Army Reserve sergeant stands out as leader and mentor

Photo By Capt. Troy Preston | FORT HOOD, Texas. – U.S. Army Reserve Soldier Sgt. David Chapa explains the proper way to stabilize the laundry advance system and ways to minimize the effects if it were to become unbalanced during annual training. Chapa is part of the 340th Quartermaster Company. They conducted annual training at Fort Hood, Texas from August 6-26, 2016. Chapa is in the process of becoming an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo by Sgt. Michael Adetula, 205th BOD)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

08.20.2016

Story by 1st Lt. Troy Preston 

211th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HOOD, Texas - The Noncommissioned Officers Creed is a guideline on how to be a good Soldier and leader, but to one sergeant of the 340th Quartermaster Company it is more than that, it’s a way of life. Sgt. David Chapa has always believed being the best version of yourself will allow you to go far in life.

Chapa, a Laredo, Texas native, is currently conducting his annual training at Fort Hood in support of Exportable Combat Training Capability 16-05. He is in the process of becoming an officer through the Army’s direct commission program and hopes to be selected later this year. Chapa believes that stepping into the officer ranks is the best way to utilize his skills and spread his knowledge by having more influence over training than his current position as a NCO.

When Chapa joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 2000 as a 63H, or tracked vehicle mechanic, he began a journey that would forever change his life. From the beginning Chapa always strove to better himself. When he came to a challenge that seemed too daunting to overcome, he worked hard until he figured it out. “I like challenges, and I actively seek them out. It’s the only way to better yourself, and I am all about making myself and those around me better,” says Chapa.

After four years as a 63H, Chapa was reassigned as a 92S, or shower, laundry and clothing repair specialist, and deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism in 2004. There he thrived in his new field and when he returned home to Laredo, Texas he enrolled in Texas A&M International University. Chapa understood that to advance in the Army and in his personal life, he would need to better himself both in and out of uniform. With the goal of owning his own business one day, Chapa studied business administration and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2013.

According to Chapa, the best way to advance in his military career was to become an officer. “I want to become an Officer because it’s the next step, the next challenge and the best way for me to help Soldiers.” Chapa is currently looking at going back to school for two master’s degrees in international business and finance with the ultimate goal of opening a joint real estate/construction company that flips houses.

Through all of his accomplishments, Chapa is still very humble and does not like to accept credit, he always makes it a team effort or about his Soldiers. According to the 340th QM Commander, Capt. Andrew Graham, “Sgt. Chapa possess all the great qualities of a leader and an officer … I have no doubt that he will succeed.”

• Date Taken: 08.20.2016
• Date Posted: 08.20.2016 10:35
• Story ID: 207781
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US
• Hometown: BRYAN, TX, US
• Hometown: FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US
• Hometown: LAREDO, TX, US
• Hometown: SAN ANTONIO, TX, US