349th AMW colonel closes out his military career after nearly 40-years of service Published June 17, 2014 By Ellen Hatfield 349th Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Col. Melvin J. "Sonny" Giddings closed out a nearly 40-year career in service to his country June 8, 2014 here. He transitioned from an enlisted interior communications electrician in the U.S. Navy to U.S. Air Force Officer Training School, starting a career that included supply and wing plans, although he was a core maintenance officer. His duty took him around the world - Holy Loch, Scotland, Rota, Spain, Lousiana, Texas, Illinois, Mississippi, and California, and beyond, with his numerous temporary duty assignments. A native of Shreveport, Lousiana, Giddings intends to spend time piloting his light aircraft to wherever the wind takes him. "Fair winds, and following seas, Col. Giddings."