Today, I think about John Chapman.
The song and it’s image listed at the end of this blog reminds me of a close brother in arms. Don’t look at the image below of a Gladiator and think of the actor. Instead, as you read this post, for a second of your time, look at the images and see a true American warrior. Due to the nature of the work, he quietly passed on to the other side. In 2002, almost ten years to the day, Chappy was our first brother to die in battle against Al Qaeda. It cannot be emphasized enough, how Chappy found himself alone against many others. Some would say, Chappy entered the “Coliseum” on his own to face his final challenge. We say, Chappy came prepared, ready for what he was born to do.
The title of the song…”Not yet” means one warrior to another…I will see you on the other side, just not yet. There is more work to do and we will care for your daughters. From there, we will continue the good fight. So long brother, but, never good-bye.
John Chapman was given the US Air Force Cross for his actions in Afghanistan. The second highest award for bravery, Chappy’s actions saved the lives of other American warriors. In his citation reads the following;
John Chapman’s (US Air Force Combat Controller CCT) aircraft came under enemy fire, causing Neil Roberts, a Navy Sea-Air-Land commando (SEAL), to fall 5 to 10 feet onto a snowy mountaintop below. The aircraft landed more than four miles away. Chapman called for an AC-130 aircraft to provide overhead security for his team and for a rescue helicopter.
“Without regard for his own life, Sgt. Chapman volunteered to rescue his mission team member from an enemy stronghold,” the citation said. After landing, Chapman killed two enemy soldiers and kept advancing toward a dug-in machine-gun nest.”John and his teammates were obstinate in their refusal to leave their fallen comrade behind,” said Roche, the secretary of the Air Force.
“Despite imminent danger presented by a well-armed and entrenched enemy, John and his comrades returned to attempt to rescue.” Chapman exchanged fire with the enemy until he was shot to death. The Navy SEAL team leader credited Chapman “unequivocally with saving the lives of the entire rescue team,” the citation said http://www.pjsinnam.com/War_on_Terror/Chapman/Fayetteville_Observer.htm
