Taking Chance
May 22, 2009 -
On Memorial Day, we honor all those who gave their life while serving in the United States military. We owe every man and woman who died and their families our unbending gratitude and respect.
How appropriate that my wife wanted our family to watch the HBO movie, Taking Chance, last night. Every lump in a throat or tear running down a cheek was testament to the effectiveness of the movie. We felt respect for the fallen warrior, shared loss with his family and buddies, and empathy for those fellow Marines who questioned “Why not me instead of Chance?”
If you don’t know, the movie tells of the experiences of Lt. Col. Mike Strobl (USMC), who volunteered to be the military escort for PFC Chance Phelps’ body back to his home in Dubois, Wyoming. Phelps, who was only 19, was killed in Ramdi, Iraq in 2004 while providing cover for fellow Marines who came under enemy attack.
The care and respect given Phelps’ remains and LTC Strobl at every step in the journey was touching and reassuring. I highly recommend this movie.
