NEWS: Two retired generals inducted into Wisconsin ANG Hall of Fame
Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs sent this bulletin at 10/07/2011 12:21 PM CDT
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NEWS: Two retired generals inducted into Wisconsin ANG Hall of Fame
Date: October 7, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard
Wisconsin Air National Guard leaders honored two retired generals during a formal ceremony Sunday (Oct. 2) at the 115th Fighter Wing.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Albert H. Wilkening and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Fred R. Sloan were the 56th and 57th Airmen, respectively, to be inducted into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be included into a hall of fame that includes so many men and women of the Wisconsin Air National Guard," Wilkening said. "Many of them are role models and mentors for me."
Sloan shared the same sentiment.
"At the end of the day, what made my career such a gift was that we just kept getting better," Sloan said. "I am so proud to have been one of you and to have had the chance to brag about you in different venues through the years."
The Hall of Fame, established in 1982, is open to enlisted and commissioned Airmen who have been separated or retired for at least three years. More importantly, however, it's reserved for Airmen who have performed well beyond what was expected of them.
"The Hall of Fame induction is about the mark you left and continue to leave on this organization," said Brig. Gen. John McCoy, commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. "These inductees truly are the best of the best."
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch was on hand to express her respect and appreciation for the inductees and all Wisconsin service members.
"It is an honor to have been included in your program today," Kleefisch said. "You are extraordinary - thank you for taking your extraordinary courage and servants' hearts and pouring them into the Wisconsin National Guard. We are so grateful for your service."
Wilkening enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968 and received his commissioned later the same year. Following pilot training at Webb Air Force Base, Texas, he served as a flight training instructor at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., until May 1973. In August 1973, he joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard where he would serve in a variety of command and staff positions, including commander of the 176th Tactical Fighter Squadron and deputy commander for operations, 128th Tactical Fighter Wing. Wilkening then served as commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard for 12 years before being appointed the adjutant general by Gov. Scott McCallum in 2002. Wilkening retired as command pilot with more than 3,300 flying hours in the T-41, T-37, T-38, O-2A, OA-37 and A-10 aircraft.
"I enjoyed an incredibly rewarding military and civilian career and if I had to do it all over again ... I'd do it exactly the same way," Wilkening said.
Sloan enlisted into the Wisconsin Air National Guard in 1971 and was also commissioned the same year after graduating from the inaugural Air National Guard Officer Preparatory Academy. He then attended undergraduate pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. Sloan served in a variety of operational, staff, and command positions. Sloan also served at Air Combat Command in Langley Air Force Base, Va. He retired with more than 6,000 flying hours on the C-131, T-33, T-37, T-38, F-102, O-2A, A-37, A-10 and F-16C aircraft.
"This was an exciting adventure from day one. It's been a great ride," Sloan said. "We cherish all of your friendships, the memories and this honor."
Senior Airman Ryan Roth, 115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story.
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