The F-105 Thunderchief on static display at Main Gate at Arnold Air Force Base honors the memory of Lt General Robert Bond

The President George W. Bush Air Park is home to seven aircraft, each with a unique past and historical significance. Learn the story of the F-105 Thunderchief from the 23d Wing historian, Mark Godwin.

'Once an Okie, always an Okie.' It's a mantra spoken by a group of several hundred former members of the 507th Air Refueling Wing. This group of Okies meets at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, every two years, and they met here Sept. 28-29. Realistically, there were over 1,000 years of experience in the hangar during social hour. Many generations of Okies were present at the gathering, but the bulk of men and women there served in the 507th Tactical Fighter Group directly after the Vietnam war. Many of these retired Citizen Airmen spoke time and time again about the camaraderie of the unit. They may have been flying the F-105 Thunderchiefs or F-4 Phantoms, but just like any day, it was all about people and the relationships. "We've enjoyed it. You will find a lot of proud people who worked here and they come back here because they made things happen. They were true professionals," said Retired Maj. Gen. Lou Ferraro, former 507th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander from 1974-1982. The Okie Reunion group meets at Tinker Air Force Base every two years to reflect on their service, catch up with old friends, and meet new ones serving right here in the 507th Air Refueling Wing. Current Okie, Lt. Col. Kenneth Humphrey, 507th Operations Group Commander, said it was fun and very humbling to spend time with the retired Okies. "You're thinking you're one of the old guys, and you've got the experience; then you realize you've got folks that have got twice, three times as much experience than you'll ever have in multiple different weapons systems," Humphrey said. "The stories that they've got just tell--you know, funny, challenging-- so it's fun to hear how things were." One of these special Okie vets and group organizer of the Okie reunions had this to say about the event. "We have a long history," said Retired Col. John Russell, former pilot with the 507th Tactical Fighter Group from 1977-1994. "The fighter guys I think maybe more so than what's going on with a lot of units at the moment. It's just a different breed of cat running around. We stayed together a lot, we deployed together a lot. And we enjoy doing things. And at the unit like the 507th here, we lived in the same area for the most part, and just had a great time." The Okies encourage all active participating reservists to join them in all future events.

The Wild Weasels have been around since the Vietnam War providing suppression of enemy air defenses for the United States and its allies. Airman 1st Class Sean Sweeney takes us to South Carolina, where the weasels past and present reunited to honor their heritage.

The Wild Weasels have been around since the Vietnam War providing suppression of enemy air defenses for the United States and its allies. Airman 1st Class Sean Sweeney takes us to South Carolina, where the weasels past and present reunited to honor their heritage.

U.S. and Spanish navies test new Aegis Weapon System, Eisenhower Strike Group began missions in Aranian Gulf, Future USS Detroit completed 2nd acceptance trial.

The "Okies" of the "Fighting 507th" have seen many changes in its diverse history from the P-47 “Thunderbolts” to the KC-135 “Stratotankers”, the unit continues to play a important role in our national defense. This video highlights the historical past of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve Command. (507th Fighter Wing, 507th Wing, 507th Tactical Fighter Group, 507th Fighter Group). (U.S. Air Force Video/Maj. Jon Quinlan)

Retired Col. Bob Krone discusses the F-105 Thunderchief,...