440th Airlift Wing Alumni Association

12/14/2025

440th Airlift Wing Alumni Association Christmas and Holiday Party

06/24/2025

When you get a chance, the latest Badger Banter has been sent out. In the archive section is the article in the Flying Badger about C-119 Aircraft 680 lost in the Caribbean June 5, 1965. Interesting as it was, only small parts of the aircraft was found in the area known as the Bermuda Triangle. We are reminding Alumni members of the upcoming Picnic at K Ranch. Let us know how you like the publication to help us keep information current and informative..

01/08/2025

Our dad John Drossel was transported to St.Lukes Milwaukee Neuro ICU on… Amanda Drossel Walloch needs your support for Aiding John Drossel's Paralysis Journey

11/01/2024

For sale: 2, 18" brass marine propellers, one still in the crate. $900 for both. Reply to Sheryl Hurula.

08/17/2024

Today's 440th Airlift Wing Alumni Association picnic at K Ranch is ready . Starts at 12 with snacks, appetizers and beer. See you there.

08/10/2024

Our annual picnic is on for Saturday 19 August at k ranch.
12 to 4
Hope to see you there

01/21/2024

01/09/2024

Victor Ruka

01/09/2024

Sad news about a 440th Airlift Wing Member

VICTOR T. RUKA

Passed away peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly family on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at the age of 96. Cherished husband of 42 years to Jean (nee Schirpke) Ruka. Loving father of Michael (Colleen) Ruka, Catherine (the late Melvin) Wright and the late Andrew Ruka. Grandfather of Jessica and Joshua (Heather) Ruka. Brother of Armand (Polly) Ruka and Diane (the late Frank) Gorski. Preceded in death by his brother Alfred (Julia) Ruka and Germaine (Fred) Toth. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Victor served his country as a member of the United States Army in Japan and retired from the United States Air Force Reserves, 440th TAW. He belonged to many Veterans groups: VFW, AMVETS, American Legion, Catholic War Veterans and Allied Veterans Council of Milwaukee County. He loved music and was a friend to many. He had a great sense of humor. If wealth were gauged by the number of friends, Victor was a rich and blessed man.

Visitation WEDNESDAY, January 10, 2024 from 4-8 PM at the Funeral Home. Further visitation Thursday from 10-11 at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 800 Marquette Ave, South Milwaukee. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

If desired, memorials to AMVETS are appreciated.

(The above obituary was published on Legacy.com by Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Home - South Suburban Chapel on Jan. 4, 2024.)

Vic was a MSgt, working in the Motor Pool both as a traditional reservist and civilian employee. He started working at the base and was assigned to the 933rd Combat Support Squadron and its successor units for many years, retiring from the Civil Service when he was 67 years old.

Everyone, and I do mean everyone, who knew Vic, liked him. His job took him to every corner of the base. I consider it a privilege to have been able to sit with Vic at Amelia's during our luncheons.

A member of AMVETS Post 60 for many years, Victor is seen here on the left, receiving a Quilt of Honor at the Veteran's Day program in Franklin on November 11, 2017.

12/10/2023

Great Christmas party for the Association members at K-Ranch today.