Taking Chance

en
00:00:03 Blue 1 to blue 2, checkpoint
00:00:07 Copy, leader 1
00:00:09 Blue 2, we have a suspicious
00:00:13 moving pretty fast. Over.
00:00:16 Army corps 4, is he slowing down?
00:00:18 Blue 1, why are you driving so slow?
00:00:20 - You worried about a ticket? Over.
00:00:31 Phelps is down! Phelps is down!
00:05:34 - Good morning, sir.
00:05:37 Once we're quartered,
00:05:39 and squadron-level readiness and
00:05:41 today's brief will focus
00:05:43 The slide indicates that
00:05:46 is not as bad as they are reporting.
00:05:47 However, sir, as you are aware,
00:05:51 for 300 additional augments.
00:05:53 Given the insurgency in Al-Anbar
00:05:56 and the recent spike in casualties,
00:05:58 it's not surprising that
00:06:01 Sir, it's my recommendation to just
00:06:04 to cover their casualties
00:06:09 How many of you have
00:06:15 I know you've spent a lot of time
00:06:18 a bunch of analysts contradict
00:06:27 I don't know. With all
00:06:30 it makes you wonder if we're losing
00:06:34 Sometimes I wish I was over there.
00:06:37 I don't know, sir.
00:06:39 Be careful what you wish for, right?
00:06:45 Hey, dad.
00:06:46 - Hello, everybody.
00:06:50 Guess who came in first
00:06:53 Let me guess.
00:06:54 You? High-five. That's great!
00:07:00 Listen, guys, how about we get some
00:07:04 I think that sounds
00:07:08 What are you cooking here?
00:07:09 White chicken chili
00:07:14 - You're getting creative.
00:07:46 Let us pray.
00:07:48 Ready. Down.
00:07:55 - Ready, 2
00:07:59 Forward march.
00:08:12 Bearers, halt.
00:08:16 That is not nice.
00:08:20 Dad, I think I got all of
00:08:23 I'll throw a quick one
00:08:27 T-o-r-i...
00:09:01 Sir, last night I read the DOD
00:09:05 He is from my home town,
00:09:08 I don't know if this falls to us
00:09:11 or to the Pentagon, but,
00:09:13 sir, if the duty does fall to us.
00:09:15 I would be honored
00:09:19 It's a little unusual
00:09:22 Yes, sir, I know that, but...
00:09:24 I would very much
00:09:28 I'm going out of town for a few days.
00:09:31 - Tomorrow morning?
00:09:34 I volunteered for escort duty.
00:09:38 There was this private 1st class,
00:09:41 He's from Clifton.
00:09:48 What is this about, Mike?
00:09:51 It's not about anything.
00:09:57 It's gonna be a quick trip, Stace.
00:10:00 I'll be back next week.
00:12:19 Please tell the family I'm so
00:12:23 I will.
00:12:31 I love you.
00:13:02 The remains are to travel feet 1st
00:13:04 when being transported
00:13:08 At every stop,
00:13:09 you must ensure that the remains
00:13:12 At each transfer point,
00:13:14 regardless of the mode of transport,
00:13:16 you will render honors.
00:13:18 Your duty, is not complete
00:13:21 until you have delivered
00:13:24 Escorts are not required
00:13:26 However, should you decide to stay,
00:13:28 there are specific guidelines
00:13:31 At no point are you to discuss
00:13:33 the nature of the deceased's death,
00:13:35 no are you to speculate
00:13:44 You may deliver the personal effects
00:13:53 These effects must stay
00:13:56 at all times until delivery.
00:14:17 Gentlemen, we have
00:14:20 We form about in the drive and
00:14:29 Detail,
00:14:31 attention!
00:14:33 Present arms!
00:14:46 Order arms!
00:14:56 Present arms!
00:15:07 Dismissed!
00:15:27 I'm afraid we've taken
00:15:29 He's not ready for departure today.
