[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 93]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        APPRECIATING JOHN CHAPLA

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, the Armed 
Forces community lost a great friend and ally. Retired Army Lieutenant 
Colonel John Chapla was truly a Virginia gentleman of the Virginia 
Military Institute tradition. After serving our Nation in uniform for 
over 25 years, John continued his passion for public service as a 
professional staff member on the House Armed Services Committee, 
eventually becoming the lead staff member for the Subcommittee on 
Military Personnel.
  John possessed vast and remarkable wisdom of the military. He always 
sought to advocate for our brave men and women, their families, and our 
veterans. I had the privilege of working alongside him for 4 years as 
he coordinated the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Because 
of John's efforts, our wounded warriors, military families, and victims 
of sexual assault have substantial protections. There is no doubt that 
our country is a much safer place because of John Chapla's hard work 
and dedication.
  My thoughts and prayers are with John's wife, Lee, his two daughters, 
and three granddaughters during this difficult time. He will be forever 
appreciated.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

                          ____________________