Okies of the 507th ARW

Published April 1, 2016
By Tech. Sgt. Lauren Gleason
507th Air Refueling Wing

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The largest Air Force Reserve Command flying unit in the state of Oklahoma can be found right here at Tinker.

More than 1,100 Citizen Airmen in the 507th Air Refueling Wing, affectionately known as "Okies," support, fly and maintain eight KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft on the south side of Tinker, near the Navy's TACAMO facility.

Aircrew fly daily missions and off-load millions of pounds of fuel in support of operations worldwide, and are trained, equipped and ready to meet mission requirements 24/7.

Col. Brian Davis, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander and command pilot with more than 5,500 flying hours, understands the challenges and rewards of balancing an Air Force Reserve career with a civilian career.

"Citizen Airmen must balance three components to provide a sustainable and effective fighting force: the needs of the Air Force, civilian employers and family," said Colonel Davis, a husband and father of two who has served for 30 years. "Without balancing the three components, being a Citizen Airman is not possible."

While some Reservists travel from out of state, many of the Okies live and work in the local Oklahoma City metro area and surrounding states. Approximately 200 members are "full-time" Reservists, who serve as Department of Defense civilians or Air Reserve Technicians.

The wing's close proximity to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex helps the 507th ARW regularly maintain and upgrade the Air Force's tanker fleet. The OC-ALC employs more than 9,400 military and civilian personnel with 98 different job skills, many of whom serve in the 507th ARW as Citizen Airmen.

According to Staff Sgt. Sarah Haggard, 507th ARW Development and Training Flight chief, serving as both a traditional Reservist while working for the state of Oklahoma has been an ideal combination.

"Being able to serve as a Citizen Airman in my home state has been really beneficial," said Sergeant Haggard, a Del City native. "I get to serve near home and I'm able to keep my civilian job with the state as well."

The 507th ARW has a rich history, and aerial refueling is not the only mission the 507th ARW has ever held. In 1994, the wing began its current aerial refueling mission, but in the past, they operated the F-105D Thunderchief, the F-4D Phantom II and the F-16A Fighting Falcon.

In 2005, the 507th ARW was selected to become the first Air Force Reserve unit to serve as a host wing for an associate Air National Guard wing. Citizen Airmen and Guardsmen worked together to serve as equal partners flying and maintaining the KC-135. In July 2015, this unique Air Reserve Component Association between the 507th ARW and the 137th ARW ended as the 137th transferred to Special Operations Command.

The 507th ARW's estimated annual economic impact in greater Oklahoma City is impressive, and for the fiscal year 2014 the total exceeded $90 million.

"Our impact on the local community is tremendous," said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Fousek, lead recruiter. "There are many opportunities for Oklahoma citizens to become Citizen Airmen right here within Tinker Air Force Base."

The 507th also has a geographically separated unit, the 730th Air Mobility Training Squadron at Altus AFB, Okla., dedicated to training Citizen Airmen on the Reserve C-17 Globemaster III, the KC-135 and in the near future, the KC-46 Pegasus.

For more information about the 507th ARW, visit the website at http://www.507arw.afrc.af.mil/, or contact Public Affairs at 734-3078.