WI ANG Hall of Fame Recipient Honored at 128 ARW

  • Published
  • By AB MORGAN R. LIPINSKI
  • 128 ARW
MILWAUKEE --  Retired Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Ludka was inducted into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame during the 34th annual 128th Air Refueling Wing Civic Dinner Dance here on May 15, 2014.

Ludka began his military career in 1971 by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. After six years of serving, he enlisted into the 128 ARW where he served for 23 years.

Throughout his time serving in the military, Ludka continuously demonstrated superior performance and dedication in both his military and civilian life.

Some of Ludka's accomplishments include locating and marking the graves of 32 Civil War veterans, recovering the names of 124 souls who were buried at an abandoned cemetery in Milwaukee County, and serving as the Waukesha County Veterans Service Officer where he assisted thousands of service men and women in receiving the proper benefits.

Also during the Civic Dinner Dance, the Honorary Citizen of the Year award was presented to Mr. Richard Paradowski for his outstanding influence in the St. Francis community.

The Civic Dinner Dance celebrates the military and civilian personnel that have had a vital impact in making the 128th Air Refueling Wing one of the best refueling wings in the nation.

Several distinguished guests attended the event including Major Gen. Donald Dunbar, Brigadier Gen. Gary Ebben, Col. Daniel Yenchesky, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Greg Cullen.

"To be a member of the armed forces is an honor and a privilege," said Ludka. "It's an honor because the inculcated virtues of sacrifice, honor, discipline, and service are regarded as paramount for all of our military personnel to accomplish their missions."