Travis Gafford, USA - Obituary

ravis Matthew Gafford, an army colonel who retired in 1975 and later became an executive with several private sector companies, died peacefully with his family in attendance at Bethesda Naval Hospital, on Saturday, November 12, 2011. Col. Gafford, was born in Uvalde, Texas, and spent his early life growing up in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He entered the army in 1950 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the infantry via an ROTC commission received at the University of Denver, Colorado. He was educated at New Mexico State University, University of Denver, George Washington University, and various military schools and colleges. He was most proud of attending the Military language school where he learned to speak, write, and read Mandarin Chinese. He held a variety of infantry, intelligence, operational, and planning assignments, and also served at the Pentagon with the Army Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His overseas assignments included stays in Japan, Okinawa, and Taiwan. In addition, he served his country with pride and distinction by completing two tours of duty in Vietnam, and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Legions of Merit, three Bronze Stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. After retiring from the Army, he moved to the Chicago area and worked for The National Alliance of Businessmen, Sears Roebuck Company, and Graham Associates. Travis Gafford enjoyed life to the fullest and was a devoted family man who cared deeply about his survivors. They include his wife Lois of Tantallon, Fort Washington, Md.; sons Richard of Bowie, Md., and Michael of San Francisco, Ca.; daughters-in law, Patricia and Cherisse ; three grandchildren, Kristin, Travis, and Daniella; and one great-granddaughter, Miyah. A memorial service will be held on November 21, 2011, at Andrews Air Force Base Chapel One. Viewing will take place from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, with the service immediately following. Interment with full Military Honors will take place on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 3pm at Arlington National Cemetery. . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fisher House Foundation at http://fisherhouse.org Please sign the guestbook located to the left.