Travis S. Bachman Memorial Page

Staff Sgt. Travis S. Bachman
Kansas National Guard
KIA 01 August 2007

Staff Sgt. Travis S. Bachman of Garden City, Kan., was killed when an improvised explosive device
went off near his vehicle early Wednesday morning in Iraq.

Bachman, 30, was a member of the Kansas National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery unit.
He is survived by his wife, three children and his parents, all of Garden City.

Bachman first enlisted with the Guard in 1993, while he was still in high school.

“He was a man who loved his country and loved being a Guardsman,” Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the
state’s adjutant general, said in a press release. “He will be missed and remembered.”

Tributes

Memorial Page Established by- Crystal Bachman

Travis was a husband, father, son and brother. He
never knew a stranger. He was selfless and would do anything for anyone.
I went from changing his diapers to changing his babies' diapers. I
can't believe he's gone. We were counting down the days. He only had 15
days left before he got to come home to us. We had parties and trips
planned. I just cannot believe we won't be attending those parties and
taking those trips. I love him so much and will miss him.

Travis and family

Video by Travis while serving in Iraq
Second video by Travis while serving in Iraq

August 01, 2011
Martin Tidd
SFC Bachman and his family, you continue to be on my mind each day. Even though time marches on,
my gratitude to you and you family remains eternal. I have no words to describe how much it pains me
to know a family is without their husband, father, and son. Please take comfort in knowing that he, and
you, are still remembered by those he came into contact with. Thank you for your sacrifce.

July 30, 2010
Martin Tidd
It's been 3 years since SFC Bachman and his family made the ultimate sacrifice. I just wanted to let you
know that you and SFC Bachman are still, and forever will be, in my thoughts. Thank you to you, his
family, for your continued sacrifice.

April 20, 2010
Crystal (Ryburn) Thayer
I'd known Travis for several years. I got a text from a good friend back home in GC, with the
disheartening news of Travis' passing. From 500 miles away, I could feel a town fall somber and sad to
lose such a wonderful man. Travis' always knew how to make people laugh, he never let anyone be sad
and he was a brother-type to MANY!! To this day, I can still remember his smile and the way he'd MAKE
you laugh, even if you didn't want to. And I'll never forget the love he had for his family....especially his
niece, Elizabeth!! She was in my preschool class and talked very highly of her uncle! He is dearly missed
and God does have another perfect angel! May you rest in peace, Travis....until we meet again! God
Bless!!

February 09, 2010
Dustin L. Allison
In Honor Of SSG. Travis S. Bachman
Travis was a natural leader. I only knew him for 5 days, but even in that amount of time it was clear that
he was an amazing person.

As a member of Travis' replacement company, I was sitting next to him in the ASV on the day he died.
After everything, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family Travis loved so much. He
talked about his wife and children with so much love.

Travis and his sacrifice will always be with me; and with those memories comes an intense obligation to
live a meaningful and beautiful life...I know Travis did!

January 19, 2010
I still remember
I remember when it happened. I still remember to this day. I heard a cannon go off today and from the
time it went off today until now I can not stop thinking about him. I hope the best for his family and for
all those who were effected. I will never forget and I will always remember him and that day. I'm sorry for
your loss and I will never forget

May 27, 2009
Martin Tidd
Although it's been almost two years, I still keep you alive in my thoughts. You will live forever in the
memories of those you came in contact with.

April 15, 2009
Shelton Francis
Just an old classmate of Travis' just wanted to pay my respects.

March 2, 2009
Tyler Barnett
Thank you for all u did

Olivia Carrillo-Sparling
I never thought I'd have to re-visit telling a friend
good-bye...this time I won't. Instead I'll say bye for now since I
believe that we will all be together again. Travis was a wonderful a man,
a good friend, a wonderful leader, and a great soldier. Had it not
been for him I wouldn't have found humor in the things we went through
when we were younger. I wouldn't have survived the Army had it not been
for his words of advise when I became a Sergeant. Travis was the last
friend I spoke to before I went to Guantanamo Bay. The last thing he
told me was to do my duty and do it well. He reminded me that all of us
soldiers raised our hands in promise to serve and protect this country
for the good of our families. I couldn't have agreed with him more. I
miss my friend, but I know we'll be together again. To Rodney,
Connie, Crystal, and family, I send you my condolences, love, and friendship
as I know Travis would had the tables been reversed.
Your son liv!ed a good life and thanks to your love and support he left it with
pride

Libby Fowler
To the family and friends of Travis S. Bachman:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy upon the loss of your son. Please know that
you will be in my thoughts and prayers now and for the days to come.
Please include my son, Spc. Crockett Fowler Butler, in your prayers as he
awaits deployment from Ft. Sill, Ok. GOD BLESS STAFF SGT. TRAVIS S.
BACHMAN AND GOB BLESS AMERICA