00:15:34 ... but not what he
00:15:37 Imagine an evolution
00:15:41 ... the attack tonight comes
00:15:43 between insurgents and
00:15:47 Marines in Fallujah today pushed
00:15:49 into the chaotic city
00:15:51 They met with heavy fire from assault
00:16:40 I bet you didn't know
00:16:44 He was quite impresse, your PFC.
00:16:47 He's so decorated
00:16:51 I didn't know him.
00:16:52 You can be sure that
00:16:55 Appreciate it, Colonel.
00:16:58 You know, whether it's now
00:17:01 But just in case...
00:17:04 He's a military shrink.
00:17:08 I'm good, thanks.
00:17:10 It's just an FYI.
00:17:15 Colonel Strobl, sir,
00:17:19 Transport will deliver you
00:17:21 with your final destination,
00:17:24 Wyoming?
00:17:26 I thought I was on my way
00:17:28 He joined up out in Colorado,
00:17:31 That's where his family
00:17:35 - That all right?
00:17:38 I have PFC Phelps's
00:17:41 We'll now do our
00:17:44 Sir, Phelps's parents are divorced,
00:17:47 so you'll have an extra
00:17:49 That way, the mother
00:18:12 If you could make sure everything's
00:18:17 I also have a...
00:18:18 letter Phelps's platoon commander
00:18:30 Colonel, the mortuary specialist
00:18:34 However, these remains
00:18:37 It's been my privilege
00:18:45 That's everything, we'll need to make
00:18:59 Sir, I need you to verify that
00:19:01 and that you are
00:19:19 Present arms!
00:19:52 - Feeling okay?
00:19:56 We're almost there.
00:20:02 Do you always do these routes?
00:20:06 I just started 6 months ago.
00:20:08 Nobody in my family's in the military
00:20:13 But I thought about joining up.
00:20:16 Yeah, but I was too chickenshit.
00:20:20 Sorry. I mean too chicken.
00:20:23 You can say shit.
00:20:24 Oh, cool.
00:20:26 And plus the whole haircut thing.
00:20:28 I'm in a band and...
00:20:30 you know, you got to keep it long
00:20:35 What about you?
00:20:38 My deal? My deal is complicated.
00:20:43 When did you join up?
00:20:45 When I was 17.
00:20:48 My parents had to sign something
00:20:51 Yeah, that's young.
00:20:53 I know,
00:20:55 but I couldn't bear
00:20:58 All I wanted was to be a marine
00:21:00 and I joined up.
00:21:02 You graduate from boot camp,
00:21:06 and you see these things
00:21:09 It's hard, of course, but...
00:21:11 it's fun.
00:21:13 - It's fun?
00:21:15 I'm serious.
00:21:19 I've got to be honest.
00:21:21 No offense, but...
00:21:23 I don't really get what
00:21:26 But...
00:21:28 last summer these 2 guys
00:21:31 and one of them ended up
00:21:36 And last time I heard, he was
00:21:40 - Walter Reed.
00:21:44 The other one,
00:21:50 I just wanted to do something.
00:22:17 Hey, Henry.
00:22:20 How you doin'?
00:22:24 Colonel...
00:22:26 whenever you're ready.
00:22:54 - Will you do me a favor?
00:22:56 - Let the family know
00:22:58 - Will do.
00:23:00 You're a good man, Rich.
00:23:02 - Thanks.
00:23:05 All right. See ya.
00:23:07 Attention, passengers.
00:23:18 Welcome to Northwest Airlines.
00:23:22 I have a voucher.
00:23:24 He's the military escort.
00:23:35 I've booked you through to Billings,
00:23:37 but you can get your bags off
00:23:40 I upgraded you to 1st class
00:23:42 all the way to Billings.
00:23:48 Thanks.
00:23:51 Thank you for your service.
00:24:04 Thanks again.
00:24:07 Belt, shoes,
00:24:13 All metal out of your pockets.
00:24:16 Sir, your bag needs to go through.
00:24:18 Yeah, you can wand this bag, but
00:24:22 Please don't tell me
00:24:25 The bag can't go through.
00:24:27 Well, it's your call.
00:24:29 Bag check, male.
00:24:32 Sir, I need you to remove your jacket
00:24:37 I can't remove the jacket.
