TAKING CHANCE - A HBO FILM

It's a remarkable story that was faithfully produced from an escort trip report originally prepared by LTC Michael Strobl for his superiors. He volunteered to do this duty of accompanying one of the US Marine Corp soldiers repatriated back to the US after being killed in Iraq. Then PFC Chance Russell Phelps (posthumously promoted to LCP) was already decorated with six ribbons for his action in the war theatre at Iraq, having been in the service for just a year and a half. There is nothing to make you feel raw in realising how much this young man was destined to do in his brief life, as son, brother, friend and soldier. His personal belongings on his body were washed and carried in a red velvet by LTC Strobl until he delivered these personal effects into the hands of Phelps' parents. From Strobl's own witnessing of the events he experienced as he undertook this particular duty, he became moved by the "chance" encounters which unfolded as his own companion in the casket evoked incredible response from all around, by strangers and passer-bys. Through this profoundly moving film, inspired by these true events, LCP Chance Phelps will be able to move even more hearts and minds towards the ideas of service and sacrifice which our selfish world often ignores and forgets. His story - that of Strobl and Phelps, have inspired many other servicemen to better understand and appreciate their calling and duty, and for others who serve in our own respective countries' armed forces, respect the duty, honour and dignity which in death is no less preserved for those who fell. I don't know if anyone could watch this film and not be moved. I hope that Phelps' parents and family, and friends, will always be comforted with the knowledge how his life and death has been so inspiring, and for Strobl, that the journey he undertook in April 2004, eight days after Phelps fell in Iraq, would awaken this great sense of appreciation we ought to have and press to remember, for those who served and have falled in service. Not just in these recent conflicts, but also those great wars of our fathers and grandfathers, where liberty of the free world was threatened by the madness of individuals and groups. For this reason, I hope we always remember all service men and women in our prayer, that they be safe and kept in God's care in their work, always. May they all return with success to their homes soon, and lead lives of peace and fulfilment.