story4914.xml

story4914.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was working in the Marketing office of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation department on a U. S. Army base on September 11, 2001. We always kept the television in the entry area on Fox News Channel during the day and several employees had gathered around the TV when the broadcasts starting coming through about a plane hitting the first tower.
We were all stunned and talking amongst ourselves wondering if it was a horrible accident and if so, how could it happen. Then another plane hit the second tower and we all knew immediately the U.S. was under attack.
I called my husband who works active duty military at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, and asked if anyone had access to a television - that we were under attack. He works in the Mental Health department and went to watch the news with several other counselors and doctors, knowing they soon would have work to do relating to mental trauma sustained. Then, the Pentagon was hit and shortly thereafter Flight 93 went into the ground.
Everyone on post was horrified and painfully aware that we would be directly affected in many different ways. Some had family members and friends working at the Pentagon and others were worried about loved ones in the Towers. There would be some among us that would be deployed in what we knew would be an effort to eradicate those responsible.
Everyone in our office watched in disbelief as the towers collapsed, as the vivid pictures showed the devastation, the human fear and despair so poignantly displayed on the small screen. Our office atmosphere sank into tears, silence, confusion and worry.
In subsequent days there were many blood drives for the victims, monetary contributions were sent and some actually went to New York to assist in any way possible. We took great comfort and pride in our President and his cabinet, thankful that we had a strong leader to bring us through the tragedies heretofore unimaginable.
Working on a military base caused long lines in the ensuing days to get to work and for many weeks afterward. Our alert system was at a high level and everyone had to be stopped, checked and searched. The security measures continue now - a year later, although the procedures have become smoother and processing time has lessened.
Our pride in the military has never been greater, our patriotism never higher, and support for those who went to fight in Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle was overwhelming. Care packages were sent to soldiers in the field and many prayers were said for those in harm's way. We have been grateful for all those soldiers who returned unharmed and mourned those who lost their lives.
Nothing is taken for granted any more. Solid values have come to the forefront again and appreciation of the little things is in sharper focus. Our work on the base is emphasized by the knowledge that we civilians are there to serve the military - which serves the country and risks their lives in the process.
We are solidly planted with steely determination to keep America the land of the free, no matter the cost. We are also behind our President 100% and grateful for his strength, compassion and faith.