Warrior of the Week: Senior Airman Travis Von Elling

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Sparks
  • 319th Air Base WIng Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Name: Senior Airman Travis Von Elling

Unit  : 319th Operations Support Squadron

  Duty title: Ceremonial Guardsman

Time in service:  2 years, 8 months

Time on station:  2 years

Hometown:  Manhattan, Kan.

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you?
I have always wanted to serve in the armed services. My personal values and mentality seemed to fit within the culture of the Air Force perfectly. I truly believe that the Air Force is where I belong.

What moment or accomplishment as a Warrior of the North are you most proud of and why?
The moment I am most proud of as a Warrior of the North is joining the Grand Forks AFB Honor Guard team. Paying my respects to the flag, traditions and individuals who served before me is a duty that I am honored to fulfill.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is performing at funerals. Being trusted to represent the Air Force, past and present, as a lasting image for the family of the deceased.

How do you apply the wing commander's principles of 'passion, proficiency and professionalism'?
I take my job, my role, and my service very seriously. I pour everything I have into the Air Force and I believe that shows in my appearance as well as my performance.

Who or what inspires you and why?
People who step outside of their comfort zone and personal desires for something greater inspire me. Seeing the devotion of my fellow Airmen is a constant reminder of why I am here.

What's the first thing that made you think Grand Forks Air Force Base was a cool place other than the temperature or weather?
The people make this place what it is. I have met some genuinely awesome people on this base and my experience here would have been much less enjoyable without them.

Do you have any military service family members or anyone close to you that has served? If so when and where did they serve?
My grandfather served in both the Air Force and the Army. He was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and served as a flight instructor for the remainder of his career.