Travis Airmen remain committed

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  I hope everyone had a safe and festive Thanksgiving holiday. If you're like me, you probably consumed an excessive amount of food, watched football and simply enjoyed spending your day with family and friends.

Thanksgiving is extremely special because it's the one day of the year when Americans across the globe carve out a little time from their busy schedules to pause and give thanks for all their blessings.

We have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season: our families, our health, the numerous awards, trophies and accolades of excellence we've garnered throughout the year.

This past year, we've demanded a great deal from our Airmen and they've prevailed on every occasion. At home and abroad, they are true patriots and professionals- American Airmen answering our nation's call.

I am consistently overwhelmed at the commitment and dedication of our Airmen and the selfless sacrifices their families endure on behalf of this great nation. Especially as we continue our quest to win this Global War on Terrorism.

Our Airmen are at the tip of the spear, deploying time and time again in support of the war. They are committed to defending our country with their lives. And, although the stresses of a deployment can be a life-changing experience, our Airmen constantly volunteer to serve.

We have a first sergeant that's currently deployed. He emails me from time-to-time keeping me abreast of his situation. He recently stated in an email, "I am definitely not the same SNCO who arrived in Iraq in June." I solicited an explanation to his statement and I'd like to share his response with you.

"Chief, I've had the privilege of seeing our Airmen perform duties I didn't know we trained them to perform. I can't believe the bravery of some of these Airmen and NCOs. I guess this entire experience has given me a new perspective on life and refocused me as an Airman and as a person."

"While on patrol an Airman in my unit was shot through the neck. Compared to that incident, I can't recall a time when I was so nervous. A few days later, after he was stabilized, we unloaded him from a helicopter to present him with a Purple Heart and a Combat Action Medal, the relief of seeing him again for the first time since the shooting was unreal. I've had some unbelievable experiences watching our Airmen in action."

"Here they're just focused and happy to be doing their jobs, in one word, 'Professionals.'"

Team Travis, we have a lot of proud professionals that have deployed, are waiting to deploy and those that continue to support the war efforts from the home station. I am thankful for them all and I am thankful to serve with our American Airmen.

Enjoy your weekend, be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.