An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Dec. 13, 2019

Family from the 121st prioritizes service

By Senior Airman Christi Richter 121st Air Refueling Wing

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Many Airmen and service members come from long lines of military heritage and service. For the Walkers, being part of the Air Force National Guard, specifically the 121st Air Refueling Wing, runs in the family.

On Nov. 26, Carson Walker enlisted into the Ohio Air National Guard. The recruiter who helped with his enlistment was none other than his older brother, Jonathan Walker. And just a few days after Carson was sworn in, Jonathan hit his 20-year mark of military service.

Carson’s mother, Kelley, also attended the enlistment and was excited to be there for her son’s big day.

“We are super proud of Carson for making this decision,” said Kelley. “He said he wasn’t joining for tuition benefits; he just wanted to serve.”

Kelley Walker is an administrative specialist in the commander support staff for Wing Headquarters at the 121st Air Refueling Wing. She has served in the Air National Guard for 34 years.

Carson’s father, retired Senior Master Sgt. Doug Walker, was the ISO dock superintendent at the 121st ARW, and served for 33 years.

Carson says that watching his family serve inspired him to join the unit.

“Growing up with both parents and a brother in the Guard and hearing and seeing all the experiences they have had and all the attributes they have gained made me grow up wanting to join, just like them,” said Carson.

 

 

Related Articles
Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, poses with competitors following the awards ceremony at the inaugural Pennsylvania National Guard Keystones Combatives Tournament in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Jan. 11, 2026. Thirty-nine Soldiers and Airmen competed in the first Modern Army Combatives tournament in the state’s history. Photo by Staff Sgt. Kelly Boyer.
Pennsylvania National Guard Hosts Inaugural Keystone Combatives Tournament
By Staff Sgt. Kelly Boyer, | Jan. 14, 2026
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. — Thirty-nine Soldiers and Airmen from the Pennsylvania National Guard tested their hand-to-hand combat skills during the inaugural Keystone Combatives Tournament at the Blue Mountain Sports Complex...

Carrying U.S. Coast Guard members of the Maritime Security Response Team, a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk combat search and rescue helicopter conducts joint hoist training Jan. 23, 2023, at Coast Guard Station Kodiak. The Interagency training included participation of U.S. Naval Special Warfare, the Coast Guard's Maritime Security Response Team and the Alaska Air National Guard's 210th Rescue Squadron. Photo by David Bedard.
Alaska Air Guard Conducts Nighttime Medical Evacuation
By Alejandro Pena, | Jan. 14, 2026
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – Alaska Air National Guard members assigned to the 176th Wing medically evacuated an individual Jan. 12 in Southcentral Alaska.In response to a request for assistance from the Alaska...

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the adjutant general of Illinois and commander of the Illinois National Guard, and Portuguese Lt. Gen. Rui Freitas sign the formal agreement creating the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program between the Illinois National Guard and the Portuguese military on Jan. 12, 2026, at the Portuguese Ministry of Defense in Lisbon. The State Partnership Program is a Department of War initiative led by the National Guard that supports the security cooperation objectives of U.S. combatant commands and aligns with U.S. State Department strategies. Photo by Cpl. Justin Malone.
Illinois Guard, Portugal Formalize New State Partnership Agreement
By Cpl. Justin Malone, | Jan. 13, 2026
LISBON, Portugal – The Illinois National Guard and the Ministry of National Defense of the Portuguese Republic held a ceremony Jan. 12 to officially establish a new State Partnership Program agreement between the two armed...