DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS, 116TH AIR CONTROL WING (GA ANG)(ACC)
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE GEORGIA 31098-2700
20 February 2024
FROM: LIEUTENANT COLONEL BRIAN R. HANRAHAN, 116 MSG/CD
SUBJECT: Letter of Endorsement for Travis Stolley
1. It is with great pleasure and confidence that I am writing to endorse Travis Stolley for County Sheriff. In fact, if it were not for Travis, I wouldn’t even be here today. I first met Travis in 2006 when I checked into HMLA-269, a Light Attack Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron stationed in New River, North Carolina. I was a Huey pilot and Travis (then Sergeant Stolley) was a crew chief and mechanic. We deployed to Iraq in 2007 and again in 2009, and he and I flew together on many missions both times. When I say, “If it weren’t for Travis, I wouldn’t be here today,” I mean it. He saved my life on one very specific occasion, although I’m sure there are countless more actions he took that contributed to my safety without me even realizing it.
2. Travis was what I would describe as the quiet professional. He never sought the spotlight. He wasn’t loud and aggressive, but he was always prepared and always able to be counted on. Being a mechanic/crew chief requires extensive training and competency.
To be able to prepare the aircraft for a mission, understand all the complex systems and limitations as well as emergency procedures, fix most any mechanical issue that comes up during the flight, operate and fix the weapons systems, all while effectively communicating with the pilots up front, while on night vision goggles in bad weather and in a combat environment? Well, not just anybody is up for that challenge, but Travis excelled at it. He never complained. He never made the same mistake twice (if he even made a mistake), and he quietly but consistently set the example for all those around him.
3. Travis, as I know him, is as humble and honest of a man as I’ve met. I currently run an organization of about 600 airmen (yes, I transferred over to the Air Force, sshhhh) and I would love to have Travis in my ranks again! If he is elected the next County Sheriff I
can assert with assurance, he will bring great integrity to that office. He will lead with quiet strength and fairness, and will lead by example.
Please contact me with any questions at: (843) 521-7382 or brian.hanrahan@us.af.mil.
- BRIAN R. HANRAHAN, Lt Col, GA ANG
Deputy Commander, 116 Mission Support Group