Details matter in all parts of lives

  • Published
  • By Maj. Benjamin Retzinger
  • 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  During the past week, I could not help but consider the birth of our nation and our service.

Our nation was born out of a hope of a better life and better way to govern. The Air Force was born out of innovation and the theory that there is a better way to defend our nation.

As an independent force, we have become very good at what we do. However, every once in a while, we are reminded that although machines fail, gravity always succeeds.

Beyond news coverage of Fourth of July celebrations, recent tragedies remind us how unforgiving the airpower profession is. A KC-135 Stratotanker out of Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, a 747 out of Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and a commercial Boeing 777 at San Francisco Airport all serve as reminders of how quickly things can turn tragic.

The aircraft business is often merciless. Seemingly minor details are quickly multiplied by speed, altitude and the frailty of the lives on board.

Airpower professionals at Travis have proven their skill with tangible results, phenomenal inspection ratings and numerous awards. Travis moves people, cargo, and fuel all over the world safely.

It would be easy to rest on our laurels, but the race is not over. The road we are all on is long and unforgiving. There is no finish line to cross because the need for air power is constant. Millimeters matter and complacency kills. Our roles may seem routine, yet mistakes have grave consequences. Within our vocation, lives are on the line every single day.

Everyone serving each day plays a critical role in successful mission execution. Some may work closer to the noise and heat of the flight line, but everyone, regardless of office geography, contributes. I have personally seen how an Airman working the night shift caused a delayed flight the following afternoon simply because they did not have a pencil. Details matter, regardless of how trivial they might seem.

This past holiday weekend, I used the occasion to reflect on past milestones, as well as to recharge and refocus on the road ahead. I hope the short break from our typical schedule served to revitalize you as well.

I look forward to another year and all the opportunities it holds for Travis.