Travis Milton: Material expeditor by day, writer by night

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – It can be quite easy to let your career overwhelm you, to never really “clock out” at the end of the day. Whether you physically bring work home with you, or you bring the attitude that work gives you home with you, many people struggle with leaving it all at the door.

For Travis Milton, everything is about perspective. The days may be long, the environment can often be toxic, but the right attitude can change everything, Mr. Milton said. The work may never really end, but he intertwines his career at Tinker with a newfound profession, one which stemmed from a hobby. During the day, Mr. Milton works as a material expeditor for Defense Logistics Agency Aviation. During his lunch hour and when he goes home at the end of the day, Mr. Milton spends his time writing.

After serving as a cook in the infantry, Mr. Milton recalled an experience from his undergraduate studies. A professor had given him very unsatisfactory markings on a paper, to which Mr. Milton argued that the audience did not understand the concept behind it. The professor suggested he enroll in more creative thinking and writing courses, thinking that’s where he would likely excel. It was from that initial undergraduate course that the now-material-expeditor-turned-author found a passion for creative expression through writing.

“I was fighting the war. Now I’m helping the war fighters. It’s a beautiful thing,” he said.

Though he’s been writing consistently since then, mostly all short stories, Mr. Milton recently caught the eyes of two different publishers.

“Russo’s Thoughts and Recipes,” Mr. Milton’s first big hit, was picked up by Page Publishing in the middle of August, and his new children’s book, “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover” was published by Reader’s Digest in September. Personally believing that long, one-dimensional stories are mind-numbing and never-ending, Mr. Milton prefers short stories over any and every thing – justice, peace, obedience and power. “I write about everything, but I really like to write stuff that’s challenging.”

Mr. Milton also includes a recipe at the end of each story from his family, friends and neighbors, with the intention to have a unique touch to his work.

As a material expeditor, Mr. Milton chooses the parts given to mechanics to use on B-52s and E-3s. Describing his workplace as a massive grocery store, Mr. Milton chooses the parts, and the mechanics do the rest. The two roles go hand-in-hand; one job cannot be done well without the other. Beyond the work environment, Mr. Milton expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received from the 2121 crew.

“They call me ‘Mr. Wonderful’ around here,” he said. “Every day, if I wake up to get [to work], I’m good, I’m wonderful. Always. I click my heels every time I step inside that gate. I love it. I wish more people would appreciate it.”

Aside from using writing as a stress reliever, Mr. Milton uses his gift to give back to the community. He participates in school book drives, and puts profits from his books toward feeding the homeless and single-parent homes.

“I never thought I would be here,” he said. “Periodically I have to excuse myself and wipe my eyes – I am so thankful to be where I am now. If I can help people, that’s what it’s about.”

Mr. Milton launched his book tour Sept. 23. He plans to travel on the weekends to Wichita, Fort Worth, St. Louis, Atlanta, ending the tour in New York City.

Editor's note: The original story can be viewed on the Tinker Air Force Base website.