Command Chief Patricia Thornton moves out, up to 4th Air Force Published Oct. 10, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Meredith Mingledorff 349th Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Bitter sweet, happy sad, those were some of the words used to describe Command Chief Patricia Thornton's farewell. Chief Thornton leaves the 349th Air Mobility Wing to serve as Command Chief of 4th Air Force, headquartered at March Air Reserve Base, Calif. "It has been such a joy serving with and serving for you," said Chief Thornton. "I will continue to serve you at 4th Air Force and my 349th brothers and sisters will always have a special place in my heart." Heartfelt goodbyes have taken place throughout the month of September as the chief gave her thoughts at each Wing Commander's Call. "Where you at 349th?" hollered the chief at each assembly. Responding with resounding booms of enthusiasm, each squadron called out their unit's war cry. "What a gift," said Chief Thornton. "I couldn't have achieved my goals without each and every one of you. I salute you!" The last ever C-flight required no prompting at all. Each unit calling out louder than the last, Travis' base theater resonated with energy. "She has earned the nickname 'Chief Rah-Rah'," joked Col. Robert Millmann, 349th AMW vice-wing commander. "That's a good thing. She is the biggest advocate for our Wing and our troops. I knew she was the right person for the job up at 4th, and I had to come to terms with the fact that it would be unfair of us to keep her all to ourselves when she still has so much to give." Known for her vibrant personality, big smile, and even bigger heart, Chief Thornton leaves the 349th with inspired airmen at every level. "She has always done good things for our people and there is no doubt that she will continue to do good as she moves on to bigger and better things," said Col. Millmann. "Her ability listen is what has made her special to me," said Col. Kenneth Lewis, 349th Operations Group commander. "So many people only hear you. They listen to a portion of what you're saying and start forming their opinions. Chief Thornton doesn't do that, she has an amazing ability to listen and reflect before giving an honest, fair response." "I am an American Airman," recited the chief, the creed is an oath, promise, and way of life for Thornton. "I embarrassed her once," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Gisler, 349th AMW commander. "I said I thought she was the best command chief in the whole Air Force Reserve Command and I believe that. I tell you, I think she will one day be the command chief leading AFRC." Big predictions that Chief Thornton only smiles as she hears, a humble woman who admittedly draws strength from her faith, she left the Wing with wishes for each member. "I wish you all the fruits of the spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, humility, and self-control." Thank you chief. Godspeed.