The Navy SEAL Museum Sunrise Memorial Ceremony
Chaplain Support
Robert E. Bradshaw
Commander, Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
CDR Bradshaw enlisted in the US Air Force in 1984 and served as both a Law Enforcement Specialist and an Imagery Interpreter, separating in 1989. In 2001, he was commissioned into the US Navy Chaplain Candidate Program and entered Active Duty in March 2004.
Military and Civilian Education:
CDR Bradshaw obtained a BS in Exercise and Sports Sciences from the University of Florida and a Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary San Diego. Additionally, he completed JPME1 from Air Command and Staff College (COR) and the Mental Health Integration for Chaplain Services Certificate program for DOD and VA chaplains.
Assignments: CDR Bradshaw’s first assignment was Battalion Chaplain at Second Marine Division for both Third Battalion Eighth Marines and Fifth Battalion Tenth Marines with deployments to Haiti (SECURE TOMORROW) and Iraq (IRAQI FREEDOM). In 2006 he transferred to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Japan as Staff Chaplain. In 2009 he screened and was selected for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group as Command Chaplain with numerous non-traditional deployments to Afghanistan (ENDURING FREEDOM), East Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. At the end of 2012, he transferred to the Naval Special Warfare Training Center as the first assigned Command Chaplain.
In January 2016 he was assigned to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Iraq as Command Chaplain (NSW-LED, MARSOC-SUPPORTED) and Senior SOF Chaplain while deployed to Iraq (INHERENT RESOLVE). In FEB 2017 he reported to Naval Base Coronado as Supervisory Chaplain. In JUL of 2017, Chaplain Bradshaw was assigned as Deputy Command Chaplain, Third Marine Aircraft Wing. In 2018 he was screened and selected for the White House Military Office where he served eleven months as Deputy Director for the Chaplain Directorate and twenty-four months as the Director. In June of 2021, he reported to Marine Recruit Depot Parris Island as Recruit Training Regiment Chaplain. In June of 2023, he retired from active duty.
Awards and Decorations: CDR Bradshaw’s military awards and decorations are the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Air Force Commendation Medal (2), Air Force Achievement Medal (2), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (2) and numerous campaign and unit awards. CDR Bradshaw is qualified to wear the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer (Chaplain) device as well as the Presidential Service Badge.
Chaplain Bradshaw has been the chaplain at the museum since June 2023. He resides in Gainesville, FL with his wife Cheryl. They will celebrate their 40th Anniversary this coming June.
Michael D. Shockley
Commander, Chaplain Corps, U. S. Navy (Ret.)
Mike Shockley enlisted in the Navy in 1972. After being honorably discharged, he entered the ordained ministry, receiving his BA from Southeastern College (1982) and Master of Divinity from Emory University (1985)
Mike has served as a church pastor as well as a Navy Chaplain for almost 40 years, serving 5 congregations in Florida. As a Chaplain, Mike served with various Naval Fleet units, US Marine Corps units and finally with the Naval Special Warfare Command where he provided Chaplain support to Navy SEAL teams, their support units and their families.
He retired from the Navy at the rank of Commander in 2011. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the Bronze Star.