Team Travis: "We are champions"

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  I often sit and think about how blessed Charlene and I are to be a part of such a tremendous group of talented people. 

As I told the audience that gathered for the Operational Readiness Inspection out-brief Monday, "we are champions." Time and time again you excel, proving to the rest of Air Mobility Command that Team Travis is a cut above the others. I am not bragging, simply stating the facts. 

As they say, "the proof is in the pudding." From Rodeo, where we swept the competition winning seventeen trophies, including best overall, to earning an outstanding rating during the recent ORI. We are winners. We are champions. Champions are not determined in the ring during the battle. On the contrary, it's the daily preparation, road work and commitment to excellence that determines a champion. Every day, Team Travis goes about its business doing uncommon things in a very common way, executing in preparation the same as they would in the ring. That's why you're champions. 

Team Travis is comprised of lot of great Americans; Airmen, civilians, contractors and family members. There's one in particular I'd like to tell you about. His name is David. David is married to Mrs. Connie who works at lodging, the Westwind Inn, taking care of the many people transiting Travis. David gave me a ride to the Sacramento Airport recently and we had a pleasant conversation. 

He told me one morning when he dropped Mrs. Connie off at work, he noticed a man walking around frantically, desperate for assistance. David pulled next to him, rolled down his window and asked, "What's wrong?" The man replied, "My family and I are trying to catch a flight at the passenger terminal, however, we don't have a ride." Of course, David responded as I hope each of us would, "Get in, I'll give you guys a ride." 

After multiple trips hauling the luggage and family members, they were all finally at the terminal. After assisting the family with the last bag, David headed for his vehicle. The stranger began to reach for his wallet, almost instantly, David said, "No need for that, you don't owe me anything. You can repay me when you cross paths with someone in need of assistance by making time to help." 

I am proud to be amongst great Airmen and yes we are all Airmen ... American Airmen. Guardians of freedom and justice; Wingmen, leaders and warriors! Our mission is to fly, fight and win. No, we are not all pilots, but a diverse group made up more than 200 different Air Force specialties including civilians, contractors and family members. 

Being an Airman is more than flying a jet and donning a military uniform. It's about character, values and a commitment to something far greater than any individual or weapon system. American Airmen are held to a higher standard and live by a different code: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. 

Thanks David for that great example of being a wingman, warrior and leader. Team Travis, I am in awe of you and all you stand for. Have a safe weekend, make responsible choices and I will see you around campus.