15th EMTF command chief says farewell! Published Sept. 15, 2008 By Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Wow - what a ride! When I passed through the gates of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas some 27-plus years ago, I approached the challenge with both trepidation and excitement. I liken that feeling to the anticipation of riding a world-class roller coaster at your favorite amusement park. Unsure and apprehensive, you approach that ride with a mixture of curious caution and excitement. As you stand in line (sound familiar?) and wonder if you will be able to make it through the experience without throwing up, you finally get to the front car and, not wanting to chicken out, you try not to run away screaming like a child. No, instead you climb inside for the ride of your life. So it has been for me during these many great years of my Air Force career! And I couldn't have had a better career! From my years as a law enforcement specialist, to instructing at the Security Police Academy, to more than 10 years taking care of our people as an Air Force first sergeant in numerous squadrons, groups and wings, I have been blessed to have worked with fantastic supervisors and magnificent Airmen. Susie and I were excited when I was selected to become a command chief three years ago. It was always my dream and goal to wear the "star" and lead the enlisted professionals of this great military. The men and women of the United States Air Force are truly the best of the best! Your dedication to mission and country is the "stuff" of heroes - I have watched in awe as you have tackled every obstacle thrown at you over these many years and trying times. Even now, with our nation in a protracted war against evil, you all accomplish an absolutely incredible mission and do it with unprecedented professionalism and innovation. Whether it was safely fixing and flying our fantastic fleet of incredible aircraft, moving the millions of tons of life-saving equipment and personnel to distant lands to support the Global War on Terrorism or humanitarian emergencies, deploying our people around the world in a moment's notice, or returning America's fallen heroes with dignity, honor and respect, you did it all with flair and panache! Like a roller coaster, we had our ups and downs, our highs and lows. We have lost fellow Airmen to the war and to accidents and mishaps. I have watched dignified transfers and wept as I witnessed the professionalism and honor our military guardsmen display as we return these fallen heroes to American soil for the last time. It was during these times I have felt pride and sorrow so deep and so intense it was overpowering. As Susie and I pack our belongings and our time in the Air Force comes to a close, I would like to extend my personal thanks to all of you. Thanks to the active duty, Guard and Reserves, civilians, retirees and members of the local community who made us feel like your family. The friends we have made will be life-long and cherished. Team Travis, including all the wings on the installation and the local community, is a marvelous team, working together like a finely-oiled machine! You are led by great leaders who have been inspirational in making this a great place to live and work. And, there is no better barometer of that success than to have been named an Air Mobility Command finalist for the Chief of Staff's Installation Excellence Award for 2009! Congratulations to you all Team Travis and good luck! So, as this roller coaster comes to a stop and I jump off, I set my sights to the next "ride" as we transition to retired life in our new home in Crestview, Fla. I find myself better prepared and not quite as fearful. In fact, this time, I may even put my hands in the air as we go up and down the future "tracks" of life! It has been my honor and privilege to serve you, sweat with you and fight alongside you all - God bless the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force, all the members of Team Travis and the United States Air Force! *Chief Blodgett is the command chief for the 15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force. He provides leadership and direction to more than 2,000 enlisted technicians and operators in 52 different Air Force specialties supporting 20 locations throughout the United States, the Pacific and Asia. His retirement ceremony will be held Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. in Building P-1.