AU remembers LeMay Center Airman

  • Published
  • Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Faculty, staff and students across Air University gathered in the Jones Auditorium here to remember Lt. Col. Travis Brownlow.


Travis, who served in the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education doctrine development division, passed away suddenly at his home. He served in the Air Force for more than 27 years, enlisting in 1992 as a base and installation security system journeyman.

Travis later earned his commission through Officer Training School as a logistics readiness officer. During his career, he served as a flight commander, operations officer, director of operations and squadron commander, and as a staff officer at the Defense Logistics Agency, a numbered air force and a combatant command. Travis deployed eight times, supporting every major contingency in recent history. While at Maxwell, he was the branch chief for joint multi-logistics in doctrine development, responsible for integrating Air Force doctrine into joint and allied doctrine, as well as advising Air Force, joint staff and international allies and partners. 

“Today is an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service of Lt. Col. Travis Brownlow,” said Col. Lisle Babcock, LeMay Center director of doctrine development. “Travis was a man of dedication – giving of himself for over 27 years of service to our country, our Air Force and to the defense of our constitution.”

Babcock spoke of Travis’ character, highlighting his devotion to his family, many of whom were able to attend the memorial, including his wife, Lt Col. Elisha Parkhill, 42nd Air Base Wing director of staff. Attendees and speakers praised this couple’s service, selflessness and especially their dedication to Airmen.

“Travis was also a dichotomy – he was the quiet professional,” Babcock said. “He was the gentle giant of a man; he was a true warrior and a scholar; reserved, but very articulate in his speech, and immensely humble. But when the music came on, and it was time to dance, he danced.”

The theme of the service was the impact Travis had on others, and how his personality drew so many to him. His friend and coworker, Lt. Col. Linda Jeffery, spoke about meeting Travis and how he challenged her to continuously learn and grow, while providing some comic relief to the office.

“[Travis] had a lot of knowledge and quest for understanding,” said Jeffery. “He was also a comedian, you probably understand he had a fantastic sense of humor and pretty good comedic timing.”

Following Jeffery, Phillip Brownlow, Travis’ brother, thanked everyone for coming to the service, for honoring Travis, his wife and family.

“Time has value, and you have inferred value on my brother and his wife, and I thank you,” said Phillip.

After speaking of what Travis meant to him and the impact of his life, Phillip charged the audience to care for his brother’s family the way they had. He closed out by challenging the audience with something seemingly simple, but possibly difficult.

“Now I want to challenge you – love. You love. You find the source of love, and you love,” said Phillip. “So you love, and you do it when it doesn’t make sense, because eventually it will.”