Warrior of the Week: Master Cpl. Justin Chapman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
CAVALIER AIR FORCE STATION, N.D. --  

Rank and name: Royal Canadian Air Force Master Cpl. Justin Chapman

Unit: 10th Space Warning Squadron; Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D.

Duty title: NCO in charge of operations training

Time in Canadian Air Force: 16 years, 4 months

Time serving with the 10 SWS: 1 year, 2 months

Hometown: Comox, British Columbia, Canada

Why is serving alongside U.S. Airmen important to you?
Canada and the United States have had a partnership in protecting the sovereignty of North America for more than 60 years. As a member of the Canadian Forces it is important for me to serve with U.S. Airmen to strengthen the bonds of this relationship and to gain a knowledge or understanding of how the U.S. military operates and offer some Canadian perspective.

What moment or accomplishment during your time at Cavalier Air Force Station are you most proud of and why?
Crew of the Quarter (fourth quarter 2012) - Having just completed my Mission Qualification Training, I was paired with 1st Lt. Kevin Acacio, an exceptional young officer who had completed his qualification training a couple months earlier. We worked very well together and learned a lot about the weapon system handling an assortment of events throughout the quarter. I was pleased that we both received recognition for our effort, dedication and hard work.

What is your favorite part of your job?
As an instructor I get the opportunity to pass along to new members entering training the knowledge I have accrued over the last year working at 10th Space Warning Squadron. I feel a sense of accomplishment when they complete their MQT evaluation and move on to operations becoming part of the Cavalier family.

How did you end up working with the U.S. Air Force at Cavalier Air Force Station?
I received a phone call at my desk a couple of years ago from my trade career manager offering me a position in Cavalier, N.D. Forty-five minutes later, after a quick discussion with my spouse, I accepted. It was as simple as that.

What's the first thing that made you think Cavalier Air Force Station was a cool place to work at other than the temperature or weather?
Well, you have to remember that Cavalier (AFS) is just south of Canada so the temperature and weather did not play a factor at all in my decision. At the time the position was offered to me I felt it was a great opportunity to advance my trade knowledge and to get to know our coalition members while serving in a foreign country.