I know that I haven’t known PFC Phelps as long as some of you junior Marines here today. But I do know, and will always remember his thoughts, his expectations, and his valor.
Everyone knew Phelps for his Arnold Schwarzenegger impressions and his ability to make people laugh. His sense of humor always seemed to bring up everyone’s moral even in the worst of times. I spent a lot of time with Phelps trying to pass the time with conversation; there was a lot more to him than ‘impressions’ and jokes.
Phelps, as you know, grew up as a country boy. He loved hunting, fishing and ranching. He was a kid from a small town who wanted to make a difference in the world and wanted to make his family proud. His plans for the future once he served his 4 yrs in the Marine Corps, honorably, was to be a hermit in Colorado on his G’ma’s ranch. (Wanda Walker was his best friend Emmett’s grandmother, but Chance considered her is grandmother as well.)
We all have our memories of Phelps whether it be just a funny joke or just his larger than life personality. I have several… Like when Saucier & Phelps were arguing over a seat in the Humvee, or walking down the strip at Camp Blue Diamond with brownies all over his teeth and giving the other Marines proper greetings. How he got so excited when he might get to receive contact (battle/fight the enemy).
Phelps loved everyone–even the hardest people to get along with–he would make them smile & laugh. It was hard for me as his fire team leader to get mad at him for doing something stupid, like breaking the hatchback of our Humvee. And everyone loved him; there isn’t one person that can say they didn’t like him. His goofy run, his humor, his valor and bravery. He once told Arias he wasn’t scared of anyone or anything except a grizzly bear. Arias curiously asked, “why a grizzly bear?” Phelps said, “That MF’r would eat me alive!”
As some of you know I had the honor to serve side by side with Chance Phelps in combat. I was there for his unfortunate death. I want everyone to know, he did not hesitate what so ever to engage the enemy when we received contact. He fought with discipline, honor, and bravery. His suppression & fire superiority is the reason the 12 people who fought with him on that dark day are standing here. He is part of the reason we get to go home to our families.
So I ask all of you who sit and bitch about being here, to remember a young Marine with 10 months in the Corps who gave up his life for all of you to go home to see your families. So when you do get the opportunity to embrace your loved ones, remember he will never get that chance again.
On behalf of Phelp’s parents, I would encourage you to stop by or write and let them know the Chance that you knew.
I know I will…
Thank you. |
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