A Soldier's Perspective

"Taking Chance" A review

A black screen…..

The sound of radio chatter…..

"We have suspicious vehicle on the right moving pretty fast"……..

"It's slowing!"….

An explosion…

Then gun fire….

Switch to two Marines in dress uniform getting out of a car at 0200 in front of the Phelps house. This is the first visual you get.

The tears started with the opening scene and they didn't stop through the entire movie and the extras. For those that have been to Iraq or been in combat, the opening scene will undoubtedly cause a catch in your throat and force your mind back to a memory of a battle or ambush you went through. For those that have not "been there and done that" your first thought will be "Oh my God!"

As the parent of a former Soldier, that knock on your door is something you hope to never hear. This movie hits you right in the face with it. How our fallen are taken care of as they move from battlefield, to the States, through processing, and home to their family. The Honor and Respect that is shown by the Military and American public as the body is escorted home, shows the true heart on this Country. These scenes seem almost to good to be true, if I had not seen some of the same with every Patriot Guard Mission that I do.

This is a very powerful story. Regardless of where you stand on the War in Iraq, this movie will touch your heart in a very deep place. I am grateful for LT Colonel Michale Strobl's story. It must have been a very emotional task to escort Lance Corporal Chance Phelps body home to his family. Please when you rent this movie, take the time to watch the extras. The stories told by his family and squad members are great!

There is so much I could say about this film, but words would not do it justice. You have to see it for yourself, you must see it it for yourself. You will be left as I am now…… a tear rolling down my face, a deep ache in my heart and all the gratitude that I have in my soul for all the men and women that serve in our Armed Forces. Thank you all for your service.

And to the families of our Fallen, they will never be forgotten!

Lance Corporal Chance Phelps was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with a "V" for Valor for his heroic actions on April 9, 2004. Many of his comrades credit him with saving their lives that day. Two months after his death, his sister, Petty Officer Kelly Phelps married Sergent Robert Orndoff. Chance was to be their best man. Instead, Kelly walked down the aisle alone, holding Chance's dog tags.