Protecting the skies, 13th anniversary of 9/11
WADS 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and artifact dedication
By Christina Carmen Crea
(published Sept. 20, 2014)
Guarding America’s skies is part of Western Air Defense Sector’s mission on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
That mission became ever-apparent on Sept. 11, 2001, when 19 al-Qaeda militants hijacked four airlines in a suicide mission that was flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
It killed 2,977 people.
WADS said they will never forget that day as they held a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and artifact dedication on WADS Parade Grounds on Sept. 11.
The new memorial was unveiled inside the WADS lobby and included a shard of steel from the WTC, debris from the Flight 93 crash in Pennsylvania and a piece of limestone recovered from the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
“It changed the lives of people here,” said WADS Commander Col. Peter D. Stavros. “It’s shaped who we are, what we believe in and our way of life. Now we have Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) to ensure an attack like this never happens again.”
ONE refers to Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force service operation related to homeland security to ensure combat air patrols over U.S. cities and supports federal, state and local agencies after the Sept.11, 2001 attacks.
WADS role involves the use of radar and communications systems to monitor air traffic for 2.2 million square miles west of the Mississippi River and 2,000 miles along the Mexican border.
“This memorial can provide us a place to remember, mourn and to reflect in each our own way,” Stavros said. “We should appreciate our freedoms, count our blessings, strive to help our fellow man and cherish our friends and family.”
First account
A 9/11 first responder and Retired Brooklawn (New Jersey) Police Department Police Inspector Steven R. Saymon was the guest speaker at the event and told JBLM about being on WTC ground on Sept. 11, 2001.
Saymon said because of those events and experiences, he has post-traumatic stress disorder, but is still “a proud American.”
“The shock and grief of those events were shared across the globe,” Saymon said. “Let’s also not forget those who are suffering with PTSD. If you know someone who has it, offer to lend a hand and lead them to a place where treatment is available. Be of service each and every day.”
Saymon said even though he has PTSD from the WTC events, he would do it all again in a heartbeat.
“As a police officer, I have no regrets and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again,” Saymon said. “If not me, then who? If not us, then who?”
Although Saymon was asked to go to various other places for the 13th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, Stavros said he chose WADS because he “was promised a sea of blue and green.”
“But, I didn’t realize it meant proud wearing Service Members…there is no place better than WADS and JBLM – the true home of the heroes,” Saymon said.
After Saymon finished his speech, he gave gifts that were included knifes made from pieces of the WTC to Washington National Guard Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, Washington Air National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. John Tuohy, 62nd AW Commander Col. David Kumashiro, and Stavros.
“These are limited edition, less than 50 edged weapons were produced and made from steel from the World Trade Center,” Saymon said. “Hopefully they won’t need to be used…but if need be, we’ll talk.”
Saymon’s Background
In 1976, Saymon enlisted in the United Sates Marine Division from 1977-1979. He was later assigned to a recruiting station in Philadelphia at which he was awarded “recruiter of the year” and honorably discharged in 1983.
He joined the New Jersey Army National Guard in 1985, was commissioned to Second Lieutenant in 1987 and resigned in 1988. His police career started when he was sworn into the Brooklawn, New Jersey Police Department in 1986.
Although he retired in 2012 due to PTSD related to the Sept. 11 WTC disaster, he stays involved by assisting many agencies, municipalities, military installations and organizations across America in their successful acquisition of Sept. 11 2001 artifacts from the three disaster sites. Some of his awards include, but are not limited to, The Presidential “Call to Service Award,” “Chapel of the Four Chaplains Humanitarian Award” and police service awards such as Medal of Honor and Life Saving Award.
Where to Get Help for PTSD
Are you are in crisis? You have options:
- Call 911
- Go to the nearest Emergency Room
- Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
- Contact the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1 (text 838255) or Confidential Veterans Chat with a counselor
Visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs website for PTSD help at http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/where-to-get-help.asp
Christina Carmen Crea 