Taking Chance

[billy_campbell]

If you have not seen the the HBO movie Taking Chance I highly recommend watching the movie. A very moving and wonderful story. Here is the synopis of the movie:

http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/

In April 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, USMC, came across the name of 19-year-old Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, a young Marine who had been killed by hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Strobl, a Desert Storm veteran with 17 years of military service, requested that he be assigned for military escort duty to accompany Chance's remains to his family in Dubois, Wyo.

Witnessing the spontaneous outpouring of support and respect for the fallen Marine - from the groundskeepers he passed along the road to the cargo handlers at the airport - Strobl was moved to capture the experience in his personal journal. His first-person account, which began as an official trip report, gives an insight into the military's policy of providing a uniformed escort for all casualties. The story became an Internet phenomenon when it was widely circulated throughout the military community and eventually reached the mainstream media.

'Taking Chance' chronicles one of the silent, virtually unseen journeys that takes place every day across the country, bearing witness to the fallen and all those who, literally and figuratively, carry them home. A uniquely non-political film about the war in Iraq, the film pays tribute to all of the men and women who have given their lives in military service as well as their families.

An HBO Films presentation of a Motion Picture Corporation of America and Civil Dawn Pictures production, Taking Chance marks the directorial debut of two-time Oscar®-nominated producer Ross Katz ('Lost in Translation'). The screenplay is by Lt. Col Michael R. Strobl, USMC (Ret.) and Ross Katz, based on the journal of the same name by Strobl, who also serves as military consultant. Strobl, who recently retired after serving 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, developed the original story with the strong support of Phelps' parents, John Phelps and Gretchen Mack. The executive producers are Brad Krevoy ('A Love Song for Bobby Long'), Cathy Wischner-Sola and Ross Katz; the co-executive producer is William Teitler (HBO's 'Empire Falls'); and the producer is Lori Keith Douglas ('The Notorious Bettie Page'). HBO Films vice president Jenni Sherwood is the executive in charge of the production.

[Cherokee_Mountaincat]

My Ex husband was on burial escort duty twice in his Marine Corps stint, and he said it was harder than having to pull bodies out of the water after that huge Typhoon there in Japan in 1970.
It takes a special man or woman to be able to harden their hearts and minds to the pain and grief of a family that has just lost a young solider. I admire each and every one of them for their love, and dedication. I couldnt watch this movie...I've been out of the Veterans field for much too long, and I'm afraid my heart isnt as tough and cold as it once had been trained to be.
God and Spirits bless all of them that bring home our fallen Soldiers.
Cat

[Lonewolf76]

There is no greater honor or payment of respect than for a soldier to accompany his or her fallen comrade home to the loving, grieving arms of their family and friends. I salute them all and pray daily for our military's safety. They are truly our finest. LW

[Doggie_Wood]

There is no greater honor or payment of respect than for a soldier to accompany his or her fallen comrade home to the loving, grieving arms of their family and friends. I salute them all and pray daily for our military's safety. They are truly our finest. LW


I Ditto That!

Doggie :doggie:

[rissababynta]

There is no greater honor or payment of respect than for a soldier to accompany his or her fallen comrade home to the loving, grieving arms of their family and friends. I salute them all and pray daily for our military's safety. They are truly our finest. LW

Very well put m'dear.

[darkeyes]

I understand the sentiment expressed here, yet as one who has hated and abhorred conflict all of her life, and who believes that the military and war are evils without which humanity and our world would be a far better served, I am unable to allow the statement about respect and honour to go without comment.

By conviction and principle I have never supported but actively opposed every conflict in which my country has involved itself, internally and externally throughout my lifetime, and many of the conflicts in which we have not been involved. Conflict is a destructive and evil force which exists not to settle disputes between nations and peoples, but to propogate the power and influence either of ruling elites over their peoples in the name of “King and Country” , of groups of people who wish to be that ruling elite or in the name of a cause or philosophy which may or may not be just, by utilising means which are are throroughy unpleasant and destructive and perpetuate hatred and mistrust between peoples.