00:24:39 - Is there a supervisor around?
00:24:42 Remove your jacket.
00:24:44 I will not remove this jacket
00:24:49 You have a lot of metal on your jacket.
00:24:54 Take me to a private room
00:24:56 and wand me there.
00:25:01 Turn around, please.
00:25:56 - Excuse me, sir. Are you the escort?
00:25:59 - How you doing?
00:26:00 - I need to get down
00:26:03 - Sure.
00:26:12 - So where you from?
00:26:15 It's a long time
00:26:18 - You?
00:26:19 My old man was career air force,
00:26:22 - How was that?
00:26:25 I actually kind of miss it
00:26:27 We're gonna wait right here.
00:26:30 Yeah, the moving around is kind of cool
00:26:34 you get married, have kids,
00:26:37 You do this escort stuff, mostly?
00:26:39 Me? No, I...
00:26:43 - I volunteered for this one.
00:26:55 - I need to verify.
00:27:06 - You can stand right here if you want.
00:27:49 - 2A?
00:27:53 Excuse me. Thank you.
00:28:12 Can I get you something to drink?
00:28:14 Jack daniels rocks, please.
00:28:16 - And for you, sir?
00:28:20 What's the matter?
00:28:23 Yes, I am.
00:28:37 Excuse me, sir?
00:28:40 I want you to have this.
00:29:28 It'll be a couple of minutes.
00:29:30 We're waiting on a conveyor.
00:29:33 But we're gonna get
00:29:36 then we'll remove the remains.
00:29:37 I'd like to keep him separate
00:29:40 That's the plan. We're not gonna
00:29:42 All right.
00:29:45 You know, there's another escort
00:29:48 - I've seen a lot of you guys lately.
00:30:00 Evening.
00:30:04 Evening, sir. I wasn't expecting
00:30:07 I got a connecting flight.
00:30:11 It's been fine.
00:30:13 It's weird though, sir.
00:30:16 They all know,
00:30:18 like, without me telling anyone.
00:30:21 Both at Philadelphia
00:30:25 I guess they figured it out
00:30:27 Yeah, you know,
00:30:29 which is...
00:30:30 okay, because I'm not
00:30:36 It looks like yours
00:30:41 Present... Arms!
00:30:50 Order... Arms!
00:30:55 When you're ready, we'll go over to the
00:30:58 Yeah, okay. Just give me a minute.
00:31:04 So what's your
00:31:06 I'm headed to rochester.
00:31:12 My family is meeting us there.
00:31:20 Are you related to
00:31:23 Yes, sir.
00:31:26 He's my brother.
00:31:33 Present... Arms!
00:31:46 Order... Arms!
00:32:07 Well, you... Take care of
00:32:13 Thank you, sir.
00:32:16 You too.
00:32:56 So he can just, stay here all night?
00:32:59 - Yeah.
00:33:01 Don't worry.
00:33:05 When you're ready, we have a taxi
00:33:10 Actually, I tell you, if I could
00:33:13 I really don't want
00:33:16 You want to sleep in here?
00:33:20 I need to check with my supervisor.
00:33:24 Could you?
00:33:25 I know it's late,
00:33:36 I had this in my jeep.
00:33:37 It should be a little
00:33:41 Thanks.
00:33:43 - Thanks, I appreciate that.
00:33:46 Good night.
00:34:50 I heard we were
00:34:52 - You must be the escort.
00:34:54 - Tom garrett.
00:34:56 Where'd you get that
00:34:59 Desert Storm.
00:35:01 I was flying an A-10
00:35:04 Man, we tore it up over there.
00:35:07 You guys were good.
00:35:09 I was a lieutenant, artillery battalion,
00:35:13 You've been...
00:35:14 back this time around?
00:35:17 No, I'm a numbers cruncher now.
00:35:19 I analyze manpower at Quantico.
00:35:23 Well, I guess you saw
00:35:27 No, not so much.
00:35:29 I tell you,
00:35:33 Excuse me.
00:36:19 Thank you.
00:36:22 Thank you.
00:36:41 - Annie.
