TAKING CHANCE - A MOVIE, A TRIBUTE

It is not very often when one can view a movie and experience, pride, sadness, and the heart felt gratitude of a Nation for a fallen hero. "Taking Chance," is that movie. I could not hold back the tears as I experienced this moving tribute to a fallen Marine, Lance Cpl Chance Phleps.

The movie is the story of Lt. Col Michael Srobl a career Marine who learns of the death in battle of Chance Phelps and volunteers to escort him home to his family. Through his journey from Dover Air Base in Delaware to the final resting place in Wyoming, Strobl experiences not only the emotion of accompanying a fallen comrade home but the out pouring of a grateful Nation to one of its fallen heroes.

Lance Cpl Phelps sacrificed himself in service to his country but mostly for his fellow soldiers on April 9, 2004 in the Anbar Province in Iraq. When his unit fell under fire Phelps, who was manning the turret of an armored vehicle, intentionally drew fire to himself from the enemy in order to protect and detract fire from his comrades. For this he gave the ultimate sacrifice to his country and his friends.

Lt Col. Strobl was so moved by the life story of Phelps that he learned from his family and friends and the reaction of Americans all along his journey escorting this fallen hero home that he could not just compose a report for the Defense Department which was his duty as escort. Upon returning home he immediately set to the task of writing from his notes the personal account of his experience and the reaction of grateful Americans who not only paid tribute to Lance Cpl Phelps on the journey home but shared in the grief of losing one of Americas best and bravest who died defending our freedom.

"Taking Chance," also tells the previously unknown story of the care and respect that is given when a fallen hero returns home by the military and the soldiers who consider it an honor to serve one of their own who gave in sacrifice for freedom. Their care is also their personal tribute to a fallen comrade.

Originally airing on HBO in February, "Taking Chance," is now available in video stores. After watching this excellent film be sure to also watch the special features that tell the personal story of Lance Cpl Phelps and Lt Col Strobl. I have never recommended a film as highly as I do this moving tribute to one of our fallen heroes. Please see, "Taking Chance."

Ken Taylor