A native of Harlingen, Texas, Albert Chapa Jr joined the United States Marine Corps from RSS Ingram, San Antonio, TX. Then he went to The Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California in September 2007 for basic training with 2nd Battalion, Echo Company, Platoon 2109. Following graduation, Private Chapa was assigned to I.T.B. West for Marine Combat Training and reported to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms for Field Radio Operators Course.
In 2008, upon completion of FROC, Private First Class Chapa was assigned to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan where he served as Radio Operator on Supporting Arms Liaison Team Charlie. In September 2008, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was promoted to Lance Corporal in November 2008. In June 2009, he was attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), on Fire Power Control Team 1 as a Radio Chief and then promoted to Corporal in July 2009.
In May 2010, Corporal Chapa reported to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC then transferred to 1st Battalion, 10th Marines where he served as a Radio Operator on Headquarters Battery Security Team - 1. In December 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In August 2011, Corporal Chapa reported to 2d Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company where he served as a Radio Chief for 1st Brigade, Supporting Arms Liaison Team Alpha and was promoted to Sergeant in September 2011. In May 2012, Sergeant Chapa re-deployed to Afghanistan to support the United Kingdom's 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, Reconnaissance Platoon and Queen's Company.
In April 2013, Sergeant Chapa re-deployed to Afghanistan to support the Georgian Liaison Team - 9; all combat operations were with 2d ANGLICO Supporting Arms Liaison Team Alpha as the Radio Chief.
In July 2014, Sergeant Chapa reported to The Basic Recruiters Course 5-14 in MCRD San Diego, CA. Upon completion of the course, he was then assigned to The 8th Marine Corps District, Recruiting Station Houston, RSS Willowbrook as a U.S. Marine Corps Recruiter. On July 2, 2016, Sergeant Chapa was meritoriously promoted to Staff Sergeant. In December 2017, Staff Sergeant executed orders back to 2d Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, as the 2nd Brigade Radio Chief. In February 2018, SSgt Chapa attended the Coxswain Skills Course 1-18, 2nd EOTG Amphibious Raids Branch. In April 2018, SSgt attended the Allied Winter Warfare School in Norway, in preparation for 2nd Brigade's deployment to Norway for Trident Juncture.
Throughout his time at 2d ANGLICO, he supported multiple joint allied operations in fire/air support, communications, and small boat operations. In February 2020, Staff Sergeant Chapa was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. In March 2020, Gunnery Sergeant Chapa reported to 2d Battalion, 2d Marines as the Battalion Transmissions Chief. In June 2020, he assumed the responsibilities and role of the Battalion Equal Opportunity Representative. From February to August 2021, he deployed on a UDP to Okinawa, Japan.
In September 2022, Gunnery Sergeant Chapa executed orders to 23D Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division as the Site Support Inspector and Instructor Transmissions Chief. Gunnery Sergeant was selected to First Sergeant on the FY24 E8 Board. He was frocked on April 1, 2024. First Sergeant Chapa then executed orders as the I&I Site First Sergeant, 23D Marine Regiment, Headquarters Company. In August 2025, First Sergeant Chapa reported to 3d ANGLICO as the I&I Site First Sergeant, where he is currently serving.
First Sergeant Chapa’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (w/ 2 gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (w/ two Combat Distinguishing Device (V) and gold star), Combat Action Ribbon (w/ gold star), Good Conduct Medal (w/ three bronze stars), and Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon.