Capt. Billy Hodur, 384th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell Air Force Base, conducts preflight checks, Oct. 16 prior to taking off. The 'Keeper of the Plains', as the 384th are known, is on TDY to Eielson Air Force Base for Red Flag Alaska where they develop combat readiness through various training missions to provide refueling support to fighters that simulate attacking and defending against enemies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Willard E. Grande II)