Virginia SAR honors veteran at Vietnam Memorial

On January 22, 2023, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in program to honor a veteran held at the Vietnam Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Dale Corey presenting David Chapman with a challenge coin from the Sons of the American Revolution with guardsmen Marc Robinson, Richard Tyler and Allan Phillips. (Photos courtesy of Evan Brown)

David Chapman of Moultrie, Georgia, is a veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He has become terminally ill, suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and requires an oxygen tank to assist in breathing. He received a lifelong dream trip to visit the war memorial in the nations capitol. This was provided by the Dream Foundation in partnership with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Georgia Chapter 25-5. The Dream Foundation serves terminally ill adults and their families by providing end-of-life Dreams to veterans, providing inspiration, comfort and closure.

Prince Taylor reading a proclamation of service to David Chapman.

Chapman was born and raised in Colorado, eventually settling in Moultrie where he has lived for 22 years. He was drafted into the United States Army, serving six and a half years until medically discharged with service including deployments to Korea as well as Vietnam. He has earned a bachelors degree in Psychology, a masters in Bible Studies and served as the chaplain at the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office. He is a strong supporter of veterans groups and dedicated his life to volunteering. He completed two marches to raise funds for homeless veterans and food rooms. Chapman assisted with “The Stand Down” event in Georgia, which was a collection of service organizations brought together by the Veterans Administration. These events provide food, clothing, housing solutions, employment, health screenings and other essential services to homeless and at-risk veterans.

David Chapman is an American patriot who served his community and country. As requested by President John F. Kennedy, he did what he could do for his country.

Left to right: Dale Corey, Marc Robinson, Richard Tyler, Allan Phillips and David Chapman.

The Colonel James Wood II Chapter combined with the Veterans Administration and the Dream Foundation to ensure Chapman’s dream came true. The chapter provided a color guard and presented him with a challenge coin as recognition for his service to his fellow citizens. Prince Taylor of the Veterans Administration read a Proclamation that honored his service to the country and pinned a Vietnam Veterans pin to his collar as a testament to that service.