SE Illinois News

Illinois has a long tradition of citizen-soldiers, dating back to the early 1700s when French colonial authorities established local militias to secure trading routes. Over the centuries, Illinoisans have played roles in key military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War through World War II and beyond.

The Illinois Air National Guard (ANG) was officially formed in 1956, although its members had been flying missions for decades prior. In its early years, the air guard conducted reconnaissance and observation flights supporting ground troops. During World War II, Illinois aviators patrolled areas near the Panama Canal to protect it from enemy submarines.

As aviation technology advanced, so did the aircraft flown by Illinois guardsmen. The F-84 Thunderstreak was one of their first state-of-the-art jets after becoming a separate command. Soon after, they transitioned to the F-86 Sabre and later to the F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam era.

One notable pilot was Wayne Rosenthal from Morrisonville, who distinguished himself in Navigator flight school and earned the Husik Memorial Trophy as top aviator in his class. He logged over 3,000 hours in the F-4 and eventually became a brigadier general before retiring and serving as a representative for Illinois’ 108th House District.

“The values of discipline, service and commitment I learned in the Illinois Air National Guard are the foundation of everything I’ve done in life,” Rosenthal reflected. “Whether in the skies or in the legislature, those principles guide me every day.”

In addition to fighter operations, logistical support has been an important part of ANG’s mission. The unit operated C-130H Hercules cargo planes and KC-135R Stratotanker refueling aircraft; an ANG KC-135 from Illinois became the first National Guard plane to refuel another mid-air.

The 183rd Fighter Wing transitioned from F-4s to F-16 Fighting Falcons before switching its mission focus to repair and maintenance in 2008. At Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport—headquarters for three generations—a heritage park displays each type of fighter jet used by Illinois ANG over nearly seven decades.

Illinois ANG members have supported responses to natural disasters such as Mississippi River flooding and Hurricane Katrina while also deploying overseas following events like September 11th for humanitarian missions worldwide.

Last year marked a return to roots with participation in a multi-national exercise focused on securing the Panama Canal—echoing their World War II role there—and this spring saw major readiness drills at home.

“Service isn’t just something you do; it’s who you are,” Rosenthal said. “The Illinois Air National Guard taught me that, and it’s something I strive to live by every day.”

Windhorst, a Republican elected in 2023 to represent Illinois' 117th House District, succeeded Natalie Phelps Finnie as state representative (https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3209).