Chief's time at Travis rewarding, enjoyable

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Derek Crowder
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

As my time working alongside the exceptional Airmen and families of the 60th Air Mobility Wing and Team Travis nears the end, I want to offer my most sincere, “thank you.”  As I think about leaving Team Travis, I am reminded of a quote by Winnie-the-Pooh, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”  Believe me, I feel lucky to have worked for you the past two years, it has been an incredible journey and by far the most rewarding and enjoyable of my 26 years of service.

A special thank you to the men and women of the 60th Air Mobility Wing – When my family and I first arrived at Travis Air Force Base in August 2018, we knew this was going to be a special assignment for many reasons.  We were immediately impressed with your ability to project American Power at home and around the globe, however, what I will take to my next assignment is your sense of family.  You have allowed us to be part of your family, and you became part of ours.  We have been together to celebrate promotions, weddings, births, deployment homecomings and many other celebratory occasions.   Together, we have faced adversity through the challenge of a global pandemic and the loss of beloved teammates and much more; yet through it all, your resilience and optimism peered through the dark clouds for brighter days ahead.  You are an inspiration to all who serve!

Throughout my career I have been involved with some fantastic civic leaders and mission partners, however, none have made an impact on an installation and its personnel more so than all of you.  You work diligently to make Travis the premier location it is, a place where families want to serve.  To our mission partners, elected officials, Golden Bears, Air Mobility Command civic leaders and honorary commanders, thank you for being great advocates and for always wrapping your arms of support around our members and their families. 

Thank you, Col. Nelson, for allowing me to be part of this team. I could not think of a better leader and family to serve alongside during this journey.  The environment you create by placing trust in your enlisted leaders at all levels enables us to lead with confidence knowing you have our back.  I appreciate your willingness to listen, your sound advice and the autonomy to make decisions in the best interest of our Airmen and families.  Thank you for your leadership, mentorship, but most importantly your continued friendship.

Finally, serving in the Air Force is a commitment by the entire family, and I appreciate the sacrifices my family has made.  You left jobs, school and many friends so we can continue our journey of service, for this I am forever grateful.  Thank you for all your support and service you provided to both me and Team Travis during our tenure.

I am excited for Col. Corey Simmons, Chief Master Sgt. Rob Schultz and their families to have the opportunity to meet and serve alongside the greatest Airmen and families our nation has to offer.  I want you to know I am proud of each of you, humbled to have had the opportunity to serve you, and honored to call you my teammate.  Take care of yourself, your family and each other…always remember, There are no Bounds!