Community Corner
Still Serving Though 'Retired'
Powder Springs volunteer Larry Chappell fought in three wars and guarded the White House during the Carter administration.
Already "retired" at only 54, Larry Chappell continues to serve his community as a volunteer and a small business owner.
He continues to serve his community as he served the nation and the city of Atlanta for three decades. His wife, , encouraged him during his military and police career, just as he now encourages her.
Since Dee Chappell became the director of the nearly seven years ago, the center's membership has grown from 13 to about 140. (The center officially opened in 1992.)
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All the while, Larry has been there to help.
"The good Lord has allowed me to keep my health and my strength, so that's why I do a lot of what I do," he said. "Without the good Lord, I don't think I would have made it. During my police career, I did a lot of undercover work, and I was able to retire unscathed."
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Chappell also expressed appreciation for his wife and two children. "I could not have been as successful without the support of my wife and my kids. My wife's support allowed me to do what I did and to do what I do."
Born in South Georgia, Chappell recalled joining the U.S. Marine Corps "because I liked the uniform when they came to the school."
For 31 years until November 2004, he served in the Marines and was in three wars: Vietnam, Southwest Asia and Afghanistan.
Chappell served with the military police and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. From 1974 to 1977, he also was a presidential guard at the White House during President Jimmy Carter's administration.
Stationed at one of the White House entrances, Chappell said "pretty much all we did (was) stand at our post and be observant." He said Carter "would come through and speak but no full conversations."
Also for 30 years, Chappell served with the Atlanta Police Department from "the streets to investigations to vice for 16 years to human trafficking."
Although officially retired from both the military and the police force, Chappell acknowledged, "I'm a workaholic. I love to work."
Even now, he has "a small company, providing security for different businesses."
"I get my business through word of mouth, and I stay plenty busy," he added. "My kids keep wondering when I'm going to retire."