Singer encourages new recruits to stay focused

  • Published
  • By Chet R. DelSignore
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
A rising country music singer and a former Air Force pararescueman recorded two public service announcements to encourage servicemember July 17 at the Air Force Recruiting Service here.

Donovan Chapman, who served in the Air Force for 11 years, recorded one message that saluted Air Force pararescuemen and a second recording that encouraged new recruits to have the power of perseverance to meet their goals.

"The Air Force instilled a standard for life that has allowed me to become successful in the music industry," Mr. Chapman said. 

He later made a courtesy stop to see Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, the Air Force Recruiting Service commander, and treated a few staff members to an improvisational performance of one of his songs.

"Donovan's service and experience as an Air Force PJ comes through his music and in his lyrics -- straight from the frontlines and his heart," General Vautrinot said. "We are so fortunate to have him as a spokesperson and strong supporter of our Air Force family."

Mr. Chapman performed during Air Force Week in St. Louis July 6 as he opened the celebration by singing the national anthem to a crowd of 1,500.

"As a new part of our Air Force recruiting marketing strategy, artists such as Mr. Chapman help us reach an even wider audience of potential recruits through music," said Capt. Homero Martinez III, the chief of event marketing. "It is this kind of outside-the-box thinking that has the potential to hit various target markets and audiences."

Mr. Chapman was raised in Farmerville, La. His mother, a Hawaiian native, exposed him to island culture music at an early age. At 17, he enlisted in the Air Force and served five in security forces and six in pararescue. He started writing songs before leaving the Air Force, and signed with a record company while on leave.

Mr. Chapman released his single in 2003 entitled, "There Is No War," which is dedicated to families of American servicemembers who died overseas. He also recorded two albums while on leave before returning to duty in Afghanistan.

He has since changed to a new record label, and after leaving the Air Force, he released his first single on that label in 2006 called, "House Like That." 

His latest album is titled, "I Am America," and his current hit, "All I Need," is rising on the country music charts.

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