Fallen Heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom

"My 12 year old daughter plays softball for The Texas Bombers ETX02. This year she will be wearing a fallen hero jersey with Sgt John A Chapmans name on it, in rememberence of all he gave, was , and is. After reading the stories about John and the sacrifices he made, I am honored for her to wear his name. This is a memorie she will carry with her forever. She would love to dedicate the jersey to the family at the end of the year if there is any way possible we could get some info on family members. My email is fiteandcoplumbing@yahoo.com.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS"
Shane Fite of Pickton Texas

"i didnt personally know john chapman but he is what sounds like a great war hero, friend, father and man"
jimmy wilson

"John,
I remember all to well the day I found out about your brave sacrifice. And even though we grew up miles apart, I was glad when I had the chance to meet you. I remember that you said "Ya, you have the Chapman blood in you". I quiped back, "No, you have the Gene blood in you". I wish we had gotten the chance to get to know each other.
Cousin Doug"
TSgt Doug LaFerney USAF, Retired of St. Pauls, NC

"Chappy, I only knew you for a few weeks at OL-H before I washed out but I'll never forget you. You were the one that we all knew would make it. And brother did you make it. I just learned about you eleven years after and I'm just so proud that I knew you, if even in passing. I only wish I'd known to follow your indomitable spirit through to finish that course, these many years later. God bless the Chapman family and thank you John."
Greg Montgomery of Durham, NC

"As a SrA I began studying the PDG to be able to get a grasp on what history and knowledge I would need to be able to progress in my career. At about that time the Air Force had produced a new PDG study guide, with an updated history section. From the minute I saw TSgt Chapmans picture and read his story in that book I have for some reason always thought of him when I think of American Heroes. Now 6yrs later as I go through the NCO Academy here at Tyndall Air Force Base, I get the chance to honor his name by giving a 5 minute briefing, which seems way too short to encompass the true gallantry of TSgt Chapmans actions. I hope I can do TSgt Chapman and his family an honor by keeping him in all our memories as I try to tell his story and keep our American History and Spirit ALIVE!"
TSgt David M. Hatcher of Eglin AFB, FL

"We still miss you."
Andrew and Stacy of Phoenix

"Dear John,
You may not remember me, but I grew up in the culdesac across from your house. My sisters and I played with Bri and Madison and were great friends. You were great friends with my dad(you even took him to a Nascar race). Everyday I think about your family and there great loss, but I remember what a hero your are. You were a great friend, father,and husband.
Love always,
Ashley"
Ashley Shinn of Fayettville, North Carolina

"John,
As we approach the 8th anniversary of your death and in honor of your eternal sacrifice (and that of others like you), I have decided to run, in your name, the MMT100. My intent is to, in some small way, continue to honor your memory and raise as much money as I can for the SOWF. I will spend the next two years training to compete on your 10 year anniversary (2012). I can only hope to pay you the honor and respect that you and all our heroes deserve.
GN sends"
David Gendron of Virginia Beach, VA

"John....still remember the summer when you life guarded at the club and all the girls swooned...so many of us worked extra hard on our tans that summer...you wowed us with your dives, your charm, your light and your friendship. I so remember your encouragement when I was in college trying to decide what to do with my life when you had already done so much... you told me you were proud of me and how much I had grown... I am so blessed to say that I knew you in my life, that I was blessed enough to call you friend... I will forever regret the lost years of contact that so often happen. I thank you for the freedom you fought for and protected and ultimately gave your life for. No doubt your girls are so very proud of their dad and no doubt they miss you desperately. Time heals but it does not forget. I am now the mom to two beautiful children...I often wonder what kind of world we brought them into...but then I remember the true sacrifice of those that have made our nation FREE. Thank you my friend. God Bless and keep you always. May my special angel watch over you and your girls."
Suzy B of Granby, CT

"John, today I received your memorial bracelet. I just read your story and I am so humbled by your sacrifice that I was hesitant to put it on. As a former Marine I was fortunate enough to have served during peace time. I never lost a fellow Marine and never knew the sacrifice men like you made and are still making today. I’ve never known the pain of losing a child. God spared my son who just returned home last month from Afghanistan. He is also in the Air Force. I will wear this bracelet that bears your name rank and date of service until this war is over and all our service men and women come home. I will try everyday to live up to the name on my wrist. Your sacrifice will always move me to be a better person every day. Thank you and God bless you, your family and the men who knew you."
John Costello of Ft Lauderdale

"Thanks again for taking care of my men and I -RLTW Ranger buddy"
-SFC Cunningham 04MAR08

"CN,
I just visited your exhibit in the Enlisted Heritage Hall today on Gunter AFB. They have a life size mannequin with your uniform and kit on it. It really made all those memories come rushing back. I am extremely proud to be able to stand by your exhibit and brag about you and your heroism to everyone that passes by. I miss you bro. You set the standard for all of us!"
DD 19 Jan 08

"John, I was there when they brought you to Ramstein/Landsthul. When I heard that the first service-members killed in the war on terror were arriving, I quickly formed an impromptu honor guard to meet your aircraft. In the days afterwards, I found out not only was there an Airman that we honored but a hometown boy that I knew...I was filled with pride and sadness.

I understand your service to country and will never forget your sacrifice.

I’m proud to say that I’m from Windsor Locks, Class of ’79, and that I’m retired, United States Air Force.