00:36:44 I guess we're travel mates
00:36:46 I have tons of magazines.
00:36:49 Thank you.
00:37:00 HOT SOLDIER SITTING
00:37:06 It's marine, actually.
00:37:10 How embarrassing.
00:37:12 It's okay.
00:37:13 Trust me,
00:37:19 I can't believe how fast you get
00:37:23 I have a lot to say.
00:37:43 Welcome to Billings, folks.
00:37:46 I'm going to ask that you
00:37:49 During this flight,
00:37:51 I've had the honor of carrying
00:37:55 I'm going to inconvenience you
00:37:58 while the escort
00:38:02 - I didn't know. I'm so sorry.
00:38:05 - keep the family in your thoughts.
00:38:09 Thanks for the company.
00:38:59 Well, I'm off to Cheyenne.
00:39:02 - Thanks for the smooth flying.
00:39:05 What was his name, your marine?
00:39:08 PFC Chance Phelps.
00:39:10 Chance Phelps.
00:39:13 I know the name of every KIA
00:39:17 You take care of yourself.
00:39:19 Thanks. You too.
00:39:52 I'm Gary
00:39:54 - from Rafferty's funeral home.
00:39:57 It's a real honor to meet you, sir.
00:40:01 I've got a hearse.
00:40:04 We should get started as soon as we can.
00:40:07 Took me over 5 hours
00:40:14 I didn't know Chance real well.
00:40:17 I've known his dad for years.
00:40:20 I'm glad he's finally home.
00:45:15 - You must be Major Thompson.
00:45:17 from I&I 223 down in Salt Lake City.
00:45:19 - Good to meet you, Major.
00:45:22 - I guess you've had a hell of a week?
00:45:25 Sergeant Burton and I drove
00:45:28 We notified the mother
00:45:31 I tell you, sir,
00:45:34 - So how's the family doing?
00:45:37 Sometimes I think
00:45:39 You know. It's hard to say.
00:45:43 - How are you doing?
00:45:45 It's just been a long week, sir.
00:45:48 The VFW Post up in Dubois
00:45:49 is having a get-together tonight
00:45:52 - You might want to come up for that.
00:46:00 - I'm glad you're here, sir.
00:46:14 Your hotel is up in Dubois,
00:46:16 where the ceremony's gonna be.
00:46:17 You'll want to head out
00:46:21 - I'm sorry about all the driving.
00:46:26 If I can get you to sign off
00:46:28 then we can call it a day.
00:46:30 That sounds fine.
00:46:31 I have some items the family would like
00:46:34 They said they'd prefer
00:46:36 so I guess now would be
00:46:38 Yeah, that would be good,
00:46:42 You know it's gonna be
00:46:45 I understand, but...
00:46:47 just want to make sure
00:47:06 Okay, go ahead.
00:48:12 Look at that.
00:48:14 - And he's a PFC, it's amazing.
00:48:20 The folks at Dover did a great job.
00:48:23 They knew he wasn't gonna be
00:48:26 perfect.
00:48:33 I'm gonna...
00:48:34 take care of the paperwork.
00:49:27 If you're ready.
00:51:12 Excuse me, sir.
00:51:14 Are you the marine
00:51:16 Yes, sir.
00:51:18 Semper Fi, colonel.
00:51:21 Listen, this whole town
00:51:24 It was my honor.
00:51:26 Korea?
00:51:27 It's a privilege to meet
00:51:31 There's some fellows here
00:51:36 Fellas!
00:51:37 This is Chance's escort,
00:51:39 Colonel Strobl.
00:51:40 Larry Hertzog. Welcome.
00:51:43 - Robert Rouse.
00:51:45 A.V. Scott.
00:51:46 Here we have Gunny Mulcahy,
00:51:48 Chance's recruiter.
00:51:50 And Sergeant Michael Arenz.
00:51:53 He was with Chance when he died.
00:51:58 Sergeant.
00:52:01 Jenny, let's get
00:52:03 He's been on a long and lonely trip.
00:52:05 Did you know Chance?
00:52:07 No, I didn't know him.
00:52:09 You missed out.
