Taking Chance Home

Posted By Blackfive

The following is Marine Lieutenant Colonel Strobl's account of escorting the remains of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps. It's a long and beautifully written and it deserves to be read in it's entirety. It's about Valor, Honor and Respect. Thanks to Jarhead Dad for sending it to me.

23 Apr 04 – The enclosed article was written by LtCol M.R. Strobl USMC who is assigned to MCCDC Quantico, VA and served as the officer who escorted the remains of PFC C. Phelps USMC from Dover AFB, DE to his home. PFC Phelps was assigned to 3d Bn, 11th Marines – an artillery unit functioning as a provisional infantry battalion during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 2. PFC Phelps was killed in action from a gunshot wound received on 9 Apr 04 during combat operations west of Baghdad. He was buried in Dubois, WY on 17 Apr 04.

TAKING CHANCE

Chance Phelps was wearing his Saint Christopher medal when he was killed on Good Friday. Eight days later, I handed the medallion to his mother. I didn’t know Chance before he died. Today, I miss him.

Over a year ago, I volunteered to escort the remains of Marines killed in Iraq should the need arise. The military provides a uniformed escort for all casualties to ensure they are delivered safely to the next of kin and are treated with dignity and respect along the way.

Thankfully, I hadn’t been called on to be an escort since Operation Iraqi Freedom began. The first few weeks of April, however, had been a tough month for the Marines. On the Monday after Easter I was reviewing Department of Defense press releases when I saw that a Private First Class Chance Phelps was killed in action outside of Baghdad. The press release listed his hometown—the same town I’m from. I notified our Battalion adjutant and told him that, should the duty to escort PFC Phelps fall to our Battalion, I would take him.

I didn’t hear back the rest of Monday and all day Tuesday until 1800. The Battalion duty NCO called my cell phone and said I needed to be ready to leave for Dover Air Force Base at 1900 in order to escort the remains of PFC Phelps.

Before leaving for Dover I called the major who had the task of informing Phelps’s parents of his death. The major said the funeral was going to be in Dubois, Wyoming. (It turned out that PFC Phelps only lived in my hometown for his senior year of high school.) I had never been to Wyoming and had never heard of Dubois.

With two other escorts from Quantico, I got to Dover AFB at 2330 on Tuesday night. First thing on Wednesday we reported to the mortuary at the base. In the escort lounge there were about half a dozen Army soldiers and about an equal number of Marines waiting to meet up with “their” remains for departure. PFC Phelps was not ready, however, and I was told to come back on Thursday. Now, at Dover with nothing to do and a solemn mission ahead, I began to get depressed.

I was wondering about Chance Phelps. I didn’t know anything about him; not even what he looked like. I wondered about his family and what it would be like to meet them. I did pushups in my room until I couldn’t do any more.

On Thursday morning I reported back to the mortuary. This time there was a new group of Army escorts and a couple of the Marines who had been there Wednesday. There was also an Air Force captain there to escort his brother home to San Diego.

We received a brief covering our duties, the proper handling of the remains, the procedures for draping a flag over a casket, and of course, the paperwork attendant to our task. We were shown pictures of the shipping container and told that each one contained, in addition to the casket, a flag. I was given an extra flag since Phelps’s parents were divorced. This way they would each get one. I didn’t like the idea of stuffing the flag into my luggage but I couldn’t see carrying a large flag, folded for presentation to the next of kin, through an airport while in my Alpha uniform. It barely fit into my suitcase.

It turned out that I was the last escort to leave on Thursday. This meant that I repeatedly got to participate in the small ceremonies that mark all departures from the Dover AFB mortuary.

Most of the remains are taken from Dover AFB by hearse to the airport in Philadelphia for air transport to their final destination. When the remains of a service member are loaded onto a hearse and ready to leave the Dover mortuary, there is an announcement made over the building’s intercom system. With the announcement, all service members working at the mortuary, regardless of service branch, stop work and form up along the driveway to render a slow ceremonial salute as the hearse departs. Escorts also participated in each formation until it was their time to leave.

On this day there were some civilian workers doing construction on the mortuary grounds. As each hearse passed, they would stop working and place their hard hats over their hearts. This was my first sign that my mission with PFC Phelps was larger than the Marine Corps and that his family and friends were not grieving alone.

Eventually I was the last escort remaining in the lounge. The Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant in charge of the Marine liaison there came to see me. He had Chance Phelps’s personal effects. He removed each item; a large watch, a wooden cross with a lanyard, two loose dog tags, two dog tags on a chain, and a Saint Christopher medal on a silver chain. Although we had been briefed that we might be carrying some personal effects of the deceased, this set me aback. Holding his personal effects, I was starting to get to know Chance Phelps.

Finally we were ready. I grabbed my bags and went outside. I was somewhat startled when I saw the shipping container, loaded three-quarters of the way in to the back of a black Chevy Suburban that had been modified to carry such cargo. This was the first time I saw my “cargo” and I was surprised at how large the shipping container was. The Master Gunnery Sergeant and I verified that the name on the container was Phelps’s then they pushed him the rest of the way in and we left. Now it was PFC Chance Phelps’s turn to receive the military—and construction workers’—honors. He was finally moving towards home.

As I chatted with the driver on the hour-long trip to Philadelphia, it became clear that he considered it an honor to be able to contribute in getting Chance home. He offered his sympathy to the family. I was glad to finally be moving yet apprehensive about what things would be like at the airport. I didn’t want this package to be treated like ordinary cargo, but I knew that the simple logistics of moving around a box this large would have to overrule my preferences.

When we got to the Northwest Airlines cargo terminal at the Philadelphia airport, the cargo handler and hearse driver pulled the shipping container onto a loading bay while I stood to the side and executed a slow salute. Once Chance was safely in the cargo area, and I was satisfied that he would be treated with due care and respect, the hearse driver drove me over to the passenger terminal and dropped me off.

As I walked up to the ticketing counter in my uniform, a Northwest employee started to ask me if I knew how to use the automated boarding pass dispenser. Before she could finish another ticketing agent interrupted her. He told me to go straight to the counter then explained to the woman that I was a military escort. She seemed embarrassed. The woman behind the counter already had tears in her eyes as I was pulling out my government travel voucher. She struggled to find words but managed to express her sympathy for the family and thank me for my service. She upgraded my ticket to first class.

After clearing security, I was met by another Northwest Airline employee at the gate. She told me a representative from cargo would be up to take me down to the tarmac to observe the movement and loading of PFC Phelps. I hadn’t really told any of them what my mission was but they all knew.

When the man from the cargo crew met me, he, too, struggled for words. On the tarmac, he told me stories of his childhood as a military brat and repeatedly told me that he was sorry for my loss. I was starting to understand that, even here in Philadelphia, far away from Chance’s hometown, people were mourning with his family.

On the tarmac, the cargo crew was silent except for occasional instructions to each other. I stood to the side and saluted as the conveyor moved Chance to the aircraft. I was relieved when he was finally settled into place. The rest of the bags were loaded and I watched them shut the cargo bay door before heading back up to board the aircraft.

One of the pilots had taken my carry-on bag himself and had it stored next to the cockpit door so he could watch it while I was on the tarmac. As I boarded the plane, I could tell immediately that the flight attendants had already been informed of my mission. They seemed a little choked up as they led me to my seat.

About 45 minutes into our flight I still hadn’t spoken to anyone except to tell the first class flight attendant that I would prefer water. I was surprised when the flight attendant from the back of the plane suddenly appeared and leaned down to grab my hands. She said, “I want you to have this” as she pushed a small gold crucifix, with a relief of Jesus, into my hand. It was her lapel pin and it looked somewhat worn. I suspected it had been hers for quite some time. That was the only thing she said to me the entire flight.

When we landed in Minneapolis, I was the first one off the plane. The pilot himself escorted me straight down the side stairs of the exit tunnel to the tarmac. The cargo crew there already knew what was on this plane. They were unloading some of the luggage when an Army sergeant, a fellow escort who had left Dover earlier that day, appeared next to me. His “cargo” was going to be loaded onto my plane for its continuing leg. We stood side by side in the dark and executed a slow salute as Chance was removed from the plane. The cargo crew at Minneapolis kept Phelps’s shipping case separate from all the other luggage as they waited to take us to the cargo area. I waited with the soldier and we saluted together as his fallen comrade was loaded onto the plane.

