185th Named Airlift Tanker Outstanding Unit

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Nashville, TN --  The 185th Air Refueling Wing is the recipient of the 2011 Airlift Tanker Association (A/TA) Air National Guard (ANG) Outstanding Unit Awards. A proud member of Iowa's National Guard, the 185th is the newest member to the ANG KC-135 community as they converted from the F-16 in 2003. Led by Wing Commander, Colonel Brian Miller, the Hawkeye State's Citizen Airmen have succeeded in building one of the nation's most respected ANG units - serving America, Iowa and community in partnership with families and employers.

The 185th ARW is assigned 9 KC-145R aircraft and over 800 Airmen, providing rapid global mobility and sustainment for America's armed forces; providing unparalleled support to the warfighter. Additionally, the 185th possesses the one and only Regional Paint Facility in the air National Guard which brings a cost savings of $3 million plus to the Air Force and Army.

The 185th ARW was selected for this award based upon setting impressive benchmarks such as: the CENT-COM AOR-216 combat sorties, totaling over 1500 flying hours and off Loading 1,720,000 lbs of fuel while simultaneously deployed to the PAXOM AOR where they accrued 44 sorties, 185 flying hours while offloading 7,650,000 lbs of fuel. Additionally, this wing was one of the first units activated in support of Odyssey Dawn/Unified protector and while based out of Moron AB, Spain they executed 58 sorties, 516 hours and 1,700,000 lbs of offloaded fuel. In support of these requirements, the 185th airmen deployed an incredible 37,364 days for contingency operations while still maintaining a 98% rate of readiness.

As defenders of Iowa, the 185th ARW is trained to protect life and property and to preserve peace, order and public safety. Their role as Citizen Airmen is reflected by their support to the local community with "Ambassadors Race for Hope" in support of our POW/MIAs, partnering with Hope Haven International providing 200 wheelchairs for disabled Iraqi children and over 35,000 volunteer hours in support of the Siouxland area through the Combined Federal Campaign and blood drives for the Siouxland Community Blood Bank.

The Award of the 2011 A/TA ANG Outstanding Unit Award recognizes the contributions of Iowa's own 185th ARW Personnel and to their communities, which both provide and benefit from their support.

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