Denver Higley

The 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing (23rd TFW) was activated in 1948 and is best known for inheriting the lineage and traditions of the legendary "Flying Tigers" from World War II. During the Vietnam War, the 23rd TFW operated F-105 Thunderchiefs and later A-7D Corsair IIs, conducting ground-attack and close air support missions. The wing was stationed at various bases, including England Air Force Base, Louisiana, and played a crucial role in supporting U.S. and allied forces during numerous conflicts. In the 1990s, it transitioned to flying A-10 Thunderbolt IIs before being inactivated in 1992, with its heritage continuing under the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

The 122nd Fighter Wing (122 FW) is a unit of the Indiana Air National Guard, stationed at Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Established in 1947 as the 122nd Fighter Group, the unit has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F-51 Mustang, F-100 Super Sabre, and currently the A-10C Thunderbolt II. The 122nd has participated in numerous federal and state missions, including deployments for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Over its history, the wing has earned multiple honors for its outstanding service and continues to play a vital role in both national defense and state emergency response.

The 127th Wing, based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan, is a composite unit of the Michigan Air National Guard. Established in 1996 through the consolidation of the 127th Fighter Wing and the 191st Airlift Group, the unit traces its heritage back to World War II-era fighter groups. The wing operates both the A-10C Thunderbolt II for close air support missions and the KC-135T Stratotanker for air refueling operations. Over the years, the 127th Wing has supported multiple overseas deployments, homeland defense missions, and disaster response efforts, maintaining a critical role in both national defense and state emergencies.