My trip with Chance was going to be somewhat unusual in that we were going to have an overnight stopover. We had a late start out of Dover and there was just too much traveling ahead of us to continue on that day. (We still had a flight from Minneapolis to Billings, Montana, then a five-hour drive to the funeral home. That was to be followed by a 90-minute drive to Chance’s hometown.)

I was concerned about leaving him overnight in the Minneapolis cargo area. My ten-minute ride from the tarmac to the cargo holding area eased my apprehension. Just as in Philadelphia, the cargo guys in Minneapolis were extremely respectful and seemed honored to do their part. While talking with them, I learned that the cargo supervisor for Northwest Airlines at the Minneapolis airport is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves. They called him for me and let me talk to him.

Once I was satisfied that all would be okay for the night, I asked one of the cargo crew if he would take me back to the terminal so that I could catch my hotel’s shuttle. Instead, he drove me straight to the hotel himself. At the hotel, the Lieutenant Colonel called me and said he would personally pick me up in the morning and bring me back to the cargo area.

Before leaving the airport, I had told the cargo crew that I wanted to come back to the cargo area in the morning rather than go straight to the passenger terminal. I felt bad for leaving Chance overnight and wanted to see the shipping container where I had left it for the night. It was fine.

The Lieutenant Colonel made a few phone calls then drove me around to the passenger terminal. I was met again by a man from the cargo crew and escorted down to the tarmac. The pilot of the plane joined me as I waited for them to bring Chance from the cargo area. The pilot and I talked of his service in the Air Force and how he missed it.

I saluted as Chance was moved up the conveyor and onto the plane. It was to be a while before the luggage was to be loaded so the pilot took me up to the board the plane where I could watch the tarmac from a window. With no other passengers yet on board, I talked with the flight attendants and one of the cargo guys. He had been in the Navy and one of the attendants had been in the Air Force. Everywhere I went, people were continuing to tell me their relationship to the military. After all the baggage was aboard, I went back down to the tarmac, inspected the cargo bay, and watched them secure the door.

When we arrived at Billings, I was again the first off the plane. This time Chance’s shipping container was the first item out of the cargo hold. The funeral director had driven five hours up from Riverton, Wyoming to meet us. He shook my hand as if I had personally lost a brother.

We moved Chance to a secluded cargo area. Now it was time for me to remove the shipping container and drape the flag over the casket. I had predicted that this would choke me up but I found I was more concerned with proper flag etiquette than the solemnity of the moment. Once the flag was in place, I stood by and saluted as Chance was loaded onto the van from the funeral home. I was thankful that we were in a small airport and the event seemed to go mostly unnoticed. I picked up my rental car and followed Chance for five hours until we reached Riverton. During the long trip I imagined how my meeting with Chance’s parents would go. I was very nervous about that.

When we finally arrived at the funeral home, I had my first face to face meeting with the Casualty Assistance Call Officer. It had been his duty to inform the family of Chance’s death. He was on the Inspector/Instructor staff of an infantry company in Salt Lake City, Utah and I knew he had had a difficult week.

Inside I gave the funeral director some of the paperwork from Dover and discussed the plan for the next day. The service was to be at 1400 in the high school gymnasium up in Dubois, population about 900, some 90 miles away. Eventually, we had covered everything. The CACO had some items that the family wanted to be inserted into the casket and I felt I needed to inspect Chance’s uniform to ensure everything was proper. Although it was going to be a closed casket funeral, I still wanted to ensure his uniform was squared away.

Earlier in the day I wasn’t sure how I’d handle this moment. Suddenly, the casket was open and I got my first look at Chance Phelps. His uniform was immaculate—a tribute to the professionalism of the Marines at Dover. I noticed that he wore six ribbons over his marksmanship badge; the senior one was his Purple Heart. I had been in the Corps for over 17 years, including a combat tour, and was wearing eight ribbons. This Private First Class, with less than a year in the Corps, had already earned six.

The next morning, I wore my dress blues and followed the hearse for the trip up to Dubois. This was the most difficult leg of our trip for me. I was bracing for the moment when I would meet his parents and hoping I would find the right words as I presented them with Chance’s personal effects.

We got to the high school gym about four hours before the service was to begin. The gym floor was covered with folding chairs neatly lined in rows. There were a few townspeople making final preparations when I stood next to the hearse and saluted as Chance was moved out of the hearse. The sight of a flag-draped coffin was overwhelming to some of the ladies.

We moved Chance into the gym to the place of honor. A Marine sergeant, the command representative from Chance’s battalion, met me at the gym. His eyes were watery as he relieved me of watching Chance so that I could go eat lunch and find my hotel.

At the restaurant, the table had a flier announcing Chance’s service. Dubois High School gym; two o’ clock. It also said that the family would be accepting donations so that they could buy flak vests to send to troops in Iraq.

I drove back to the gym at a quarter after one. I could’ve walked—you could walk to just about anywhere in Dubois in ten minutes. I had planned to find a quiet room where I could take his things out of their pouch and untangle the chain of the Saint Christopher medal from the dog tag chains and arrange everything before his parents came in. I had twice before removed the items from the pouch to ensure they were all there—even though there was no chance anything could’ve fallen out. Each time, the two chains had been quite tangled. I didn’t want to be fumbling around trying to untangle them in front of his parents. Our meeting, however, didn’t go as expected.

I practically bumped into Chance’s step-mom accidentally and our introductions began in the noisy hallway outside the gym. In short order I had met Chance’s step-mom and father followed by his step-dad and, at last, his mom. I didn’t know how to express to these people my sympathy for their loss and my gratitude for their sacrifice. Now, however, they were repeatedly thanking me for bringing their son home and for my service. I was humbled beyond words.

I told them that I had some of Chance’s things and asked if we could try to find a quiet place. The five of us ended up in what appeared to be a computer lab—not what I had envisioned for this occasion.

After we had arranged five chairs around a small table, I told them about our trip. I told them how, at every step, Chance was treated with respect, dignity, and honor. I told them about the staff at Dover and all the folks at Northwest Airlines. I tried to convey how the entire Nation, from Dover to Philadelphia, to Minneapolis, to Billings, and Riverton expressed grief and sympathy over their loss.

Finally, it was time to open the pouch. The first item I happened to pull out was Chance’s large watch. It was still set to Baghdad time. Next were the lanyard and the wooden cross. Then the dog tags and the Saint Christopher medal. This time the chains were not tangled. Once all of his items were laid out on the table, I told his mom that I had one other item to give them. I retrieved the flight attendant’s crucifix from my pocket and told its story. I set that on the table and excused myself. When I next saw Chance’s mom, she was wearing the crucifix on her lapel.

By 1400 most of the seats on the gym floor were filled and people were finding seats in the fixed bleachers high above the gym floor. There were a surprising number of people in military uniform. Many Marines had come up from Salt Lake City. Men from various VFW posts and the Marine Corps League occupied multiple rows of folding chairs. We all stood as Chance’s family took their seats in the front.

It turned out that Chance’s sister, a Petty Officer in the Navy, worked for a Rear Admiral—the Chief of Naval Intelligence—at the Pentagon. The Admiral had brought many of the sailors on his staff with him to Dubois pay respects to Chance and support his sister. After a few songs and some words from a Navy Chaplain, the Admiral took the microphone and told us how Chance had died.

Chance was an artillery cannoneer and his unit was acting as provisional military police outside of Baghdad. Chance had volunteered to man a .50 caliber machine gun in the turret of the leading vehicle in a convoy. The convoy came under intense fire but Chance stayed true to his post and returned fire with the big gun, covering the rest of the convoy, until he was fatally wounded.

Then the commander of the local VFW post read some of the letters Chance had written home. In letters to his mom he talked of the mosquitoes and the heat. In letters to his stepfather he told of the dangers of convoy operations and of receiving fire.

The service was a fitting tribute to this hero. When it was over, we stood as the casket was wheeled out with the family following. The casket was placed onto a horse-drawn carriage for the mile-long trip from the gym, down the main street, then up the steep hill to the cemetery. I stood alone and saluted as the carriage departed the high school. I found my car and joined Chance’s convoy.

