Joseph Standifer

The 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing was first activated by the United States Air Force in 1953, originally tasked with tactical reconnaissance missions during the Cold War. The wing saw significant action during the Vietnam War, being reactivated at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand in 1966, where it operated RF-4C Phantom II aircraft to gather vital intelligence for U.S. and allied forces. Throughout its deployment, the 432nd conducted thousands of successful reconnaissance sorties over hostile territory, often under heavy enemy fire. The wing was inactivated in 1976, but its legacy of courage and innovation in aerial reconnaissance endures in Air Force history.

552d Air Control Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 552d Air Control Wing, established in 1955, is a key unit of the United States Air Force specializing in airborne command and control. Stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, the wing operates the E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, providing all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications to U.S. and allied forces. Throughout its history, the 552d has played critical roles in major operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The wing continues to be a vital component of global air operations, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions worldwide.

18th Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 18th Wing is a United States Air Force unit based in Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. It is one of the largest and most diverse wings in the Air Force, responsible for a variety of missions including air and space control, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, combat search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance. The wing operates a wide range of aircraft including F-15 Eagles, E-3 Sentrys, and HH-60 Pave Hawks. In addition to its military operations, the 18th Wing also plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

The 60th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (60 FIS) was an active unit of the United States Air Force, originally constituted as the 60th Pursuit Squadron in 1940. During World War II, it served with distinction in the defense of the Panama Canal, safeguarding a vital strategic asset. After the war, the squadron was reactivated and transitioned through various interceptor aircraft as part of the Air Defense Command during the Cold War, tasked with continental air defense missions. The 60 FIS was ultimately inactivated in 1971 at Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts, marking the end of its long service in protecting U.S. airspace.

23rd Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 23rd Wing is a front line United States Air Force Air Combat Command composite unit. It consists of 4 groups that provide combat ready forces to the warfighter. The wing is based at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia and focuses on close air support and precision firepower for special operations forces. The 23rd Wing has a long history of supporting global air operations and continues to be a crucial asset in military operations worldwide.

The 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron was originally activated in 1941 as part of the United States Army Air Forces. During World War II, it served in the Pacific Theater, providing air defense and escort missions. In the Cold War era, the squadron was reactivated and assigned to the Air Defense Command, flying various interceptor aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre and F-102 Delta Dagger to protect North American airspace. The unit was inactivated in 1968 after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

The 3704th Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Established as part of the Air Force's Basic Military Training program, the squadron was responsible for transforming civilian recruits into Airmen through an intensive regimen of physical conditioning, military discipline, and foundational instruction. Over the decades, the 3704 BMTS trained thousands of recruits, playing a vital role in preparing personnel for service during periods such as the Cold War, Vietnam War, and into the late 20th century. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of Air Force restructuring that consolidated basic training units to streamline operations and improve training efficiency.

366th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 366th Fighter Wing is a unit of the United States Air Force stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. It is responsible for providing combat-ready personnel and equipment for worldwide deployment and operations. The wing is equipped with F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft and conducts a variety of missions including close air support, air interdiction, and counter-air operations. The 366th Fighter Wing has a long and storied history dating back to World War II and continues to play a vital role in defending the nation's interests.