An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Travis major wins AF Band Officer of the Year

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lindsey Hahn
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The commander of the USAF Band of the Golden West here recently won the Air Force Band Officer of the Year for 2006. 

Maj. Richard Mench led a 60-member band who had 425 performances throughout the western United States and recorded a "War of Remembrance" album. 

"Over my 24-year career, Major Mench has been one of the finest commanders I've had the pleasure to work with and for," said Senior Master Sgt. William Castleman, the Band of the Golden West manager. "His ability to balance mission requirements and the needs of his people is phenomenal." 

During the year the band performed at the C-17 arrival ceremonies at Travis and March Air Force Base, Calif., an Oakland Athletics game, the Ronald Reagan Missile Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base and entertained more than 200,000 spectators. 

"This award is truly less about me and more about the professionalism of the people I work with," Major Mench said. "Although it was an honor to be singled out, none of those accomplishments would have been possible without the extremely gifted men and women of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. I'm no hero, but I'm honored to be the commander of a squadron full of them." 

Although Major Mench was humble, members of his band were quick to offer praise.
"I have had the privilege of serving with seven commanders in the almost 24 years that I have been a member of this unit," said Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Chaparas, Band of the Golden West superintendent. "All were good, but Major Mench stands head and shoulders above the rest." "He artfully blends a down-to-Earth attitude, intense concern for his people and a deep understanding and commitment to the Public Affairs mission. He knows how to build a rapport with his troops that puts everyone at ease, while never causing anyone to wonder who is in command. He allows me to do my job without ever undermining my position. Working for him and having Major Mench as my supervisor makes every day a pleasure at work." 

"He has allowed me to manage the band, make mistakes and learn from them," added Sergeant Castleman. "He always respects the enlisted point of view. He has been a valuable mentor to me, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and be engaged not only with the band, but as a contributing member of the wing. I can't think of anyone of who deserves this recognition more than Major Mench." 

Major Mench also showed poise during a tragic event on their way to Independence Day performances when the Concert Bands' equipment truck caught fire. He quickly revamped resources, allowing the band to proceed on their tour performing at five events for 20,000 people. Within 90 days, the band was again fully mission capable. 

"Major Mench has been the epitome of an effective band commander since day one at the AF Band of the Golden West," said Staff Sgt. Paula Goetz, vocalist for the Mobility Band, a rock group within the Band of the Golden West. "He thoroughly understands the important role Air Force bands play as a liaison between the civilian communities we serve and our military and its vital operations. At every band concert he deftly serves up top-class entertainment packaged with timely messages, and does so with humor, flair and statesmanship. 

Audiences never fail to see the best of our Air Force and go away feeling the patriotic pride exhibited. Major Mench represents the best of the best and wholeheartedly deserves the highest recognition!"