[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 24 (Thursday, March 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H771-H772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO TECHNICAL SERGEANT JOHN A. CHAPMAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I offer my deepest condolences to the 
family and friends of Technical Sergeant John A. Chapman of the Twenty-
fourth Special Tactics Squadron of the United States Air Force who gave 
his life in the service of our country. I join with his family and 
friends in paying tribute to him for his ultimate sacrifice on behalf 
of our Nation. My prayers are for his family.
  John Chapman was a decorated soldier who readily and courageously 
participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. Among his many awards and 
decorations were: two Air Force Commendation Medals, two Air Force 
Achievement Medals, and two Joint Service Achievement Medals.
  This tragedy should act as a reminder to all Americans that the 
liberties we hold dear are neither free nor secure. Our freedoms are 
earned and protected by our servicemen and women. They risk their lives 
so that freedom may survive.

                              {time}  1315

  Technical Sergeant Chapman's courage in the face of danger reflects a

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character born of his commitment to his family as a devoted husband, 
father, and son, and his commitment to his many friends and to our 
country.
  We owe Technical Sergeant John Chapman our sincere appreciation for 
his 17 years of committed service to our Nation. His determination, 
devotion, and dedication to freedom should serve as an example for us 
all. It is important that we not only remember John as an excellent and 
dedicated airman and family man but also as the American hero that he 
is.
  May God bless him and his family and those who have served with him. 
May God bless our great country. We indeed are a better Nation because 
of John Chapman and those who serve with him in our Nation's Armed 
Forces.

                          ____________________