Travis Reservist goes around the world in 14 days Published Aug. 29, 2006 By 1st Lt. Caroline Lorimer 349th Public Affairs TRAVIS AFB, CALIF. - -- Around the World in 14 days with stops in Germany, Turkey, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Japan and Hawaii, went the recently promoted Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Suarez, 55th Aerial Port Squadron, on a world-wind adventure. Chief Suarez, 55th APS senior Air Reserve Technician and Reserve air transportation manager, was nominated by 4th Air Force to be one of the three Reserve aerial porters to participate with the Air Force Reserve Band as they toured the globe bringing music and entertainment to deployed troops. Load up the plane, set-up the equipment, create the flight manifest, tear down the show, re-palletize the equipment, make a new load plan, load the plane and take off for the next destination was what the tour schedule dictated in order to make the eight shows not only happen, but to happen with great success. "It's was the most intense tour schedule they have ever done," said Chief Suarez. "We traveled approximately 30,000 miles in 14 days." Chief Suarez worked hard, but he was able to see different parts of the world and really be involved in the morale of military deployed troops around the world. "There aren't a lot of people who can say they went around the world and entertained the people," said Chief Suarez. "It was a privilege to get to thank the troops." The Chief explained the trip was about serving others and bringing them something to say thank you for leaving their families and friends to support the U.S. The crew of Chief Suarez and the other aerial porters set the example as they did a lot of manual labor to set up and tear down each site, which got them a lot of attention from the troops. "Airmen came by and asked if they could take a picture, because they don't usually see seniors and chiefs doing the work," said Chief Suarez. Chief said they answered back by saying, "We're here to work." The Chief said that he returned from the trip with many new stories and insights, but he said one of the most touching things for him happened during their trip to Balad. "What really hit me was the people," he said. "To hear some of the stories, and how they got injured." During the concert in Balad, singer Lee Greenwood, the entertainer best known for his rendition of "God Bless the USA," invited the injured troops, who were waiting to leave, up on the stage as his way of saying thank you for all of their sacrifice. "It gave me goose bumps," said Chief Suarez. Despite the amount of work and lack of sleep, Chief Suarez said he would be more than happy to do it all over again. "If you asked me when I first came back, I would have said 'No.' If you asked me now I'd say 'Yes.' It was exhausting. It was a lot of work, but I'd do it again."