[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 168 (Wednesday, October 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING SERGEANT DOUGLAS CHAPMAN, RECIPIENT OF TEXAS' THIRD 
     CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2019 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

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                            HON. VAN TAYLOR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2019

  Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor twelve 
distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional 
District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in 
uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of 
the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored 
qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. 
Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have 
earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this 
prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage 
future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we 
cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is 
Sergeant Douglas Chapman of McKinney, Texas.
   Sergeant Douglas Chapman proudly served in the United States Marine 
Corps from 1964 to 1969. During a tour of duty in Vietnam, Sergeant 
Chapman was stationed in Da Nang where he provided service to four 
different types of aircraft in his capacity as an Aviation Photographic 
Electronics Technician. He also provided training on specialized 
reconnaissance equipment repair to the Air Force, and was deployed to 
Yuma, Arizona; Key West, Florida; and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. For his 
outstanding and dedicated service, Sergeant Chapman was awarded the 
Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 
National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat 
Action Ribbon, and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
   Following his time in uniform, Mr. Chapman received degrees from 
Saddleback College, California State University-Fullerton, and his 
Teaching Credential from National University in Quantico. Having been 
recognized as a State of Texas Educator of the Year by Project Learning 
Tree, and as the Math and Science Teacher of the Year by the Air Force 
Association's State of Texas Chapter, Mr. Chapman has focused on 
meeting the individual needs of the students he serves. He further 
exhibited selfless volunteerism in his work with Lions International 
where he was recognized for his service as a recipient of their highest 
honor, the Melvin Jones Fellowship and Jack Weich Fellowship. His work 
with Lions continued in his active roles with both the Plano Early 
Lions Club and the McKinney Morning Pride Lions where he assisted in 
efforts to provide services for the vision impaired and those with 
diabetes. As a member of the Collin County Marine Corps League, he 
volunteered his time in programs including Toys for Tots and the Marine 
Corps Ball. Mr. Chapman also serves as a Court Appointed Special 
Advocate where he actively works to support children who have been 
removed from their home environment due to neglect or abuse. Sergeant 
Douglas Chapman is a wonderful example of a servant leader who has used 
his experiences to better the community around him.
   Today a grateful Nation thanks Sergeant Chapman for his exceptional 
service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his steadfast 
example of leadership inspire others to live a life of service to a 
cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to award him the 
2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of 
Texas.

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