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Lt Col Benjamin R. Louden, of Belleville, Change of Command Ceremony was held August 6 at Scott AFB where he was installed as Commander, 126th Operations Support Squadron for the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois ANG.

Attending the ceremony were his wife Kelli and daughters Haidyn and Macie Louden. Also attending were his parents Lt Col (Ret) Larry and wife Pat Louden of Hot Springs, AR. (pictured with Ben above) and his inlaws, Paul and Christine Spezio from Washington, IL.

The 126th Air Refueling Wing (126 ARW) is a unit of the Illinois Air National Guard, stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Belleville. If activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command. The primary mission of the 126th Air Refueling Wing is to provide air refueling support to major commands of the United States Air Force, as well as other U.S. military forces and the military forces of allied nations. Additionally, the unit can support airlift missions and is also tasked with supporting the nuclear strike missions of the Single Integrated Operational Plan. During peacetime, the 126th ARW receives direction through the adjutant general of Illinois, the governor of Illinois and the National Guard Bureau.

Ben enlisted in the Illinois National Guard while in Eastern Illinois University in 2000. In addition to his military career as a Citizen Airman, Lt Col Louden flys as a Pilot/First Officer with American Airlines.

Ben is the grandson of the late Bob and Joyce Louden of Stronghurst and great grandson of the late Benjamin and Ruth Louden of La Harpe.