Winter/Spring

You can conclude two things from the following pictures I took this morning...





The first observation is that Spring is definitely trying to arrive. The crocus, maple tree and hydrangas are trying to bloom, the bird feeders are out and Trav even hooked the water hoses back up.





The second observation is that winter still has its grip on us. It was cold this morning, its still snowing and I had to pull my winter boots back out of the closet.

I think today after I get all my things accomplised I will sit on my couch, curl up in a blanket and read a few more chapters in my book. Thats what your supposed to do on a cold winter day!


If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

We will call him Chief...

As an E-6 (!st Class Petty Officer) you can test once a year in May to promote to E-7 (Chief). Getting to Chief is what Travis has always wanted. Espeicially in the past year. He has just come to the point where he was ready to move on and take on a new roll.

So last May he tested very well and placed #22 on a list of over 100 people trying to promote to AETC. We knew he had done well and were hoping he would promote at some point this year. Things like FY budget, Federal budget and needs of service all play into how many people are promoted each year.

So as we heard the the Dept. of Homeland Security had their budget cut and we watched as congress couldn't agree on anything I started to wonder if he was gonna be within the cuts.

Yesterday after returning from a flight Trav heard talks that a revised cut had come out off the list. He went into his office and well...there is was in an email. Trav had made the cut!!! So at some point in the next year Trav will trade in his crows for anchors and pin on Chief.

I have been behind the scenes the past 11 years as Travis has served. Quietly watching him learn, grow and change. He is a true leader and a good listener. I think those two qualities will serve him and others well as a Chief. Travis is very humble when it comes to things like this and never brags about compliments given to him by superiors or the fact that he receives the highest marks at his unit. I on the other hand am not so humble about his accomplishments so I will gloat and brag for him. He earned this, he deserves this and I am damn proud!!



Bravo Zulu Trav...