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September 11: My View from Arlington

September 11, 2006 by Kami Huyse

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Updated 9-12-15

A38EHE Aftermath of the September 11 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Washington D.C.

Aftermath of the September 11 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Washington D.C.

I know that today everyone is remembering what happened in 2001, and I don’t want to fatigue you, but here is my recollection of 9-11 in Arlington, Va., where I lived and worked at the time, only 3 miles from the Pentagon and how I learned an important lesson about public service.It was about 8:45 a.m., and I was running late for work, the television blaring in my apartment (map) that was located across from Ft. Myer. (As an aside, the map I link to doesn’t label the location of the Pentagon, I wonder if this an post 9-11 precaution? The Pentagon is between the Arlington National Cemetery and the Reagan National Airport.)

I can’t remember which station was on, but I do remember they were airing a segment on fashions for pregnant women. Suddenly, the picture cut to a shot of a building with a gaping hole in the side. As we all know, it was the World Trade Center, and it was nearly 9:00 a.m. I almost immediately grasped the implications and quickly grabbed my briefcase and ran to the office. I lived only a 10-minute walk away. The sky was blue and calm, and didn't belie the horrors that were taking place a few states away.

When I got there, no one had clued into what had happened, so we turned on the television in the conference room and saw the second tower had already been hit. Sometime, as we watched this, only 3 miles away, the Pentagon was hit at 9:37 a.m. The screen flickered and suddenly the scenery was familiar. We ran to our 6th story window to see what we could see, which wasn’t much except for a wisp of grey smoke floating up the Potomac River.

Here I was, a PR professional trained in crisis communication, surely I could help? @kamichat

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A decision had to be made. Frankly, no one felt safe in our office towers, and many of my colleagues were concerned about family members that worked downtown. One worked in the Capitol, which we later learned was the target of the 4th plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. We all went home, taking care not to ride the Metro, which we felt could be a secondary target.

Once I got home and finally reached my family via e-mail, phones and cellphones were jammed for hours, I was restless. Here I was, a public relations professional trained in crisis communication, surely I could help out somewhere with something. My friend Diana joined me after she walked to my apartment from her office. She couldn’t get home since many roads were blocked in our area.

We ended up at the Arlington County Red Cross office. We asked if we could give blood and they asked if we could help. Thus began my affiliation with the Red Cross that continued on with the San Antonio Red Cross chapter when I moved.

That day I helped with in-kind donations, setting up appointments with local grocery stores (inside the zone where traffic could move) and picking up carts full of food for the volunteers that were supporting the effort to feed rescue workers and provide support for the families as they awaited word on survivors.

The real meaning of public service is to be available when needed. @kamichat

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After the disaster I helped the Public Relations Society of American launch the Power of Two program, designed to marry the skills of public relations practitioners with their local Red Cross chapters. I helped organize a training session in Washington D.C. with Darren Irby, which was attended by over 25 public relations professionals.

Shortly after this, in 2002, I moved to San Antonio, where I was called on to assist in floods, hurricanes and house and apartment fires. Something that people don’t know about the Red Cross is that many chapters respond to EVERY house fire, sometimes as many as three to four a day, and provide assistance to these families (feeding them, clothing them and helping them find a place to stay). There is something very satisfying in being a part of that.

So, today, I remember that on a clear day all those years ago, I learned the real meaning of public service, which is simply to be available when needed.

What does 9-11 mean to you, and has it changed your life in any way?

Filed Under: Featured, Personal

About Kami Huyse

Kami Watson Huyse, CEO of Zoetica, is passionate about great communication. Working in Public Relations since 1994, and blogging since 2005, she has seen trends come and go, but one thing has stayed the same – people are looking for ways to authentically connect. She loves to connect with readers, so leave a comment or follow @kamichat on Twitter and connect there.

Comments

  1. P. C. PrairieChief says

    September 11, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    I am a very proud Fullblood Native American. And I proudly wear a T-shirt with 4 Native Chiefs that says: “Fighting terrorism since 1492”. We have always known our Country was the Best. Even in our Native World we were shaken and saddened by the tragic events15 years ago. Any unnatural loss of life is a waste to humanity. Because we all could contribute something to our future generations. Not just destruction. But today.. I am angered like I was 2001. But not at those on the other side of oceans I will never cross.
    But by the those so-called “Americans” in the NFL, who refuse to stand for OUR flag, and OUR Natural Anthem. You want OUR American money to pay your salaries that you do not deserve. This “MY COUNTRY..”. Someone in my family has served and fought proudly in all conflicts that Our Country has sent them. My stepson still serves. They paid for my liberties, and yours. (unfortunately). And for you all to disrespect them in this manner…? You don’t deserve my money or any Americans money. Your feet don’t deserve to touch American soil. And lastly, I PRAY neither of you cross MY path.
    But to the families, friends, and colleagues of 9/11, We in the Native Nations know your losses. We send up prayers for your healing, and Appreciate their sacrifices.

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