"Taking Chance"

an HBO Film written by Marine Corps LtCol Michael Strobl, 

was shown in Jackson, WY on June 15th, 2009 at the

Center for the Arts Theatre.

This will be a benefit for the Jackson, WY 501(c)3, Honoring Our Vets and the Chance Phelps Foundation

There were two showings, the first hosting about 350-400 persons, while the second brought in about 75.  It was well-received by all.  Officer Katherine Petersen of the Jackson Police Dept. and a former Marine, sang the national anthem after the colors were presented by the Marine recruiting station detail out of Salt Lake City that came up just for this event.  The first showing was hosted by Teton Co. Sheriff and former Marine Jim Whalen, while the second showing was hosted by a former Navy flight surgeon and local physician, Dr. Richard Sugden.  Dr. Sugden also acquired a number of copies of the film on DVD & gave them away with donations to either organization between showings.  Excellent press was disseminated for the event with flyers reaching many of the hotels and restaurants around town, attracting tourists as well as guests for the free showings through the help of Rich Anderson, Doug Henderson, Nina Doggrell and Steve Schultz of the Center for the Arts.

Gretchen Mack, Chance's mother, graciously came over from Dubois in the PM & attended the event with her husband and Chance's stepfather, Jeff.  They addressed both audiences and took questions about Chance and the foundation.  Also attending were 4 disabled veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan that were in town as guests of the Honoring Our Veterans organization.  We communicated with Col Strobl and he provided a statement for the event which is LINKed here.

Below are some images from the event. (All photos: Walt Farmer) For information about the event, contact Sheriff Whalen at jwhalen@tetonsheriff.org

Walt's Homepage

Last update: 6/19/09