June 15, 2026 81st TRG welcomes Col. Heliker as new commander U.S. Air Force Col. Jill Heliker assumed command of the 81st Training Group from Col. Michael Powell, during a change of command ceremony officiated by Col. Christopher Robinson, 81st Training Wing commander on June 12, 2026.
June 10, 2026 Carrying the torch: “Flying Jennies” assume airlift mission in Africa There was no formal ceremony marking the transition. No guidon passed from one commander to another. Instead, a moment represented something larger, the passing of a torch that lights the path of Air Force airlift across the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.After months of operations
May 24, 2026 Storytellers event returns to Keesler AFB The room was still as the warm Mississippi sunlight spilled across rows of attentive listeners. With every story that was told, emotions rippled through the audience, their faces reflecting empathy, admiration, and understanding.