Reserve partners integral part of Team Travis mission

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Did you know that our Reserve partners, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, provide approximately 40 percent of our mission capabilities? That's right; they perform nearly half of our mission - incredible.

I was aware of this stat but, it really didn't register with me until a couple of weeks ago. I was sitting in the St. Louis Airport waiting to board my return flight when Col. Robert Millmann, former 349th AMW vice commander, approached me looking quite dapper dressed in his airline pilot suit. In jest, I leaned over towards Col. Steve Arquiette to say, "I hope that guy is not flying us home." We both laughed then greeted Colonel Millmann with pleasantries. About an hour after takeoff a light tap on my shoulder woke me. I turned and saw Colonel Millmann seated directly behind me.

We engaged in an enjoyable conversation. As we talked, I found myself remembering the many mission briefings Colonel Arquiette provides to our distinguished visitors. His briefing begins with a slide depicting the 17 trophies we won during rodeo, and, his first comments are, "This slide isn't to brag about our success at Rodeo. We display this slide because we couldn't have accomplished what we did at Rodeo without our Reserve partners. In fact, without them we couldn't execute our mission!" I've sat through those briefings, it seems, a thousand times, yet, never has that opening statement resonated with me until now.

Colonel Millmann spends a majority of his time traveling between home; Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and flying for American Airlines, never spending more than a couple of days home. He told me he was headed home to put his feet up and enjoy being with his family. Although he arrived on Friday, his stay would be short-lived because he was scheduled to leave on a 5-day trip the next day. In amazement, I said, "That must be extremely difficult on your family?" He replied, "My son misses his dad but, we understand the sacrifice of being a Reservist ... it's the life of a warrior, the life we signed up for!"

Our Reserve partners are cross-pollinated into every facet of Team Travis' mission, especially in our maintenance group. I've often heard Col. Craig O'Neal, Maintenance Group commander, say, "Sir, without the 349th AMW we couldn't maintain the fleet. They provide the leadership and experience we lack!"

I believe some of us today still consider them weekend warriors; this is so far from the truth. Without them, the mission at home and in the Area of Responsibility would be crippled. Now, it's true the active duty and Reservists here are interwoven like no other wing in the Air Force, but we still have room for improvement - One team no seam, must be more than words we recite. They must be deeply rooted in our actions and beliefs.

To Colonel Millmann and our Reserve partners here at Travis, "Thank you" for your contributions and many sacrifices.

Team Travis, as always have a great weekend, be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus! Thank you Mr. J. Siurano!