story20793.xml

story20793.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2006-09-12

I remember the morning very well. I was driving into work. I had just gotten a new job, as asst. parts manager for a company at that time called Hudson General. We supplied all ground support and services to many international flights in and out of Chicago, as well as Airforce one and two. I was listening to WBBM radio, and regular programming was interrupted by a special bulletin. A plane had hit the first tower of the WTC. I ran into work as quick as possible, and as no one at work was aware of the attack, I told them to turn on the T.V. A scene of devastation met our eyes, and everyone was glued to the television for most of the day. The Airport was locked down tighter than a drum, and even with all access, I could not get on to the airfield for about two days. We had about 20 guys trapped out on the airfield, and they could not leave for about 6 hours to come back to the shop. I remember alot of F-16's and 18's flying over and around the A.O.A. for the next several weeks. It was probably the most significant event in my life so far. There's probably alot of people that think that we should just pull out of there, and save face or leave well enough alone, but I think that would be a big mistake at this point, and the only way to save face now would be to stay put. My nephew is in Iraq right now in the Army, and I am very proud to have him there. I wish I wasn't too old to go, or I would be over there, fighting along side my fellow Americans!!! God Bless America!!!