WTC / Pentagon attacks

[aephi alum]

I haven't been able to access this board since Tuesday's tragedy. It was only this morning that I discovered greeksource.com = greekchat.com (which still doesn't work, btw).

First, and most importantly: To everyone who was touched by this tragedy, who was injured or killed, and their families, my heartfelt prayers, now and always.

I live in Connecticut and have family and friends in New York. We know a few people who worked in and around the WTC, and one of them is still missing. You would be hard pressed to find anyone around here who was not affected.

I'm still shaking over the fact that I could have so easily been caught up in the events of Tuesday. (And I know I'm far from the only one.) I used to commute to Wall St. on the subway through Chambers St. (WTC); I used to fly on a regular basis out of Logan, Newark, and Dulles airports; and I frequently flew into National Airport and drove right past the Pentagon. "But for the grace of God, there go I." I've always felt safe flying, but it will be a long time before I can get on a plane again... as, I think, is the case for many of us.

Groups around the nation, including universities, are holding drives for money, supplies, and blood. Even if we can't be there in person helping out (and I gather they're inundated with volunteers), at least we can each help in some small way. (But be careful who you give your money to; disgusting as it is, there are some con artists out there trying to make a quick buck off Tuesday's events.)

Wow, this got long! Let me conclude with:

GOD BLESS AMERICA

[Miami1839]

Yesterday at work we held a moment of silence for the people that had died on those jets, at the Pentagon, and in New York. It was really nice. One of the ladies said that she could see the explosion at the pentagon from our 11th floor. I work in Tysons Corner which isnt too far from the Pentagon.
My Dad who works for the Government new some people that were at the Pentagon that day. One women that died and another guy lived because he was getting coffee however when he went to get coffee the jet stripped his pants off when It crashed into the building. Theres quite a bit of people from my town that had family that worked there. It was so tragic. That day during the morning actually I had a major accident when I was driving north on I95. I was in the far left lane where this dump truck turns into that lane from the emergency lane. He decided to come in front of me(100 yrds at most) and go like 5 miles per hour. Well, I'm going 65 and I slam on my brakes. Theres no way to go left because of these huge barrels and there was another car on the right. So I plunged right into that dump truck. Thank God I had my seat belt on. But my head still hit the windshield and after I crashed into him he just kept on going north. All the traffic that was around sped up and passed me as I richoted all the right to the right emergency lane. Well, luckily I didnt hit anyone else but my glasses popped off when I hit the truck. So that was another thing. When I came to a stop smoke was blowing in my face and I couldnt get out of the driver side and had to pull myself out of the right side. I got out and luckily I just had some blood on my sleeve from a few cuts on my hand and I was a little light headed. Well the cop and fire squad got there 40 minutes later. None of the traffic stopped. My car was more than totalled. Well, the trucker definitely was no where to be found. My sister in law took me to the hospital. She is so awesome. Well, I got checked out and was given pain medicine and muscle relaxers. After that I go to the waiting room and see all that craziness on t.v..It all looked like WW3. Definitely a day to remember. My Dad said he heard about the incidents a half hour after each thing happened which was pretty tough for him. Really, it was a tough day for everyone I suppose. I just cant believe that the airlines pay people minimum wage to insure our lives are safe on flights. The government really needs to look into Federally Sworn Officers who are trained and competant to keep people away that shouldnt be boarding planes. Not rent-a-cop people or people that do not have the competancy to work that kind of job. On a lighter side, I was definitely touched to see so many flags on friday when I was driving to work again. My first day back and it was quite a sight. I had my polo sport shirt on with a little american flag going on it too.

God Bless America and may God judge accordingly those people that committed those horrible acts. Justice will be done. Those people that sponsored those acts do not know what kind of can of worms they just opened. They are now the hunted.


Kevin

[KSig RC]

On behalf of the brothers of the mu-psi chapter of Kappa Sigma, much love and prayers to all of you affected by this.

At a time like this, I know for me it's a great feeling to know that I have the love and support of my brothers - hopefully those of us in the greek community can use this to help those in need, and also as an opportunity to examine those things that guide us in life (religion, ritual,etc) so that we can all come out for the better. I entreat us all to step up, and help out our common man in these sorts of times of need.

Love to all -
Rob

[DGPhoney]

This is such a tragedy, a tragedy like no other. My prayers and thoughts go out to all the familes who lost someone dear to them. To all the hard working Men and Women who work around the clock to help give us hope for more surviors , who help protect and server us and all those who help us understand why such a thing has happened here in the United States.
God Bless us one and All!
DGPhoney~

[Hootie]

I honestly have no words to express what I'm feeling about this whole event.
I was getting ready for class and listening to the Today show at the same time. I heard the interruption and saw the first tower on fire from either an accidental plane crash or what no one knew yet.
Then as they were discussing everything I saw another plane come into the view of the towers, and plunge directly into the second tower.
I called my father at work immediately and asked him if he was watching the news and he replied yes. I told him I was in shock and I said (in a little girl sort of way),"What does this mean?" and he didn't know.

Later that afternoon Air Force One flew over my city as President Bush came to Offut Air Force Base for stratcom. It was errie to know that he was possibly a hunted man retreating in my state. My parents saw him fly overhead and said it was weird knowing his was the only air craft flying in the state of Nebraska.

I still can't believe this all. I feel sick, I feel sad, I feel scared and I feel so patriotic all at the same time. It's crazy!

