story6018.xml

story6018.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

I had worked a midnight shift as a dispatcher, at the Keesler Air Force Base Fire Department. I went straight to bed. I had been asleep about an hour when I got a call from the fire department saying everyone was on standby. Then I got another call from my husband saying they tried to blow up the World Trade Center again (re: 1993 bombing). He said it was all on television. After that I knew I couldn't sleep until I knew what was going on, so I got up and turned on the TV. I saw video of the first plane and the first tower burning. Then I watched, in horror, just as most of America did, and saw the second plane hit the other building. I knew then, we were under attack! My son was living in New York City at the time and I knew he was close to that area. I was extremely worried. I couldn't cry, I couldn't really do anything until he was able to get through to me on the phone. He said he was watching the small TV in his van and the news broke in and showed the 1st plane hitting the tower. He was only 10 blocks from the Trade Center, he then turned and looked toward the trade center and actually witnessed the second plane go into the other tower. After I talked to him and thanked God that he was safe I could finally cry for those lost in the attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
Being a member of a fire department took on a whole new meaning after the terrorist attack. I pray it never happened again, but I guarantee that it won't be as easy next time. More than one group of passengers will stop the terrorists short of their intended targets. God Bless America!!!!