The town seemingly went from the gym to the street. All along the route, the people had lined the street and were waving small American flags. The flags that were otherwise posted were all at half-staff. For the last quarter mile up the hill, local boy scouts, spaced about 20 feet apart, all in uniform, held large flags. At the foot of the hill, I could look up and back and see the enormity of our procession. I wondered how many people would be at this funeral if it were in, say, Detroit or Los Angeles—probably not as many as were here in little Dubois, Wyoming.

The carriage stopped about 15 yards from the grave and the military pall bearers and the family waited until the men of the VFW and Marine Corps league were formed up and school busses had arrived carrying many of the people from the procession route. Once the entire crowd was in place, the pallbearers came to attention and began to remove the casket from the caisson. As I had done all week, I came to attention and executed a slow ceremonial salute as Chance was being transferred from one mode of transport to another.

From Dover to Philadelphia; Philadelphia to Minneapolis; Minneapolis to Billings; Billings to Riverton; and Riverton to Dubois we had been together. Now, as I watched them carry him the final 15 yards, I was choking up. I felt that, as long as he was still moving, he was somehow still alive.

Then they put him down above his grave. He had stopped moving.

Although my mission had been officially complete once I turned him over to the funeral director at the Billings airport, it was his placement at his grave that really concluded it in my mind. Now, he was home to stay and I suddenly felt at once sad, relieved, and useless.

The chaplain said some words that I couldn’t hear and two Marines removed the flag from the casket and slowly folded it for presentation to his mother. When the ceremony was over, Chance’s father placed a ribbon from his service in Vietnam on Chance’s casket. His mother approached the casket and took something from her blouse and put it on the casket. I later saw that it was the flight attendant’s crucifix. Eventually friends of Chance’s moved closer to the grave. A young man put a can of Copenhagen on the casket and many others left flowers.

Finally, we all went back to the gym for a reception. There was enough food to feed the entire population for a few days. In one corner of the gym there was a table set up with lots of pictures of Chance and some of his sports awards. People were continually approaching me and the other Marines to thank us for our service. Almost all of them had some story to tell about their connection to the military. About an hour into the reception, I had the impression that every man in Wyoming had, at one time or another, been in the service.

It seemed like every time I saw Chance’s mom she was hugging a different well wisher. As time passed, I began to hear people laughing. We were starting to heal.

After a few hours at the gym, I went back to the hotel to change out of my dress blues. The local VFW post had invited everyone over to “celebrate Chance’s life.” The Post was on the other end of town from my hotel and the drive took less than two minutes. The crowd was somewhat smaller than what had been at the gym but the Post was packed.

Marines were playing pool at the two tables near the entrance and most of the VFW members were at the bar or around the tables in the bar area. The largest room in the Post was a banquet/dinning/dancing area and it was now called “The Chance Phelps Room.” Above the entry were two items: a large portrait of Chance in his dress blues and the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor. In one corner of the room there was another memorial to Chance. There were candles burning around another picture of him in his blues. On the table surrounding his photo were his Purple Heart citation and his Purple Heart medal. There was also a framed copy of an excerpt from the Congressional Record. This was an elegant tribute to Chance Phelps delivered on the floor of the United States House of Representatives by Congressman Scott McInnis of Colorado. Above it all was a television that was playing a photo montage of Chance’s life from small boy to proud Marine.

I did not buy a drink that night. As had been happening all day, indeed all week, people were thanking me for my service and for bringing Chance home. Now, in addition to words and handshakes, they were thanking me with beer. I fell in with the men who had handled the horses and horse-drawn carriage. I learned that they had worked through the night to groom and prepare the horses for Chance’s last ride. They were all very grateful that they were able to contribute.

After a while we all gathered in the Chance Phelps room for the formal dedication. The Post commander told us of how Chance had been so looking forward to becoming a Life Member of the VFW. Now, in the Chance Phelps Room of the Dubois, Wyoming post, he would be an eternal member. We all raised our beers and the Chance Phelps room was christened.

Later, as I was walking toward the pool tables, a Staff Sergeant from the Reserve unit in Salt Lake grabbed me and said, “Sir, you gotta hear this.” There were two other Marines with him and he told the younger one, a Lance Corporal, to tell me his story. The Staff Sergeant said the Lance Corporal was normally too shy and modest to tell it but now he’d had enough beer to overcome his usual tendencies.

As the Lance Corporal started to talk, an older man joined our circle. He wore a baseball cap that indicated he had been with the 1st Marine Division in Korea. Earlier in the evening he had told me about one of his former commanding officers; a Colonel Puller.

So, there I was, standing in a circle with three Marines recently returned from fighting with the 1st Marine Division in Iraq and one not so recently returned from fighting with the 1st Marine Division in Korea. I, who had fought with the 1st Marine Division in Kuwait, was about to gain a new insight into our Corps.

The young Lance Corporal began to tell us his story. At that moment, in this circle of current and former Marines, the differences in our ages and ranks dissipated—we were all simply Marines.

His squad had been on a patrol through a city street. They had taken small arms fire and had literally dodged an RPG round that sailed between two Marines. At one point they received fire from behind a wall and had neutralized the sniper with a SMAW round. The back blast of the SMAW, however, kicked up a substantial rock that hammered the Lance Corporal in the thigh; only missing his groin because he had reflexively turned his body sideways at the shot.

Their squad had suffered some wounded and was receiving more sniper fire when suddenly he was hit in the head by an AK-47 round. I was stunned as he told us how he felt like a baseball bat had been slammed into his head. He had spun around and fell unconscious. When he came to, he had a severe scalp wound but his Kevlar helmet had saved his life. He continued with his unit for a few days before realizing he was suffering the effects of a severe concussion.

As I stood there in the circle with the old man and the other Marines, the Staff Sergeant finished the story. He told of how this Lance Corporal had begged and pleaded with the Battalion surgeon to let him stay with his unit. In the end, the doctor said there was just no way—he had suffered a severe and traumatic head wound and would have to be med’evaced.

The Marine Corps is a special fraternity. There are moments when we are reminded of this. Interestingly, those moments don’t always happen at awards ceremonies or in dress blues at Birthday Balls. I have found, rather, that they occur at unexpected times and places: next to a loaded moving van at Camp Lejeune’s base housing, in a dirty CP tent in northern Saudi Arabia, and in a smoky VFW post in western Wyoming.

After the story was done, the Lance Corporal stepped over to the old man, put his arm over the man’s shoulder and told him that he, the Korean War vet, was his hero. The two of them stood there with their arms over each other’s shoulders and we were all silent for a moment. When they let go, I told the Lance Corporal that there were recruits down on the yellow footprints tonight that would soon be learning his story.

I was finished drinking beer and telling stories. I found Chance’s father and shook his hand one more time. Chance’s mom had already left and I deeply regretted not being able to tell her goodbye.

I left Dubois in the morning before sunrise for my long drive back to Billings. It had been my honor to take Chance Phelps to his final post. Now he was on the high ground overlooking his town.

I miss him.

Regards,
LtCol Strobl

Like I said, it's a story about Valor, Honor and Respect. The town of Dubois, Northwestern Airlines, and LTC Strobl deserve our thanks, too.

Semper Fi, Corporal Phelps.

Update: Many have emailed me and asked what they can do to help our soldiers fighting this war. Here is an explanation of a current operation that I am a part of to support the Marines in Fallujah. You can make a difference in this war!

Comments

[Jack Grey]

Really moving story- I wish everyone would read it. Thank you for posting it.

[terry]

A truly fitting home coming for a fallen warrior.

[Leslie]

Thank you for such a beautiful story. Through my tears, I would like to thank all of our soldiers who have made this trip for their service.

[Cyclone]

When you read moving tributes like this to men like this you somehow feel smaller, like your portion is less than it could, or should be. We hear about Ranger Tillman and all that he sacrificed and forget about LCPL Phelps and all that he and his family sacrificed. Our on-line community cheered Ranger Tillman on because he was famous and was doing what many of us had done. We wanted him to succeed because that would bring attention to what everyone who had gone before had accomplished. Then you see on some sites where they try to diminish what he did because they can not imagine anything bigger than themselves. They want his and LCPL Phleps' sacrifice to mean less because they refuse to consider that the world does not revolve around them. What if more people were like Ranger Tillman or LCPL Phelps? Then it would mean that they way that they keep score, through material goods is invalid. There whole life means nothing and they can't accept that so they attack it. Sorry about the rant but I miss Chance and CSM Blachenbechler and SGM Mike Stack and all the rest of my comrades that I never got the opportunity to thank. God Bless and Rest in Peace.

