Thank you Team Travis

  • Published
  • By Col. James Vechery
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, this quintessentially American holiday, we are reminded of so many things to be grateful for, from the very beginnings of what would become our great Nation to the many blessings we enjoy today. As I look back on this year and reflect, I am reminded of all the many things Team Travis has to be thankful for in the areas of Family, Mission, and Future.

This past year David Grant Medical Center has cared for thousands of members of the Team Travis Family. Some of the most joyous occasions were the births of over 400 children. These newest members of our Team Travis Family represent the future of our Nation. In many ways, they are the very reason we serve, to guarantee they enjoy the same freedoms and opportunity we have today. On this special day, take time to give thanks for these new lives and for the many other significant events in the lives our Team Travis Family this past year.

As we reflect on our Mission, this has been a banner year for Team Travis. We have supported the Iraq drawdown, the Afghanistan surge, humanitarian relief operations in Haiti, just to name a few of our operations. Throughout the year, we delivered 66,011 tons of cargo, 46,709 passengers, and 32.9 million gallons of fuel to support combatant commanders' priorities around the globe on our fleet of 58 aircraft. Furthermore, 2,468 Team Travis warriors have returned home from deployments. On this special day, we are thankful for the safe return of our fellow Airmen and for the success we have had in keeping the trust that our Nation has placed in us and pray for the safety of those deployed in harm's way over the holidays.

As we look to the Future, it is bright indeed due to the exceptional members of the Team Travis Family. This past year, your efforts have been recognized by both AMC and the Air Force as we earned the AMC CINC Installation Excellence Award and a place in the finals for the Air Force competition. With this recognition, we have been awarded $700,000, with the possibility of winning an additional $500,000 when the board visits us in late January. On this special day, we are thankful for Team Travis' partnership, hard work, innovation, and efficiency focus throughout the year. On this special day, we are blessed by all the accomplishments of our family as we continue the Golden Bear Legacy of Excellence!

With so many wonderful things going on at Travis, I can't mention them all. But I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of the Team Travis Family. Your efforts to accomplish our mission make a difference each and every day. This has been a challenging year on many fronts, yet you remain resilient and continue to perform magnificently despite any challenge thrown our way.

On a personal note, I feel blessed is so many ways. I have a wonderful family who blesses me in so many ways, friends that I can always count on and the opportunity to lead the greatest men and women our Air Force has ever known. During this special time of year, I wish each and every one of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. If mission requirements prevent you from being with your family this holiday, know that you have the thanks of a grateful Nation for your sacrifice. Whether you spend it with family, friends, or fellow Airmen, I hope your holiday is filled with joy and celebration.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the importance of safety in all your holiday plans. Make this Thanksgiving a truly happy occasion for all by having a safe and sound plan and carrying it out successfully. Happy Thanksgiving Team Travis...Air Power!!