Taking Chance

[Patriot]

I've would have served three Patriot Guard missions this week - a Veteran of WWII & Korea who lived a good long life, a send off of a fellow PGR member & soldier leaving for Iraq, and tomorrow's Active Duty Soldier who passed at too young an age.

I can't get the father's who are my friend's out of my mind loosing their young son's on active duty. Axeman Chris and his son Jordon are often on my mind.

Taking Chance is the story told by a Marine LtCol who accompanys a fellow Marine who died defending freedom in Iraq back to his home and final resting place. Very moving, insightful, and inspirational.

A Soldier's Story: "Taking Chance"

Internet Movie Database Taking Chance

I wish to express my continual and eternal gratitude...

 

[Fairlaner]

+100

 

[jzzmusician]

What Fairlaner said. +100

 

[JimNtexas]

The trailer for this movie is very moving by itself.

One thing has changed since PFC Phelps was killed.

The remains of fallen military members are no longer transported in commercial airliners. Instead combat casualties are transported in the U.S. in Falcon 20 Executive jets operated by Kalitta air charters.

A while back I stood in a PGR flag line at the Burnet Texas airport when a local solider was returned to his family.

It was very moving to see the big jet overfly the field at exactly the scheduled time. Because we were at a general aviation airport the family and much of the town were able to stand on the ramp to honor our solider.

I'm very glad that the military is using these aircraft to give our warriors their last ride home.

 

[Patriot]

+1+1, Jim...

agree wholeheartedly.

and every effort these days is made to get the deceased home as quickly as possible

 

[Toecutter]

The remains of fallen military members are no longer transported in commercial airliners. Instead combat casualties are transported in the U.S. in Falcon 20 Executive jets operated by Kalitta air charters.

Stood one of those missions a couple of weeks back. It was one of the most moving and emotional experiences in all my PGR tenure. The Hero was unloaded and taken halfway to the hearse by Army Honor Guard, then they about-faced and marched back to the plane, where they stood for about fifteen minutes while the family gathered around the flag-draped casket and received their loved one. Like I heard earlier, a real 'moment'.

To quote one of my fellow PGR and FJR brothers, "I swear to God, every American civilian should experience the final resting of any soldier, just one time".

At least one time, and hope it's the last one. I always do....

 

[Patriot]

Amen, & I pray and dream of the day that 100% of the PGR's efforts will only be needed to serve the living...