September 6, 2016 – Our own Chaplain Rob Dewey set the stage for a special remembrance of the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center. He noted that the date is being recognized each 5th year and this is significant as it has been 15 years. All our lives have changed since this date.
Chaplain [LtCol] Walt Bean, USAF, our speaker, has been an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene since 1985. He coordinates crisis activities at Charleston Air Force Base and other locations caring for a total of 33,000 people. He has recently proposed the signing of a joint crisis ministry system between the Air Force Base and all Charleston Area responders.
The 9-11 attack was unique in that it was not a military action but an attack by common men against the “folks” of America. In effect it was the present generation’s “Pearl Harbor”. The American military force of today is totally made up of Volunteers who non-the-less are serving in a war status. This military organization is committed to doing whatever is necessary to provide for the safety of their families. It is interesting to realize that the first responders who rushed into the trade center buildings were not chasing after “bad guys”, but reaching out to save those injured and in jeopardy. Though no one knew what going on the military stationed everywhere in the world went on immediate alert status. But everyone will forever remember what they were doing at the time of the attack.
Author Dave Crossman has focused his writings on the effect of stress, suspense and drama on the emotional stability of those facing adversity. He suggests:
- There are advance preparations for the occurrence of a crisis that should be in place.
- Focus on the flag and the things others have done to protect America.
- Freedom has been given to us as a gift; it is not a license to do anything we please.
We have a duty to use our talents and networks for the benefit of others. When something harsh like the 9-11 attack happens we can and must rise above it. The co-operation on going between the Air Force Base and the broad Charleston community is an example of first response at its best.
— Fred Sales, Keyway Committee