Christine Crawford

R.L. Thompson Strategic Hospital, located at Fort Cavazos, Texas, traces its origins to World War II, when it was established to provide advanced medical care to soldiers preparing for deployment. Over the decades, the hospital has evolved into a cornerstone of military medicine, offering comprehensive healthcare services to active duty personnel, their families, and veterans. Renamed in honor of Brigadier General Robert L. Thompson, a significant figure in U.S. Army medical leadership, the institution has played a vital role in supporting operations during major conflicts, including the Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism. Today, R.L. Thompson Strategic Hospital continues its mission as a state-of-the-art facility, integrating the latest medical technologies and training initiatives to ensure the readiness and well-being of America's fighting forces.

Carswell Air Force Base (AFB), originally established as Fort Worth Army Airfield in 1942, served as a major United States military installation in Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout the Cold War, it was a key component of Strategic Air Command, hosting B-36 Peacemaker, B-52 Stratofortress, and later B-1B Lancer bombers as part of the 7th Bomb Wing. The base played a vital role in America's nuclear deterrence strategy and long-range bomber operations. Carswell AFB was officially closed as an active-duty base in 1994, transitioning to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, but its legacy endures in U.S. military aviation history.

The 7100th Combat Support Wing (CSW) was activated at Lindsey Air Station, Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1985, assuming host unit responsibilities for the base. The wing provided essential administrative, operational, and logistical support to numerous tenant organizations, including U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) headquarters units. Lindsey Air Station served as a key communications and support hub during the latter years of the Cold War, facilitating NATO operations and U.S. military missions in Europe. The 7100th CSW remained active until the station’s closure in 1993, following post-Cold War drawdowns and restructuring.