WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The promotion ceremony for an Air Force officer was moved from Utah to his hometown of Wichita, Kansas this week for an important family member.

Major Travis Deckert says his father has helped him get through tough times since his first day in uniform.

“Thirteen years ago, when I started Air Force Academy, I hated every day,” Travis told Nexstar’s KSNW. He says his father supported him all the time, however.

“I hated having to run the class and carry my backpack… I hated having to do all the push-ups and sit-ups, but the one thing that was true all the time was that my dad was always supporting me,” Travis explained. “He would always send me letters and just tell me never to give up because he knew what I would give up if I didn’t make it and what I could afford afterwards if I could finish the Air Force. Academy. “

Almost a decade later, Travis said he heard the news he never wanted to hear.

“I get a call saying my dad is in intensive care, and it has led to stage four brain cancer,” Travis said. “For the past 11 months, I’ve watched my dad persevere and go through all of this treatment and radiation.”

Her father, Don Deckert, is 11 months since the diagnosis, but doctors now expect him to have only a few weeks to live.

It makes the moment to see his son promoted to the rank of major even more special.

“I’m very proud of him,” Don said. “I am happy to have succeeded.”

It was a moving ceremony for Travis. Even though it’s a bittersweet moment, this memory is one that he can keep forever.

“I just want to say thank you dad for supporting me all this time and throughout my career,” Travis said. “It really is an honor to have this with him present.”

Travis plans to celebrate the promotion by spending time with his dad and other family members for the holidays. He says the ceremony was made possible with the help of his boss, colonel, family and friends.