Minuteman Minute | Col. Michael "Stoli" Stohler Flight Suit

In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. Col. Michael “Stoli” Stohler headed to Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, Indiana. Ordered to patrol over Chicago, he took off knowing he might have to shoot down any other civilian planes hijacked by terrorists.

Hi, I’m Will Roulett, Director of the National Guard Memorial Museum, here in DC, and this is YOUR Minuteman Minute! This flight suit and G-Suit were worn by Colonel Michael “Stoli” Stohler of the Indiana Air National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing on 9/11. In the aftermath of the attacks, it was unclear if the terrorists had hijacked more planes. The Air National Guard sprang into action. Stohler reported to Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base on his own initiative and confronted the reality that he may have to shoot down a plane full of civilians to protect those on the ground. He and other pilots began planning. That afternoon the 122nd received a scramble order for two F-16s to patrol over Chicago, loaded with live missiles. Stohler thankfully did not have to use them. Today, Brigadier General Stohler continues to serve as the Assistant Adjutant General (Air) of the Indiana National Guard. Come see this and a whole lot more at the National Guard Memorial Museum. I’m Will Roulett [Look at watch.] and that’s been your Minuteman Minute brought to you by the National Guard Educational Foundation.