A Soldier's Perspective

I try to scan through my list of favorite blogs on a weekly basis when at all possible, just to see what some of my favorite bloggers are reporting and writing about. One of these, A Soldier's Perspective, is quickly becoming more of a daily read. Blogger CJ has recently opened his site to allow other soldiers and marines the ability to post about their experiences. In his own words, he has transformed the site "into a multi-soldier, multi-marine forum."

One example of the quality blogging coming from this site is this narrative, originally written by Lt Col Mike Strobl, of his recent duty as a casualty escort. I dare you to try to keep a dry eye as you read the Colonel's report.

Chance Phelps was wearing his Saint Christopher medal when he was killed on Good Friday. Eight days later, I handed the medallion to his mother. I didn't know Chance before he died. Today, I miss him.

Over a year ago, I volunteered to escort the remains of Marines killed in Iraq should the need arise. The military provides a uniformed escort for all casualties to ensure they are delivered safely to the next of kin and are treated with dignity and respect along the way.

Thankfully, I hadn't been called on to be an escort since Operation Iraqi Freedom began. The first few weeks of April, however, had been a tough month for the Marines. On the Monday after Easter I was reviewing Department of Defense press releases when I saw that a Private First Class Chance Phelps was killed in action outside of Baghdad. The press release listed his hometown — the same town I'm from. I notified our Battalion adjutant and told him that, should the duty to escort PFC Phelps fall to our Battalion, I would take him.

[Continue reading "Taking Chance"]

It is a long read, but well worth the time. I would suggest making A Soldier's Perspective one of your regular sources for news and information, from the soldiers' perspective.