Families of Airmen serve faithfully Published April 9, 2009 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As Airmen, we took an oath to defend our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic, and to obey the orders of the officers appointed over us. We're obligated to serve our nation honorably and faithfully; committed to the very fabric of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Frequent deployments, laboring, striving to achieve Excellence In All We Do, employing a back-to-basics approach and maintaining a clear focus on our Air Force top priorities are a natural occurrences in the daily life of an American Airman. Our mission is to fly, fight and win in Air, Space and Cyberspace. American Airman answering our nation's call anchored in a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor; wingmen, leaders, warriors vowing never to leave an Airman behind, never to falter, and not failing. Every day we dawn the uniform of an American Airman departing home ready to contribute, willing to sacrifice it all and not knowing when we will return. However, often times our devotion to duty causes us to forget or take for granted that we also bear the title of father, mother, husband, wife, friend, brother or sister. There's a special group of American Airman that didn't require an oath of service, nevertheless they serve faithfully. They're loyal to the terms and sacrifices of being the family of an American Airman. The mothers and fathers stand ready to assume our role, in the home when we depart; often times having to explain why we missed a birthday, sporting event, recital or why another permanent change of station move. On April 7, Col. Dillon and I accompanied Cathy Knight, Brian Floyd and a few others from 60th Force Support Squadron to the Solano County Courthouse where the Solano County Board of Supervisors proclaimed April as The Month of the Military Child. As they read the proclamation, "WHEREAS, Travis is joining military personnel worldwide in celebrating the 2009 month of the military child; and WHEREAS, many hundreds of brave Airmen from Travis continue to demonstrate their courage and commitment by serving in the armed forces of the United States of America in posts in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world; and WHEREAS, these children are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that we take time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our men and women in the military know that while they're taking care of us we're taking care of their children; and ... that the Solano County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims April of 2009 as "The Month Of The Military Child." I reflect on my sons and how resilient our children are; forced to change schools at a moment's notice, leaving friends behind to forge new relationships, practically beginning anew every few years because they're a military child. Team Travis, make time to tell your family how much you love and appreciate them, and above all, make time to spend with them. Eventually we'll listen to our last Retreat, unlace our boot straps for the final time and no longer be referred to as Airmen, but we'll still be dad, mom, husband, wife, brother or sister; that's most important. Take care, enjoy your weekend, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.