Sculptor Inspired by Famous Photograph and Son’s Memory
CAMP PENDLETON, CA, October 17, 2014 – The unveiling and dedication of a new monument will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 2 p.m. The monument is a gift to the Department of the Navy and to the U.S. Marine Corps from Hope For The Warriors® and will be placed at the front entrance to the wounded warrior complex of Wounded Warrior Battalion (West) aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, C.A.. Hope For The Warriors® is a national nonprofit organization that assists post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty.
Any media interested in attending must contact Anne Barnwell, 910.554.1505 prior noon on November 12 to ensure access to the military base. The monument is based on the iconic photograph titled Hell House, captured by acclaimed combat photographer Lucian Read. As battle raged, then 1st Sgt. Bradley Kasal, USMC, risked his life for the lives of his Marines. Kasal pushed through enemy fire to shield a wounded Marine from a grenade explosion. The photograph depicts Chris Marquez and Dane Shaffer, both lance corporals in the U.S. Marine Corps, carrying a bloody Kasal out of the house to safety.
The sculpture was created by artist John Phelps, a man who understands firsthand the weight of war. His son, Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, USMC, was killed in action in April 2004. The HBO® movie, Taking Chance, chronicled the journey of the Marine escort who brought Lance Cpl. Phelps home. Since the loss of his son, Mr. Phelps has become an advocate for wounded service members and other Gold Star families. He is heavily involved with both Hope For The Warriors® as an Ambassador of Hope® and coordinator for the Outdoor Adventures Program.
“I am honored to work with Hope For The Warriors® in creating this monument,” Mr. Phelps, a Vietnam Veteran said. “I express myself through my art and this monument is a labor of love for me. Love for not just my son but for my growing Marine Corps family.”
The monument Mr. Phelps constructed honors those wounded in the line of duty. It represents the ultimate price of battle, and the spirit of brotherhood and dedication known by service members and their families. Another monument was placed in front of the Warrior Hope and Care Center aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. on March 8, 2013. Funds for the monuments were raised by Carolinas Credit Union Foundation and Balfour Beatty Construction.
“Hope For The Warriors® is proud to partner with Gold Star father John Phelps to present a monument that symbolizes the strength and courage of our warriors,” Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors® President said.“The monument and the opening of the Warrior Hope and Care Center (WHCC) have been a long-time vision for our organization.”
The concept for the WHCC was conceived by Hope For The Warriors® leadership. In early 2007, principals of the organization attended the ribbon cutting for the Center for the Intrepid (CFI) in San Antonio, Texas. CFI provides rehabilitation for wounded service members with the goal to return service members to the highest levels of physical, psychological and emotional function.
It was the goal of Hope For The Warriors® to provide Marines and Sailors based at Camp Lejeune the same quality care as those at CFI. Architectural plans for the WHCC were drawn up and Hope For The Warriors® donated them to the Marine Corps. The WHCCs were officially opened at both Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune in 2012.
Bronze miniature replicas of the sculpture will be numbered and issued in limited edition; resin miniature replicas will be available soon for a small donation. Funds raised will support programs within the Warrior Hope and Care Center and beyond. E-mail ewalsh@hopeforthewarriors.org to inquire about ordering replicas.
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The mission of Hope For The Warriors® (www.hopeforthewarriors.org) is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.
Hope For The Warriors® has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) for three consecutive years. Charity Navigator is an independent organization that evaluates fiscal responsibilityand accountability of nonprofits. Hope For The Warriors® (Federal Tax ID 20-5182295) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity as defined in sections 509(A)(1) and 170(B)(1)(A)(VI) of the Internal Revenue Code. Combined Federal Campaign, CFC #27800.