00:52:11 Sure did.
00:52:12 You know, a lot of recruits,
00:52:15 lose a big part of their personality
00:52:18 Sort of the point.
00:52:19 But, Chance,
00:52:22 he sure as hell was a marine,
00:52:24 but he was still Chance.
00:52:26 Same old wise-ass smile.
00:52:29 He could get away with anything
00:52:33 Our 1st mortar attack in Ramadi,
00:52:36 everybody's yelling,
00:52:39 We were all scared, you know?
00:52:41 Everybody's running,
00:52:44 Phelps,
00:52:45 he's got his shower shoes on,
00:52:47 he's like, ''where they at?''
00:52:51 Everybody's yelling, ''Phelps, get
00:52:54 He's still standing outside
00:52:56 in his shower shoes.
00:53:09 If you guys would excuse us,
00:53:11 We're building something special
00:53:15 - Anything I can do?
00:53:18 - Colonel, good night. Thank you.
00:53:25 The convoy's moving along,
00:53:26 doing a routine patrol
00:53:32 Chance wasn't even supposed
00:53:35 It was his rest day.
00:53:37 And knowing we were going out,
00:53:41 Chance was up in the turret
00:53:44 That was his spot.
00:53:45 The most dangerous job
00:53:48 Yeah, you're totally
00:53:51 He loved it though.
00:53:54 It always made me feel safe
00:53:56 seeing those shoes there.
00:53:58 In Iraq, Chance was just a big old pair
00:54:03 Anyhow, we were driving along.
00:54:06 Suddenly there's this huge boom.
00:54:08 Out of nowhere, an IED had gone off
00:54:11 I jump out, check on the rest
00:54:15 It was madness.
00:54:17 There was bullets flying everywhere.
00:54:19 It was chaos,
00:54:21 I could hear behind me
00:54:24 just unleashing an ungodly
00:54:27 So I thought, ''okay,
00:54:32 He attracted all the fire to himself
00:54:34 so that the rest of us
00:54:36 get organized and get out.
00:54:41 So after I checked on
00:54:43 I run back towards
00:54:47 I could see Chance was
00:54:50 He was up in the air, everywhere.
00:54:52 Just erratic, you know?
00:54:54 I yelled at him.
00:54:57 don't shoot the birds, man.''
00:54:59 I thought he was trying
00:55:04 His finger was still
00:55:06 but his head was slumped over.
00:55:09 I got a little bit closer, I could see
00:55:29 Inside the vehicle,
00:55:33 he was gone.
00:55:39 6 of us...
00:55:40 held him in our hands
00:55:46 I just keep running it,
00:55:49 ''What could I have done better?
00:55:55 What do you say to somebody's mom
00:55:57 ''it's not your fault.
00:56:02 I owed it to him to save him.
00:56:05 I'm the one who trained him.
00:56:13 I just can't believe
00:56:21 I'm glad you're here, Sergeant.
00:56:28 Thank you, sir.
00:56:31 It means a lot coming from you.
00:56:37 He'd be so honored knowing
00:56:49 - Sir.
00:56:56 What that kid has to live with.
00:57:05 I should've been over there.
00:57:07 - It wasn't your time, Colonel.
00:57:11 I knew the clock was ticking,
00:57:13 knew my time was coming up.
00:57:16 But I just...
00:57:18 kept ignoring it, you know?
00:57:22 Except for the middle
00:57:25 would check
00:57:28 praying that I didn't recognize
00:57:35 I don't know, you know, I just...
00:57:40 I just got...
00:57:42 used to seeing my wife and kids
00:57:44 every day, and...
00:57:50 So I put in a request
00:57:55 and it was granted.
00:57:58 They must've needed you here.
00:58:02 My friends went.
00:58:04 Guys I was in
00:58:06 I stayed home.
00:58:09 I was trained to fight.
00:58:14 If I'm not over there, what am I?
00:58:16 Those guys,
00:58:19 guys like Chance...
00:58:23 They're marines.
00:58:25 And you think you're not?
00:58:29 Want to be with
00:58:31 You think you have to justify that?
