The 126th provided " DUST OFF " services, to the California Army National Guard at Camp Roberts and Camp Irwin, California. This was a constant mission. Small two bird detachments would do two week annual training periods at these facilities. Crews would also be sent down, for weekend stand by as well. When ever troops were training at these facilities, the 126th was there. Our aircraft have also been sent to other states to provide Med-Evac support for their Annual Training periods.

Med-evac crews were also sent to stand by for other reserve components as well. I was sent a number of times to the California Delta, to stand by for the Navy Reserve Special Operations Boat units during field exercises. I will tell you one thing those SEALs, they play rough, don't get them mad. Another time we spent the night on the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Coral Sea prior to a joint service field exercise in the Marin headlands.Other notable missions were in support of Space Shuttle landing at Edwards Air Force Base.

As a National Guard unit we also did many missions for the Sate of California. These included search and rescue missions, flood relief, forest fire fighting and law enforcement support. One year we provided aircraft and crews to the State Dept. of Justice as part of their Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP). Our aircraft had the red crosses painted out and we would airlift in the raiding teams and sling load the Marijuana out. On this operation, all air crew members were armed and issued police flack jackets (second chance vest).

In the many years since I have served with the unit they have undoubtedly under taken many more missions. I remember last year during the floods a 126th Aircraft made a overwater hoist rescue that got national media attention. It made me feel proud to be a past member of that fine organization.