News

A Rock Solid Warrior: Chaplain, Maj. Michael Seaman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Bowcock
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Rock Solid Warrior is a weekly spotlight focused on an outstanding member of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. These unsung heroes have been nominated by their unit leadership to be recognized for their efforts while deployed.

This week's Rock Solid Warrior is Chaplain, Maj. Michael Seaman. Seaman is a chaplain with the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. The San Antonio, Texas native is deployed from the 78th Air Base Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

Q: What is your family's military heritage (anyone else in your family who was/is in the military?):

A: My father was an Air Force Aircraft Electrician for 9 years and an Air Force Chaplain for 21 years.

Q: What is your mission here (in general terms)?

A: The mission is to provide excellent spiritual care to AFCENTS premier expeditionary wing and ensure all airmen and their families have opportunities to exercise their constitutional right to the free exercise of religion.

Q: What are some of the best parts of your mission?

A: Developing relationships with Airmen and learning how they contribute to the wings mission.

Q: What are some of the challenges you face while conducting your mission, and how do you overcome them?

A: The same challenges as others, the heat, hydration, 24 hour operations and the separation from family members. I meet these challenges by staying fit (mentally, spiritually and physically), hydrated, an adjusting work schedules and staying connected to my family during my deployment.

Q: How does your job differ in a deployed environment vs. home base?

A: The only differences regarding my work is at the end of the day, I don't go home to my family and the end of the day is always being adjusted to the needs of the airmen,14, 16, or 18 hour days .

Q: How many times have you deployed?

A: This is my third deployment; I was a chaplain at the 447th AEG, Sather AB, Iraq and a Wing Chaplain at the 455th AEW Bagram AB, Afghanistan.

Q: What makes this deployment unique?

A: The opportunities to engage in the culture of the host nation of Kuwait and our coalition partners.

Q: Why did you join the Air Force?

A: I joined the Air Force to minister to the .007 percent that provided protection and freedom to our country as well as other nations. I wanted to make a difference in their as they serve.