Here to Serve

  • Published
  • By Col. John M. Klein Jr.
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – It's great to be back at Travis!  Thank you for the incredibly warm welcome--it's been a wonderful reception.  For those of you who don't know, this assignment as the 60th Air Mobility Wing Commander is our family's third posting to Travis Air Force Base.  It has become our second home.

My first assignment was in the Contingency Response Wing as a Squadron Commander from 2009-2011 followed by a tour as Vice Commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing from 2012-2013.  It's a huge advantage to at least know the organizational landscape and many of the people who still live and work at Travis and in the local community.

Anji, the kids, and I are incredibly excited for this opportunity to Serve the Airmen and families of the Travis community.  Whether it's working with 60th Air Mobility Wing units, partner organizations, local Veterans, or our surrounding communities, we feel called to serve and carry on the proud legacy of Travis Air Force Base.

While driving cross country from Washington, D.C., I had a lot of time to think about what our Service means.  It's hard not to transit this beautiful country from sea to shining sea without appreciating its vast landscapes, abundant natural resources, and vibrant history.

We saw the spacious skies of the Midwest, the amber waves of grain of the northern plains (though not yet amber), the purple mountain majesties of the Rocky Mountains, and the fruited plains of California as we rolled over the Sierras.  Truly, we have a beautiful America.

More importantly, it's difficult not to cherish the independence and freedom we have to be able to make such a journey.  As I thought more about what our Service means, I thought about what an honor and privilege it is to defend the blessings of liberty we enjoy as a Nation.

This liberty was hard fought and hard won--it must be ever firmly defended.  As American Airmen, we have the privilege and responsibility of fulfilling this guardian role.  As Travis Airmen, we do this by providing Rapid Global Mobility on behalf of Air Mobility Command, ultimately generating Airpower for our Nation.  Never underestimate your personal contribution to that charge.

As we celebrate our Nation's independence this 4th of July I would ask that you reflect on why you Serve, and what you Serve.  Though well earned,

Independence Day is not just an excuse for a long weekend--it's a celebration.

It's a celebration of self-controlled liberty--and of the heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.  As Airmen--as our Nation's Sword and Shield--may we endeavor the same degree of nobleness.

Once again, thank you for a warm welcome.  The Klein family is here to Serve.  God bless the men and women of Travis Air Force Base and our surrounding communities.  Happy Independence Day!