Chapin Community Gears Up to Honor Fallen Veterans

Chapin Community Gears Up to Honor Fallen Veterans

As the leaves start to change and the air gets crisper, the small town of Chapin is buzzing with excitement – and it’s not just because of pumpkin spice lattes! This year, the community is coming together for a heartfelt initiative to remember and honor our veterans, particularly one local hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On December 14th at 12 p.m., the Chapin American Legion, local churches, and Boy Scout Troop 815 will join forces in a touching ceremony to honor veterans buried in the area. And let’s not forget about Sgt. Freddie Haltiwanger Jr., whose story makes this project all the more special. You see, Freddie Jr. was no ordinary Marine. He was a beloved brother and courageous soldier, tragically killed when a suicide bomb rocked Beirut on October 23, 1983, taking 241 U.S. military lives that day. His name can be found etched into the granite monument on the U.S. Embassy grounds in Beirut and remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.

Remembering Freddie

Freddie was raised in the Chapin/Little Mountain area, and his sister, Shirley Mitchell, has always held a special place in her heart for him. “He was quiet and had an easygoing nature, with a smile that could light up a room,” she remembers fondly. As Freddie grew up, he moved in with Shirley and followed in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in the Marine Corps, looking to serve his country with pride.

It was on that fateful day in October, during a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, when the Haltiwanger family received the devastating news about Freddie. “It felt like we were living in limbo from October 23rd to Halloween,” Shirley shares. “When they finally came to tell us what happened, and they brought his dog tags, it was a moment I’ll never forget. It broke our hearts.”

In the wake of such a loss, the Chapin community is determined to ensure that Freddie and all veterans are remembered not just today, but every day. This comes in the form of wreath-laying ceremonies that aim to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave in the local area.

Wreaths Across America Initiative

In years past, local groups have placed wreaths at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, but this year, the focus has shifted closer to home. Thanks to the leadership of Post Adjutant Steve Goulet and 1st Vice Commander Rich Nielen, there’s a collaborative effort underway to honor veterans right in Chapin itself. “Our goal is simple: We want to make sure every veteran gets a wreath at their grave,” says Goulet. “It’s about remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching future generations about the value of freedom.”

So far, nine local churches and cemeteries are on board, each assigning a veteran liaison to help manage this heartfelt project.

How You Can Help

From now until the wreath-laying ceremony, folks in Chapin can purchase wreaths for $17 each, with $5 going back to the American Legion or the Scout Troop. Retired Sgt. Major Gene Powell, who is also involved in the local Boy Scouts, is working hard to ensure that veterans’ graves – some dating back to the Revolutionary War – receive the respect they deserve. “Each year, we identify more and more veteran graves,” he reveals. “This year we’ve got over 500 listed!”

The wreaths will not only serve as a memorial but as a symbol of appreciation and remembrance for the sacrifices made by those who served. Plus, local businesses like Bolin Boland’s Ace Hardware are stepping up, providing storage for the wreaths until they are needed.

Join the Community

The ceremony is open to everyone, and the community is encouraged to come out to pay their respects. Shirley Mitchell hopes this will shine a light on her brother’s legacy. “It hurts that many forget these young men who never came back home,” she says. “But I know that this community will come together to make sure Freddie and his comrades are not forgotten.”

So mark your calendars for December 14th! Join the town in honoring the sacrifices of our veterans, including Sgt. Freddie Haltiwanger Jr. Remember, as we approach the holiday season, it’s important to reflect on those who served to give us the freedom to celebrate. Together, the town of Chapin is ensuring that the memory of our heroes lives on.