I often say, “You never know what you’re gonna hear” at the Veterans Breakfast Club. But I truly didn’t expect to hear Jim Phelps’ harrowing story of survival when he came to our event at Christ Church in Bethel Park in August of 2019.

“It was like being at the top of a building when you feel an elevator drop. I knew this was not going to be good.” That was how Jim described crashing aboard a C-130 rescue plane on February 5, 1969, while trying to save the crew of an overturned Japanese freighter.

Storms rumbled over the South China Sea, creating high swells and dangerous flying conditions. Jim’s plane descended down to far below the minimum on a rescue mission, crashed, and burst into flames. Jim was the only survivor.

You can listen to his emotional retelling of his brush with death here. 

The volunteers who set up, cook, and serve breakfast at Christ Church in Bethel Park are always warm, welcoming, and hardworking. Our last breakfast there saw over 250 people come to listen to veterans’ stories and thank those who served. Everyone is invited to attend. The event begins at 8:30am on June 27.

RSVP by calling 412-623-9029 or emailing betty@veteransbreakfastclub.org. Please make sure to RSVP for events at least two days in advance. We understand that your schedule can change quickly, but advance notice of attendance always helps us and our venues prepare the program. Thank you!

We’re grateful to our sponsors!