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Travis Walters - Geelong airman plays key role to support digger in Afghanistan
Squadron Leader Travis Walters, an Air Force C-17 pilot, is delivering the goods to Australian Defence Force personnel on the ground in Afghanistan.
The 35 year-old from Winchelsea, Victoria, is flying missions into Afghanistan carrying vehicles, equipment and other essential items bound for personnel deployed on Operation Slipper.
"It's good to do our bit, it's what we train for and we can make a difference to our guys with the support we can provide them," Travis said.
Travis said he joined the Air Force after completing his schooling in 1992 at St Joseph's College in Geelong.
"I wanted to fly and be a pilot and especially when I was young I wanted to fly fighters," Travis said.
"I attended the Australian Defence Force Academy and went straight into pilot training."
Travis got his wish of flying fighters, he was an F/A-18 Hornet pilot for six years and later converted to the C-17.
"In that time I flew in an exchange with the Canadian Air Force, which was a great experience," Travis said.
"During my time there I was also able to play ice hockey.
"When I was younger I used to play hockey for the Winchelsea hockey club and for Geelong in the Melbourne competition."
His family has a strong and long history with the Australian Defence Force.
"My father was a National Serviceman in Vietnam and served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and both my grandfathers served during World War Two."
When he's not at work flying in his spare time he enjoys being with his family at his home on the Gold Coast.
"I enjoy boating, I cruise about in our Mustang power boat with my wife Amber and twin girls Emily and Sophie who have just turned one."
Travis said the most rewarding part of his job is flying into places like Afghanistan.
"The best part of being a pilot is being out here doing the job," Travis said
"There is some good flying, like the approach into the dirt Tarin Kowt runway, where there is plenty to think about.
"The C-17 is a great and pleasurable aircraft to fly."