Catching up with Medical Lake's 'Chip' Kepka

James Kepka, more commonly known as "Chip," graduated from Medical Lake High School's Junior ROTC program in 1999 and went on to WSU's ROTC's program.

After graduation he was commissioned as an officer in 2003 and sent to Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix, Ariz. where he was on the flight line as commander. He utilized his off time well by implementing Luke's AFB's first-ever blood drive for two years.

While serving in Korea for two years Kepka started an English-speaking program for elementary school children with several other servicemen.

Kepka was in Spangdahlem, Germany before his tour to Iraq and enjoyed the European culture of several countries including, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Slovakia, Poland, Estonia and Holland. After his Iraq deploymnent, Kepka returned home to the states in February 2011.  

He joined the Washington Air National Guard at Fairchild Air Force Base after the reduction in forces and got orders to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The last three years Maj. Kepka has been loving his time at Hill, enjoying snowboarding, fishing, hiking, camping and running marathons.

It was through running where he met and later married, Stephanie a Utah elementary school teacher. Last year, Kepka joined the Utah Air National Guard when he was offered a civilian position at Hill.

The couple just bought a home near Salt Lake City, intending to make it their permanent residence.