Travis’ command chief bids farewell

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Brye McMillon
  • 60th AMW command chief
It has been a very short eight months in California and already I am saying goodbye. Strange! 

Although the family and I have experienced a few short stays during our almost 25 years in the Air Force, this one is much different. Of the many reasons Travis has been distinct from other assignments, the prominent is its people! 

From the wing’s most senior leaders to the Airmen in the trenches, I have been able to witness the Air Forces best in action. As a result, it is important that I use this opportunity to say thanks to all of you from Marie, BJ and myself. 

Thanks to Col. Lyn Sherlock for opening up her doors and hiring me to be the command chief in this awesome wing. I am grateful that not only did she select me to be a part of her leadership team, but she also gave me the authority to make change where needed and have a positive impact at Travis. 

Thanks to the group commanders, director of staff and vice wing commander for the respect you showed me in every dealing that we had. We addressed some important issues, but you did it with class, dignity and honor. You are without doubt the greatest collection of leaders I have worked with at this level. 

Thanks to the men and women of the 60th Medical Group. I thought I knew what quality service was, but you taught me the real meaning, and those young folks that I met each visit raised the bar one more level. 

Thanks to the women and men of the 60th Operations Group. You continually answer our nation’s call to haul anything, anytime, anywhere. In my one trip abroad with you, I learned just how hard you work, and how precise and professional an aircrew should be. 

Thanks to the women and men of the 60th Mission Support Group. I never saw a problem you couldn’t fix or a question you couldn’t answer. Your behind the scene actions prove that you are “All Hua, and All Dua!” 

Thanks to the women and men of the 60th Maintenance Group. Your folks have endured hardships, losses and pain, but they are still the “Best in the Air Force” from where I stand. 

Thanks to the women and men of the director of staff. You did it with style and grace. The commander was always prepared and covered, because of your detail work to make sure the bills were paid, the professionalism was maintained, and “Safety was No Accident.” 

Thanks to the women and men of the partner units. You took care of the base as if it were your own, because it is. Home is truly where the hat is, and yours is here. 

Thanks to all of the private organizations and local leaders who stepped up and support Travis programs to ensure they were successful. You listened intently to what we wanted to do and helped us make it happen. The success of our recognition programs is a result of your support. 

Finally, to all those who have crossed the path of my family and I, thank you. I have been blessed beyond measure to be in the presence of greatness for the past eight months.
The life of my family has been forever altered and for that we simply say, “Thanks.” 

We have tried to be a part of the solution for the Travis Team and hope that we have done just that. If we have failed, give us another chance to make it right. 

As we depart, you may forget many of the conversations, the speeches, the counseling sessions, the mentor sessions, or the many fellowships and moments of laughter. But, never forget that people must always be our focus, and “Your origin does not determine your destination.”

The sky is the limit!