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Wing commander's spouse receives Yellow Rose of Texas Award

  • Published
  • By Linda Frost
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Texas Governor Rick Perry commissioned Mrs. Sally Travis, a Yellow Rose of Texas, under the laws of Texas for her work in long-time support of military spouses and their families.

The surprise presentation was made Nov. 12 during a farewell party in honor of her husband, Maj. Gen. Tom Travis, commander of 59th Medical Wing. General Travis departs this week to become the deputy surgeon general of the Air Force.

The award is given only through the Office of the Governor to recognize women for their significant contributions to their communities and to Texas in the preservation of our history, the accomplishments of our present, and the building of our future.

The award is named for Emily Morgan, a 20-year-old slave who was instrumental in the battle to win Texas' independence, as she gave General Sam Houston's troops Santa Anna's location.

"Sally Travis is an outstanding woman in her own right, but she also exemplifies the highest attributes which make her an exemplary and dedicated military spouse," said Mrs. Janice Ricks, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce liaison for the 59th MDW.

"She is looked upon as a leader, mentor and an advisor to and for the spouses of active duty, enlisted, civilian and retired military personnel and is actively involved in supporting the 59th MDW warrior medics at Wilford Hall Medical Center," added Mrs. Ricks, who also presented the award along with her husband, Les Paulick.

Hosting and putting people at ease are Mrs. Travis' fortes.

"The welcoming of new spouses, the get-togethers for fun and friendship, and supporting the families living on- and off-base in San Antonio and surrounding communities were integral parts of her life as a caring, supportive military spouse," Mrs. Ricks said. "Even with all her commitments, she was very interested and involved in the San Antonio community and helped to make a difference."

While stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, Mrs. Travis served as an advisor for the Wilford Hall Auxiliary and a liaison between the WHA and Brooke Army Medical Center Auxiliary. Mrs. Travis' service with the two auxiliaries came at a crucial time as the two hospitals merged their medical staffs.

She also started a resident spouse group within the WHA to provide support, mentoring and education and to promote funding of contributions to the WHMC Breast Cancer and Bone Marrow Transplant Clinics.

Along with her many other civic contributions, Mrs. Travis also served as board advisor for the Lackland Spouses Club, as a member of the Military-Civilian Wives Club and volunteered for projects for the Lackland Fisher House, a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill or injured patients receiving treatment at WHMC.

"San Antonio, along with her family and friends, will miss her bright, shining face, but we all wish her and her husband 'God Speed,' knowing that she will help to make a difference at their next station," Mrs. Rick said.