Chance Phelps Foundation Donates $10,000 to ‘Hope for the Warriors’ (NOT the BAD Phelps)

American Forces Press Service ^ | Sharon Foster

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2009 – A foundation formed by the family of a fallen Marine whose story was told in the HBO movie “Taking Chance” has donated $10,000 to a group that works to help wounded veterans and their families.

Hope for the Warriors, a national nonprofit group, received the donation from the Chance Phelps Foundation during Fleet Week activities in New York on May 22.

Gretchen Mack, mother of Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chance R. Phelps and founder of the Chance Phelps foundation, said her family decided to make the donation based on what they experienced last year in New York at a Hope for the Warriors event that included wounded warriors involved in extensive rehabilitation at the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio for loss of limbs, eyesight, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“We spent a lot of time with these servicemembers, and were very impressed and touched,” Mack said. “This year, we decided to donate to Hope for the Warriors because what they do for those that serve is incredible.”

The Chance Phelps Foundation, founded after Phelps was killed in Iraq in April 2004, is a nonprofit organization that raises money for donations to various charities that support quality-of-life issues for servicemembers, particularly those who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tina Atherall, Hope for the Warriors vice president, said the contribution was gratefully accepted and will assist the group in its mission of “No sacrifice forgotten, nor need unmet.”

“We are forever grateful for their dedication and support to the wounded, their families and the families of the fallen,” Atherall said. “This donation will help enhance our various programs: Immediate Needs, Above and Beyond, Hope and Morale, A Warriors Wish, Spouse Scholarships, Family Support Program, Wounded Warrior Barracks and Warrior House.”

Mack and the fallen Marine’s father, John Phelps, presented the donation to Robin Kelleher, president of Hope for the Warriors.

Mack said money donated to Hope for the Warriors was given to her family after she lost her son, and the family wanted to pass the money on.

“Hope for the Warriors help veterans with quality-of-life issues that they and their families may face after deployment,” Mack said. “This may include physical injuries, financial issues and, of course, making sure they get the medical treatment they need and an opportunity to enjoy some well deserved rest and relaxation. We are very passionate about being a part of helping our veterans and their families.”

Related Sites:
Hope for the Warriors
The Chance Phelps Foundation

[Jackson57]

If you haven’t seem the movie “Taking Chance” you REALLY need to. It’s amazing. And it will make you feel so good about our country ... as we should. It’s a true story as written by the escort of a Marine killed in Iraq. The author of the story and the family of Chance Phelps all signed off on it.

I’d like to think my cousin received the same respect when his body was sent back.

[freema]

Ping

[max americana]

I have. Downloaded it when it was available on the BT networks because I dont want to give liberal HBO a Nielsen number.
My GF was in tears when the body was already in Montana and drivers on the highway allowed the car to overtake them and they all made a beeline as respect for the fallen Marine. Everytime the coffin was on the tarmac, it’s hard not to push back sadness. kevin Bacon and his wife might be Obama-tons, but he truly gave a great performance in the movie.

Another scene worth noting was when the TSA douchebag told Kevin Bacon to remove his uniform and he told the TSA guy ‘I will not denigrate (disrespect) this uniform...” and requested a private room because the dogtags of Chance Phelps cannot be opened under any circumstances but only to the family of the fallen soldier.

[Rushmore Rocks]

I agree. “Taking Chance” is a powerful movie. A MUST watch for all patriots.

[Marine_Uncle]

It is always nice to read about such worthy goals some set for themselves in helping our fallen and wounded heros. Got bless all their efforts and all that will over time contribute to this worthy cause.

[Jackson57]

Honestly, as a veteran, everytime LtCol Strobl (the character Kevin Bacon played) stood on the tarmac saluting, I wanted to stand and salute as well. And when he realized that the baggage handlers and other workers were standing still with their hands over their hearts, I teared up (ok, one of many times).

Oh, and by the way, I rented it from Netflix. There is a deleted scene where a Marine relieves LtCol Strobl before the funeral. He says, “I’ll watch over him.” Very moving.

[merry10]

I am reading a book called “We Were One” by Patrick O’Donnell. It’s one of those books that, I started on Tuesday night, but I know I will love it, so I want to wait and read it slowly. I hope HBO puts Taking Chance on again.

I am sorry, so sorry about your cousin.

My 20 year old daughter joined the Army last year. She is currently at LDAC. I meet these kids and I think ... we are SO LUCKY to have kids like these to protect us.

[bootless]

Taking Chance was absolutely wonderful. It truly conveyed a sense of dignity, respect and awe... and this is a wonderful cause.

[bootless]

Those two scenes, too, made me really lose it. Truly touching.

Thank you to every servicemember, and to their families and loved ones.

[bootless]

I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin, and grateful for his service.

[merry10]

My coworker does Chem Bio training. On the way back from a TDY he noticed something solemn happening and realized a body of a fallen soldier had returned. He was still on the plane and stood at attention until the soldier was removed. He had a hard time talking about it.

[Jackson57]

My cousin was over there doing what he wanted to do. He died in the same way Chance Phelps did. He was a gunner on a Humvee hit by an IED. Unfortnately, his mother is as nutty as Cindy Sheehan and wondered why George Bush killed her son ...

I’ll keep your daughter in my prayers. And you’re right, we ARE lucky to have yet another generation who are willing to risk their lives for others who in many cases are totally ungrateful and ignorant of the sacrifice being made on their behalf.