Thunderbolts mourn loss of Luke Airman Published Oct. 10, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Janet Haliburton 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- More than 200 Thunderbolts gathered at a memorial ceremony to mourn the loss of Airman 1st Class Rashad Seals at the Luke Chapel Oct. 3. Airman Seals, a member of the 56th Security Forces Squadron, drowned Sept. 20 while tubing in the Salt River near Mesa. The memorial was attended by Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing commander, his wife Sandy, Col. Hank Reed, 56th FW vice commander, and military members from squadrons on base. During the ceremony Airman Seals was remembered as an unselfish and respectful person that was liked by many. "It's with great pride that I stand before you and see you all come out to help us honor Airman Seals," said Capt. L.D. Harper, 56th SFS commander. "As a commander we receive someone's kid, given to us on what I call loan, and it is very difficult knowing that this is one I can't send back home. "Though I didn't get the opportunity to know him well, I found comfort in knowing that Airman Seals touched many in his short time here with us." According to those who worked with him, Airman Seals wanted to be that Airman that was called upon to help wherever needed. Airman Seals was posthumously awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal and recognized for his accomplishments as a security forces Airman. Airman Seals was born in Fairfax, Va., in 1987. He enlisted in the Air Force on Jan. 29, 2008, and reported to Luke on July 22. He is survived by his mother, Danette; father, Shawn; brothers, Ronaldo and Alex; and sister, Condoleezza. The memorial concluded with the reciting of the security forces prayer and Airman's Creed. The final tribute given to Airman Seals was his final post check call. Security forces conducts this check at shift change for accountability, to ensure everyone is prepared for duty and to pass on any critical information while assuming an assigned post. The call then went out unanswered.