Japp Proves Others Wrong With Her Military Achievements
Veterans Day Recognition
Chante Japp, who received a veteran commendation from Gov. Gianforte during a ceremony held in early October, strives to prove people wrong about her.
She explains that as a youngster she was teased a great amount by other children because she was in foster care. The taunts included statements that she wouldn’t amount to anything as an adult.
The Wolf Point resident proved those critics wrong. “That was the fuel I needed to better my life,” Japp said.
After graduating from Wolf Point High School in 2006, Japp joined the Montana National Guard when she was 18 years old.
“It was my ticket out of here to explore the world,” Japp explained.
She then went into active duty with the U.S. Army. Her commitment included a tour in Afghanistan from April 2011 to April 2012.
Awards received for her service have included the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service medal and Korean Defense Service Medal.
She explains earning the Combat Action Badge means the most to her because other individuals that she served with in Afghanistan were also recipients of the honor. The award is presented to soldiers of the U.S. Army of any rank and who are not members of an infantry, special forces, or medical MOS, for being present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy and performing satisfactorily in accordance with prescribed rules of engagement.
When Veterans Day is recognized on Monday, Nov. 11, she says it’s a time to remember and be reflective of veterans’ service. Although she treats it like another day, she often talks on Veterans Day with some of the people that she served with and they share special memories.
Japp ended her time with the military with a rank of E-5 during September 2013. Her service helped her obtain a college degree and purchase a home. “I learned a lot about responsibilities,” Japp said. “If you want something, go out and do it.”
She earned a degree in human services from Fort Peck Community College in 2016. She then graduated with honors from the University of Montana in 2023 with a degree in social work. She is planning now to work toward a masters degree.
She started working with BIA’s social services in June of 2023 where she hopes to encourage some young people’s lives.
“I want to be a role model for foster kids and all kids,” Japp said. “That is why I do this work now. All of this I use to keep pushing.”
She was thankful to receive the governor’s awards and grateful that she was nominated by her one-time foster parents Perry and Imogene Lilley, who have played a positive role in her life.
“I’m not one of those people who want recognition,” Japp said. “I just have a big heart to help others, help kids.
