Deployed site pauses for Chapman memorial Published Feb. 8, 2007 By Maj. Mel Martinez AFSOC HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- I was in country for a little over week, but nothing defined my role in this war or my place in the Air Force more than this one night. It was late in the afternoon as we gathered up for formation. Support personnel and special operators from all the joint services stood side by side as we waited for the start of the memorial dedication for a fallen hero. It was a simple ceremony devoid of the pomp and circumstance that would normally be afforded it if we were at home. But this was a combat zone and a memorial for a quiet professional. It was only fitting then that we stood there in the compound as the sun was setting. For the man being memorialized, he wouldn't have it any other way. With the rhythmic beat of a helicopter overhead, the ceremony began. We stood in formation as the commanding general spoke about the meaning of this very special evening and the man who we honor today. One by one, Tech. Sgt. John Chapman's life, heroism and sacrifice were recounted by those who knew and served with him. He was no longer someone I read about. He was real and, now, he was even more than a hero. Sergeant Chapman was a father, a husband, and a fellow Airman. I thought about the words being said and the images racing through my head as the events of that night unfolded with each passing phrase. Despite being mortally wounded, he continued to fight in the darkness. He fought the enemy that night because he came to save a fellow operator. His actions epitomized the mantra of leaving no one behind. He gave his life to uphold what so many people outside of the special operations community would find hard to grasp - true brotherhood. As I felt my eyes well up, I was filled not with sadness but an overwhelming feeling of camaraderie and purpose. I was proud to be a communicator in the greatest Air Force the world has ever known. I've never felt so much purpose and belonging as I did that night. It was more than just being a part of a special Air Force team. I was part of a special community - a community of men and women who valued and upheld the meaning of "leaving no one behind." The memorial to Sergeant Chapman will not only stand to remind us of his life and heroism but also the ideals to which we all serve and uphold.