PFC Phelps

I grew up next door to a family that very nearly mirrored our own. Five kids, but they have 3 girls and 2 boys, and we have 2 girls, 3 boys. We moved away when I was thirteen, but Alisa and I were the oldest, and bumped into each other again in college. I'm pretty sure we are friends for life, and we often joke that she's my "Oldest" friend, since we've known each other since we were one.

Her brother James (I know him as Jamie), is a US Marine (another similarity), and Jamie unfortunately experienced the ugliest side of the war in Iraq when his humvee was ambushed. Jamie was slightly injured, but lost one of his good friends, Chance Phelps, during the ambush. I remember when this all happened, as Alisa and I stayed in touch, and Mrs. Cooper has been in touch with my Mom, and they share stories about being a Marine Mom. I remember being so glad and thankful that Jamie was safe, but saddened by the loss of this Marine that I didn't even know.

Time went by, and I've followed Chance's story, as Alisa sent me links to the efforts Chance's Mother has made on his behalf. I remember her saying that one of the buildings on the Marine base in California was being named in his honor. I was further moved when I read the story/blog of the Marine that escorted Pfc. Phelps back to his hometown for burial. You can read his account (and not without a tear) at: http://www.blackfive.net/main/2004/04/taking_chance.html .


Now, apparently, this story has been made into a movie for HBO. Alisa has kept me in the loop on this as well. If any of you have HBO, and can record it for me, I would be so grateful.

Here is the message Alisa sent me about the movie:

http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/12/25/sundance-movie-trailer-taking-chance/


This is the link to the film trailer of the movie "Taking Chance." It is based on PFC Chance Phelps who was killed in Iraq. Chance was the gunner in my brother's humvee when they were ambushed in Iraq on April 9, 2004.
The movie is set to air on HBO in February.