139th News

  • Guard’s leaders name 139th Operations Group ‘Outstanding’

    The Air National Guard recently recognized the 139th Operations Group here as recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.Each year the Air Guard selects its top units for the recognition from more than 88 flying wings and 200 geographically separated units throughout the United States, the

  • Mayor presents ‘key to city’ to 139th AW

    St. Joseph Mayor Bill Falkner presented the key to the city to Col. Michael Pankau at a banquet Jan. 25, 2012. Pankau, the 139th Airlift Wing commander, humbly accepted the key on behalf of the Wing."It makes me proud to be a member of this Wing," said Pankau. "This represents what the 1000 plus

  • 139th Airlift Wing expects C-130H3s to replace current aircraft

    The 139th Airlift Wing here expects to lose its 10 C-130H2.5 aircraft while receiving eight, newer-model C-130H3s, according to Col. Michael Pankau, Wing commander.The change is part of the Air Force's overall aircraft reductions for Fiscal Year 2013 and Total Force Re-missioning for Fiscal Year

  • AATTC instructors teach 240th class

    Two defensive systems instructors for the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center here recently completed their 240th class since the mid-1990s, and have now taught more than 900 other weapons instructors how to safely load chaff flares on C-130 cargo aircraft.Master Sgt. Rick Karlslyst and Tech

  • AATTC's 30th Tactics/Intel Symposium a success

    More than 300 military members, civilians and vendors attended the 30th Tactics-Intelligence Symposium, hosted here Jan. 23-26 by the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center (AATTC) with assistance from the 139th Airlift Wing.The Symposium annually brings together airlift and intelligence personnel

  • 139th Fire Department provides assistance

    Members of the 139th Fire Department responded to two emergency mutual-aid calls within a 24-hour period from the Elwood (Kan.) Fire Department requesting assistance.The 139th FD received the first call Jan. 4 at 2:55 p.m. requesting assistance with a multiple vehicle accident with one rolled-over

  • Wing crew chief named best in Missouri

    A 139th Airlift Wing Airman here was recently recognized as the state's best noncommissioned officer (NCO) of the year by the Missouri National Guard.Tech. Sgt. Fredrick Pierce is the Missouri Air Guard's Outstanding NCO of the Year. He is among several other Airmen and Army Guard Soldiers,

  • 139th Airlift Wing holds Change of Command ceremonies

    The 139th Airlift Wing held two change of command ceremonies here Dec. 4 for the 139th Operations Group and for the 180th Airlift Squadron.Lt. Col. Coy Riecker, resident of Smithville, Mo., assumed command of the 180th AS from Lt. Col. Dave Halter, resident of St. Joseph, Mo."I'm very honored and

  • Airmen return home in time for Christmas

    Seven Airmen belonging to the Security Force Squadron of the 139th Airlift Wing returned home Dec. 2 and 3 after providing internal security for Sather Air Base in Bagdad, Iraq, since July.Family members and comrades greeted Chief Master Sgt. Gary L. Murphy, Master Sgt. Ted McGarry, Tech. Sgt. Tim

  • Airmen donate time, gifts to children's home

    A cold, wet Tuesday afternoon didn't stop Santa from visiting some children on Dec. 13.Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing teamed up with the local community to bring Christmas to the Noyes Home for Children in St. Joseph, Mo.Combined with local businesses, Guardmembers raised $1,100 to buy gifts for