Sykes grew up in rural western Kentucky and obtained a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, before entering the Air Force in 1967. Following a combat tour with an F-105 squadron, he eventually ended up in the Kansas Air National Guard and spent most of his flying career with the 184th Tactical Fighter Group, including over 6 years as the unit’s commander. Sykes published The Patch and The Stream Where the American Fell, about his time in the Vietnam War and his later search for the body of his friend. He was also instrumental in acquiring the former Wichita Municipal Airport building from the Air Force, for the Kansas Aviation Museum.