Michelle (Hall) Smith
FOR ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE OUR COUNTRY I
THANK YOU.
MY FAMILY LOST ONE OF Y'ALL. AND AT 16, MY SONS JR, HIGH YR , WAS
ENLISTED IN THE A.N.G..MY HEALTH BROUGHT HIM HOME.
THE DAY I SAW MY SON IN UNIFORM, WAS THE DAY I REALIZED MY BABY WAS
NO BABY ANYMORE.
SO, I HAVE DEDICATED THE REST OF MY LIFE IN SUPPORTING OUR SOLDIERS.
AND I VOW TO ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN TO
NEVER LET THEIR PASSINGS BE FORGOTTEN.
I FLY A FLAG I MADE. AND IT CARRIES ALL THE SOLDIERS I HAVE ADOPTED
AND EVERY TIME I ADOPT ANOTHER, THAT IS ONE MORE ADDED.
AND FOR THOSE WE LOVED SO, AND LOST THEM TO A BETTER PLACE..I WILL
FLY MY FLAG UNTIL THEY ALL RETURN HOME.
THIS IS DEDICATED TO MY NIECES HUSBAND STAFF SGT. TRAVIS S. BACHMAN.
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND AND LOVED ONE.

Kelly Dues
My family and I are so deeply sorry for yours and your
family's loss, My husband Cory was in iraq with your husband Travis. My
husband told me that Travis was such a likeable man that was really
funny and stuck up for everyone i wish i were there to give you a big hug . I
remember you when we all went to Olathe . If you would like to chat or
anything you can get my email address from Elisabeth. We will continue
to pray for you and your family.

Andrew (Andy) Espinoza
Words do not express the sympathy I have for your
family. It's been about 15 years since we last saw each other. I never
thought that would be the last time. You were the best friend a guy could
have man. I still remember the times back home in Bovina when we were
just kids. I'll never forget you, brotha.

Angie Wesley
Travis you will be greatly missed. Your were a great
husband and a loving father. You never knew a stranger you always offered
your friendly smile to every passer by. You died doing what you loved
you are a hero and a warrior. It will be hard without you in our lives
but we will know that you are looking over us from up above while your
guarding heavens gates. God bless you

My Dearest Family
Some things I'd like to say but first of all to let you know that I
arrived okay. I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with God above
where there's no more tears or sadness there is just eternal love. Please
do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight remember that I'm with
you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my
life on Earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and he said
I welcome you. It's good to have you back again, you were missed while
you were gone, as for your dearest family they'll be here later on. I
need you here so badly as part of my big plan, there's so much that we
have to do to help our mortal man. Then God gave me a list of things he
wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and
care for you. And I will be beside you every day and week and year, and
when you're sad, I'm standing there to wipe away the tear. And when
you lie in bed at night, the days chores put to flight, God and I
are closest to you in the middle of the night. When you think of my life
on Earth and all those loving years, because you're only human they
are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry, it does
relieve the pain, remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some
rain. I wish that I could tell you of all that God has planned, but if I
were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for
certain, though my life on earth is over. I am closer to you now than I was
ever before. And to my very many friends, trust God knows what is
best.I'm still not far away from you, I'm just beyond the crest. There are
rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb, but together we can do
it taking it one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd
like it for you too, that as you give unto the World so the World will
give to you. If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain,then
you can say to God at night my day was not in vain. And now I am
content that my life it was worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is down and feeling
low, just lend a hand to pick him up as you go on your way. When you are
walking down the street and you've got me on your mind, I'm walking in
your footsteps only half a step behind. And when you feel the gentle
breeze, or the wind upon your face, that's me giving you a great big hug
or just a soft embrace. And when it's time for you to go from your
body to be free, remember you're not going you are coming here to me, And
I will always love you from that land way up above. Will be in
P.S. God sends His Love..

CPT David Moser
In Honor Of SSG Travis Bachman
I first met Travis Bachman when I was a brand new 2LT.
We went on advanced party together to Camp Guernsy Wyoming to download
equipment from transports and get it ready for the main body to arrive.
Being a brand new LT I wanted to learn all I could about the
howitzer. Travis made sure I learned it the hard way. He ensured I got dirty,
greasy and that I experienced howitzer maintenance the way the crew
members did everyday. I remember being distrustful of him as he led me
along each of the maintenance checks, fluid level checks etc. I knew
that each time I started a task I was going to get dirty. Travis loved
that. What was special about him and the quality I noticed about him
right away was that even though he liked to joke around, he could execute
his duties better than just about anyone. He was a natural leader in
many ways. He was tough but not to the point that he didn't have a
sensitve side. He was the type of NCO his soldiers and leaders could!
count on. I couldn't believe the news when it came that he had been
killed. I read his wife's words and was further sadened to realize he
was so close to coming home. He was killed during the right seat ride
while training his replacements. At a time when it may have been easy
to ride out a deployment and let the new guys take the reins, Travis
was right in the middle of action. That was the type of NCO he was. I'm
proud to have served with him and I pray his family will be comforted
in knowing he will not be forgotten. Travis was a born warrior. As
much as it hurts to say, he died doing what he was born to do. Our
country could use a few more like him.

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