Honoring Our Heroes

Staff Sergeant Deborah Marie Chambers: Age 68

Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Deborah Marie Chambers served in the U.S. Air Force. Her Military Occupational Specialty Code (MOSC) was Education and Training Craftsman and Morale Welfare Recreation and Services Journeyman. Her service included support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm/Clam. Her decorations, medals, citations and campaign ribbons awarded were: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters and NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Air Force Training Ribbon.

SSgt Chambers was born October 31, 1953 to her parents, Robert and Carolyn Bianchi in Grand Rapids, MI. After graduation from high school in 1971, she married and had two children. SSgt Chambers’ family has a strong tradition of its members serving in the U.S. military. Her grandfather served in the Army in WWI; her father served in the Navy in WWII, and her brother served as a Marine. SSGt Chambers volunteered and entered service in the U.S. Air Force December 11, 1978.

SSgt Chambers completed six weeks of Boot Camp at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), TX, where she qualified as a cook. She served three years as a cook at Minot A.F.B., N.D. She then was transferred to Ramstein A.B., Germany, along with her husband, U.S. Air Force member, Greg Chambers, where she served seven years 1984-1991. There she was assigned to aircraft maintenance which was necessary ancillary support for the aircraft at Ramstein A.B. Next, she was transferred to Wright-Patterson A.F.B, OH, and continued work in training with air craft maintenance for four years. SSgt Chambers retired there June 30, 1995.

While serving in the military, SSgt completed courses offered by the University of Maryland at Ramstein A.B. and at Wright-Patterson A.F.B., and then after her military retirement she graduated with a B.S. Degree in Business from the University of Phoenix. After her military retirement, SSGT worked for the Veterans Administration as an administrative clerk in Michigan for 13 years.

After remaining in Michigan to care for elderly parents until they passed away, she moved to Montgomery, AL where she is an active member of Post Two American Legion. She is providing leadership in the American Legion Auxiliary of this Post. The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support the American Legion and honor veterans, military and their families both at home and abroad. The Auxiliary can be a very rewarding organization to join. There are several programs and something for everyone. The membership requirements are: grandmothers, mothers, sisters, both male and female spouses and direct and adopted male and female members of the American Legion all of whom must be sponsored by the veteran’s family member; that person must be a member of the American Legion. Any of those relatives of a deceased veteran can become a member by showing proof of military service as listed in the veteran’s DD214, discharge paper. Meetings are held once each month. For more information, contact Deb Chambers at 616-206-6636.

SSgt Chambers is a member of St. Bede’s Catholic Church and as a member of the St. Anne’s Society in Montgomery. She has one grandchild who plans on enlisting in the U.S. Army. She enjoys gardening.

SSgt Chambers’ reflections upon her military service are, “Serving in the military meant that I was representing all of the people of the United States ensuring that all of their freedoms were adhered to and stayed

intact and doing all that I could to keep all of the above. I am very devoted to veterans after my work with them in the Michigan VA. I learned more about them and the person I was. I would tell future generations, ‘ Don’t close any doors to anything.’”

Staff Sergeant Deborah Marie Chambers: Age 68

Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Deborah Marie Chambers served in the U.S. Air Force. Her Military Occupational Specialty Code (MOSC) was Education and Training Craftsman and Morale Welfare Recreation and Services Journeyman. Her service included support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm/Clam. Her decorations, medals, citations and campaign ribbons awarded were: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters and NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Air Force Training Ribbon.

SSgt Chambers was born October 31, 1953 to her parents, Robert and Carolyn Bianchi in Grand Rapids, MI. After graduation from high school in 1971, she married and had two children. SSgt Chambers’ family has a strong tradition of its members serving in the U.S. military. Her grandfather served in the Army in WWI; her father served in the Navy in WWII, and her brother served as a Marine. SSGt Chambers volunteered and entered service in the U.S. Air Force December 11, 1978.

SSgt Chambers completed six weeks of Boot Camp at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), TX, where she qualified as a cook. She served three years as a cook at Minot A.F.B., N.D. She then was transferred to Ramstein A.B., Germany, along with her husband, U.S. Air Force member, Greg Chambers, where she served seven years 1984-1991. There she was assigned to aircraft maintenance which was necessary ancillary support for the aircraft at Ramstein A.B. Next, she was transferred to Wright-Patterson A.F.B, OH, and continued work in training with air craft maintenance for four years. SSgt Chambers retired there June 30, 1995.

While serving in the military, SSgt completed courses offered by the University of Maryland at Ramstein A.B. and at Wright-Patterson A.F.B., and then after her military retirement she graduated with a B.S. Degree in Business from the University of Phoenix. After her military retirement, SSGT worked for the Veterans Administration as an administrative clerk in Michigan for 13 years.

After remaining in Michigan to care for elderly parents until they passed away, she moved to Montgomery, AL where she is an active member of Post Two American Legion. She is providing leadership in the American Legion Auxiliary of this Post. The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support the American Legion and honor veterans, military and their families both at home and abroad. The Auxiliary can be a very rewarding organization to join. There are several programs and something for everyone. The membership requirements are: grandmothers, mothers, sisters, both male and female spouses and direct and adopted male and female members of the American Legion all of whom must be sponsored by the veteran’s family member; that person must be a member of the American Legion. Any of those relatives of a deceased veteran can become a member by showing proof of military service as listed in the veteran’s DD214, discharge paper. Meetings are held once each month. For more information, contact Deb Chambers at 616-206-6636.

SSgt Chambers is a member of St. Bede’s Catholic Church and as a member of the St. Anne’s Society in Montgomery. She has one grandchild who plans on enlisting in the U.S. Army. She enjoys gardening.