God Bless"
Tony Bertussi, CMSgt, USAF (Ret) of Henderson, NV/USA

"May 16, 2007
To the family of John A. Chapman. John gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Sergeant Chapman,

Many thanks to you for the sacrifice you made in serving your country. Today is 3/22/2007. Five years have gone by since your passing but your legacy will never be forgotten. Because of men like you I am proud to say that I am from Windsor Locks (W.L.H.S. Class of 1986)."
Gary M. of Windsor, CT

"Chappy - Another March 4th has passed. Lots of memories, Bro. You and Jason have since been joined by other members of the team - SD, Duff, Argel, Fresques, Crate, Servais. You will always be remembered. A Hero. Thanks for being here for us, and serving. You'll always be in my heart."
BA of 24 STS/720 OSS

"John - Scott Duffman joined you on the other side last week and today he was honored in a similar manner as you were. You were mentioned in the ceremony several times and I still think about you bro!"
JR of NC

"It's been nearly five years since you left us and part of my heart was taken away. Sure do miss your hugs. I wrote a poem -- hope you like it.

TREASURE THE MEMORIES

There are so many stories
About this little boy
Although you were a rascal
You brought your family joy
From bikes in trees, and lightning bolts
And giggles in the dark
Little league and soccer games
And picnics in the park

God blessed you with the gift
Of a tender loving heart
There are so many stories
I wouldn’t know where to start
You touched so many lives
With your caring gentle ways
You helped so many people
And brightened many days

Green giant, Mame and diving boards
Some high school things to do
Tried college, cars and tow trucks
Then Air Force time for you
You branched to special forces
And wore a red beret
Proud parents, friends and you
Did celebrate that day

The love of your life was met
On a trip that you took with Joe
You made her a wife, then mother
And your family began to grow
A dog, little girls and Barbie dolls
And splashing in the pool
You loved your cutie patooties
Your heart they soon did rule

You went to war for freedom
And there you gave your life
You leave behind your treasures
Your daughters and your wife
These precious three live on
As special parts of you
We’ll love them and protect them
As we know you would do

Scrapbooks and snapshots
Home made movies too
Help to keep the memories
That we have of you
Scrapbooks and snapshots
They will have to do
Until the day will come again
When we can be with you
Love, Mom"
Terry Chapman of Windsor Locks, CT

"It's been nearly five years since you left us and part of my heart was taken away. Sure do miss your hugs. I wrote a poem -- hope you like it.

TREASURE THE MEMORIES

There are so many stories
About this little boy
Although you were a rascal
You brought your family joy
From bikes in trees, and lightning bolts
And giggles in the dark
Little league and soccer games
And picnics in the park

God blessed you with the gift
Of a tender loving heart
There are so many stories
I wouldn’t know where to start
You touched so many lives
With your caring gentle ways
You helped so many people
And brightened many days

Green giant, Mame and diving boards
Some high school things to do
Tried college, cars and tow trucks
Then Air Force time for you
You branched to special forces
And wore a red beret
Proud parents, friends and you
Did celebrate that day

The love of your life was met
On a trip that you took with Joe
You made her a wife, then mother
And your family began to grow
A dog, little girls and Barbie dolls
And splashing in the pool
You loved your cutie patooties
Your heart they soon did rule

You went to war for freedom
And there you gave your life
You leave behind your treasures
Your daughters and your wife
These precious three live on
As special parts of you
We’ll love them and protect them
As we know you would do

Scrapbooks and snapshots
Home made movies too
Help to keep the memories
That we have of you
Scrapbooks and snapshots
They will have to do
Until the day will come again
When we can be with you
Love, Mom"
Terry Chapman of Windsor Locks, CT

"The story of how he gave his life is amazing and makes me proud that he was from CT to."
Dan of CT

"John, We love spending time with Val and the girls. They are so beautiful. Your girls are so proud to talk about their daddy and show us pictures and awards. It's so hard to look at Bri without seeing your face. We all miss you very much. I'm always proud to tell people about you when they ask me who my "hero" is. Thank you for reminding me why I signed up."
Megan Fetzer (Lt, USAF) of Phoenix, AZ

"John,
I would like to say thank you to you and the other men who were on that helicopter with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy."
Mike Casey of El Paso, Texas

"Dearest John, I just spent a week with Val and the girls. I am so comforted with the healing they have done in the 3 short years. Everywhere in the house are plaques, signs, awards, coffee cups and a huge lifesaver from the ship that now bears your name. My favorite photo displayed is the one of you with the Afhganistan child on your lap...I'm sure she had a little crush on you just like my daughter did when we first met. John, you are so loved and very missed and it's an honor to know you as a hero now as well as an awesome combat controller, husband, Dad, and friend. Thanks for the great laughs and through the tears as well. We live on being better people for having known you.....and don't you worry about Val and the girls as we will always be there for them. We love you dearly and miss you much. C'ya later...."
The Works Family of Chandler, Az

"hey chappy whats up u probally dont remember me but for the people who look at this website chapps was my bros best friend for life they grew up together and when my bro needed help chapps would help them well i luv u amd we miss u lots chapps u helped us a bunch"
jordan and paul

""Chappy" I think about you often buddy..."
MSgt Dwayne Lowes of RAF Mildenhall, UK

"Thanks for stepping forward when America needed you. To the family - Thank you for your contribution to our liberty and freedom. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss."
Ronald Carlson of Montrose, MN

"Sergeant Chapman, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"John, you and your sacrifice are not forgotten on this Memorial Day Weekend 2004. You are always in our thoughts and prayers, as well as the many countless other soldiers who go go unnoticed in the war on terror worldwide. This weekend, we pay special tribute to those who have left us in defense of our freedoms and our nation."
Brian of Long Island, New York

"It is an honor to leave a message of thanks for a man like John Chapman. He did more to make this country safer in his years than the vast majority of his fellow citizens ever will. His family should know that there are so many Americans so very grateful for what their loved one gave to make them free."
The Estes Family of Phoenix, AZ

"Thank you John Chapman, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Tech. Sgt. John Chapman:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless John for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Tech. Sgt. John Chapman:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of John, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia