TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- It takes a total team effort: active duty, Reservists, families and our civilian counterparts to accomplish our mission. Our civilians are an integral part of Team Travis and provide a tremendous amount of stability to our work force.

Last week I had the privilege of being a board member for Air Mobility Command's Annual Awards, hosted at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. I'm always delighted at the opportunity to visit Charleston because it reminds me of home ... that southern hospitality and sweet tea.

My trip was very short. I departed on Monday and arrived back at Sacramento International Airport, Thursday night at approximately 7:45 p.m. As usual, our transportation office dispatched a driver (civilian employee) to retrieve me from the airport.

After collecting my luggage, I ventured outside to search for my ride and was immediately greeted with professional courtesy and a friendly smile.

My ride home that evening was extremely relaxing. The driver, Mr. Mac, and I shared a very pleasant conversation. The van was filled with smiles, laughter and a great deal of pride. We spoke of our families and our hometowns. He's from Louisiana and I'm a small-town country boy from Albany, Ga. We both chuckled at how friendly and cordial people living in the south are compared to people living in large cities.

Mac told me about his children, their interests and how they enjoyed traveling during his time on active duty. In fact, his daughter is a Reservist, assigned to our partners in the 349th Air Mobility Wing.

He retired from the Air Force in 1984, was hired as a truck driver and subsequently held other positions within the civilian sector. The money he said, "was good money, but it wasn't happy money!" Mac realized there was a void in his life, so he applied for, and was consequently hired on with our transportation squadron.

According to Mac, he missed that military camaraderie. "You military people are special people," he said. Thanks Mac! We truly appreciate the kind words.

However, you and the other civilians working on Travis, in my opinion, are pretty special yourselves. The continuity and experience you bring are invaluable to the mission and we appreciate your efforts.

In fact, Saturday the wing commander hosted Retiree Appreciation Day. Approximately 300 proud veterans and their significant others attended the function. It was a great time had by all.

The theme was simple, "Thank you for serving this great nation and being contributing factors to the success of Team Travis!"

To all the special people in transportation that are constantly dispatched to drive us to and from the airport, thank you for making the ride enjoyable. Even at 4:45 a.m., when I'm still half asleep, your conversation stimulates me like the morning sun. We know it's not about the "good" money as Mac stated. On the contrary, it's about being a part of something larger than ourselves!

It's about Freedom, Democracy and Liberty which each of you patriotic Americans defend here at home and establish across the globe.

Mac, thanks again for the ride and great conversation ... let's keep making "happy" money as long as they will allow us!