Born in Louisville  KY, Travis graduated high school from Scott County High, Georgetown KY. He entered the Navy, June 1997 at age 18. After RTC initial boot camp, he reported to “A” school and then Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando FL, and to Ballston Spa NY to complete operator training. He reported for duty aboard USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) Blue Crew, April 1999, Kings Bay GA. A member of the Machinery Division, he significantly contributed to the ship successfully completing seven Strategic Deterrent Patrols. Jan 2003 - Oct 2005 aboard the USS La Holla (SSN-701) he served as the machinery division leading Petty Officer. He successfully completed a Western Pacific deployment and received a Battle E award for excellence. In Feb 2006, Travis reported to the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston SC where he mentored and taught over 400 students the fundamentals of Nuclear Power.

On April 1, 2009 Travis was commissioned as an Ensign via Limited Duty Officer program for which only the best of the best enlisted sailors are selected. Hand selected by the Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program to serve as his assistant to the Naval Reactors Representative at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire, He provided regulatory oversight of Naval Reactors Propulsion Program activities to ensure shipyard design, maintenance and repair of nuclear powered submarines were conducted safely and in accordance with all applicable regulations.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two gold stars), the Good Conduct Metal (three bronze stars), The National Defense Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

But above all, Travis’ most treasured and cherished awards were his three children, Brennan, Reagan and Ryleigh Douglas.