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CNN Saturday Morning News

Soldiers at Fort Lewis Comment on Chapman's Death

Aired January 05, 2002 - 10:02   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: More now on the death of American soldier Nathan Chapman. The Green Beret was said to be devoted to his family and to his country. Chapman was based at Fort Lewis in Washington State.

CNN's Lillian Kim joins us now live from the base.

A tough story to follow, Lillian.

LILLIAN KIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, for most of his military career, Sergeant First Class Nathan Ross Chapman was based here at Fort Lewis, Washington. The Green Beret communication specialist joined the Army 13 years ago. His body is currently at Air Force base in Germany. Before Afghanistan, Chapman served in Panama, Haiti and Operation Desert Storm. The 31-year-old leaves behind a wife and two children, a 2-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

Chapman's parents live in Georgetown, Texas. Last night, they released a statement, quote, "As Sergeant Chapman's parents we so proud that he had grown in to such a wonderful son. He was a proud father, loving husband and devoted to serving his country. He loved the Army and referred to his unit as his second family."

Chapman is the first American soldier killed by enemy fire since the war in Afghanistan began. For the people here at Fort Lewis, the news of his death is just starting to sink in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

UNIDENTIFIED SOLDIER: Sometimes, we have to second-guess ourselves, you know, as in did we actually back him up or could we have done something else to prevent him from dying, things like that. So yeah, moral does go down and makes everybody feel bad.

UNIDENTIFIED SOLDIER: We hope it doesn't to ourselves to people who know or to anybody wearing the uniform. But there's always that possibility and that's just something that has to be accepted.

UNIDENTIFIED SOLDIER: Yes, it is a loss. Yes, it is hard to deal with. But when it comes down to it, it's the sacrifice we made when we stood up and joined.

(END VIDEO CLIPS) KIM: Later today, we expect to here more from Chapman's parents and his commander here at Fort Lewis. That is the latest from Fort Lewis, Washington. I'm Lillian Kim.

Kyra, back to you.

PHILLIPS: Lillian, I know you're going to talk with other comrades. Is anything going to take place on the base, any type of memorial service or special honor?

KIM: Well, this is a proud military community, but at this point, no details as far as the memorial. There is a news conference scheduled for later today so we expect to get some more information on that.

PHILLIPS: Well, it's a story we'll definitely continue to follow and also, a very tough to follow. Lillian Kim, thank you so much.

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