169th Airlift Squadron emblem

BLAZON On a yellow disc with orange border a caricatured Indian's head, dark copper in color with two red markings on each cheek, and white eyeballs, wearing a brown headgear with silver grey earphones and goggles, and two white horns. The chin and horns extending over yellow background into orange border. Attached to back and top of head a red and white feather reaching beyond top of disc. All in black outline. SIGNIFICANCE The Indian head is symbolic of the Illini Indians that once inhabited the prairies of Illinois and reflects the Squadron's history with the Illinois (Peoria) Air National Guard. The Indian translation of the word "Peoria" is "A prairie fire running wild" thereby portraying the swiftness of the Squadron's attack. The horns portray the horns of a buffalo and denote the ferociousness of the Squadron's attack. The helmet and goggles are indicative of a pilot's headgear. The feather denotes flight. The mission of the Air National Guard in the protection of the homeland is represented by the inner circle. COLORS Aero Blue Black Brown Dark Copper Orange Red Silver Grey White Yellow