Bryce Chapman has wanted to join the Army since he was in second grade. As a child he played with toys like GI Joes and realistic play guns with friends. In seventh grade, he began learning more about the opportunities in the Army, including Rangers (one of the more elite groups).

Chapman said that he never really liked being an average Joe, and since Rangers jump out of planes and do crazy things that Special Forces can do, he’s always wanted to join. He also joined because he supports President Bush and the war in Iraq and has wanted to go there since 9/11, never really caring about danger.

He always wanted to make his mark, like Achilles in the movie “Troy” where he makes a classic observation in response to a messenger boy's statement, “The man is so much bigger. I’ve never seen anyone like him.” Achilles says simply, “That’s why people will never remember you.”

Chapman’s always thought that people are going to die one way or the other, so at least he’ll die with glory. He believes in God, although his beliefs don’t quite match everyone else’s.

Although he was in LVHS’s JROTC for three years, Chapman wasn’t this year because he wanted a “lazy” senior year as he prepares for the military physically by working at Sterling University Parks taking out the trash and working out in their gym afterwards.

The future soldier plays on the Pirate soccer team for the cardiovascular workout and says that his mental discipline is not a problem; he can’t wait to go to basic training. His one regret is that he’s not graduating early since he can’t wait to see his mom, and then he will have fun with his buddies before he ships out on July 10 to Ft. Benning, GA, for nine weeks of basic training, including Advanced Individual Training for four weeks and other training. Then he’ll go to airborne school for four weeks at Ft. Benning, then the Ranger Installation Program for six weeks.

If Chapman passes, which he says he will, he will go to Ranger School for thirteen weeks, then to Washington for mountain training, then to Florida for swamp training, then Fort Knox, KY, for more mountain training, repelling, vertical line training, and Interrogation Training at Ft. Benning. After that, he’ll be stationed at Ft. Benning or Ft. Lewis, WA.