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Rising country music singer encourages new recruits to stay focused

  • Published
  • By Chet R. DelSignore
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Rising country music singer Donovan Chapman stopped by the Air Force Recruiting Service July 17 to record two public service announcements that will soon be available in an Air Force radio release. 

His first message saluted Air Force pararescuemen. Mr. Chapman is a former Air Force pararescueman. The second message encouraged the power of perseverance to meet one's goals.

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

Donovan later made a courtesy stop to see Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, Air Force Recruiting Service commander, and treated a few staff members to an improvisational performance of one of his future 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," said Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, Air Force Recruiting Service commander. "We are so fortunate to have him as a spokesperson and strong supporter of our Air Force family."

He recently performed at Air Force Week, in St. Louis, Mo., July 6. Donovan 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, 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 native of Hawaii, exposed him to island culture music at an early age.

At 17, he enlisted in the Air Force and served for 11 years -- including five in security forces and six in pararescue. He started writing songs long before leaving military service, having signed to record with Curb Records while on leave. 

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

The rising star has since changed to a new record label -- Category 5 Records. After leaving the Air Force, he released his first single on that label, "House Like That," in 2006.

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