Chapin marks anniversary of namesake's passing
(CHAPIN HIGH SCHOOL -- Jan. 22, 2019) — Students, staff and community members gathered on Monday to commemorate the life and sacrifices of Capt. John L. Chapin, the school's namesake, on the 75th anniversary of his passing.
Chapin JROTC Cadets joined in the ceremony as members of the Mighty Chapin Husky Band who performed Taps followed by a moment of silence.
Chapin faculty member, Barry Boetto, read a brief history of Capt. Chapin over the intercom as students stood at attention in their classrooms.
Special guests included Col. Charles L. Matallana, the operations officer for the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Bliss; Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Dr. Carla Gonzales, the campus' first principal; EPISD JROTC Programs Facilitator Leonard Wells; and Chapin Principal Robert Marsh.
Soldiers from the 32nd AAMDC, Chapin's Partners in Education, also attended the ceremony and provided an appropriate military tone to the ceremony.
Capt. Chapin was killed in action in Italy in 1944 as he lead the men of Company E, 141st Infantry, 36th Division of the United States Army during World War II. He was well respected by the men of Company E, whose names adorn the rotunda of the school that bears the name of Capt. Chapin.