Chapman Dodge salutes veterans

Chapman Dodge is committed to recognizing the service of U.S. veterans. The dealership honors soldiers by offering special discounts, hiring recently returned soldiers and helping to sponsor programs that honor veterans.

Chapman Dodge employs several active and retired military personnel, including sales manager Rob Marshall.

Marshall was active in the Air Force for 31 years, spending 15 years as a medic in the U.S. and Great Britain, and 16 years in the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service while based in Thailand, China, Taiwan and Japan.

Marshall also has held positions in audio and TV production, as a disc jockey, a news anchor, a station manager and a network superintendent of the Far East network. After retiring from the Air Force, he began working in auto sales for dealerships throughout Northern California. In 1995, he moved to Las Vegas and was hired at Chapman Dodge, where he has been for the last 13 years.

"Chapman's Dealer Principal Chris Strahan and general manager Don Hamrick have given us all a clear directive: Do everything we can to facilitate our military men and women buying vehicles," Marshall said.

Developed in conjunction with the American Legion, Chapman's program for returning military people hires and trains veterans who have no prior experience. The dealership also hires National Guard members and works around their monthly drill meetings and two-week annual training sessions, as well as holds their jobs if they are called to duty.

General sales manager Gary Brewer also dedicated years of his life serving in the military. He spent 15 years in the Army Reserves with the Army Military Police and is a veteran of the Gulf War. He has been stationed in Europe, Central America, Japan and Germany. Brewer immediately entered the automotive industry after retiring from the Reserves and joined the Chapman sales team in May 2004.

In May 2006, the American Legion noted Chapman for exemplary service in employment of veterans.

Brewer said Chapman recently hired two soldiers who had returned from Iraq and were having a difficultly finding jobs.

"Chapman hired them and helped them to get back on their feet, get reestablished and then to move on to other things, such as their education," said Brewer.

Chapman Dodge also supports vets by aiding in the sponsorship of special programs. Chapman co-sponsors the American Legion radio show, "Still Serving," which airs Wednesdays on KLAV 1230 AM from 7-8 p.m. Last Veterans Day, Chapman donated four vehicles to Stars and Stripes, an organization that serves soldiers who have lost limbs.

Hamrick says he is glad to be able to give back to our soldiers in exchange for what they have done for our country.

"When these men and women come into our dealership, it is an honor to serve them," said Hamrick. "I also feel proud to have on our team such extraordinary active and retired military workers."

Currently, Chapman Dodge is in the midst of a moving sale to clear out its inventory before it moves to 3175 E. Sahara Ave. The new location will allow Chapman to provide its customers with easier access, better selection and even better service.

Chapman Dodge is a Five Star Dealership that sells and services new and used vehicles. The dealership can be reached at 888-207-1749 or online at www.lasvegasdodge.com.

In addition to Chapman Dodge, Chapman Chrysler Jeep, located in the Valley Automall, is also a Five Star dealership that sells and services new and used vehicles. Chapman Chrysler Jeep can be reached by calling 888-207-1687 or visiting www.chapman chryslerjeep.com.