President Barack Obama Visits Birmingham Published March 31, 2015 By Senior Master Sgt. Ken Johnson 117th Air Refueling Wing BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The 117th Air Refueling Wing welcomed President Barack Obama here March 26. During his visit, Obama traveled to Lawson State Community College when he spoke to student and faculty members on economic issues and the impact of payday loans. Upon arrival at the 117th ARW, Obama was greeted by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley along with Birmingham Mayor William Bell and Col. Robert Scott Grant, 117th Air Refueling Wing vice commander. Obama told Grant that he "sincerely appreciates each one's service" and he is "honored to be our commander in chief." Obama previously visited Birmingham as the Illinois senator in 2004 and while on the presidential campaign trail in 2007. This was his first visit to the city since taking the office of the president.