Taking Chance

I had the opportunity to watch Taking Chance last night. I was very impressed by the movie. For those of you who don't know Taking Chance was an HBO presentation about the a real life incident. In 2004 Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanied the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to Dubois Wyoming.

In its simplicity, Taking Chance, is a great example of how every soldier should be treated, even in death. Every American would benefit from watching this movie as we often fail to show soldiers the respect they deserve. The close attention that is paid to detail, to the emotions and actions of all that came in contact with the body, is what makes this movie so personal.

I learned not only about all the work that is put into transporting a dead soldier, but I felt an increased need to do something for them. I felt pain for his loved ones, sorrow that he died, but love for this country and for all who fight for its freedom. I feel that in a sense, they paid more respect to Chance by paying less attention to his story of bravery (which is great within itself) and paying more attention to how he was brought home. He was quietly brave and its how they kept it in this movie. I know for a fact that many, if not most, soldiers are not treated the way he was and that is saddening.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Taking Chance, and not only sitting down and watching it, but sharing it with your family, friends, and neighbors. I also hope we will all pay more attention to these brave men and women and show them the respect they all deserve.