161st Air Refueling Wing

CASY 2026 kicked off last weekend with the Professional Development sessions which focused on emerging concepts in leadership, resilience, and artificial intelligence followed by the CASY Banquet which celebrated the excellence of our Airmen, Soldiers, and Civilian employees.

Recently, the 161st ARW hosted its first Senior Leader Enrichment Development (SLED) I & II course. More than just professional development, AZ-SLED brought leaders together to have real conversations about the challenges facing our Arizona formation and the responsibility that comes with leading today’s force. Centered on shared experiences, honest dialogue, and practical leadership principles, the course focused on closing leadership gaps, strengthening connection across the state, and investing in leaders who will continue shaping the culture and future of the force. #LeadershipDevelopment #SLED #MissionReady #DevelopLeaders #LeadFromTheFront

A moment years in the making, three brothers, one uniform, one mission.

Staff Sgt. Corey Walls, right, a Financial Management and Comptroller specialist with the 161st Air Refueling Wing, stands alongside his brothers, Airman 1st Class Jonathan Walls, left, a Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance specialist with the 161st, and Senior Airman Elisha Walls, center, an Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems specialist with the 18th Maintenance Group from Kadena Air Base, as they take their first photo together in uniform.

With the youngest brother, Elisha, newly joining the Air Force, this milestone captures more than a family reunion, it reflects a shared commitment to service, sacrifice, and carrying on a legacy of dedication to something greater than themselves.

📸 Staff Sgt. Shane Sanders




Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs | Air National Guard | United States Air Force

From Patient Care to Military Service, Putting People First Every Step of the Way

Staff Sgt. Anderson is a personnelist with the 161st Force Support Squadron, but in the civilian world he works as a nurse. It was during his time in nursing school when he decided to join the Air National Guard.

“I think customer service, how to treat a patient well and how to be well mannered, translates to what we're doing here in the FSS in putting the customer first.”

Even prior to that, Anderson served in the Army National Guard, working on Apache and Blackhawk helicopters.

“The best thing is just to have a ‘get it done attitude’. Sometimes tasks are hard, or it's like a big jump, but that's where to get started is to just jump in and get it done.”



📸 : Tech. Sgt. Jayson Burns

Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs | Air National Guard | United States Air Force

Only a few spots left for our Strong Bonds Family Event!
May 22-24, 2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your family connections, create lasting memories, and enjoy quality time together.

Be sure to check out the flyer for full event details and registration information!

Today, we honor the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of military spouses.

Your support behind the scenes makes everything possible.

Only a few spots left for our Strong Bonds Family Event!

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your family connections, build lasting memories, and have a great time together.

Check out the flyer for full details and registration info.

May’s Copperhead of the Month is SSgt Leyvas from the 161st Medical Group!

SSgt Leyvas continues to set the standard for excellence and service. As a member of the Squadron Medical Element with the 197th Air Refueling Squadron, he completed specialized training as a Flight and Operational Medical Technician playing a key role in supporting the medical readiness of over 100 aircrew members.

During his 2025 deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, he delivered critical care in a high-tempo environment, directly strengthening mission effectiveness and protecting force health.

Always looking to make a greater impact, he volunteered for multiple TDY assignments, including a Medical Field Assessment Team mission at Naval Air Station Sigonella, where he sharpened his clinical expertise and brought advanced medical practices back to his unit.

He also supported an Innovative Readiness Training mission in Idaho, providing essential care to local tribal communities demonstrating his commitment to service both at home and abroad.

A voice that became a tradition, and a legacy that will be remembered.

Tech Sgt. Lisa Cimino, a chaplain’s assistant with the 161st Religious Affairs, is honored during her retirement ceremony after years of dedicated service to the wing. A staple across the base, Cimino performed the national anthem 512 times at major political and sporting events, bringing pride and unity to every audience she stood before. In a fitting farewell, she delivered her 513th rendition during her retirement ceremony, her final performance while serving with the 161st.

Her commitment, talent, and presence have left a lasting impact on the 161st community, embodying the spirit of service both in and out of uniform.

Thank you, Tech Sgt. Cimino, for your unwavering dedication and for every powerful note of the national anthem you shared.



📸 : Airman 1st Class Hreshchyshyn

Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Air National Guard United States Air Force