God Bless the USA and may he send his angels to watch over and guide everyone personally affected by this tragedy!

[DeltAlum]

Hi Hootie,

I was about an hour away from you, stranded by the airlines in Lincoln -- finally had to take a Greyhound bus home, a very long ride.

I join all on GreekChat and every other American in shock and horror at these events, and send heartfeld prayers, condolences and support to everyone, anywhere, who was affected.

After working in TV for over thirty years, I was like the proverbial retired firehouse horse listening to the alarm going off and not being able to do anything about it.

When the President came in, I called a pal who is Senior Director at NBC News and told him I was there and available to help -- but, as you know, he (The President) didn't stay long. Watching the coverage and not being able to do anything was most frustrating.

One of my former companies has a facility which I helped with on occassion about a block from WTC. Fortuantely, all of my former co-workers are OK. The building has been evacuated, though. The cable network master control operations there have been moved to Denver or LA.

I simply can't overstate my admiration for the rescue people from NYFD and NYPD and all the volunteers and medical people -- and for the spirit of New Yorkers themselves. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the News crews -- reporters, engineers, camerapeople, etc. who covered the event upclose at their own personal risk.

DeltAlum

[pirate00]

I found out from a former teacher thursday night that one of my friends from high school was on the plane that hit the south tower on Tuesday. Now this tragedy has truly hit home for me. I am saddened beyond belief. Please keep the Stevenson family in your prayers. Some good must somehow come from this tragedy.

[amycat412]

I've had an enormously difficult week, as have all of us who have been touched by this tragedy. My heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to the families and friends of everyone affected by this terrorist attack on our country.

And I ask that the greek chat community keep in their prayers the more than 700 co-workers of mine still missing from the WTC office of Cantor Fitzgerald.

Amy

[Miami1839]

I will keep all of you and your friends in my prayers.

Kevin

[AGDLynn]

An Alpha Gamma Delta sister, and former roomie, works at the Pentagon. I don't know exactly how close she was to the crash site, but she said that they were pushed to the floor, safes knocked over, and the heat was very intense for a long time.

My thoughts and prayers go out to anyone and everyone that is affected by Tuesday's events...which, actually, should mean anyone and everyone.

[Miami1839]

AGDLynn,

Jeannine told me about her and I'm so glad shes ok.

Delt Alum,

You might pass on to your collegues with the news community the need to re-evaluate whether the FAA should be involved in security at our airports. I feel very strongly that we need to have the military doing security at our airports. I believe that is the only solution to keep everyone safe and to keep the airlines from going out of business.

Fraternally,

Kevin

Originally posted by AGDLynn
An Alpha Gamma Delta sister, and former roomie, works at the Pentagon. I don't know exactly how close she was to the crash site, but she said that they were pushed to the floor, safes knocked over, and the heat was very intense for a long time.

My thoughts and prayers go out to anyone and everyone that is affected by Tuesday's events...which, actually, should mean anyone and everyone.

[TigerGirl52]

Pirate,

I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. I don't know how I would handle being in your situation. I will definitely keep you and your friend's family in my prayers.

Allison

[SigmaChiCard]

I was so scared for my life that Tuesday...true, I'm in Kentucky, and of course they wouldn't come here, but when they believed that one plane was missing (before they confirmed the Pitt plane to be connected) I was terrified because I'm doing an internship at one of the world's leading military arms distributors, making some of the biggest naval forces that we and other countries use...so when that plane was missing, yeah....scared to death. Especially when all the places around us were released early just in case we were hit, but not us.

[tickledpink]

Originally posted by pirate00
I found out from a former teacher thursday night that one of my friends from high school was on the plane that hit the south tower on Tuesday. Now this tragedy has truly hit home for me. I am saddened beyond belief. Please keep the Stevenson family in your prayers. Some good must somehow come from this tragedy.

I am very sorry to hear that. You and the Stevenson family are in my prayers.

[juniorgrrl]

Originally posted by Hootie
I honestly have no words to express what I'm feeling about this whole event.
I was getting ready for class and listening to the Today show at the same time. I heard the interruption and saw the first tower on fire from either an accidental plane crash or what no one knew yet.
Then as they were discussing everything I saw another plane come into the view of the towers, and plunge directly into the second tower.
I called my father at work immediately and asked him if he was watching the news and he replied yes. I told him I was in shock and I said (in a little girl sort of way),"What does this mean?" and he didn't know.

Later that afternoon Air Force One flew over my city as President Bush came to Offut Air Force Base for stratcom. It was errie to know that he was possibly a hunted man retreating in my state. My parents saw him fly overhead and said it was weird knowing his was the only air craft flying in the state of Nebraska.

I still can't believe this all. I feel sick, I feel sad, I feel scared and I feel so patriotic all at the same time. It's crazy!

God Bless the USA and may he send his angels to watch over and guide everyone personally affected by this tragedy!

Hootie, it sounds like you and I had a very similar day. I, too, watched the whole thing unfold on the Today show. The president also came to Louisiana, and I freaked out pretty badly about it too. I was in class at the time (my teachers still req. attendance that day) and I got out and made some calls and all we knew is that Bush was on his way to LA. I found out after the fact that it was Shreveport, 4 hours away, but its still scary nonetheless.

I totally echo your sentiments about feeling sad, scared and patriotic all at once.

Right now, I'm mostly scared....