Marine Sgt Adam Chapman escorts an American flag that was flown in Afghanistan in honor of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department. Larry Shapiro photo
On Monday evening at a village board meeting, the Buffalo Grove Fire Department received an American flag which had been flown over the Base Defense Operation Center, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines Forward Camp Leatherneck, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, in honor of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department. The flag was presented to Buffalo Grove Chief Terrence Vavra by Marine, Sgt. William Adam Chapman. Adam is the nephew of Buffalo Grove FF/PM Kevin Hauber and FF/PM James Hauber, both of whom with Adam escorted the flag into the village board meeting where the flag was accepted by Chief Vavra and other members of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department.
Surrounding Sgt. Chapman are his uncles FF/PM Kevin Hauber and FF/PM James Hauber both of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department. Larry Shapiro photo
Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Terry Vavra accepts the flag from Sgt. Chapman. Larry Shapiro photo
Marine Sgt. Chapman and attendees look on as Chief Vavra shows the flag to the village administrative staff. Larry Shapiro photo
Buffalo Grove FF/PM Kevin Hauber, Marine Sgt. William Adam Chapman, Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Terry Vavra, and Buffalo Grove FF/PM James Hauber. Larry Shapiro photo
Members of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department attended the village board meeting to witness the presentation of the flag to the fire department. Larry Shapiro photo
The Daily Herald covered the story and has an article HERE.
After the flag was presented, Buffalo Grove Fire Chief Terry Vavra addressed the village board.
“It may seem like a fairly ordinary occurrence that the Marines would fly an American flag over their base, and that is true,” he said.
“What is striking to me is that this soldier thought about his uncles and the Buffalo Grove Fire Department while on his tour of duty. Sergeant Chapman took time out of his duty to request that the Base Commander and First Sergeant gave their approval for this honor.
“They show their dedication to all of us by thinking of us first.”
Vavra said Chapman’s action has touched “many of us who hold the military in the highest esteem.
“When you look at this flag you cannot help but feel proud of these men and women and the sacrifices they are making for us,” the chief said.
#1 by Pam Chapman on August 10, 2011 - 11:49 AM
I attended the presentation. First, I must mention that the meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. It sent chills up my spine; it brought back memories of school saying it every morning followed by America the Beautiful. I think that repetition helped to instill my patriotism beginning as a child.
Getting back to the celebration, I have to say it was beautiful! There was perfect silence; eyes misted over. The precision of the guard and handing over of the flag needs to be seen to be fully appreciated! Chief Vavra’s speech definitely hit home as he added the extra significance in the presentation in light of the August 6th tragedy in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Chapman had participated in a grade school presentation when he had returned home from Iraq. He spoke to the children, did q&A, and they were in complete awe. He helped them understand the purpose of his (the military’s) job. And the military became real to them, helping them understand that real people ARE the military.
I feel that a more frequent public presence of the military, including their missions, points of view, etc. in manners such as those Sgt. Chapman participated in would help Americans become more personalized, supportive and united with the troops protecting their country and freedom.
Anyway, thank you for this wonderful article and beautiful pictures!