[Chris]

Agreed. We the living, are all small men next to these honored few. Thank you.

[Candy]

I love our USA very deeply, yet it is these - the mighty and great warriors that have made and kept our USA by their untimate sacrifices which continually make the USA what it is. I am deeply, deeply moved by this depiction of one such warrior and so many others that knew and respectfully honored him in that sacrifice. In these moments, all differences and opinions melt away as we are all one in the blood that was and is shed. From a simple common man, with tear filled eyes and heart, thank you, thank you......that you never be forgotten is my prayer.

[JarheadDad]

Well said Cyclone!

The main reason I sent this out was for people to see the incredible patriotic reaction from everyday normal real Americans. We have a tendency to get caught up in the media bias and garbage that the moonbats spew forth and this is a shining example of what real folks think. In a way it restores my faith in the American people!

One of the major talking points is that GW doesn't invade the sanctity of families' time of grief for photo ops with caskets. I challenge anyone that has read this story to tell me where it would be available for the President of the United States to make an appearance that would not make a circus the grieving process these families are going through. I think more of him than I would if he unleashed the pandamonium that is the DC press corps on these grieving families by his attendance at funerals. GW knows what would happen and then the moonbats would be pulling the "he's only doing it for photo ops" BS. You don't think Bush cares about each and every one of our Service men and women? Look at the color of his hair!

Not only should this war not be politicized as was Nam and is happening now with Iraq but true Americans do not politicize the deaths of men and women that have more Honor in their little toes than all the moonbats combined! GW is a man of Honor and knows exactly what would happen to something that is truly private for a family. It is their grief and something that is extraordinarily personal.

While this story is amazingly sad, yeah I'm not ashamed of the tears that rolled down my cheeks, it makes you proud as hell of the sacrifices these young men and women and their families are making for this nation. I want to just jump up and shout "Gob Bless Them" from the hilltops!

Moral of the story? Real Americans "get it"! OooRah!

P.S. As we speak FNC is airing some really awesome footage of a squad of Jarheads fighting in Fallujah! God Bless 'Em!

[Alex in NJ]

I could not help but cry. When it came to the guys with horses, I just broke.
Hail the victorious dead.

[Nancy]

WOW! We are the luckiest Country on earth; we have the finest men and women protecting our freedoms! Thank you, all of you, for the many sacrifices you make. I believe that there are more sincerely appreciative citizens out there than the media ever reports. God bless our troops!

[Laura in PA]

A very touching story. It is great to hear that our military personnel are still receiving the respect they deserve in life and in death. My thoughts and prayers go out to every family that has a member of their family serving in the military.

[Tim Carroll]

The red in the stripe is a little darker from the blood that spilled;
The white is a littler greyer from loss of innocence;
But I would like to think the Stars in the field of Blue are shinning even brighter because of men and women like PFC Phelps, Spec.Tillman and all the other soldiers who have died to defend this great land of ours.
May God Bless all of our Soliders!

[Helen]

I found myself tearing up as I read this. Thanks be to God for the brave men and women who lay themselves on the line for this country. Thanks be to God for the families from which they come who support them and receive them, whatever their condition. Thanks be to God for the everyday average American who is showing love and respect for our military. Lt. Col. Strobl, I didn't know Chance, but thank you for taking care of him on his final journey home.

[Mike Kerwin]

As a former member of the U.S. Army. Vietnam ERA. Semper Fi!!!!!

you won't see or read any of this on niteline. or any news media station or network.

[Bob Armstrong]

This story touched the very fiber of my heart strings, as I read the account of the final journey home for this valiant man who chose to go to a foreign land so that he could lay his life down for us if necessary to keep us free in this great country. I, too, give a slow salute to a fallen comrade who gave his life so I can enjoy my freedom. "Greater love has no one than this, that he would lay his life down for his friends"
John 15:13. Thank you LtCol Strobl for your undying devotion to escort our fallen brother home. And I salute your Sir.....

[Bob Armstrong]

This story touched the very fiber of my heart strings, as I read the account of the final journey home for this valiant man who chose to go to a foreign land so that he could lay his life down for us if necessary to keep us free in this great country. I, too, give a slow salute to a fallen comrade who gave his life so I can enjoy my freedom. "Greater love has no one than this, that he would lay his life down for his friends"
John 15:13. Thank you LtCol Strobl for your undying devotion to escort our fallen brother home. And I salute your Sir.....

[ibejo]

What a great piece of writing. I agree - you'll never read or see something like this in the mainstream. Thanks for posting it and reminding us how lucky we are to live in America and have our greatest protecting our freedoms.

[Cate]

I feel humble.

[Gary S. Freck]

Thank you very much LTC Strobl USMC for your caring and very moving story about Chance. I am moved very deeply and am so proud of all of the Americans that you encountered while escorting Chance. I believe that you encountered everyone from middle America and all of us would have responded as they did. I have been out the service since 1983 but it is proud I am to be an American and former American fighting man. Thanks.

[John]

I have now rendered the slow salute to heroes of three wars, one police action, and a couple of other involvements.

I cannot, however, match the magnificent tribute written by Lt. Col. Strobl.

Goodbye, comrades. I miss and love all of you.

[Da Goddess]

Thank you for sharing this.

[ricki]

wow, that made me cry. But it also made me proud of my country and the people in it and the people who are willing to fight and die for it.

That was a beautiful letter, and thank you for posting it. Sadly, it's the sort of thing you'll never see on the typical evening news program. I wish everyone in the U.S. would read this letter.

[scooter]

More can be seen at Chance's father's website
http://www.johnphelps.com
Including a link to the text & video of a mostly unbiased PBS piece on the funeral of Chance Phelps.

Semper Fi!

[pete]

Man - I am a former Marine - that story is what it is all about - sacrifice, comradeship, fraternity..

Although it made me tear up, it also made me deeply proud of my country, my Corps, Lt.Col Strobl and Chance Phelps.

Semper Fi Marine..

[LC Curtis the Marine]

Thank you for sharing this. My own experience with people's appreciation isn't nearly as dramatic, but it still moves me a decade later. When we returned from Saudi Arabia in 1991, we had a stopover in Bangor, Maine, at 2 in the morning. The airport was full of people, greeting and thanking us as we got off the plane. Amazing.

Semper Fi.

[marc]

Wow. I have no words to express my comingled sorrow and pride...

[Phil Winsor]

Blackfive:

I hate you for sharing this, and I love you for sharing this.

Semper Fidelis

L/Cpl Phil Winsor
USMC
1970-72

ps- You DO realize that is the brotherly type love, right??

[dick]

I live in NYC and I can tell you that the people here who were not directly concerned in the event would be saying "Very nice. Next!!" Thank God that the rest of this country appreciates these young men and their sacrifice.

[Blackfive]

I do, Phil. The man who sent it to me has a son over there in the Marines. I pray for him (and all of them) every damn day.

[Judith]

Thank-you for posting this. Thank-you, Chance for living it.

[AKengineer]

Although I'm normally not a very emotional person (I'm often teased for my inability to get upset about things), I cried all over my keyboard. As a former Air Force officer, I have a special place in my heart for those young men over there making such sacrifices. All Americans should read stories like this to understand what's truly required to defend liberty.

God Bless.

[Rob]

May God watch over our sons and daughters in Iraq and Afghanistan, and may we keep Chance's memory alive.

[Tim]

I'm a Canadian, by way of Ireland, and I'm currently working in the USA on a temporary visa.

This story, so beautifully told, is America to me. It reminds me why I want to live here for the rest of my life, and why I know in my heart that this is truly the greatest country in the world. Something I've learned through experience.

Thank you to all the members of the armed forces who defend our freedoms and bring hope to others in the world.

[The Sanity Inspector]

manoman...

