Feature Search

Year of the Airman: SSgt. Sean Murphy

  • Published
  • By Maj. Neil Samson, 932nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
  • 932nd Airlift Wing

SSgt. Sean Murphy, 932nd Airlift Wing, 73rd Airlift Squadron, Flight Attendant

932nd: Where are you from originally and where were you raised there?
Murphy: I was born in Poughkeepsie, New York and was raised in Glenelg, Maryland.

932nd: How long were you on active duty and were you a flight attendant on AD?
Murphy:  I was a former MDANG loadmaster from 1991-1998 I separated my service and pursued professional bull riding. I reentered the Air Force Reserves in January 2017.

932nd: Were you bull riding (part-time or full-time) while on active duty?
Murphy: I started riding bulls while still in the MDANG in June 1994.  I turned professional in June of 1997.

932nd: How long did you spend bull riding after you separated active duty?
Murphy: I spent a total of 20 years in bull riding, my last professional competition was August 2017 in Westminster, Maryland.

932nd: Did you capture any awards as a bull rider?
Murphy: I was never a champion bull rider, but I did compete in some very difficult bull riding events.

932nd: What inspired, or who inspired you to join the Air Force Reserve after doing bull riding for a long time?  You mentioned that being a bull rider was a dream come true, but did something motivate you to join the Reserves?
Murphy:  I never lost my passion for flying while I was away from the Air Force.  I always hoped I would return and finish my flying career with the Air Force Reserve.

932nd: What is your favorite part of your job?
Murphy: The part of being a flight attendant I enjoy the most is being of service to our nation's leaders.  I find great value in being of maximum service to our country and those who serve.

932nd: Does your job relate to your civilian life, job, hobbies, interests, school?

Murphy: My job does relate to my civilian life as I am a current flight attendant with JetBlue based in JFK New York.  My hobbies have always been horseback riding and outdoor activities, I love to hike and go camping.

932nd: Do you still do bull-riding in your free time?

Murphy: I still follow bull-riding closely, I went out to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo this past December to watch my friends compete and I attended the PBR (professional bull riding) at Enterprise Center in St.Louis this past February. 


932nd: Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

Murphy: I hope to finish my career with the 73rd AS as a flight attendant evaluator and instructor.  I find great value in passing on the experience of my flying career and helping mentor future generations of aviators. I will continue to work with JetBlue until I retire to greener pastures.  Of all the things I have accomplished I am most grateful for being welcomed back into the military aviation community and being able to work with the most stellar Airman of our great Air Force.