HomeNewsArticle Display


Rising country music singer encourages new recruits to stay focused

  • Published
  • By Chet R. DelSignore
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
Randolph AFB, Texas (AFRS) --  Rising country music singer, Donovan Chapman, stopped by Air Force Recruiting Service July 17 to record two Public Service Announcements of encouragement that will soon be available in an upcoming Air Force radio release. His first message also saluted his former Air Force pararescuemen brethren, while 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," 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 General Vautrinot. "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 Chapman helps us reach an even wider audience of potential recruits through music," said Capt. Homero Martinez III, chief of Event Marketing, "It is this kind outside-the-box thinking that has the potential to hit various target markets and audiences."

Chapman was raised in Farmerville, Louisiana. His mother, a native of Hawaii, exposed Donovan to Island culture music at an early age.

At 17, Chapman enlisted into the Air Force and served for 11 years that included five in security forces and six as a pararescueman. He started writing songs long before leaving military service, having signed to record with Curb Records while on leave.

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

Chapman has since changed to a new record label, Category 5 Records, and after leaving the Air Force, he released his first single in 2006, House Like That, on that label.
His latest album is titled, I Am America, and his current hit, All I Need, is rising on country music charts.