Life is returning to normal for soldier home from Afghanistan

Opportunity Village welcomes back worker

    Life is normal again for Chancy Chipman.
    After a year away, Chipman’s friends at Opportunity Village helped the Army National Guard soldier celebrate his first day back on the job Monday, Aug. 22, after serving his country in Afghanistan.  Joining in the happy day was Chipman’s wife, Randi, and their children, River and Star.

 
    “When I came to work today they (Village residents and staff) were lining the sidewalks and waving flags.  It was pretty neat,” said Chipman, an information technology (IT) specialist at the Opportunity Village main campus.  After the warm welcome, Chipman spent a portion of his afternoon as the guest of honor at a reception in the Village atrium.  There, he presented the facility with a flag flown, at his request, in honor of Opportunity Village.  A plaque authenticating the special flag accompanied the gift.
    “I like the atmosphere here.  It’s a friendly, little community,” said Chipman, talking about his decision to accept a position with Opportunity Village two and one-half years ago.  “And while I was away they sent care packages and had lots of contact with me.  That meant a lot.”
    Technology helped to keep Chipman in close touch with his wife and family.  Three months ago, while he was still stationed in- Read More Via e-Edition