Boom operator has unique military career Published Sept. 11, 2007 By Capt. Anne Noel 72nd Air Refueling Squadron GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Do you know what it's like spending 383 days speeding through the skies in a KC-135R Stratotanker? If not, you could ask Jim Seidle. He is also know as Senior Master Sgt. Jim Seidle, an inflight refueling technician who has racked up more than 9,200 flying hours in the tanker during his Air Force career. But his stint as a boom operator took a few twists and turns along the way. He started his military career in 1968 by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 19 years old. After his enlistment was up in 1972, he returned to civilian life and drove trucks for the next eight years. Ironically, it was his truck driving route that led him to Grissom. He would often drive past the base on U.S. Highway 31 and would see the aerial refuelers as they departed on their missions. This sparked something inside of him that made him want to join the Air Force. Finally, in 1980 he joined the Air Force Reserve and told the recruiter he wanted to be a boom operator. The recruiter said there were no boom positions available, so he became an aircraft mechanic. He soon discovered the recruiter was misinformed and he was able to train as a boom operator and officially became an inflight refueling technician in August 1981. Sergeant Seidle currently leads the unit with just over 9,200 flight hours in the KC-135R Stratotanker. One of his most memorable moments came during Desert Storm when the KC-135 tanker he was in came under anti-aircraft fire. At that moment, he realized that "there really are bad guys that want you to crash." Having the enemy fire upon him, he knew that serving in the military was the least he could do for citizens of the United States of America. With that being said, he states that his proudest moment is, "just being a part of the military. I'm proud to be in the military and be a deterrent to the enemy. It gives the people of this country safety and a peace of mind. Because we serve and are here, there are people who have the freedom to live and protest the military." For the newer, younger airman he stresses the importance of honesty. "Sometimes it's hard to be honest, oftentimes people find it easier to talk behind the backs of coworkers," said Sergeant Seidle. "Avoid doing that, speak up and talk to individuals when there are problems. Especially in the Reserves, everyone needs to communicate face to face better and be honest." He also feels that there is not enough time to impart the knowledge of the past to the younger members of the unit. "Younger airmen do not get the benefit of personal communication. It is important to communicate with your peers, supervisors and commanders one-on-one. That way you can see the expressions on their face. Using email, phone and blackberries are okay but they cannot always substitute for the need to talk in person." Another change that Sergeant Seidle has observed is that there used to be a straight-forward level of discipline. He sees that today it has changed to more of a reward system. If you are good, you are rewarded so people seem to have an expectation of a reward when a job is done well. In earlier days, just knowing that a soldier did a good job at the task at hand was reward enough. In his off-duty hours, Sergeant Seidle has donated his time and money to an organization known as Cause for Paws. This organizations rescues pets that have been abandoned or abused and tries to find new homes for them. Jim and his wife take in stray cats, have them spayed or neutered (at their expense), then try to find them new homes through Caws for Paws. He currently has 25 cats that live in his house and is diligently trying to find families that will adopt them. One heartbreaking story was the rescue of a Japanese cat that was mistreated by the owner. When the owner found out his Japanese cat was not purebred, they sliced through his face, nose, mouth and eyes then threw it out a window. Sergeant Seidle has spent approximately $1,100 to rehabilitate the cat and it now lives happily with Jim and his family. Other interests include restoration of classic cars from the 1970's. He has three Dodge Chargers, a Plymouth Roadrunner, and a Dodge Coronet that he is looking forward to restoring when he retires soon. After serving 31 years, Sergeant Seidle's experience, knowledge and dedication to his country will be sorely missed when he retires early next year.
