09-11-2011, 12:42 AM
I have two brother-in-laws who were at or near the Pentagon that morning. It's worth noting that both are Excelsior grads! (actually Jim graduated when it was Regents College--I'm not sure what it was called when Mathew graduated) Our local paper solicited stories recently and my wife provided the following:
Two of my brothers were in Washington, DC, during the attack on 9/11, one inside the Pentagon and one across the street. This is a brief story about one of their experiences that day and the life-altering consequences 10 years later.
My brother Jim, then Senior Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, was in his office at the Pentagon the morning of 9/11. My brother Mathew, U.S. Secret Service, was nearby preparing for a routine protective detail at the Pentagon. It was Jim's first week back after a lengthy overseas assignment. My brothers had arranged to meet at the Pentagon's helipad that morning for a quick reunion. As Jim made his way there, he was called back to attend an emergency meeting following the World Trade Center attack. While preparing for the meeting, an explosion rocked the Pentagon; smoke and fire rapidly filled the hallways near his office. Jim led his employees to safety outside and quickly made his way back into the Pentagon to the point of impact â the helipad area. He found it completely destroyed and didnât know Mathew hadn't yet arrived. Assuming the worst, Jim joined other first responders in recovering victims â his actions saved many lives that day.
In November 2005, Washington DC, I was honored to witness Jim receive the Civilian Medal for Valor from the Secretary of the Air Force in recognition of his outstanding bravery on 9/11.
The citation reads, in part, "Without regard to the grave danger to his own life, Special Agent James xxxxxxx repeatedly entered the fiery rubble over a period of several hours to assist the victims inside the building, carrying many to safety. He repeatedly ignored warnings the building could soon collapse [and] the smoke contained high levels of explosive gases which could ignite at any time . . . Instead, he continued his tireless efforts to help the injured and rescue trapped personnel. At one point, when medical personnel gave grim warnings to those aiding the rescue efforts that their lungs could be permanently damaged from the toxic smoke, protective masks were handed out. When it was determined there were not enough masks . . . [Jim] passed his on to another . . . It is unknown how many lives were saved as a result of [Jimâs] efforts, but they were numerous. These heroic actions were not only undertaken at great personal risk, but ultimately, great personal sacrifice. [Jim] will carry with him, throughout his life, a living memory of his sacrifice that day â as his actions led to a significant [and permanent] loss of lung capacity, impacting his life on a day-to-day basis.â
In the face of extreme tragedy, great things arise out of the human spirit. My brother Jim is a living example of that, and a true American Hero.
Two of my brothers were in Washington, DC, during the attack on 9/11, one inside the Pentagon and one across the street. This is a brief story about one of their experiences that day and the life-altering consequences 10 years later.
My brother Jim, then Senior Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, was in his office at the Pentagon the morning of 9/11. My brother Mathew, U.S. Secret Service, was nearby preparing for a routine protective detail at the Pentagon. It was Jim's first week back after a lengthy overseas assignment. My brothers had arranged to meet at the Pentagon's helipad that morning for a quick reunion. As Jim made his way there, he was called back to attend an emergency meeting following the World Trade Center attack. While preparing for the meeting, an explosion rocked the Pentagon; smoke and fire rapidly filled the hallways near his office. Jim led his employees to safety outside and quickly made his way back into the Pentagon to the point of impact â the helipad area. He found it completely destroyed and didnât know Mathew hadn't yet arrived. Assuming the worst, Jim joined other first responders in recovering victims â his actions saved many lives that day.
In November 2005, Washington DC, I was honored to witness Jim receive the Civilian Medal for Valor from the Secretary of the Air Force in recognition of his outstanding bravery on 9/11.
The citation reads, in part, "Without regard to the grave danger to his own life, Special Agent James xxxxxxx repeatedly entered the fiery rubble over a period of several hours to assist the victims inside the building, carrying many to safety. He repeatedly ignored warnings the building could soon collapse [and] the smoke contained high levels of explosive gases which could ignite at any time . . . Instead, he continued his tireless efforts to help the injured and rescue trapped personnel. At one point, when medical personnel gave grim warnings to those aiding the rescue efforts that their lungs could be permanently damaged from the toxic smoke, protective masks were handed out. When it was determined there were not enough masks . . . [Jim] passed his on to another . . . It is unknown how many lives were saved as a result of [Jimâs] efforts, but they were numerous. These heroic actions were not only undertaken at great personal risk, but ultimately, great personal sacrifice. [Jim] will carry with him, throughout his life, a living memory of his sacrifice that day â as his actions led to a significant [and permanent] loss of lung capacity, impacting his life on a day-to-day basis.â
In the face of extreme tragedy, great things arise out of the human spirit. My brother Jim is a living example of that, and a true American Hero.
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