From Afghanistan to Atlanta
It has only been a few weeks since Atlanta Mayor Travis Ransom returned home from deployment to Afghanistan, but he is already back in the saddle and looking forward to future city projects.
“It’s budget time for Atlanta, so I’ll be studying that,” he said. “I’ll be looking at numbers to assess priorities for next year.”
While he noted this transition from deployment to home has been easier than previous ones, Travis did admit that he was still getting his routine back, two weeks from landing. He has served over twenty-four years in the Army Reserve and has been selected to take a Brigade Command Sergeant Major Position.
During this deployment, Ransom temporarily assumed command of a forward deployed multi-disciplined intelligence company operating in Afghanistan across eight outstations in the Combined Joint Operational Area-Afghanistan. As part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, he served as the Command Sergeant Major for an Expeditionary Military Intelligence Battalion comprised of over 500 Soldiers and contractors arrayed over six countries.
“The situation in Afghanistan is very difficult. They have a long, complicated history,” Travis explained. “I was very fortunate to have a great team with me.”
Although 14 of his team members were diagnosed with COVID during the week leading up to deployment last Fall, the remaining team acted with the flexibility and resilience they are known for. “Being in the Reserves means that all our games are away games, and our bags are always packed and ready.”
For his efforts, Travis was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the nation’s fourth highest award for service in a combat zone. He has previously won the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and numerous other campaign and service awards.
On the home front, Travis has been keeping up with local news and is excited for the positive changes around town.
“The town looks great,” he said. “A lot of long-term projects have come to fruition, sales tax revenue is up, which is a testament to the quality of our local businesses.”
While out of the country, several items were checked off the town’s to-do list. One being the demolition of the Derrick Motel on Highway 59.
That property is now better suited for sell as a commercial lot. The city has also acquired new downtown business, which has reduced the number of vacant buildings, and future developments are on the table.
While Travis catches up with his civilian job at Offenhauser and Company Insurance, he is also enjoying time with wife, Emily, son Coyt, and daughters Lucy and Anna. “Last weekend I ran with Lucy for the first time and we had a blast. She is on the Middle School cross country and track teams this coming year,” Travis said.
While he claims to be “on the fence” about running for mayor next May, he is excited about seeing Atlanta through it’s Sesquicentennial in 2022 and is looking forward to planning the celebration. He has also committed to being the keynote speaker at this years’ Veteran’s Day celebration downtown on November 11 at 6 p.m.
“There is no end of the effort you put into it (being mayor) and can say it’s done. You just have to strive to be the right leader at the right time,” he said. “I plan to continue to make Atlanta a great place to live and raise a family.”