Of course I can respect the sacrifice made by any who die in a conflict, soldier or civilian, and even many that those here would call terrorist, although many are not terrorists in my opinion, but true freedom fighters with beliefs and convictions in much the same way as many of us have beliefs and convictions. True terrorists also often act out of conviction and principle and many, however much we may loathe their tactics and strategies are, like the soldier or the freedom fighter brave people who act in accord with what they believe. War and conflict are dreadful things. People who in the ordinary way of things are decent human beings in the name of country or cause, class or religion perpetrate the most appalling atrocities. From the military of all countries who bomb and destroy civilian settlements and facelessly slaughter innocent human beings, the freedom fighters which often undertake the most disgraceful acts of revenge against surrendered government or invading troops and yes, of pro government or occupying power civilians, to the terrorist bomber who ignites a bomb in a busy town centre or city market and disappears into the back alleyways or countryside. All in the name of country or cause, class or religion. The list is endless and a waste of human life and human effort. War and conflict is not black and white.. the shades of grey are many and it is those shades which make them such destructive and pointless exercises... it is those shades which the leaders of nations, terror or guerilla groups delight in trying to eliminate for the benefit of their constituency..

I realise that much of this is contentious and do not expect too many to agree with my point of view. That makes me no more wrong than it makes them right. Yet I understand and respect the point made. To respect and honour one with whom you have shared danger and to bring them back to theirloved ones is a fine thing. However it does not simply apply to the military. Many millions of civilian people around the world risk death every day in the course of their lives and work. Many die trying to build a better world peacefully without participating in conflict living and working in dangerous environments trying to improve the human condition. Many sacrifice their lives for their comrades. Many lose their lives trying to make a better world indeed in some of those war zones around the world.

To me, one who has sacrificed her or his life selflessly trying to build that better world peacefully and in a non violent manner in the face of untold dangers is at the very least entitled to the same respect and honour that many seem to believe can only be accorded to their military...and in my humble opinion, usually more so..

[Doggie_Wood]

If you have not seen the the HBO movie Taking Chance I highly recommend watching the movie. A very moving and wonderful story.

I just finished watching it on HBO - It was, as you said Billy, a very moving story. Giving Honor and Respect.
One that brings to mind the sacrifices that are made by not only the military men and women serving abroad but also those that serve at home as well.
I salute those that have served and are presently serving our great country.

Semper Fidelis

JD / Doggie :doggie:

[zman64]

i thought it was a very moving picture, with the exception of the jerkwad tsa agent who wouldn't let col. strobl through the metal detector. i had to fight back some tears of a recent memory from which a former co-worker was brought home in that same manner, only to find his 4 year old son standing on the tarmac, alone, dressed in cammies, and saluting the flag drapped coffin that contained his father. i was present at the visitation when a frined of the family presented that photo to the wife/mother, and promised not to sell it or otherwise release it to the media.i think it also points out that all members of the military, regardless of whether they are combat-roled or not are deserving of support and respect..."they who also serve"...

[FalconAngel]

Having served on a burial detail, while I was in, it is a hard job to do for many of us.

Most of us approach it as a duty that must be done. It is also an honor to be there for our fallen brothers and sisters.

As Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines or Coast Guardsmen, we have a duty, whether it is combat or to risk ourselves so that others may live, it is a duty that all of us old school vets revere as sacred. Even the duty of escorting and/or honoring the fallen amongst our ranks.

It is not a duty that we relish, nor is it a duty that we ever hope to perform, but it must be done because we are a violent species in a world that has allowed us to grow more effective in how we make violence on our fellows.

When the walls fall, someone must stand and be the wall for others to be safe. That is the job of the soldier; when diplomacy fails, we are there for others.

And, as one of our founding fathers said, "The tree of liberty must, from time to time, be replenished with the blood of patriots".

[12voltman59]

I ran the movie last night on HBO, ON DEMAND--I have to say--I barely had a dry eye the entire run of the film----it was very well done---

I am glad that Colonel Stroebel documented his role in serving as an escort for this fallen Marine and that his story was turned into a very well done film.

A story such as that does restore my faith in humanity!

Now--if only they would take off all that shit like those "reality shows" such as "The Real Wives of Orange County" "The Real World" "Survivor" and other programs that encourage the lowest common denominator of human behavior instead of what is best about us!!

Those damn shows of that nature--make me want to puke!!!!

[Doggie_Wood]

I had boarded my flight home from Philly on Wednesday, another passenger on the flight and I were talking about the movie when a Marine walked by and asked me how well Kevin Bacon played the role. I answered him directly,
"With Honor to the uniform and to The Corps" - to which he replied "OORAH".

Again, it was a damned good - - no - - an excellent movie!

Doggie :doggie:

[Lonewolf76]

I just finished watching this on HBO. 1/2 a box of kleenex later - I must say - it was an excellent movie... And to think that has been dome thousands of times! Sad. Remember our fallen heros. LW

[rissababynta]

My husband keeps bugging me to watch it with him because we both have heard of how good it is. However I refuse to and don't plan on watching any time soon. Glad to see that you all have enjoyed it so much!