Subscribe
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – Sweat slowly dripped down the temple of the Airman. His arms were heavy and his heart was pounding as he slid the dumbbell across the finish line, completing the strenuous memorial workout.
I stood in the 26th Special Tactics Squadron gym at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., camera in hand, filming the Chapman Hero Workout on March 4, 2024, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John Chapman’s remembrance day.
I didn’t understand the connection between Chapman and I, a young Airman 1st Class born after the September 11th attacks, until I was assigned to film the memorial workout.
The memorial started with a speech that recognized Chapman’s bravery in the Battle of Takur Ghar during the War in Afghanistan. The words rang out in the reverent silence and pierced the hearts of the Airmen from the 26th STS.
Soon, all voices became one and echoed in rhythmic cadence, flooding the room as the Airmen dropped to perform memorial push-ups.
“One, two, three, ONE! One, two, three, TWO!”
The steady rise and fall of their bodies were synchronized with each word they spoke.
“One for Chapman!” was shouted as the Airmen completed the final push-up then sprung up from the ground.
Everyone preparing for the following exercises knew it would be challenging, but they were determined and excited to start. I read the flyer with the list of exercises the men and women would complete but hadn’t realized how challenging the workout would be.
Popular ‘80s music blasted out of the stereo speakers during the workout, “something Chapman would listen to,” they said.
I watched Airmen perform handstand push-ups, burpee stepovers with dumbbells and several other exercises. It took about an hour to complete, and by the end of it, the Airmen were drenched in sweat.
I could sense the devotion and proud American spirit in each of the Airmen; “For Chapman” was on their minds as they strived to honor his legacy.
It was beautiful to see John Chapman continue to change the world even after his passing.
As I dove into my research about him and read the testimonies from those who knew him, I saw he was a good man with a good heart.
He was more than an Air Force combat controller; he was a beloved husband, father, brother and son.
He had an outstanding character and lived by good, respectable values. He demonstrated selflessness, humility, a good work ethic, love, perseverance and courage.
He was a hero long before the Battle of Takur Ghar. The way he lived his life deserves recognition and admiration just as much as how he lost it.
Although he voluntarily raised his right hand to serve his country, Chapman’s sacrifice should not be overlooked.
Chapman enlisted as an information systems operator but chose to cross-train into combat control because he wanted to be more “involved”.
The day he and his team were inserted on the 10,240-foot mountain peak, Takur Ghar, Afghanistan, he proved how noble and selfless he was.
The enemy fired heavily at Chapman and his team’s helicopter. Bullets whizzed through the air, threatening to destroy the aircraft and all those in it. A rocket-propelled grenade struck the helicopter and a soldier fell from the aircraft. Soon after, those remaining had to make an emergency landing.
Chapman coordinated a rescue effort to save their comrade, and soon he and his team were engaged in a gruesome fight against the enemy.
Chapman disregarded his own safety and charged uphill in the deep snow to protect those who served beside him.
He engaged in battle against the enemy and fought until he was unconscious. When he came to, he stood up and continued to fight, despite his wounds.
He was finally forced to stop as the enemy fired multiple bullets into him. He breathed his last that morning on March 4, 2002.
He made the ultimate sacrifice, which saved the lives of his team.
It's heartbreaking to think of the family he had to leave behind—his daughters no longer able to hear their father's voice telling them a bedtime story, and his wife left without the comfort of her husband beside her at night.
I didn’t personally know Chapman, but I honor and respect his legacy, and so should others. Life is not something to take for granted, and to willingly give it up for someone else is the noblest act one can do.
I feel inspired by his actions. I want to be a better Airman, supporting those around me and working diligently like he did. I am honored to be connected to him through the U.S. Air Force.
The values portrayed in his life – and even his death – continue to hold hold strong today; they remain strong throughout the years and following generations.
Find ways to honor service members like Master Sgt. John Chapman, whether it’s through a challenging memorial workout or showing compassion to those who need it.
Make it so these heroes are not forgotten and their legacies live on.
| Date Taken: | 03.04.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2024 14:34 |
| Story ID: | 487032 |
| Location: | CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO, US |
| Web Views: | 100 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Honoring MSgt John Chapman, by SrA Sarah Gottschling, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
