721st SFS Airman honored for work in Iraq

Published Aug. 25, 2008
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- An Airman at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, has been awarded an Air Force Combat Action Medal for his extraordinary actions while deployed to Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Seligman, 721st Security Forces Squadron, received his medal from Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander, at a commander's call Aug. 26 here. The award recognizes Sergeant Seligman's achievements while deployed to Baghdad in 2007 as a driver on a police transition team convoy. Then just a Senior Airman, Sergeant Seligman guided his team to safety while under enemy fire on more than one occasion and - on Aug. 27, 2007 - he saved the lives of everyone in his vehicle.

That day, while on patrol, the leader of then-Airman Seligman's combat patrol spotted a roadside improvised explosive device and halted the convoy to take protective measures. As soon as Airman Seligman stopped his vehicle - the second in a chain of four - he realized he had pulled up right beside the IED.

Immediately, Airman Seligman threw his vehicle into reverse, managing to make it 15 feet away from the IED before it exploded, showering the Humvee with debris. His actions allowed him and his three passengers to escape the situation alive.

Sergeant Seligman sustained a traumatic brain injury when the IED exploded and will be separating from the Air Force in a few months. While he hadn't planned on injuries and early separation, Sergeant Seligman said he has no regrets about deploying to Iraq and is just glad he was able to serve.

"I was proud of the job we did in Iraq and the men and women we served with," Sergeant Seligman said. "I know the job we did in Iraq had a positive impact on the progress of the Iraqis, and I'm proud of that."

Maj. Jeffrey Beckford, 721st SFS commander, said he is proud of Sergeant Seligman and called his actions "a true testament to the caliber of Airmen we have serving our country in the Global War on Terrorism."

"His actions that day in Iraq will not be forgotten, and continue a long tradition of service dating back to the first Air Police," he said. "His nation owes him a great debt of gratitude for raising his hand saying, 'Here I am, send me.' We are fortunate to have warriors like Sergeant Seligman serving as our nation's sword and shield. It is truly an honor to have had the opportunity to serve with him."

For his part, Sergeant Seligman said he was just doing his job and is humbled by all the attention he has received.

"We don't do our job to receive awards and recognition," he said. "We do it because others are counting on us."

That's an attitude Sergeant Seligman displays every day at work, said Tech Sgt. Clarence Harris, Sergeant Seligman's supervisor at Cheyenne Mountain. The security forces Airman has been a leader in his squadron - pitching in where needed, helping younger Airmen and acting in a staff sergeant role, even though he didn't actually pin on that rank until August.

"Chris is the first one in the office every day," Sergeant Harris said. "When something needs to get done, he is the go-to guy. He is a superior performer that I wish every supervisor could have the privilege of supervising."

Staff Sgt. Christpher Seligman -- Air Force Combat Action Medal recipient