Couple from Normandy Visits Military Museum

A couple with a tie to current day Normandy, France and the owners of a piece of D-Day history visit Stephens County.

David and Sue Chapman own a home in Normandy, France that served as the headquarters for Colonel Robert Sink, the leader of the “Band of Brothers” paratrooper unit that trained in Toccoa, right after D-Day in 1944.

They have turned the home, which they say remains remarkably similar to the way it was in 1944, into a bed and breakfast.

The Chapmans say it was through that endeavor that they met Stephens County Historical Society Executive Director Brenda Carlan last year.

David Chapman says it was a meeting that eventually brought them to Toccoa to visit.

“She invited us to see the museum, which we are doing today for the first time,” said Chapman. “We are very impressed.”

He goes on to say that it is fascinating to see the story of the paratroopers of Camp Toccoa from where it all started as opposed to the other side of the ocean.

Meanwhile, David’s wife, Sue Chapman, says it is interesting to look at it from the perspective of where the men came from and how they grew before ever heading overseas.

“I think the museum has done a fascinating job of setting it up and walking you through it,” she said.

The Chapmans not only visited the Currahee Military Museum during their stay, but also made the trip out to Currahee Mountain to see the mountain, as well as the Camp Toccoa at Currahee Mountain property.