Center inducts ‘legend’ to Wall of Honor

  • Published
  • By Susan A. Romano
  • AFTAC Public Affairs
PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. --  In keeping with a tradition that began in 2015, the Air Force Technical Applications Center inducted a former Airman to its Wall of Honor July 15, 2025.
 
The wall was established to recognize individuals who profoundly contributed to AFTAC’s global mission, while personifying the Air Force Core Values: integrity, service, excellence.
 
Retired Air Force Maj. Louis W. Seiler Jr., had his name inscribed on the center’s lobby wall and was recognized for his vast and impactful contributions to the nuclear treaty monitoring center’s global mission during his time on active duty.
 
Seiler joined the Air Force in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in Physics and within two years, he was selected to attend the Air Force Institute of Technology to earn a master’s degree in Engineering Physics.
 
During his 20 years on active duty, 10 of them were spent working in AFTAC’s Atmosphere and Space division, evaluating satellite sensor data for nuclear explosions in space, and serving as a technical advisor for ground-based electro-magnetic pulse sensors.
 
In 1979, Capt. Seiler found himself immersed in the middle of a global event that changed the course of his career.  While serving as an alert officer, Seiler detected what had all the hallmarks of a nuclear explosion in the southern hemisphere.
 
“Two optical sensors known as ‘bhangmeters’ on the Vela satellite led me to believe the event was nuclear in nature,” Seiler said.  “I immediately issued an alert message, and within minutes I received a phone call from a 4-star general working in the White House Situation Room, informing me that we were not to release any further information without the approval of the President.”
 
Seiler’s expertise and knowledge of the event were so impactful that he was called to Washington, D.C., to brief the National Security Council as well as world-renowned physicist Edward Teller, better known as the “father of the hydrogen bomb.”
 
“I don’t think I’d necessary use the words ‘briefed him’ when referring to my interaction with Dr. Teller,” Seiler quipped.  “It was more like an interrogation about how we came to the conclusion that the event was nuclear in nature.  He wanted specifics on the altitude, the weather, how the optical sensors worked, and a number of other conditions during the time.  It was a grilling!”
 
From all accounts, Teller seemed satisfied with Seiler’s detailed explanations, and later indicated he firmly believed Seiler’s data was correct – everything indicated it was a nuclear explosion.
 
“Lou Seiler is a living legend at AFTAC and in the field of nuclear surveillance,” said Col. Creighton Mullins, AFTAC commander.  “The tremendous capabilities that keep America safe today are in large part due to the innovative work of Lou and all the pioneers who showed us the way.  It’s only fitting that we inscribe his name on our Wall of Honor to recognize his incalculable impact on the long range detection mission’s 77-year history.”
 
Selection to the Wall of Honor is no easy feat; AFTAC’s Heritage Committee meticulously reviews dozens of nomination packages of former scientists, analysts, engineers and technicians, while only one to two per year are considered for induction.  The committee looks for nominees who demonstrated great character and whose actions truly discriminated them from thousands of other center employees, both military and civilian.
 
“When the deputy commander called to inform me I had been selected, I was surprised, honored, and quite humbled,” Seiler said.  “I think I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.  I enjoyed all my assignments in the Air Force, but none was as meaningful as my time at AFTAC.  Ask anyone here why they stay, and the answer is: the mission…always the mission!”
 
Seiler’s family was in attendance at the induction, including his wife of 56 years, Joan.  The two were students together at Louisiana State University when they first met, and they raised three children together.
 
When asked what she thought about her husband’s induction to AFTAC’s Wall of Honor, she exclaimed, “It’s about time!  Lou devoted his life to his work at AFTAC, and I am so very proud of everything he accomplished.  It means a great deal to him, and to our family, knowing the current leadership recognizes the incredible work he performed.”
 
Now Seiler is part of a unique cadre of AFTACers who will forevermore be memorialized for their significant contributions to the nation.
 
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the honoree thanked everyone in attendance saying, “This was the most personally satisfying job I ever had, and I miss those days.  It would do it all over again if I could.  It’s been a pleasure!”