I was actually startled when I got to the end, to remember that I was just reading this tale and not living it.

No, I've got no problem showing pictures of these splendid soldiers on the news.

Thanks so much for posting this.

[sefton]

Thank you so much for posting this.
God Bless You.

Semper Fi.

[Evert V. in NL]

"A century will find us here with every tyrant gone."

Private First Class Chance Phelps, thank you.

[AST]

I just started reading Victor David Hanson's Carnage and Culture. It teaches that the Western way of war is older than Islam, and that in its most lethal form it's a voluntary project where warriors decide that it is worth their own lives to defeat the enemies of their homes.

I thought about this pretty seriously after 9/11, how I'd feel if one of my sons had signed up and was sent to Iraq. I decided that life is to short to live it without honor. PFC Phelps made the most of his life and he lived it with honor. I salute him.

[J.Callihan, Jr.]

"No greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for another." Thank you PFC Chance Pelps, your family and all of the "rough men" that have "ridden", but no longer "ride" on my behalf. I am deeply humbled by such sacrifices. And forever grateful to those that "serve", have served or sacrificed while their loved ones serve(d).

Thank you Lt. Col Stobl for such a beautifully written and gripping account of this latest fallen HERO.

"May the Lord God bless you all richly in comfort", as I am richly blessed in comfort because of you. Thank God the world still has people of principle and gratitude.

J.Callihan, Jr.
Palmetto, FL

[Ronald G. Burnsteel]

Semper Fi from a long ago Lcpl and retired Major.

[Slartibartfast]

That's the best damned thing I've read all year. Not that Chance Phelps died, but that everyone gave honor to him on his journey home.

Thanks, Blackfive. We all need to hear the other side of the story.

[Jim]

This crusty fifty-one-year-old bachelor had to explain to co-workers why he was crying at his computer while eating his lunch.

Thank you, Blackfice, and God be with you, Chance Phelps.

[Burnt Fuse]

That is a beautiful story. *is shedding tears*

[Janet Miles]

Thank you for publishing this essay (I came here from De Doc's Doings at http://www.dedoc.net/olddoings/000296.php ).

My gratitude also to PFC Phelps and Lt. Col. Strobl, for their service to the country and to their Corps.

May Chance Phelps rest in peace and be remembered well; may those who knew and loved him find comfort in their memories.

[Alice]

Hi,
This is the first thing I've read on your site and it made me cry. I love people who serve others and live on the edge. Thank god there are people out there who aren't cowards, who are willing to take on the most colossal challenges life can muster up, and tackle those challenges with class, beauty, dignity, and enthusiasm. I send my thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Strobl for caring enough about this young man to escort him with dignity. Thanks to Chance Phelps for devoting his life to others. What beautiful people.
Alice

[Bob]

Took me back to my own days on an Army Funeral Detail. Lubricated the eyes, and reminded me of real sacrifice, courage, and honor.

Rest your brave soul, Chance Phelps.

[Helen]

Wow. That was incredible.

Simply incredible.

[Dan McWiggins]

Chance Phelps gave "the last full measure of devotion" to free a brutalized people in a distant land. He died for a worthy cause. He has my respect and honor. Lt. Col. Strobl has my sincere gratitude for showing me that so many of my fellow countrymen, despite all the contradicting sound and fury, share the same understanding of how awesomely important such sacrifices are. Chance Phelps truly did lay down his life for his friends. May we, who are left to carry on the work for which he gave his life, be inspired and strengthened by his example.

[Alice]

Dan: Well said.

[brian]

I second the poster's comments from NYC. People here are so pre-occupied with their own distractions to notice little the great sacrifices that are being made by their fellow Americans.

Sadly, most people here bear a mild curiosity at best to those sacrifices. At worst, their cynicsim would not let them dare to care beyond token words.

[John Ebbinghaus]

Thanks for the very touching story about one of our many heroes.

I would very much like your permission to post my new web site www.faces-of-veterans.org that is dedicated to such heroes.

Thank you.
John Ebbinghaus, 11th Airborne Recon Platoon WW2

[jack]

Why use this heart rending article to bash New York?

Right now, as you sit typing your little snide comment there are soldiers, from Staten Island, from the Bronx, from Queens, Manhatten and Brooklyn fighting and dying just like Chance Phelps. And there are people who care.

They are the ones who watched as this thing started. As their friends and neighbors, not soldiers but bankers, cooks secretaries and all the plenum of miscellaneous office workers that went out that day were mercilessly killed. Some of them rode in and answered the call on that day and died saving people from a burning hell.

Don't cheapen this tale with your bigotry and lack of understanding.

Lance Corporal Phelps will be Remembered. Let us honor that memory together.

[Patrick Sanchez]

My dad was a Marine, I thank Lance Corporal Chance for his service to our nation. God Bless him and his family!

[Acton Gorton]

This makes me cry ... the ultimate sacrifice was made by this young man. Duty, Honor and Country.

[Ben Bauman]

Thank you.

Ben Bauman
American Legion Post 105
Veterans of Foreign Wars post 9949

[Larry Walsh]

Thank you very much for recounting of bringing Chance Phelps home. My son, Major John M. Walsh made a similar trip in January, 2002 from Laredo, TX. He was killed, along with 3 other Cobra pilots, in a mishap while flying at night in support of the US Border Patrol. He was escorted back to Camp Pendleton in CA by one of his good friends. My daughter and myself so much appreciated the concern and love shown by the Marines in making sure his body was shown such respect. Your accounting gave me another perspective and a deeper understanding of how it was for the escorter. His squadron is now in Iraq, doing what they have trained to do. I pray for them daily, and all the other men/women we have there. Thanks again for a beautifully written article.

[Scott Turner]

As i am typing this, i wipe the tears from my eyes. It is a sad fact though that the story of Lance Corporal Phelps and many others has been and will be repeated throughout this great and thankful nation. God Bess the United States of America and for everything that our flag stands for.

[Sandra Jane Axtell]

This was an outstanding article and superbly written. My heart felt gratitude for the military escorts of our fallen brave.
God Bless America and God Bless our Armed Services.

Patriotism stands tall with her family of Pride, Love of Country, Fighting Spirit and All For One in this nation.

[Athena]

Absolutely touching.

[Daniel Menard]

Right now I'm active duty USAF and been in about 3 and a half years and lovin every minute of it. Granted my chances of being killed in war are lower than others as the action comes with the job. Aside from losing 2 good friends, 1 being from high school whom was only a marine for only 13 months...reading this article was probably the hardest thing that Ive ever had to do. Much love and thanks to everyone fighting for our country. If I could I'd be right there with you.

[Victor DellaRipa]

I have no military background nor do I know anyone that I knew personally that has joined the military but I must say, this article deeply touched me. I have the utmost respect to all that serve our country. I really must be honest and say that I can't seem to understand why anyone would want to risk their life for their country. That has to be the ultimate sacrifice! My thoughts and prayers go out to all that have served, are serving, and plan to serve our country in the future and to their families as well. Pray for peace!

[Wm Ager]

Read this with dry eyes?... not a chance, I can hardly see the keys let alone the screen. I am truly humbled & grieved, but fortunate to have read this story. I wish I could have known him, I would like to have shook his hand.... I won`t sleep well tonight,I`ll lie awake reflecting on him, his sacrifice & all that we,I owe him. Rest in peace Lance Corporal Phelps ,I won`t forget you that is a promise.

[Galen Surlak]

I can't possibly say anything than what has been said before, as this definately hits home.

Semper Fi.

Lcpl Surlak-Ramsey
USMC
'96-99

[Joni Stewart]

Thanks for taking Chance home. I'm sure there are many more stories of others who have been taken home. May each family who has lost loved ones or whose loved ones are still in the service in our country or abroad, allow God to fill the void you feel in their absence, and may you find comfort in knowing you all are in our prayers.

[MommaMack]

This story touched me deeply, and I have the greatest respect for our military and the compassion they have for each other.
What saddens me is that Chance Phelps never knew just how important and respected he was for the sacrifice he made for the people of Iraq.
Send a letter to any soldier, or one that you know, and tell them what they mean to you and how important their role is in world peace. They would love to hear it. Don't wait until it is too late.

