Steven Tygart

The 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS) was a distinguished United States Air Force unit active during the Vietnam War. Stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base and later at Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, the 40th ARRS conducted combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions across Southeast Asia from the mid-1960s into the 1970s. Flying primarily HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" helicopters, the squadron rescued downed airmen behind enemy lines, often under heavy fire. Their courageous efforts earned the unit several commendations and helped save hundreds of lives during some of the war’s most perilous operations.

Forbes Air Force Base, located near Topeka, Kansas, played a significant role under the Tactical Air Command (TAC) during the Cold War. Originally activated during World War II, the base became a hub for tactical airlift and reconnaissance missions when assigned to TAC in the 1950s and 1960s. Units stationed at Forbes AFB operated aircraft such as the RB-57 Canberra and the KC-135 Stratotanker, supporting both national defense and overseas deployments. Forbes AFB remained an important component of the Tactical Air Command until its closure as an active military installation in 1973.