Former 927th Air Refueling Wing members gather to remember and celebrate

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennie Chamberlin
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  The 927th Air Refueling wing celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a weekend celebration Feb. 7 to 9, encompassing several events at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

More than 30 former members of the 927th ARW traveled to MacDill from around the country to rekindle old friendships and observe the current wing mission, said Gary Wurmlinger, a retired 927th ARW member. Wurmlinger served with the 927th for 32 years, and was part of a team of Airmen that helped establish the wing at MacDill after it moved from Selfridge, Michigan in 2008.

"We wanted to give alumni an insight to what the Air Force is doing now," said Wurmlinger. "This is an opportunity to let them see how things have changed and how technology has improved. "

Weekend events included a tour of the base led by current 927th ARW commander Col. Doug Schwartz. The tour took alumni to all the different units of the 927th, allowing them to see current facilities.

Retired Master Sgt. Ainie Smith served with the 927th ARW for 16 years. A Sun City Center, Fla. resident, he said while he's familiar with the 927th ARW's mission, it was great to get to see everything up close.

"I've seen all the buildings but I've never been inside them," he said. "It's really nice to see what the wing's doing now."

Retired Col. Benita Beckles served with the wing for 23 years and was the 927th Mission Support Group commander when the wing was based in Selfredge Air Force Base, Mich. She traveled from Arizona to see old friends and visit MacDill, where she served as an active-duty Airmen.

"It's exciting to see the changes on base," she said. "I've also really enjoyed seeing old friends I haven't seen in years."

As a former first sergeant, Wurmlinger said he made it a point to keep in touch with members of the unit and welcomed the opportunity to bring members together to swap stories and memories.

As the unit celebrates its years of service in Michigan and Florida, Wurmlinger said he hopes a local chapter of the Michigan-based 927th Alumni Association can offer a sense of camaraderie to former members in Tampa and surrounding areas.

"It's important to keep alive the heritage of the 927th Air Refueling Wing," said Wurmlinger.

"I'm so glad I came," said Brenda Kelley, spouse of former 927th ARW member retired Col. Rick Kelley. "The tour has been so interesting and everyone's been so nice. It's a family, and since he's retired I know Rick misses it."