[Michael]

I am often asked by friends and peers why I think so highly of our warriors in the USMC. "Taking Chance Home" will give you the reasons.

In my view, Duty, Honor and Commitment aren’t mere concepts or lofty words that make chests swell at their recitation. They are actions that are animated through these people by the values they demonstrate and the sacrifices they so humbly make. Duty, Honor and Commitment aren't only values for the battlefield, they also represent a creed of living. One need only hear the LtCol's tone to perceive this.

I was truly heartened to hear of the reverence and gratitude shown to the LtCol during his solemn mission.

Reading a story like this saddens me but also gives me great comfort in my countrymen and hope for our future as a nation. It gives me ease to know that my little ones,Connor and Erin, have these people standing a watch over their freedom.

Thank you for presenting such a thoughtful and loving story. I was deeply moved and touched by its expression of fellowship and its reverence for a Marine who has arrived at his last post.

- An American

[Justthisguy]

Yup, serious ophthalmic lubricity here, too.

[Marcos Alvarez]

WOW!!! I am at a loss for words!
This was a truly amazing and heart-felt, tear jerking story. Thank you LtCol Strobl for writing this masterpiece. LCPL Chance, SEMPER FI, Devil Dog!!!! We need warriors like you also keeping the gates of heaven secure.

Once a Marine, Always a Marine
CPL Alvarez, USMC 94-98.

[John Shimko]

I'm passing this one one! This is a MUST READ!

[J]

God bless America, and God bless the Corps.

an RM2(SS), USN

[David L Campbell]

This story was passed to me by my son, a former Marine. It is heart-wrenching and uplifting. It reflects the quiet courage of those who have served so that others, and their families through the years, may sleep peacefully in their own beds.

Cpl Chance has joined that long line of quiet men who have served since the founding of the nation.
Let the rest of us live so that the nation is preserved, and made better for those who will follow. SEMPER FI!

David L Campbell
LTC MI
USA (Ret)

[Steve Fremgen]

This story brought tears to a Viet Nam Marine veteran's eyes. It is good to hear the compassion, love and caring that accompanied PFC Phelps to his resting place.

Semper Fi,

SMF

[Michael S.]

Beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing that with everyone.

But what's this about raising money at a funeral to buy flak vests for our soldiers? Is it true that they don't have enough vests? Could someone please point me to information about this? I know a lot of folks who'd be willing to write checks for a cause like that.

Michael

[Richard Rhodes]

A very moving story about many who know about honour, dignity and sacrifice.It is people like Chance who are the real heroes today, not the movie stars and politicians. God bless all who have served and Thank You from this humble citizen.

[Michelle H]

WOW , what a tear jerker! This story makes me proud of our country & even more so of our TROOPS!A heart felt Thank you , God Bless you & come home safe..........

[Canadian Jumper]

While I was serving in the Canadian Army in the 1960's, many young soldiers took their release and went south and joined the US Armed Forces.
One was a friend of mine who joined the USMC and was KIA in l969. It was always a relief to me to know that he died in the company of the brave and honourable men of the US Marines.
Rest well PFC Phelps. An old trooper wishes you blue skies and soft landings, forever.

[Al]

God Bless the men and women serving our great country so we may live and enjoy the freedom of it. Thank you and may you rest in God's hands now brave one!!!
Semper Fi PFC Phelps

[Chris]

Chance was, is my nephew.. I'm his youngest uncle and spent a lot of time with hime growing up. All I can say is while he was here on earth, he put smiles on a lot of faces and made us all laugh. We all miss him dearly, but know that he is in a far better place beyond our human imagination. God Bless You Chance

[Aquila]

Semper Fi!
Thank you for that post, Blackfive. It certainly shows the high caliber people we have in our military. My sympaties to the family of PFC Phelps and the United States Marine Corps. My thanks to LtCol Strobl for his exquisite tribute to an American hero.

[Salty CPO]

Semper Fi!

As one of the Sailors that support the Marines from the Air and having dodged a few SAM's ourselves in their support I can say this. No one in this conflict is contributing more than our brothers on the ground. They are the true warfighters. Thank You for sharing this with us. When honoring a fallen brother it is our duty to do so with Honor, Courage & Commitment. I only hope that all of our fallen shipmates have been taken care of as well as you took care of Chance.

[MarySlocum]

Thank-you for taking the time to let others know your feelings and for letting some of us who lost loved ones know of the care and respect they get on their journey home. As the aunt of one of the first casualties, I was greatly moved by your story, as I was at the crouds of people who honored him as we laid him to rest. The family of Lance Corporal Thomas J. Slocum now knows how well respected he was all the way from Iraq to Colorado. Thankyou from all of his family.

[Phil Ashley]

Can't possibly say enough, I am very pleased to see this represented on the net. It was sent to me via E-Mail several weeks ago, I have not cried like that many times in my 63 years.

God Bless our young ones for taking the fight to them. And Damn the Liberals that think this will go away, not hardly after hundreds of years of hate for Christianity!

[Greg Thompson]

Thank you PFC Phelps for your service and sacrifice to our nation.

Lt Col Strobl thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences during Taking Chance Home.

The caliber and character of these two men make me proud to be an American and retired USAF. Who would not be proud to call either their Brothers in Arms?

Lt Col Greg "Lowlife" Thompson, USAF (Ret)

[Sonny Dollar]

This is truly a great story. I am a Vietnam Vet from 66-67. I was glad to be a part of the fight for freedom. I lost a lot of friends but the closet friend I ever will have was my Dad who died while I was serving for him and the rest of the good Ole U.S.A. in Nam. Thank you Col Strobl and Chance Phelps and all military personel. May God bless you and all of your love ones for sharing you to continue to fight for our freedom.

[Everett Mansfield]

God Bless all the men and women that put on the uniform for this Great Country "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". Thank all veterans that have lived and died to defend our freedom. Freedom is never Free.

Thank You!!

[elah]

And now...

"I TOO AM MISSING CHANCE"

:(

[Bill Hamblin]

Many of the people of Iraq have no concept about what this country has done for them. They have no concept of the sense of honor, duty, and devotion that dwells in the spirit and the souls of these fine young soldiers, sailors, airmen, and MARINES. Freedom, democracy, liberty; concepts that have never been experienced by an entire nation due to totalitarian rule, religious fanatacism, and outright evil. Chance died assuring our safety and our liberty, by challenging the threat to ur nation on their turf, not ours. I feel so grateful and so humbled by this young man's giving of his all. There are no real words to say it well.

Bill Hamblin
Smithville, TN
Semper Fidelis Chance, You've been very Faithful.

[Michelle]

Maybe it's time to bring the boys home

[Thom]

Sad to see young men dying for old men's wars

[Blackfive]

Maybe it's time for you to get a hobby and it's sad to see you use this touching story about great citizens for your own disgusting purposes.

I usually don't ban people but don't come here and turn the tribute to a Marine into some twisted and cowardly political statement. Not on my blog.

[zeluna]

Thanks for posting it Blackfive.

I wept.

God Bless them all

[Daniel]

Good website!

[Chandra]

Thank you for bringning Chance home it means a lot to all of us!! I miss him dearly too. Along with my best friends who were Chances cousin God Bless you all

[Ralph]

This was a moving story that brought tears to my eyes. God Bless all of our Servicemen and their families. You are all in my prayers.

[Richard J. Walsh MMCS USN RET]

He who can read this without tears in his eyes is either totaly cold hearted or unable to understand what the Brotherhood Of Warriors is.

[Ron White]

I'm former Army rather than Marines, but the impact and importance of the millions of young men and women like Chance throughout our nation's history crosses all boundaries. May God bless all of those who serve and defend our country, and especially their loved ones at home.

Ron White
Branch Chief, Byron Public Library, Byron, GA
Served 2/11 ACR, US Army, Bad Kissingen, Germany, 1982-84

[LTC Maella Lohman]

I retired less than a year ago. My very last TDY was escort to a friend, LTC Buddy Minnon. I had been a casualty officer, but never escort. As this was a friend, the duty had double meaning. My experience was so like this one - respect and special treatment all along the way. This email brought back memories, but also told me that our stories are the same. When we help with the last trip home, we are part of a special team. This country is great in that no matter what people personally believe about the war, they respect our sacrifice. God bless each one of you still out there serving.
LTC(R) Maella Lohman
215th Finance Battalion, Ft Hood, TX

[jerry]

It was a real touching story of real life and really touches the heart.Private Chance was another soldier that gave all for his country.God bless him and his family.

