There is an HBO film, “TAKING CHANCE”, which tells a very similar, also TRUE story, available for viewing. Starring Kevin Bacon as a Marine Lt. Col. who feels guilty about his paper shuffling job at the Pentagon, and volunteers to escort the remains of a Fallen, back home for burial.
The Fallen happens to be a 19 year old from Wyoming, named Chance Phelps; hence, the title. Bacon connects with the Fallen at Dover, DE AFB at the military morgue, where the huge transport planes coming back from the ME deliver the Fallen for preparation for their final trip home. The TLC bestowed upon each Fallen while at Dover AFB, and each inch of the way, is very gratifying.
Bacon escorts the remains, encountering amazing, heart swelling, empathy and cooperation along the way. The Fallen’s father, when they arrive back home, is Tom Wopat of Dukes of Hazzard. I had no idea that our Fallen were receiving such respectful and caring honor uopn their return, until I viewed this film.
If you search “Taking Chance movie”, among the many related links that pop up will be several inviting you to view the film for free. Don’t bother with a tissue. Just keep the whole box handy. If you love our flag, our Country and our heroes, and the “ordinary” people who do their jobs without fanfare, and make this Country work; you’ll love this film. Everyone, from Bacon on down the cast, does a fine job in this film. Tip of the hat to HBO for making the movie.
“TAKING CHANCE” was shown while my Marine son was in Iraq. My wife and I just sat in silence while we watched it. We held hands while the tears just flowed. God in His mercy sent our son back to us safe but we never forget those who gave all that they had to give. It was a long 7 months of waiting. The letters, email and the occasional IM chat helped but the times in between were filled with worry. Every single time we approached our house, we looked for a government sedan parked at the curb. Semper Fi.
Excellent movie and I cry every time I view it.
Truly moving.
LtCol Mike Strobl, USMC Ret, was stationed at Marine corps Base Quantico, Marine Corps Combat Development Command.
Instead of filling out a normal Trip Report he wrote a lengthy story about his trip and experiences and titled it “Taking Chance.” The report ended up in the Inbox of the Commandant of the Marine Corps and he posted it somewhere online where it went viral.
You can read LtCol Strobl’s actual report by going to Blackfive.com and searching their site for “Taking Chance.” HBO changed a few things but got it quite right. They actually had the help of LtCol Strobl and Chance Phelps’ family.