SSgt Chambers’ reflections upon her military service are, “Serving in the military meant that I was representing all of the people of the United States ensuring that all of their freedoms were adhered to and stayed

intact and doing all that I could to keep all of the above. I am very devoted to veterans after my work with them in the Michigan VA. I learned more about them and the person I was. I would tell future generations, ‘ Don’t close any doors to anything.’”

Lt. Carter Dean Kanaiaupuni Papke: Age 71

Lt. Carter Papke served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, and his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was: (1) 5321 Underwater Demolition Team and 5326 SEAL enlisted; and (2) 1130 Naval Special Warfare Officer. He received the following decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons: U.S. Presidential Citation (2); Navy Achievement (2); Combat Action Ribbon; National Defense Medal; Vietnam Campaign (3); Navy Unit Commendation Medal; Republic of the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; Vietnam Civil Action; Vietnam Service Medal; Good Conduct (2); Sea Service Ribbon; Expert Pistol; Sharpshooter Rifle and Jump Wings.

Lt. Papke was born October 12, 1950 in Tacoma, WA, to his parents, Lester O. Moore and Louise Kamamalu (Kuhns) Papke. He was reared in Washington, Hawaii, California, Nevada and Idaho, and he graduated from New Plymouth High School in New Plymouth, Idaho in 1968.

After volunteering for military service in the U.S. Navy, he completed Navy Boot Camp at San Diego, CA. Lt. Papke served 10 years in the Underwater Demolition Teams and SEALs before earning a commission as a Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) officer. Each SEAL Team is a highly specialized and exceptionally trained group of men whose activities remain classified. Lt. Papke held a Top Secret, Special Background Investigation Clearance. He supervised 50 personnel, planned, implemented and directed all phases of administration including correspondence, records, publications, orders and personnel actions. In addition, he planned, coordinated and directed logistical support of 20 civilian and military organizations and numerous maintenance, training and operational exercises. He planned and coordinated the entire scope including design, outfitting and construction of two major military construction projects and a temporary facility totaling over $3,000.000. He planned, coordinated and conducted tours and briefs for Congressional and military VIPS, and he instructed, organized and directed graduation ceremonies for 12 classes with 14-15 students, served as a BUDS/SEAL instructor and conducted research, development, testing and evaluation of special operations weapons systems. Lt. Papke was discharged April 1, 1989 at Pearl Harbor, HI.

Lt. Papke received a B.S. Degree in Engineering-Numerical Analysis in Mathematics from the University of Washington at Seattle, WA, in 1979. Using the G.I. Bill, he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from Jones Law School at Montgomery, AL in 2000.

After his military retirement, Lt. Papke was employed in 2003 as an Adjunct Professor by Troy State University at Montgomery, Al, teaching Ethics PHI 2204 teaching concepts of ethics, morals, values and the narrative as one medium through which morals may be taught and discussed, the most influential theories of ethical conduct in Western philosophy and the most influential theories of virtue in ancient and modern times.

From 1989-2010, Lt Papke worked in the District Attorney’s office in Montgomery, AL, where he served as the Director of the Pre-Trial Diversion Program supervising five full-time staff, nine part-time staff counselor employees, eight contract counselors, five volunteers and 194 clients. His responsibilities were administrative and legal work involving the direction, supervision, coordination and operation of the program as it related to victims of crime, applicants, clients, law enforcement, court structure and proceedings, 51 public and private social service agencies, schools and institutions of higher learning and the community as a whole. In addition, he served as the Restitution Officer supervising nine volunteers. He monitored and collected restitution for victims of crime, traced victims where restitution had been collected but their mailing addresses were not current, assisted victims of crime in submitting affidavits, victims impact statements and AL Crime Victims Compensation applications. Not only did he serve as a liaison for the justice system on both the local and state levels, but he also worked with all facets of the criminal justice system and victims to insure coordination of services. Lt. Papke retired from all employment January 1, 2011.

Lt. Papke and his wife, Melanie Cooper Papke, have been married 39 years. He enjoys swimming at the YMCA five days per week, performing magic tricks for non-profits, providing limo-rides for family, friends and non-profits, reading, walking, community service and investing in people. His extensive voluntary community services included serving as the vice president and board member of Character@Heart, committee and board member of the Chemical Additions Program, advisory member and chairperson of the Family Guidance Center, church and society member and chairperson of Frazer United Methodist Church Board of Stewards, 2nd grade teacher of Frazer UMC Sunday School, chairperson and citizen’s advisory board member of Montgomery Jobs Corps, member and scripture chairperson of Montgomery NE Gideon Camp, board member, allocation panel member, and governance committee member of Montgomery United Way; advisory member, chaplin and board chairperson of Neighbors in Christ; Alabama and National advisory board member and chairperson of Specialized Alternatives for Family and Youth-at-Risk (SAFY) and chairperson and secretary/treasurer of America SAFY board.

Lt. Papke has received the following civilian awards: Neighbors Who Care Samaritan in 1996, Central AL American Red Cross Good Neighbor Award in 1997, Jones Law School Moot Court Best Brief in 1998, Victims of Crime and Leniency Volunteer of the Year in 2000-2001, Montgomery Job Corps Center Outstanding Service Award in 2000-2003, Specialized Alternative for Families and Youth of America Appreciation in 2003, Montgomery Job Corps Award of Distinction and Behavioral Awareness Modification Alliance in 2004 and Alabama Department of Corrections’ Pre-Release Center SAP Certificate of Appreciation in 2006.

Lt. Papke states, “Investing one’s time, talent and treasure in loving God, our neighbors and our country is a life well spent. I would like future generations to remember that I loved God and my neighbors.”