Village Of Valleyview

Councilman Parrish Invited On Air National Guard Flight

Mar 16, 2004

The 121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW) of the Ohio Air National Guard extended invitations to Municipal Officials from Central Ohio to join them on an aerial refueling mission

Thirteen public officials accepted the invitation and participated in the flight. Officials from Worthington, Hilliard, Dublin, Lockbourne, Pickerington, and Valleyview were among those participating. Councilman Paul Parrish represented the Village of Valleyview.

At the March 1st Council Meeting Councilman Parrish related his experience from the flight and provided pictures. The refueling mission left Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base south of Columbus at approximately 10:45am and returned before 2:00pm that afternoon. The refueling mission took place over northern Alabama where the KC-135 met up with a C-17 and performed aerial refueling practice.

The Air National Guard not only provided the unique experience of participating in an aerial refueling mission but also gave some history of the 121st ARW and an overview of the mission that the 121st ARW provides to the country. Also the impact on the local community both in monetary and people was given to the officials as well. The 121st ARW has an impact of $65 million to the local economy. 1200 members of the 121st ARW live in the local communities with 400 of those being full time and the remainder made up of weekend warriors.

The 121st participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and has members all over the globe supporting missions of the United States armed forces. The 121st plays an important role in the defense of our nation and they wanted to let the local public officials know a little bit about what it is they do and how they play in active part in the community.

For more information about the 121st ARW you can visit their website at: http://www.ohcolu.ang.af.mil/