Exclusive look inside Wisconsin National Guard Aircraft this Armed Forces Week

NOW: Exclusive look inside Wisconsin National Guard Aircraft this Armed Forces Week
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WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Our local Wisconsin National Guard Unit is kicking off Milwaukee Armed Forces Week.

CBS 58 Reporter Stephanie Buffamonte got an exclusive ride on one of their aircrafts. 

The crew aboard the KC-135R Stratotanker takes to the skies to assist others. Aircrafts will go to the back of the tanker where they fuel up.

"What we are able to do is keep aircraft in the air longer with that they can go out an do their missions so our role is helping them out," Jonathan Vargas, Pilot with the 128th Air Refueling Wing.

The 128th Refueling Wing is a Wisconsin Air National Guard Unit, located right next to Mitchell Airport. 

They have more than 10 of the tankers meant to refuel other aircraft and carry passengers or cargo.

Wisconsin represented well with Bucky Badger on their tanks. 

"It's really nice to be part of a base that is in the local community. A lot of us are from here, go to school here, work here," said Vargas.

Armed Forces Week is a time to honor servicemen and women.

"I think it's important for Milwaukee to know that they have all five branches of service in their city," said 1st Lt. Jenna Lenski with the 128th Air Refueling Wing.

There are more than 800 airmen part of Milwaukee's 128th Air Refueling Wing.

"It's nice to kind of show what we're able to do, how we interact with our community as well as the airforce side of things and what we do for them," said Vargas.

"We're so thankful to be a part of the community, not just in the community. We're so gracious for their support and allowing us to continue to serve here, which is where we call our home," said Lenski.


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