Roll Call

Guard Bonuses Explained: $7,500 Cash + 100% Free Tuition

This episode of Roll Call, the official podcast of the 126th Air Refueling Wing, sits down with the Wing's Recruiting and Retention team to break down the Summer Surge bonus — $7,500 for a three-year enlistment — 100% free tuition through the Illinois National Guard Grant, and which career fields have bonuses available right now. Plus, why the clock is ticking before the fiscal year runs out.

If you would like to book one-on-one time with Master Sgt. Rich Olsen, 126th ARW, retention manager reach out to him through here at this link, https://outlook-dod.office365.us/bookwithme/user/d3ac6f20988c4175a2fb7c55c7b986dc%40us.af.mil?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled

Also in this episode:

September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you need help or just need to talk, reach out to the Wing's Director of Psychological Health, Ms. Linda Schuh, at 618-229-9040. If you are having thoughts of suicide or know someone in crisis, call the Military Crisis Line at 988, press 1.

Project Safeguard info session — Sunday, Nov. 8, 1300–1430, Building 5048. Learn practical ways to safeguard your weapon at home and the research behind why it matters for suicide prevention. RSVP to [email protected] by Sept. 25.

Fall Boom Operator (Inflight Refueling Specialist) selection board for Drill Status Guardsmen — applications due COB Oct. 31, board meets Nov. 7. Contact your CSS for the full application checklist.

Lattes with the Lord — this Sunday during September drill, Wing HQ, 0715–0815.

Wing Family Holiday Party — Saturday, Dec. 5, 1100–1600.

Need Public Affairs to cover your event, want a portrait, or need an official passport/international driver's license photo? Find all our links at linktr.ee/126ARW.

Roll Call is focused on people, mission, and community. Hosted by Senior Master Sgt. Brian Ellison. And to our deployed Airmen — we're thinking of you.

#126ARW #RollCallPodcast #IllinoisAirNationalGuard #AirRefueling #ScottAFB

Lt. Col. (Ch) Peter Landers, 126th Air Refueling Wing, chaplain, joins us from McMurdo Station, Antarctica. In part two of our conversation he discusses his how he spent his time on Antarctica, traveling there and how he's helped people through the most difficult times in their lives there.

The Yellow Ribbon Pre-Deployment Event is Monday, March 9 at Scott Event Center. Registration is open to all airmen deploying in 2026 https://dvidshub.net/r/19pvyt

We are getting new phones and phone numbers on campus, here is the new number to Military and Family Readiness 618-229-9035, call them to register for the free deployment financial briefing Feb. 19.

Linda Schuh and Gator email: [email protected]

MilTax: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/taxprep/

Lt. Col. (Ch) Peter Landers, 126th Air Refueling Wing, chaplain, is our guest, he joins us from McMurdo Station, Antarctica. In part 1 of our conversation tells us about the Support Forces Antarctica and ministering not only to the military, but, also, to the scientists there. You can catch part 2 this time next week.

Jessica Pohlsander - Personal Financial Counselor 618-256-8666 or email [email protected]

Reach out to Linda Schuh and Gator [email protected]

Mr. Phil Stratton, 126 ARW, Budget Analyst, tells us about his time as host of roll call, his career in the military, and he shares that his job as budget analyst isn’t just telling us no, we can’t spend money.

A personal financial counselor won't be able to make it out on Saturday.

www.linktr.ee/126ARW

Hear the story of Tech Sgt. Rashaad Adams as he runs his final lap of obtaining his PhD. How does he do it? Listen to find out.

Col. Tim Huchel is our guest on the podcast he tells us about the Flying Crew Chief Program and the 126th Maintenance Group maintenance goal for the year. Stay for the end to hear a "Soldiers Silent Night."

TriWest:

https://tricare.mil/About/Regions/West-Region

Personal Financial Planner:

Jennifer Pohlsander, AFC – 618-873-2400|[email protected]

On this episode Ms. Jillian Stevens, 126th Military and Family Readiness, joins us to discuss the upcoming Wing Christmas party, she let's us know when the big guy will arrive at the party. Also, she lets us know about this years holiday bazaar.

TriWest:

https://tricare.mil/About/Regions/West-Region

Personal Financial Planner:

Jennifer Pohlsander, AFC – 618-873-2400|[email protected]

Pain Free Running Class

MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT (MFLC)

618-671-2302 OR 618-979-0072 (SAFB

Metro-East Vet Center

314-894 6105

Department of Psychological Health

618-363-1426

This weeks guest is the Mission Support Group commander Col. Mike Mihalik he tells about how he became a Civil Engineer officer, his time at the National Guard Bureau and his favorite car.

Capt. Chris Gottschall, 126th Security Forces Squadron, is our guest on the podcast he discusses his role in the 126th Security Forces Squadron, the role of the squadron in the Wing and his busy civilian career.

General Mike Minihan Air Mobility Command commander is our guest this month on the podcast. In this clip, Minihan talks about his ties to the 126th Air Refueling Wing.