Selection of new chiefs caps off busy week

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Travis, what an action packed week! Nov. 10 was my first day back after returning from the Airlift Tanker Association conference--what a great conference; the chief master sergeant of the Air Force and secretary of the Air Force rendered speeches, which I'll discuss next week. Nov. 11 we celebrated Veterans Day. 

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, President Wilson, in November 1919, proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory..." On June 1, 1954, Nov.11 became the day to honor American veterans of all wars. 

I truly hope when you celebrated on Veterans Day with Old Glory flapping in the wind-filled aroma of barbeque, as you watched Old Glory stand tall in the midst of applause, laughter and praise on parade-filled streets, you reflected on veterans past and present; especially those who sacrificed their lives so we can enjoy a beautiful day like today. And, you remembered the men and women currently deployed around the globe engaged and supporting this lifelong war against terror. 

Someone once said, to fully appreciate the virtue of a Soldier we must remember what freedom means. I'm not sure if America will ever fully appreciate the virtue of a Soldier, I just hope they appreciate the sacrifices our Soldiers make on their behalf. 

The evening of Nov. 12 we culminated the distinguished and honorable career of the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force commander, Brig. Gen. Mark E. Stearns, as we gathered for his retirement dinner. Regardless of how many times I attend those time honored rituals, I still get a knot in my throat when I witness our honor guard members perform the traditional flag folding ceremony. Congratulations General Stearns and well done, to one of our nation's good and faithful servants! We wish you and your wife the very best. May God bless and keep you, as only he can, as you begin a new chapter in your life. 

Nov. 13 we celebrated and recognized Team Travis' newest chief master sergeant selects. What an awesome and incredible accomplishment! We are extremely proud of our new chiefs and wish them much success as they begin their new journey. They've demonstrated through hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence, their ability to serve in the highest grade of our enlisted force--chief master sergeant; the top one percent of the enlisted force. They're joining the chief's group during a time of rebuilding, refocusing and returning back to the basics which means chiefs need to be chiefs. 

Chief selects, enjoy your weekend celebrating your monumental achievement; wake up Monday morning, get over yourself and realize it's not about you but it's about this remarkable institution we serve. We have a lot of hard work and opportunities ahead of us. Precision and reliability is our hallmark and you must lead the way by being the example. 

Team Travis it's Friday, Friday, Friday! Enjoy your weekend, be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus!