Dear Editor,

My name is Master Sergeant Chairat Noppakovat and I am stationed at the Madigan Army Medical Center located at Fort Lewis, Washington. I am in the United States Army and have served proudly for nearly 22 years. The reason I am writing this letter is to share with you the story of my son. His name is Apichai Kevin Noppakovat. He was just 18 years old and passed away on 14 August 2006. He had just graduated from the Clover Park High School (CPHS) in Lakewood, Washington this past summer. While attending CPHS, he joined the Air Force Junior ROTC program for four years and served as a Wing Commander, in the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. While at CPHS, he provided tremendous leadership and mentorship to his fellow ROTC cadets within the program and to all other students inside and outside of the school. He is the only cadet who has earned the most ribbons, medals, and other decorations since the AF Junior ROTC has been in existence at CPHS. Apichai’s dedication and devotion has inspired so many of his friends, ROTC instructors, school staff, and people in the community.

My son and his best friend, Nicholas Morales (who was also 18) were killed on Monday, 14 August 2006 in the University Place located in Tacoma, Washington. Apichai and his best friend were passengers in the back seat of his own car. Apichai has a big heart and always allowed his friends to drive his own car. There were four teens in the car; the driver, Chris Smith, is 16 and another front seat passenger, John Simpson, is 17. They were supposed to go bowling that evening until someone drove past Chris illegally. Chris got upset with that driver and started to chase him down. It quickly became a road race exceeding the speed of 67 miles in a 35 mile zone. Chris lost control of the vehicle when the other driver tried to cut him off. The car spun around and the back of the vehicle struck an oncoming vehicle. It then proceeded to hit a guard rail and lastly a traffic pole where it finally came to a halt. Apichai and Nick died instantly; John and Chris survived the crash.

It is a tragic lost for both my family and Ms. Morales (Nick's mother). The students, ROTC Cadets, school staff, and other friends were also in so much of pain with these losses. Apichai had made so much impact for the past four years at Clover Park School District. He led the team to win the first ever regional unarmed drill team competition. I cannot describe all of the things that he has done for the school, ROTC program, and his friends. The Clover Park School District would like to keep his legacy going so they are planning to create an "Apichai Kevin Noppakovat" Scholarship at the Clover Park High School. This scholarship will be dedicated to a senior student at CPHS who has demonstrated the best leadership, mentorship, and maintained the highest academic achievement to attend a four year college.

Sincerely,

Chairat Noppakovat

Madigan Army Medical Center

Fort Lewis, Washington.