MSGT US AIR FORCE PERSIAN GULF


Retired from active duty with the Air Force as a flight line crew chief with the 33rd Fighter Wing, Mark went to work with the Federal Government as a supervisor with the private sector guards with the 96th Security Forces Squadron out of Eglin AFB, Florida. He leaves behind his wife, two daughters, a son and a granddaughter.

This news article that Wendy Victoria wrote sums up everything Mark was and how the men and women at the 96th Security Forces Squadron and others felt about Mark.

The NW Florida Daily News
Wendy Victoria

EGLIN AFB - The uniformed men and women lined one side of the base's War Memorial.

One by one, they heard their names, just as they do during roll call at the beginning of their 96th Security Forces Squadron shift. One by one they answered.

"Present."

Then the flight chief, MSGT. Robert Stovall, got to the last name on the list. "Capt. LaChapelle," he called.

No one answered.

He called the name again, a little louder, and louder still the last time. Finally someone answered in a somber tone.

"Capt. LaChapelle is not present but is accounted for. He is permanently off duty.

"You may take him off the roster."

Mark LaChapelle, a 46-year-old Air Force veteran and Department of Defense employee, was killed Monday night in a traffic accident on State Road 85 south of his home in Crestview.

He was remembered Friday morning at a memorial service by his former co-workers in Eglin Air Force Base's the 33rd Fighter Wing and in the security squadron.

LaChapelle, who worked the swing shift, was on his way home from work at about 10:30 p.m. on his Harley-Davidson when a driver pulled in front of him. Charges are pending.

More than 100 people attended the service, almost all of them in uniform. In addition to Air Force and DOD personnel, representatives of local law enforcement agencies were on hand.

At the time of his death, LaChapelle was working as a civilian guard for the DOD. He had slipped smoothly from his Air Force career as a flight line crew chief to a supervisor of guards at Eglin's gates.

He was remembered as a positive man, one who was a mentor to those around him.

"He absolutely had a way of relating to everybody," said his close friend, Joe Moran.

Moran, who did the eulogy, told LaChapelle's wife, Joanna, that Mark loved talking about her and how she completed him.

He told LaChapelle's 23-year-old daughter, Amy, how his friend had wanted to "protect (her) from the world."

Later, he read a statement from Amy.

"Ride free, Daddy. I will always be with you."

But he was remembered as more than a family man. LaChapelle was the guy who could fix anything, from an old motorcycle to an airplane to a new airman needing a bit of correction.

A steady flow of friends and co-workers took the podium, some who knew him well and others who'd been touched by his gifts only in passing.

"Mark, he just, he kept on giving and he gave and he gave and he gave and he gave," said Tech. Sgt. Dennis Barnett, who worked with him in the 96th.

"Mark showed us all if you take care of your people, the mission gets accomplished," he added.

LaChapelle also was remembered as a quiet professional who could be counted on to get the job - any job - done.

He not only reached out to help shape young airmen, but molded a few commanders as well, joked retired Col. Jay Denney, who was commander of the 33rd Operations Group when LaChapelle was on the flight line.

"I'd fly his jet anytime," said Denney. "Unfortunately, he's gone a little bit early but he's gonna keep the engines warm and the tires cold and he'll be ready for us all."


Mark William Lachapelle
1962 - 2008

Mark William Lachapelle passed away Monday, Nov. 3, 2008.

Mark was born on Aug. 22, 1962, to Leo and Delores Lachapelle of Providence, R.I. He was the second youngest of six children. Mark enjoyed a happy childhood with his brother and four sisters, and loving parents, Leo and Delores. Mark was 19 when he joined the U.S. Air Force. He was so proud to serve his country. Mark proved himself to be an outstanding member of the Air Force and enjoyed his job thoroughly. Mark met his first wife, Debra, and they were married. They welcomed two beautiful children into the world. His eldest daughter is Nicole , followed by a younger son, Michael. Mark and Debra were divorced and Mark was then stationed at Upper Hayford in the United Kingdom where he met his future wife, Joanna Robinson on July 28, 1990. Exactly two years to the day they were happily married in a beautiful ceremony held in Brackley, England, attended by happy friends and family. Shortly after, Mark and Joanna were stationed at Sumter, S.C., and later at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

Mark's career was successful and important to him. A born leader, his career spanned five assignments and 22 years of service to the Air Force. He was an excellent mentor, friend, and full of advice and love for everyone that he met. He loved his family more than anything and was always looking for ways to bring them closer.

Mark was taken at the tender age of 46, leaving his mother, Delores Lachapelle; father, Leo Lachapelle; sisters, Joanne, Beverly, Karen and Sandra; wife, Joanna; daughters, Amy and Nicole; son, Michael; and granddaughter, Caitlin.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 3:33 p.m. Ride free. We will always love you.

Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.