00:58:34 You'd better stop right there, sir.
00:58:38 You've brought Chance home.
00:58:41 You're his witness now.
00:58:45 Without a witness,
00:58:47 they just disappear.
01:00:54 You're Chance's escort?
01:00:56 - Mike Strobl.
01:01:00 This is my wife, Chris,
01:01:03 Welcome.
01:01:04 - And Chance's step-dad Jeff.
01:01:07 And this is Chance's sister Kelley,
01:01:09 - and her fiance Rob.
01:01:13 I'm Chance's mother.
01:01:15 Thank you for your service.
01:01:17 It's my honor, ma'am.
01:01:19 I'm just so sorry for your loss.
01:01:23 Please come and sit.
01:01:25 A chair.
01:01:26 - Thank you.
01:01:38 First, I...
01:01:40 want you all to know that...
01:01:42 all along the way,
01:01:44 Chance was treated with dignity
01:01:46 and respect
01:01:47 and honor.
01:01:53 I have here a letter from...
01:01:55 Chance's platoon commander.
01:01:59 Thank you.
01:02:02 I also have here
01:02:05 some of Chance's things.
01:02:20 It's still set on Baghdad time.
01:02:41 Here.
01:03:09 This is the medal
01:03:11 Remember?
01:03:14 I want you to know
01:03:15 you do not mourn alone today.
01:03:18 All across America,
01:03:20 from Virginia
01:03:22 to Delaware,
01:03:25 Montana, Wyoming,
01:03:28 people are thinking of you
01:03:31 and praying for you.
01:03:34 You should know that
01:03:37 Chance has touched
01:03:39 many people.
01:03:49 There's one more thing
01:03:54 A flight attendant in Philadelphia
01:03:59 it seemed like it was
01:04:02 going to keep it as
01:04:04 but then I realized that...
01:04:06 she wasn't giving it to me.
01:04:09 She was giving it to you.
01:04:43 ''April 9th, 2004...
01:04:50 To the family of PFC Chance Phelps.
01:04:56 Dear Mr. And Mrs. Phelps,
01:05:01 I'm sure by now you have
01:05:06 I don't have the words to tell you
01:05:08 how sorry I am for your loss.
01:05:12 Chance meant the world to me
01:05:14 and to all of us here
01:05:18 I know parents aren't supposed
01:05:22 trust me, platoon commanders do.
01:05:30 Chance was a unique character.
01:05:33 Where most marines would
01:05:36 Chance would quietly attend
01:05:40 and he led to get people
01:05:43 His quick smile and friendly manner
01:05:46 were always disarming and warming,
01:05:48 but there was no mistaking.
01:05:51 He was as fierce in battle
01:05:54 Please be seated.
01:06:04 We are here to honor the life
01:06:08 Chance Russell Phelps.
01:06:24 ''... please know
01:06:27 but more importantly,
01:06:29 he lived a hero.
01:06:45 It's ironic,
01:06:47 but I am certain that if the world
01:06:53 there wouldn't be a need
01:07:05 Fire.
01:07:07 Ready,
01:07:09 aim,
01:07:10 fire.
01:07:43 From the president of the US
01:07:46 and a grateful nation,
01:07:49 as a token of your son's faithful
01:07:52 From the president of the US,
01:07:55 and a grateful nation,
01:07:57 for your son's honorable
01:07:59 Semper Fidelis.
01:08:04 Thank you.
01:10:52 Put your cell phones
01:10:54 Can I ask you to step up?
01:11:00 Remove your shoes.
01:11:17 Chance Phelps was
01:11:20 when he was killed on good friday.
01:11:26 8 days later,
01:11:28 I handed the medallion
01:11:34 I watched them carry him
01:11:39 I felt that...
01:11:41 as long as he was still moving,
01:11:43 he was somehow still alive.
01:11:47 When they put him down in his grave,
01:11:51 he'd stopped moving.
01:11:57 I didn't know Chance Phelps
01:12:01 But today...
01:12:02 I miss him.
01:12:27 Come here. Group hug.
01:12:30 How you guys doing?