Kelmer Chapman - Korean War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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Korean War

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the Korean War

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series
Please email

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

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Kelmer E. Chapman<br />United States Air Force <br />Airman First Class<br />Korean War<br /><br />Before enlisting, Kelmer lived in the Sacramento area and enjoyed roller skating. He had a close friend, Bob Ross. Kelmer enlisted in 1950 alongside his friend Bob Ross because he was concerned about being drafted. After basic training, he received on-the-job training for his primary role.<br /><br />Airman Chapman was transferred to his first duty station at Travis Air Force Base, where his primary job was aircraft crash rescue and firefighting. His duties included standing by for safety when planes arrived from Korea carrying wounded soldiers. He recalled a particularly dangerous moment when a B-36 bomber with an engine fire nearly crashed into his fire truck during an emergency landing.<br /><br />To help the unit practice aircraft firefighting, he was assigned to pour diesel fuel on the ground and ignite it. The crew then practiced extinguishing the fire. Airman Chapman spent his entire term of service at Travis Air Force Base.<br /><br />In October 1953, Kelmer chose to participate in a program that allowed members to leave early, as the Korean War appeared to be ending. He was honorably discharged.<br />He transitioned directly into civilian firefighting roles with the military and local government. He remained a firefighter throughout his career. After leaving the Air Force, he spent five years performing the same crash-rescue work at Mather Air Force Base, then served 30 years with the Sacramento City Fire Department, retiring as an engineer (driver-operator).
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Kelmer Chapman - Korean War - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
Kelmer E. Chapman<br />United States Air Force <br />Airman First Class<br />Korean War<br /><br />Before enlisting, Kelmer lived in the Sacramento area and enjoyed roller skating. He had a close friend, Bob Ross. Kelmer enlisted in 1950 alongside his friend Bob Ross because he was concerned about being drafted. After basic training, he received on-the-job training for his primary role.<br /><br />Airman Chapman was transferred to his first duty station at Travis Air Force Base, where his primary job was aircraft crash rescue and firefighting. His duties included standing by for safety when planes arrived from Korea carrying wounded soldiers. He recalled a particularly dangerous moment when a B-36 bomber with an engine fire nearly crashed into his fire truck during an emergency landing.<br /><br />To help the unit practice aircraft firefighting, he was assigned to pour diesel fuel on the ground and ignite it. The crew then practiced extinguishing the fire. Airman Chapman spent his entire term of service at Travis Air Force Base.<br /><br />In October 1953, Kelmer chose to participate in a program that allowed members to leave early, as the Korean War appeared to be ending. He was honorably discharged.<br />He transitioned directly into civilian firefighting roles with the military and local government. He remained a firefighter throughout his career. After leaving the Air Force, he spent five years performing the same crash-rescue work at Mather Air Force Base, then served 30 years with the Sacramento City Fire Department, retiring as an engineer (driver-operator).