167th Airlift Wing Airman Spotlight September 2022

  • Published
  • 167th Airlift Wing

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Travis Turner is an aerospace propulsion journeyman for the 167th Maintenance Squadron and the 167th Airlift Wing Airman Spotlight for September 2022.

As an aerospace propulsion specialist, Turner is responsible for ensuring the wing’s C-17 Globemaster III aircraft engines are in first-rate operational conditions by testing, maintaining and repairing all parts of the engines. He plays a critical part in keeping our planes and Airmen safe in the air.

“Travis has consistently shown growth and dedication to the Maintenance organization.  He has mastered multiple maintenance career fields, starting as a non-destructive inspection technician and recently moving to our C-17 engine element,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Darby, 167th Maintenance Squadron component maintenance superintendent. “For the last five years, Travis has led the group's remedial physical fitness program, increasing our overall pass rate.  Last month he was also selected to represent the Wing at the Enlisted Association of the

National Guard at the United States conference.”

Hometown: Charles Town, WV

Job Title: Aerospace Propulsion Journeyman

How long have you served in the unit? 16 years

How does your job support the 167th's mission? Ensuring the engines moving the C-17’s of this unit are ready and able to perform anywhere at any time. If they are not, we will do whatever is necessary to get them mission capable as fast as possible.

Civilian job: N/A - Full time since 2009 

Education: Bachelors of Science from Shepherd University 

Hobbies: Playing guitar in a local band. Hunting, fishing, kayaking, and a sport I love, but absolutely have not mastered, golf. 

Goals (military and/or civilian):  I joined this unit with the idea that I was serving something larger than myself. I still believe that, even on the difficult days. My goal is to continue to serve this unit to the best of my ability. I have strong aspirations to be a First Sergeant, and I intend to fulfill that goal. 

I am proudest of: Wholeheartedly, my family. My wife for endlessly supporting me throughout my career in the 167th, and my twin daughters. I cannot fathom anything to be more proud of than being a father to my girls. But, I am extremely proud to be a part of the maintenance group for so long, and the propulsion shop specifically. We are diligent, thorough, and ready for whatever is thrown at us. We know what is at stake, and we do not take it lightly. We know we’ve done our jobs when we hear that call of “airborn” over the radio.

People may be surprised to know this about me: I thoroughly enjoy heavy metal music. The HEAVIEST of metal music.

The most exciting thing I've done in the military is: Red Ball maintenance is exciting, the pressure and the noise take things to another level. Watching the wheels go up is always awesome, no matter how many times you see it. I think the most exciting thing I’ve done was supporting a C-5 CONOPS mission in 2012. The 167th supplied jets that were based in Rota, Spain.  Missions were carried out to FOB’s in Afghanistan. The sheer amount of cargo and troops moved during that mission was incredible. I believe anyone assigned to that deployment could attest to the intensity and importance of that mission.

One/Some of the most valuable lessons I've learned throughout my career: There is always something to be learned. Do not be apprehensive to say you lack the answer. Learn, grow, and become the mentor that you’re currently learning from

My advice to the newest Airmen in the Wing: Remain humble, grind, and the things you want in your career will come to you.

The best thing about working with my team is: “Camaraderie” - noun - A mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together. You won’t find it anywhere like you find it here.