June 22, 2010

Taking Chance

Last night, I sat down to watch Taking Chance, the 2009 HBO film starring Kevin Bacon as Lt. Colonel Mike Strobl, a Marine officer who volunteered to escort fallen Marine Lance Corporal Chance Russell Phelps to his family and final resting place. The movie trailer gives you but a taste:


Watching this movie is an intensely personal experience, and one that I would highly recommend. I'd even go so far as to suggest watching it privately, to allow yourself to experience the emotion without inhibition. Several of the scenes struck very close to home, too close, as if they were ripped right out of my memory.

The experience was a reminder for me, about why I do what I do. For as remote and indirect as my work may be, what I do is for the ultimate benefit and safety of those who serve on the front lines of freedom. The warfighter deserves my best effort, no matter how minor my role may be. May God bless and protect them all.

In the solitude of my viewing experience, I knew I would not be strong enough to hold back the tears. Yet as I reflect further, though, I realize I was mistaken.

For I am strong enough - strong enough not to hold back the tears. Strong enough to not even try.

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