Colonel (Ret.) Travis R. Thebeau recently retired from the United States Army after more than 27 years of active military service.

Colonel Thebeau and his wife, Kathy, are former residents of Montgomery County. He is the son of Diane and John Johnson of Bismarck (St. Francois County), and the son-in-law of Montgomery County natives Bob and Sue Schlanker.

Colonel Thebeau enlisted in the United States Army in 1998 as an infantryman and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2002. During his career as a Military Intelligence officer, he served in numerous leadership assignments, completed overseas assignments in Liberia, Korea, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar and multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, culminating his career as the Military Deputy, T2COM G-2, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

As Travis, Kathy and their two daughters – Cora Meryn and Hallie – begin this next chapter of their lives together, they do so with hearts full of gratitude for the incredible people who have walked alongside them throughout this journey. While military service often recognizes one individual, the Thebeau family knows firsthand that it is sustained by the unwavering support of family, friends, neighbors, churches and communities.

The Thebeau family would like to sincerely thank everyone who offered prayers, encouragement, generosity, friendship and support throughout the years. Whether during deployments, long separations, frequent moves or simply through everyday acts of kindness, the support has meant far more than words can express.

As the Thebeaus begin this new season, they do so with tremendous optimism and appreciation for everyone who has been part of their family’s journey. A thanks to everyone for helping make a lifetime of military service possible and for the countless ways everyone has touched their lives.