Wing commander's simple parting: Thank you

  • Published
  • By Colonel Dwight C. Sones
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Next Tuesday, Travis will host a wing Change of Command ceremony. At this ceremony, I will pass our 60th Air Mobility Wing guidon to my replacement Col. Corey Martin. As my final commentary in the Tailwind, I'd like to take a few moments to thank each of you.

For the past two years, I've arrived at my office each morning with a smile on my face. How could you not smile when you're a part of the most incredible team in the United States Air Force? An attribute that each of you has that makes me smile is your positive attitude. From our Security Forces members who greet our guests at the gates, to our customer service representatives that ask "How can I help you," each of you radiates positive attitude. Daily, I receive letters, emails and phone calls from visitors to our installation that are impacted by your positive attitude. Thank You.

As important as your positive attitude is the culture of excellence each of you has established at Travis. Throughout my command tour, I've witnessed excellence across our installation. From our operators flying our golden bear tail flashes around the world, to our maintainers breaking mission capable and home station launch reliability records, to providing world-class health care to hundreds of thousands of David Grant USAF Medical Center patients; each of you has established our culture of Travis excellence. Thank You.

When I arrived at Travis, I challenged each of you to leave Travis better than you found it. Over the past two years I've witnessed first-hand as you rose to this challenge. From mentoring and leading our fellow team mates, to taking ownership and improving our work areas and facilities, to fostering relationships on and off the installation, to improving our environment; you've left it better than you found it. Thank You.

Next week, Dana, Braydin, Karina, Torin and I will transition back to the Washington DC area for our next assignment, I fondly reflect on the incredible relationships and unbelievable Airmen, civilians and contractors that make up Travis. Our one team, no seam bond, cemented by more than 70 years of partnerships among our 52 Travis organizations is the reason Travis will remain America's First Choice for 70 more years. Thank You.

My final challenge to you: As you continue your career, take your smile, your positive attitude, your culture of excellence and your desire to leave it better than you found it your next job, to your next assignment. You will make a difference in our Air Force. Thank You.
I will forever be amazed at the incredible level of determination, unwavering drive and world-class innovation found in the fabric and culture of every member of Travis. Thank you for all you and your families do each and every day to serve our nation and our Air Force.

The Sones family will miss each and every one of you. Thank You.