy is something I'm genuinely proud of," said Senior Airman Daehly Day, 126th Comptroller Flight, financial management.
Day was part of a CPTF office that processed more than 1,500 travel vouchers, executing $5.8M in travel funds, and securing a $44,000 government travel card rebate that was reinvested into unfunded mission requirements, including a new alert facility kitchen.
"But what means the most to me is being part of a team and a community that truly uplifts each other. Everyone pushes hard, not for themselves or because they have to, but because we want to see the wing succeed," said Day.
The wing lived up to the term "Citizen Airmen," with members volunteering their time in the community. Members from the 126th Maintenance Squadron spent two days, 16 hours, at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post repainting an AH-1 Cobra helicopter and a cannon.
The wing's official vision: "Be the best Tanker wing in the Air National Guard."
Henschel sees the Metcalf Trophy as a step toward that vision becoming reality.
"Our number one goal is to lead and take care of our Airmen, so that remains a priority for us, especially during this latest deployment cycle. One of the specific ways we take care of our Airmen is to recognize them for outstanding performance, so our next objective is to win the Air Mobility Command — Maj. Gen. Stanley Newman award for Outstanding ANG unit. Based on our outstanding Airmen and all of their incredible accomplishments, I'm confident that we will compete very well for this next award!"