A lasting memorial to Sergeant First Class Nathan R. Chapman – the first American killed during Operation Enduring Freedom – and all Williamson County Heroes who have given their lives in the war on terror will be unveiled and dedicated at 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 11 in front of the Williamson County Justice Center, 4th and Forest Streets, in Georgetown, Texas.
“This memorial, while it embodies our son, is in honor of the sons and daughters who have given their lives in this fight,” says Will Chapman, father of Nathan Chapman. “It’s not a matter of being for or against a war. It’s a matter of honoring and loving those who have been touched in some way by this battle.”
In addition to the memorial unveiling and kick off of the 2006 Nathan Chapman Celebrity Golf Classic, this event marks the culmination of fundraising efforts started by community volunteers in 2002 to create and maintain this life-size bronze statue, created by Texas-based, world-renowned sculptor Bob Pack.
Last year’s golf tournament sponsored by Cimarron Hills raised more than $75,000 for the Nathan Chapman Memorial Fund. A $25,000 donation made last month by H. Ross Perot provided additional funding needed to complete and install the statue. Will Chapman, Nathan’s father, retired from EDS, the Dallas-based corporation formerly owned by Perot.
The 2006 Nathan Chapman Celebrity Golf Classic gets underway with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Sept. 12 at Cimarron Hills Golf & Country Club, 103 Cimarron Hills Trail East in Georgetown, Texas. Legendary Southwest Conference coaches Darrell Royal, R.C. Slocum, Spike Dykes, Emory Bellard, Grant Teaff and many other sports and entertainment celebrities will participate.
Sponsorship levels start at $5,000, and team registration fee is $1,000 per foursome. The number of teams is limited, and filling quickly. Contact Kasie Noble at Cimarron Hills, 512-763-8714 or knoble@cimarronhills.com, to reserve a spot.
Pivotal Group, owner of Cimarron Hills, donated cash as well as the use of its Cimarron Hills course and facilities in support of this worthy cause. “We are delighted that all proceeds from this year’s golf tournament will benefit the Nathan Chapman Memorial Fund,” said Francis Najafi, Pivotal Group CEO.
Cimarron Hills served as the venue for the inaugural event in 2005. “Cimarron Hills and Pivotal Group are proud to help raise funds and awareness for this foundation that honors the sacrifice of Sergeant First Class Chapman,” says Mike Coopman, Cimarron Hills general manager.
Sergeant First Class Nathan Ross Chapman became the first American soldier killed by enemy fire in the war on terror Jan. 4, 2002, near the city of Khost, Afghanistan. Sergeant Chapman had volunteered for a very dangerous mission, working alongside CIA operatives, to coordinate actions with local tribal leaders. When his small convoy was attacked, Sergeant Chapman, though mortally wounded, continued to return fire to cover the escape of his comrades until he lost consciousness. His heroic actions are credited with saving their lives. His parents, Will and Lynn Chapman, reside in Georgetown, Texas.
For more information about the Nathan R. Chapman Memorial Fund, visit www.nathanchapmanfund.org.