Sergeant's personal war earns nomination

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vernon Floro
  • 96th Communications Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Among the list of accomplishments for one NCO are conquering her children's "terrible twos" and continuing to raise them through their current teen years; completing three active-duty tours in hostile-fire areas; providing daily care to her elderly mother who lives with her family in temporary lodging and mentoring and leading dozens of Airmen. 

But now Master Sgt. Regina Seastrunk, 96th Communication Squadron, is facing the greatest challenge of her life - breast cancer. 

In May, Sergeant Seastrunk received news she had a rare form of breast cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma. 

"I was in a state of shock not believing what I heard," said the NCO who describes herself as devastated at the time. "After the 'C' word was spoken, I didn't hear anything else the doctor said." 

Instead, questions raced through her mind like "How would I be there for my mother?" and "Would I see my two children graduate from high school?" and "What's happening to me, God?" 

"One of the things I dreaded, just dreaded was to tell my mother and kids," Sergeant Seastrunk said. "My husband asked a lot of questions and he's been very supportive." 

To honor her in her fight, Lt. Col. Rob Lyman, 96th Communications Squadron commander, decided Sergeant Seastrunk fit the perfect description of the "Warriors in Pink" campaign candidate, an award for breast cancer survivors sponsored by the Ford Motor Company's "Nominate your Beautiful Warrior" award in collaboration with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation. 

"The straight-forward way she has approached this challenge, while still remaining a solid Air Force Senior NCO, taking care of her mother, her kids and family is an inspiring story," said Colonel Lyman. "She's an Air Force blue warrior, now in a special shade of pink." 

"I don't feel I am different than anyone else; but if how I am handling this situation can help somebody get through theirs, then it's definitely worth it," said Sergeant Seastrunk about her nomination. 

It's that humbleness the NCO exemplifies that has her leadership writing up the best package so she can win an overnight stay in New York, a "Warriors in Pink" photo shoot and her story featured in Readers Digest. The theme centers on women who fight the battle against breast cancer, what is most beautiful and strong about them, and their personal "warrior stories."

"I believe you become a role model by your actions after the diagnosis ... and this is where I believe the Seastrunks have made their greatest impact," said Maj. Sean Harrington, 96th Mission Support Squadron commander. "They have remained positive, upbeat and hopeful throughout the entire ordeal. Their strong family unit has been inspiring and reminds us of how fragile life truly is." 

One of the unique aspects of the situation is it happened while the Seastrunks were in the middle of a military move to Barksdale AFB, La. They closed on the sale of their house on May 27, two days before the diagnosis. They are in the Temporary Lodging Facility, and all their household goods were shipped. 

"Our first thoughts were for what we could do to support Sergeant Seastrunk and her family as she began this battle, and we've had key leaders working her assignment situation, unit members and their families cooking dinners for the family, ensured they are surrounded by those who care," said Colonel Lyman. 

It's the help with little things that keeps the NCO devoted to her duties as mother, wife and daughter. She can continue to drive her son Javaris, 14, to football practice in Crestview; let her daughter, Jacoya, 15, take on household chores; care for her 70 year-old mother, a diabetic 11-year breast cancer survivor and support her husband, Don, in his military career. 

Sergeant Seastrunk said she draws strengh from her family, her faith and counts on the support from her church family as well.

"I take it one day at a time and know that God is going to take care of me," said Sergeant Seastrunk who has already had a mastectomy and is currently waiting to see if she'll need radiation therapy. "Mentally I am ready to get back to work; it will be nice to get out of the house." 

Her doctors said the cancer has not spread to the rest of her body and she can return to work while she continues the next phase of her reconstructive surgery. 

"It is important to recognize all who battle cancer, but bringing attention to a 'soldier' shows that cancer does not discriminate...even strong, healthy women in their prime can be affected," said Major Harrington. "Although, as Airmen, we have access to routine health care, we should not ignore any potential warning signs and seek the required care and annual screenings as necessary. The way to overcome diseases such as cancer is through early detection and remaining proactive with our health care." 

(Editor's note: More information on Warriors in Pink can be found online at www.fordvehicles.com/warriorsinpink and information on the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation is at www.cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm.