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Taking the Stairs

Note: I started this shortly after 9/11 but got caught up with school, work, and training.


I don't have any personal connection to 9/11.  I absolutely remember where I was when I heard.  Mr. Burns' entrepreneurship class at the Genessee Area Skill Center, a kid named Brett told us but we didn't really believe him until Mr. Burns came into the classroom late.  I remember the outrage, the patriotism, and the unity.  But, it didn't really hit me close to home.  I didn't join the military in the patriotic furor that followed.  Let's be honest, I joined years later because it seemed like the last "good" career option I could think of.  I might be the same age, but I'm not really from that OEF/OIF generation.  I don't feel right when people thank me for my service, particularly when they assume that I'm one of those folks.  I've spent 10+ years in classrooms and office buildings.  The last 18 months or so my focus has been on the continuum of learning, learner profiles, the professional development of my team, bullet points, power points, manpower, and even budgets.  More akin to the local high school's language department head than those students I have with Ranger tabs.  Part of why I run ultra marathons is the fact that my physical challenges have to be manufactured.
There's something about the date though.  It's in the fabric of our nation at this point.  For me, it's a day to refocus and reflect.  I have done my best to talk to those vets as well as read up on others' experiences.  (check out Generation Kill, The Unforgiving Minute, and American Soldier for some first hand accounts from varying viewpoints)  Team RWB has been a way to not only get to know vets of that generation, but try and give back.
Last Sunday, the 9th, Team RWB did our annual 9/11 memorial stair climb at San Angelo Stadium.
Stadium cleanup the day before
We climb 2,977 steps, commemorating the lives lost.  To get such a large group up that number of steps, we used San Angelo stadium and zig zagged up and down the steps.
The Central High School band asked for volunteers to come play the National Anthem (Photo Credit: Blanca de La Rosa)
We had a bigger group than we normally do, including people from the San Antonio and College Station chapters and the San Angelo police and fire deprtments.
our post picture.  A few people had to leave before we got it
When I showed up, I was handed the American flag and asked to lead us out.
how many chins are there?  (photo credit: Jammie Preiser)
Maybe I should have paid better attention to George on where to go.  After the band played the National Anthem and we shared a moment of silence at 7:46, we started off.  Well, after I had a few people tell me where to go.

(Photo Credit: Blanca De La Rosa)
After the first lap, I passed the flag on to one of the guys from College Station.  Four of us each did a lap with the flag.
Blanca also carried the Thin Blue Line flag
We stopped to observe the South Tower impact, the Pentagon impact, the South Tower collapse, the UA 93 Crash, and the North Tower collapse.  They were all started by a siren blast from the fire truck, followed by a pause in the stair climbing and moment of silence.

They were sobering moments, bringing flash backs from news coverage and the thoughts and feelings that accompanied them.
Go Jammie Go!
3,000 steps.  It was our way of honoring the fallen and the heroes of that day.  I think that is the legacy that we need to keep in mind for 9/11.  Many of the belligerents are now dead.  We cannot harbor anger for people "over there."  Instead, let's remember the sacrifices that were made and the sense of unity we felt as people.  I hope that is what the legacy of 9/11 becomes.
Just before the start


Photo Credit Jammie Preiser

Photo Credit:Blanca De La Rosa

Photo Credit Angie Mendez Martin

Doesn't have to do with the 9/11 stair climb but I really like this picture that Jammie took


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