Though he wasn’t playing football or basketball for the Waves, Travis dedicated more time to the Athletic Department than the majority of the players and coaches during his time at MHS. Travis was/is one of the most dependable and likeable persons you’ll ever know. He was dedicated to Midway Athletics as well as the Ag program. Military since he graduated 1995, Travis continues to represent his community as well as his country with pride and honor. We are privileged to claim Travis as one of our own and share with our readers this “Where Are They Now” interview.
Section I: Travis Ingram, where are you now?
I am currently stationed in Panama City, FL at Tyndall AFB. I have a beautiful and loving wife, Nichole, a too much like me 5 year old son, Joshua, and a heartbreaker 2 year old daughter, Mia.
Section II: Q&A
SORSN: Your service in the US Air Force has taken you many places across the globe. Please share with us some of the places that you’ve been. What has been some of your favorite places? Not-so favorite places? Any places abroad remind you of home?
Travis: I have had some amazing trips over the past ten years. I spent my first five years in Valdosta, GA where I traveled to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Egypt, and Las Vegas (Vegas may not seem that important with all the other places but to a guy who never ventured too far from SOR it was an eye-opening experience). I then spent one year in South Korea and three years in Germany where I was able to travel to Austria, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, France (not too excited to say that), Luxembourg and Spain.
My least favorite place would have to Saudi Arabia. The people there only welcome us because it benefited them that we were there. And when it was no longer beneficial to them they wanted us out. The weather was around 113 degrees during the day and brisk 85 degrees at night. The only way that I can explain the heat is that it is like getting clothes out of a dryer that has just shut off, all day long!
My most favorite is defiantly Switzerland. I know the Smokies sure seemed big as you head toward them, but the Alps are absolutely amazing. The people there are very nice and you have four extremely different seasons.
I would have to say that Norway reminded me the most of SOR. Rolling ridgelines, small creeks, and small farms. The people there are simple, and after visiting the other places I realize how nice “simple” really is.
SORSN: During your years at MHS, you’ve probably made more trips across the football field than any other person in history. But yet, it was never on foot, it was always on the mower. Guesstimate for us the percentage of your time at MHS that was spent on the big John Deere? Did the field really require that much mowing or was this just a ploy to get out of class? How much speed could you gain as you came down off the hump in the middle of the field?
Travis: I’d say about 35% mowing 15% locker room and the rest split between AG and class.
Hey somebody had to do it. But needless to say I was disappointed the year we had the prisoners come out and mow it.
Thanks to Coach Branson and Coach Ruffner, I had my share of time away from Economics and Art.
The hump would definitely add a few MPH to that already screaming piece of machinery.
SORSN: You spent a lot of time with Coach Branson while at MHS. Please tell us about assisting Coach Branson as the team Manager.
Travis: I will always be thankful for Coach Branson. Not many people know this but the only reason I didn’t play football was that I could not get a doctor to sign my physical. Coach Branson found out and asked me to be the Manager. He gave me a lot of responsibility that has done nothing but help me as I have gone through my military career. Coach never made me feel any less a part of the team than any of the players or coaches.
SORSN: You also spent a lot of time with the Ag program at school and were very successful in the program. Can you share some of these stories/events with Ag? Perhaps Mr. Curtis, one of the most memorable teachers at Midway, and hypnotism?
Travis: After all these questions I am starting to feel a little guilty for getting out of class so much. (not really) Ag got me out of my fair share of class as well. Most Alumni from my time remember Mrs. Henley. Well, I believe I own the record for getting out of English class (and a few more also) in part because I believe the only teacher that Mrs. Henley was afraid of was Mr. Curtis. I need only mention his name and she would say “Just Go!” Mr. Curtis continues to be the best teacher I have ever had. I stay in touch with him and I still learn from him each time we talk. As for Hypnotism, You will have to get those stories from someone who was fortunate enough to witness it. I plead the 5th!
SORSN: What are some of your fondest memories of growing up South of the River? Ever dream of leaving the military way of life and just head back across the bridge to green pastures and muddy lake water?
Travis: My fondest memories will always be water-skiing and fishing out on Watts Bar with my Dad. I would have to say that working along side my brother for Larry and Travis Tilley for nearly 5 years hauling hay and tobacco is a fond memory as well.
Give up the Military? No Way. I have 10 years invested in this career and no one on earth enjoys waking up in the morning and going to work more than me. I have ten more years to serve and I will make that commitment without hesitation. My wife and kids will have a lot to say about where we live after I retire from the Air Force.
SORSN: Your graduating class, the class of 1995, recently held their 10 year reunion. Were you able to make it in and attend? Is there anyone from your class that you still stay in contact with? Is the 1980 Canary Yellow Mustang still in operation? Which would you say you put the most miles on: the Mustang or the schools lawn mower?
Travis: I did not get to make it but since then I have tried to contact some of my old classmates. I really wish I could have made it but that’s the way things go sometimes.
Being so far removed from SOR I haven’t kept in touch with anyone as much as I would have liked to. I have talked to a few classmates on occasion when I have been home on leave. I have talked to Ben Hughes a few times as well.
I’m quite sure that the 1980 Canary Yellow Mustang has been laid to rest by now. It wasn’t much to look at, but man was it fun to drive. And as fast as I drove that car I can safely say that I defiantly sat behind the wheel of that John Deere more than I did the Mustang.
SORSN: You have done well in your military career? Have any advice that you can give for the students interested in joining the military?
Travis: My advice to anyone thinking about joining the military is “be informed”. Don’t do it for the wrong reasons. Money for college and the travel is great, but that won’t make you enjoy the military. You will not get rich by being in the military by any means, but the best payment is every time you see someone with a US Flag in their yard, see someone pray in public, or even see a demonstration against what the military is doing. That is what makes being in the military worth it. In the Military you will get discipline, food, and shelter, you only need to bring one thing and that is you, ready to learn, eager to serve and having pride in the country you swear to defend. My Supervisor told me once that “no matter what branch of the military you are in or what job you do. We are all in public relations. We are in the hero making business. We give enemy forces the opportunity to become heroes by dieing for their country.” I take great pride in serving my country as well as being from SOR. I pray that people, especially SOR people, don’t believe everything negative they hear in the news. Our Military is and will continue to be the finest most lethal Military on the face of the earth and that is accomplished with something that we in Tennessee are very familiar with, Volunteers.
Travis thanks for taking time out of your schedule to speak with us and the community. SORSN.com and its readers are grateful for your service to this wonderful country.