Chancellor Ronnie Green and other university officials were among civic leaders who participated in a Nebraska National Guard refueling flight on May 24.
The flight allowed participants to see firsthand how members of the Nebraska National Guard's 155th Air Refueling Wing accomplish the task of adding fuel to fighter jets soaring at 35,000 feet. Aircraft serviced during the flight were F-16s from the South Dakota National Guard's 114th Fighter Wing.
About 20 civic leaders joined the flight. Other university officials who participated were Hank Bounds, president of the University of Nebraska system, and Matt Davison, the Huskers' associate athletic director for football.
In Twitter posts during the experience, Green praised members of the National Guard for their service.
Have the huge privilege of being able to see an Air Force refueling today. Humbled by the service and excellence of the Nebraska National Guard. Off we go in to the wild blue yonder. #grateful pic.twitter.com/9ko2jEHKJ6
— Ronnie D. Green (@RonnieDGreen) May 24, 2018
The Nebraska National Guard offers the flights to civilians regularly as a way to showcase the work being done by members of the 155th Air Refueling Wing.
The unit, which is stationed at the Air National Guard Base in Lincoln, is responsible for conducting air refueling operations around the world. The 155th is also tasked with supporting state government, including assisting Nebraskans when called to do so by the governor. State-based operations have included helping in the aftermath of snowstorms in 1949 and 1997, as well as securing tornado ravaged areas in Omaha in 1975.
What an intense experience to see F16s refueled at 35K in a KC135 over O’Neill, NE. Absolutely amazing seeing such excellence, commitment and service. Thank you to all of the servant leaders protecting our freedom every day and every hour. pic.twitter.com/V0PZbCIXpD
— Ronnie D. Green (@RonnieDGreen) May 24, 2018
During the refueling, South Dakota National Guard pilot Quenten Esser showcased a No. 3 Matt Davison jersey. Esser is a graduate of Conestoga High School in Nebraska. Davison captured the moment that Esser's F-16 linked up with the Stratotanker.
Big thanks to Conestoga HS grad Quenten Esser for rockin my jersey in his F-16 during refueling today. He was a great athlete in HS and now serves our country. Thank you! I was pumped when I was taking these pics! #GBR #USApic.twitter.com/aVKWmzciFt
— Matt Davison (@Matt_Davison) May 24, 2018
On May 25, members of the Nebraska National Guard were treated to a tour of Nebraska athletics facilities, including Memorial Stadium. The tour was led by Davison.
Great day! Thank you President @hankbounds @unlincoln and @huskers @Matt_Davison for giving some @nenationalguard Soldiers and Airmen a tour of Memorial Stadium today! I personally had a great time! #huskers #gbr #lnk #memorialstadium #nebraska #NEGuard pic.twitter.com/Up7ei6RxBg
— Lisa JoDean (@lisajodean) May 24, 2018
After the refueling experience and as Memorial Day weekend approached, Green sent a message to Major Gen. Daryl Bohac and Capt. Doug Carlson. In the note, Green thanked the National Guard leaders for the opportunity to fly with and learn from members of the 155th.
"...how is it possible that such a behemoth piece of equipment like the KC-135 weighed down with 195,000 pounds of fuel could ascend to 35,000 feet to meet up with other amazing planes that fly at unbelievable speeds to provide them sustenance to work? There is no other way to describe it than awe-inspiring," Green said. "As we go in to this Memorial Day weekend, please accept this one small thanks for the service of all of your team and all of the committed servants of our military forces."
[See more photos of the Nebraska National Guard refueling flight](https://www.flickr.com/photos/nenationalguard/sets/72157696650212544).
