[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 6 (Monday, February 4, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO NATHAN CHAPMAN

  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today to praise the life of 
Sergeant 1st Class Nathan Chapman--a brave American who gave his life 
in Afghanistan to fight against the terrorists who threaten our way of 
life here at home. Nathan attended high school in my home state of Ohio 
in Centerville. Nathan Chapman's unmatched work ethic and dedication to 
people led him down a path of excellence.
  Nathan rose rapidly through the army ranks and special units. A 
member of the Army Rangers and--after only 8 years of service--the 
elite Green Beret forces, Nathan received 15 military commendations 
through his tours of duty in Panama, Haiti, and Operation Desert Storm. 
An accomplished soldier with what his father called ``a quiet 
confidence,'' Nathan Chapman was a credit to the American citizens he 
was sworn to protect.
  A communications expert, Nathan was known among his colleagues as a 
highly capable soldier, who always was ready to volunteer for the tough 
missions. Col. David Fridovich describes Nathan as ``a dynamic, 
outgoing, physically and mentally hard soldier. . .a stellar example of 
the Special Forces ethos.'' I add that Nathan is also a stellar example 
of the American ethos, through his courage, intelligence, honor, and 
character.
  The people of Centerville, Ohio, have nothing but good things to say 
about Nathan. His old wrestling coach, Rich Miller, said he knew Nathan 
``felt good about what he was doing and was a real professional.'' One 
of Nathan's Centerville friends summed it up best: ``Sgt. Chapman was 
one of us. . . .''
  As an Ohioan and an American, I thank Nathan Chapman for the ultimate 
sacrifice he has made for our country. I offer my condolences to those 
left behind to cherish and celebrate Nathan's life--his parents, Will 
and Lynn; his wife, Renae; their two young children, Amanda and 
Brandon; and his many, many friends.
  Amelia Earhart once said that ``courage is the price that Life exacts 
for granting peace.'' Nathan Chapman worked for peace through his 
courage and it cost him his life. But Nathan did not die in vain; he 
gave his life for the good of our Nation, fighting to ensure that his 
children's future and the future of all Americans would be free from 
terror.

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