Travis "CAGE" Dancer

In 2008, Travis enlisted in the Air National Guard two weeks before graduating from high school. He joined as an F-16 jet engine mechanic, hoping this would help in the career path of one day sitting in the cockpit instead of turning wrenches. During his six-and-a-half-year enlistment, Travis went to Kent State University, where he majored in Aeronautical Studies with a minor in Flight Technology while also getting his CCAF Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Upon graduating from Kent with his BS and a commercial instrument rating, Travis took a full-time job on base as a contracted maintenance professional while starting his master’s degree and applying to Guard units nationwide.

In April 2014, Travis was selected for a UPT spot at his home unit, flying F-16s. In the fall of 2014, Travis went off to AMS, now OTS, and started UPT at ENJJPT in January of 2015 with Class 16-03. He progressed through the program in T-6s and T-38s and graduated from UPT in February 2016. Before starting IFF, he went to Washington to complete water survival training and SERE. He attended IFF at Sheppard and F-16 B-Course at Kelly ANG, where he was able to achieve the Top Air-to-Ground award and Top Wingman award.

Travis returned to his home squadron in 2017. Over his 16+ year career, Travis has been to over eight different countries, including a combat deployment to Afghanistan, traveled on more TDYs across the country than he can count, completed USAF FAC(A) school, is a unit FCF pilot, and become an F-16 instructor pilot. Travis was also selected as his squadron’s “mayor” and served as the UPT selection board manager for over 4 years.

Travis is eager to “pay it forward” to the next generation of warfighters! Sting to kill!!