[St. Louis Detachment 184 Marine Corps League]

We were so touched by this fine example of what Marines are all about, that we added the story to our web page. Tell Chesty good night, Chance - rest easy Marine!

[Raymond Larkin]

Thank you, Marines.

Thank you.

[Jill]

I am awed and proud at the respect so many have shown towards "Chance". Let it be so for all our fallen soldiers

[VicToria Tallman Freudiger]

Yesterday, a friend of mine gave me the written account, "Taking Chance" because he knew that I love the reading, editing and publishing great writers. After reading this account, I decided it would truly be awesome to try and find LtCol Strobl to see if he would like to have this and maybe even a complete book published. LtCol Strobl is an awesome, almost flawless writer with heart and soul. If there is a way to get my name, email address and website address to him, I'd appreciate him knowing that I'd like to publish his works. Bravo for the wonderful job this writer has done of providing a glance to the world at not only history in the making, but emotions of love and care and comfort beautifully portrayed. Thank you LtCol Strobl for sharing your heart and soul with the world. Yours truly, VicToria

[Jeremy Brandl]

I've known Chance for as long I can remember. He's tought me alot and I only wish I could have seen him and talked to him one more time before he died. He was like a brother, and to my mother and father a son. My parents were unable to go to the funral but I was one of the Boy Scouts from troop 56 whiched held he flags for Chance as he was carried to his final resting place.

Jeremy J. Brandl age 14

[Jacyra]

I have been sitting for a while reading this and I can't help but feel sad.That was very touching.My fiance was deployed to the Middle East last year and he came home safely.Thank God.I don't know what I would have done if he had been killed or wounded.I will be praying for Chance's family and all the soldiers' families who have suffered with losses of their loved ones.God Bless our country.
Jacyra,19
Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio-TX

[Susan M.]

This is the most beautiful story I have ever read is you are reading my comment please forward this story to everyone you know. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Susan, 21
St. Louis, MO

[carol]

you go big guys

[Amy]

This is such a moving story. May his family find peace. May all our boys and girls come home soon, but not as Chance had to. I respect his sacrifice being former military myself.

Blessings,
Amy

[Ben Mira]

This is a bit long, but you won't quit until the end (except to wipe away a tear). It brought back the memories of when my guard unit lost Chief Warrant Officer II Bill Sberna at AT in Alabama. Being a close friend of the family I was tasked with driving his truck back home and then being part of the Honor Guard during the Military Funeral. The range of emotions that you experience, (grief, sorrow, guilt, sympathy, pride, anger, every emotion at every level and all combinations of each) is such a roller coaster that once its all over and your alone, you collapse and feel spent but know the best way to honor the lost one is for you to continue on with the PRIDE and PATRIOTISM that every Soldier has in their blood!

[Walking for Chance]

We are Walking for Chance in the 2004 Marine Corp Marathon. You may join our group and run or walk with us or form a group to collect pledges for Walking for Chance. 100% of the proceeds of our efforts will go directly to the Chance Phelps Memorial Fund to send Brunton binoculars to Chances' fellow Marines in Iraq. Read about it www.walkingforchance.com

[Steven Laing]

A wonderful reflection on a young man.He lived with Honor and Dignity,and the article expressed that.I live in this country because of sacrifices that have been given.I am forever grateful for the men and women of our armed forces,for without them this world would be completely different.Independence,civil,ww1,ww2,korea,vietnam,and the middle east wars.The courage chance displayed in the firefight that claimed his life,shows the strength of character that a very young man cultivated.God Bless him and his family.These words are not enough.

[Kelly]

SEMPER FI Cpl Chance, as a fellow Marine who has just recently returned from Iraq I thank you for guarding us while we were there. You will never be forgoten.

SSGT USMC

[Adrian Campos]

Rest in peace Chance, and all my other brothers and sisters who have fallen in combat.

[susi]

nice idee please go on

http://www.zigeuner-karten.de

[susi]

nice idee please go on

http://www.zigeuner-karten.de

[1LT Andy, US Army]

Fantastic article. Just what I needed. I returned from Iraq, injured, two weeks ago. This morningh I found out a young man, like Chance, and from my unit was KIA on 21 Jul 04 ion Ad-Duluyiah, Iraq. I was then told that he would be taken to my hometown to be lain to rest. I felt it my duty as an officer and being from the same town as this fine young man to request the privilege of escorting him home. I have no idea how it will affect but this helps.

Rest in peace, Chance. God is bringing you another fine young man.

[Virginia]

An astoundingly beautiful essay, on one of our incredible young men. I hold the idea that my Dad, W.L. "Bill" Cook, Jr., was amongst those who greeted Chance Phelps as he entered the Kingdom of Heaven, executing the slow salute. God rest you all.

[Cpl shelton, david]

Our commander always said "St. Barbers got our front and Phelps got our rear" i never knew phelps although alot of our new troops did...they alway said it was strange because..they'ed wake up and look over at his rack and no one was there, he was just there the other day, it doesnt seem real.....i dont know where im going with this but...alot more of us should've died...more than once, more than twice...even within the safety of the camp we were bombed on, if not daily every three days..but definitely every week...
...but beacause of prayers and somone watching over us we've made it thus far....
all i can say is thank you

[Mamamontezz]

I just wanted you to know that I've linked back to this and reproduced Lt. Col. Strobl's accounting in it's entirety. I rather hoped that L.Cpl. Renehan's family would find some comfort in it.

You really ought to consider putting it up in your list of posts in the gutter. I think in other towns, in other homes, today and into the immediate future this would help some families understand a little better, and know that their loved one was cherished on his or her final journey home.

[Lcpl Lemiszki]

Ladies and Gentlemen, I served in 3/11 with Chance In Iraq. I only got the chance (no pun intended) to meet him once, and the only thing I can recall was this boisterous man who was chewing on a cigar and cracking jokes non-stop.

A few months later, I can recall the last thing our Battalion Comminding Officer, LtCol Connally, said at the change of command ceremony; just before he left:
"Gents, if nothing else, there is one thing I want you to remember: Saint Barbera is always with you, and Phelps has always got your back."

Thanks you for posting this article.

[SSgt/E5 Yasmine Redmond]

I just to wanted to say THANK-YOU LtCol Strobl for telling this story. After reading this account of a true hero's life, I plan on passing this story on to my fellow co-workers and troops that I supervise daily. Everyone in this world needs to hear this story so maybe all American's can imagine and understand the sacrifices that all Military Personnel go through daily and be thankful that we in the military protect FREEDOM for everyone no matter what the cost is, in this story it was the ultimate cost of a MARINE'S life. Again THANKS TO ALL WHO SERVE PROUDLY EVERYDAY NO MATTER WHAT THE COST !!!!!!

V/R
Yasmine Felis Redmond, SSgt/E5, USAF

[1LT Mitchell, Ricky M.]

LTC Strobl,

I just finished reading about Chance's journey home from MSN website, so I had to do a web search on this American Soldier. No matter how many stories I hear about honor, duty, and valor, I still get choked up. I served as the Summary Court officer for a hero from Afgan who died while at Brooke Army Medical Center, and the time I spent inventoring his belongings and communicating with his family, reaffirmed my love for Country, Family, and the Military. Your story is what this Country is all about. Love, respect, sacrifice, loyalty, and honor. I will go alittle further and say A Military of One.

Thank You,
1LT Mitchell, Ricky
U.S. Military (US Army)

[Dave Carlo]

LTC Strobl,

Thank you for honoring Chance. I had the privilege of coaching him in his final football game of his young life-the 3A Colorado state title game. He played like he lived, going a hundred miles an hour with his hair on fire! His dying a little over a year after high school was hard on us all, but he showed us all how to live...with honor.

God blessed America with men like you and Chance.

Thank you,

David A. Carlo
Asst. Football Coach
Social Studies Teacher
Palisade High School
Palisade, CO

[Spc Christa Amick]

I found this actually some time ago.. and added it to my yahoo profile as one of my links bc I wanted people to read about Chance. First time I read this I bawled my eyes out. I am not a marine, however I respect my brothers and sisters of the armed forces who are doing their part during this horrible time. God Bless everyone!

