Every day is Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Every day, Team Travis amazes me with your professionalism, motivation and commitment. Please know that our nation, Air Force and Team Travis leadership truly appreciate the efforts put forth by each of you to make our operation a success.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to showcase Team Travis to our new Tanker/Airlift Control Center commander, Maj. Gen. Ronald Ladnier. During his visit he repeatedly expressed his appreciation for all we do to support the Air Mobility Command mission. We are faced with challenges every day, but throughout our motivated organization, we adapt and overcome. It is no secret that we are facing some serious challenges this year, most notably manning and budget cuts mixed with higher deployments.

We impressed General Ladnier with how we're implementing AFSO 21 and tackling our challenges. Thank you for meeting those challenges with a "can do" attitude.

While I'm talking about appreciation, please share my gratitude to our huge support network, our friends and family, on whom we rely daily. Sharing our appreciation with them gives our successes perspective and lets them know that they are an invaluable part of the team. Next week, we will celebrate Valentine's Day. What a great opportunity to take the time to show your friends and family how much you love and appreciate them for their support!

Military families continually make sacrifices to support their spouses, parents, sons and daughters. Honor them next week and year-round because we cannot do it with them.

In a few weeks we'll have another great opportunity to show our gratitude to a group of people who have done, and continue to do, so much for our Air Force and for Team Travis.

On March 3, we will honor our retirees during the Annual Retiree Appreciation Day. While we are still in the planning stages, I encourage everyone to keep a look out for the upcoming schedule of events. We'll post more information in upcoming issues of the Tailwind.

The rich heritage of those who have served before us form the tradition of success and dedication we emulate today. It is important to remember and appreciate those Airmen who dedicated their lives to the service. Allow me to offer my heartfelt "thank you" for all that you did and still do!

Saying "thank you" to Team Travis isn't enough. My words are backed with my promise that I'm focused on giving you the tools to continue to succeed on the job and in your home.

In that light, I want everyone to know that I am open to your comments and questions about what I can do to improve the base and community. In the near future, I will be holding a town hall meeting to discuss issues including housing inspections, privatization and base policies.

I look forward to meeting with you and sharing and solving mutual concerns. Be on the lookout for more information. I encourage each of you to attend. Together we will make Travis a place you proudly call home.

Thank you for all you do!

BE PROUD! BE SAFE!