John David Chapla

Like the good soldier he was, John fought valiantly and bravely against an enemy which prevailed on January 5, 2014 after a six year campaign. He loved his God, his country, his family, friends and colleagues and was proud to be an alumnus of The Virginia Military Institute. He served in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and as an infantry officer and public affairs officer during his 22 years of service in the United States Army. After his retirement from the Army, John spent 24 years as a dedicated and respected Professional Staff Member of the United States House of Representatives Armed Services Committee. John was also a passionate historian of the Civil War and authored numerous books and other publications.

Honoring his life and cherishing his memory are his wife Leah, daughters Maren Hoecker & Marie Hill, sons-in-law Charles Hoecker and John Hill, grandchildren John (Jack), Claire and Lauren Hoecker, sisters Linda Chapla and Valerie Romer, nephew Brian Romer, niece Colleen Wintermute and numerous cousins and extended family.

A visitation will be held 3-5 pm January 11, 2014 at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Services and interment with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Fisher House Foundation.