[Lyric Mezzo]

Every time I drive from my home in Bella Vista, Arkansas to Siloam Springs, I see a video store with the words "God Bless Our Troops - USA Rocks!" painted on the window.

In the other direction, when I drive to Eureka Springs, I pass by a farm gate that has been decorated with red, white and blue Christmas lights.

Seeing these things reminds me that there are many who honor our troops and their mission. Reading this article just drove it home for me - that everyday people, who aren't necessarily perusing the blogosphere every day, are very compassionate and caring about our soldiers. The respect and honor they showed for Chance makes me proud to be an American - and an Army-brat, daughter of a Vietnam Special Forces Vet!

God Bless our Troops!

USA Rocks!!!!!

[Lori H., Proud mom of Two of The Few]

Still remembering - and still honoring - our heroes. Godspeed, Chance. We will NEVER forget.

[Tami aka Marine Mom]

Thank you for posting this story. I read it with tears in my eyes through most of it. Having a son in Iraq, and having to do tributes to all of his fallen brothers in the 3/7, it touched my heart deeply once again.

Semper Fidelis, Corporal Phelps. And thank you for making his return home bearable for his family, LtCol Strobl.

[Bob Lambert]

My hat is off to LtCol Strobl for the article he wrote about taking Corporal Phelps home. As a Vietnam Veteran, I and my wife have taken on as our duties attending funerals in the Oklahoma area for Fallen Heroes of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. We have attended a great number of them so far, and pray that they will end soon. However, with LtCol Strobl's article, it is the very first time that I hear about the great repect and honors accorded our Fallen Heroes when they are transferred from Dover DE to their home towns where they will be laid to rest. I read that article very carefully as I wiped tears from my eyes several times. It did my heart good to hear that they (Fallen Heroes) were not treated as just some regular cargo ... But as someone very special. Thank you LtCol Strobl for the article. You have made my day!

[Shane Brazil]

It had been a while since I first read this tremendous story of heroism, honor and duty. It is something that deserves to be read again and not forgotten. I know the Phelps family because of our vacations to Dubois and once again wish to pass on my thanks to them and Chance for the sacrifices they endured. My daughter's boyfriend is currently serving in Iraq in the Marines and we think of him everyday and write him often. Please take time and write to those you know serving their country. It is important they know we at home support and appreciate their efforts.

Thanks to all serving past and present!

A Grateful Veteran

1Lt. C Shane Brazil
2/17th Infantry 7th Infantry Div
U.S. Army

[Gary Phelps]

I am a cousin of Chance's dad, John R. Phelps. Like all of you who have submitted comments, I was shocked by Chance's death and awed by Lt. Col Strobl's account. I have just been advised by my John's and my last living aunt who lives in Denver, that HBO is planning a movie adaptation of the story to be called "Taking Chance". If anyone knows more about that effort, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

You might also be interested to know that my father-in-law (who passed away in December, 2005 at age 89) was also a US Marine hero as one of the WWII Wake Island Defenders who held on through many Japanese attacks from 12/8/1941 to 12/23/1941. He spent the rest of WWII in a series of Japanese prison camps and continued to serve our country as a Marine until his retirement in 1964. Even though I am only a veteran of one tour with the US Navy (1963-1967), I still am proud to say SEMPER FI!

[Chris Woolnough]

"A soldier died today"

A soldier died in the war today,
He had a face, a name, a life.
He was our sons, our daughters,
He had children and a wife.
He sacrificed his future,
In the name of democracy,
He died so every one of us,
Could live in a land that's free.
He was a man of honor,
Morals and integrity were his guide,
He was a true young patriot,
His heart was filled with pride.
A soldier lost the battle today,
He will grace this earth no more,
He gave his blood, sweat, and tears,
To protect our mighty shore.
He fought with courage till the end,
For beliefs he held strong and true,
A soldier laid down his life today,
He died for me and you.
Did you shed a tear for him?
Did you thank him for his life?
Did you grieve the fatherless children?
Did you support his widowed wife?
Will you honor him with remembrance,
Of that precious life he gave?
Are you grateful for your freedom,
That he fought so hard to save?
Do you know a parents ultimate grief,
That lost their courageous son?
Can you gaze into your child's eyes,
And kiss them when the day is done?
A soldier went to heaven today,
He was playing war's deadly game.
Will you honor and respect him?
Do you even know his name?
He shed his blood for you.
Did you bow your head to pray?
We lost a hero and a savior,
When a soldier died today.


Chris Woolnough 4/10/04

[JAMES HARVEY]

I can relate to LtCol Strobl's account. In December 1948 I was stationed at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in the Marine barracks, and was part of a funeral detail for the bodies of WW2 caualties. We attended 5 funerals per day five days a week. It was a very sobering occasion and the relatives of these men couldn't thank us enough for our service, but we were proud to do this service. James O. Harvey former Sgt. USMC

[KG Peterson, CWO4]

Semper Fi Lad.

Where do we find young men such as these, and how are we so fortunate that they are willing to do what must be done to keep the rest of us free?

Words fail me....

Thank You Marine. The Tun Tavern is open for you. No details. You are off watch. May God watch over you and all of your brothers in arms. Rest. You have earned it.

[Sylvia LaFrance]

I wrote this for my grandson while he was still in Iraq. He is home now, a changed man, living more thoughtfully and respectfully than before, for the life he has, and for those who lost theirs.

Grandson In Iraq

Big American flag at the front door.
Small one by the back door.
The sign in my window says “Freedom isn’t free.”
The screensaver on my computer is a map
of the world at night, the groupings of bright lights,
and the lack of lights in areas of want.
My grandson is in a dark place.
Picture in a silver frame, of a young man
with an insignia upside down,
so new to the uniform he didn’t notice that detail.
Another photo of his little family,
a pretty young wife, a baby with a whimsical face,
and Nathan- husband, father, soldier.
Another picture of my daughter and her son.
She loves him so… her only child.
She is lost in worry, and the business of her every day world
takes more effort than it usually does, as her mind wanders
from the tasks at hand to a faraway place.
Everybody who hears from him,
tells everybody else that he is OK, for today.
We watch the headlines, listen to the TV news.
We know how fragile life is, and how tenacious…
Our sweet boy will come home,
and do all those hazardous things
that he has always done,
to give us collective gray hair.
I remember that my Mother’s brother,
didn’t come back from Bataan.
That sorrow she lived with for the rest of her long life.
We pray, for safety, and character, and God’s Will.
And keep our fingers crossed, anyway.

Sylvia LaFrance
June 2005 ~ Portland, Oregon

[Dan Freed]

I had the pleasure to serve with Chance in ramadi, although not in his platoon, we all knew the same people. It could have been me and sometimes I think it should've been. We lost chance, the only one of 3/11, and as a machine gunner myself I'll say that it takes some balls to get up in that hole, Chance was a warrior. We all were saddened deeply and I was there to morn the loss in front of the CP in ramadi, I remember it like yesterday. I will never forget him eventhough we didn't know eachother, crazy to think his hooch was a 20 second walk from mine. God Speed Chance, we'll see you soon.

Dan Freed
3/11 Kilo

[Old Navy]

From an old retired Senior Chief Petty Officer
to all UNITED STATES MARINES two words - WELL
DONE - shipmates.

MMCS(SW) Ken Badoian USN , Ret.

First I would like to say thank you Sir, Lieutenant Colonel Strobl, for sharing your story. I have read it many times and everytime I wipe the tears away. It was an honor meeting you in Dubois, WY.
Every once in a while I like to sit down and reflect the changes I have seen during my career in the Marine Corps. I have done many funerals with Fox Co (-) Salt Lake City, UT and I will always remember my first, Chance Phelps.
I knew his name before I had the chance to know him as a person. It's strange how things work out like that. I met his family and his friends and with each story I heard about him brought me that much closer to almost knowing him personally. I remember the stories about him and watching the video of his life growing up.
After all was said and done, I cried with the family and friends because they lost someone very special and close to them. I cried for my own reasons, I had lost a brother.

Semper Fi Chance