Inspire, Winter 2001

Inspire 17 Phil Lankford ’95 I wish that I could say that I was unaffected by what happened … but that is far from the truth. As I process everything … I am not completely sure what thoughts and emotions will stick with me, but I can tell you that God’s hand was protecting me. I have recently relocated my office into New York City. My method of transportation takes me into the World Trade Center every morning. My primary office is on Broadway, about three blocks from the towers. I was just given a promotion which has given me financial oversight of a few new companies, one of which was housed on the 58th floor of Tower 2. That is within a few floors of where the second plane struck the building. As I write this, my briefcase contains a package of financial information which I had intended on dropping off in that Tower 2 office on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001. My plans were to stop at my office on Broadway to check e-mail and to make sure everything was under control, and then to stop at the World Trade Center on my way to my New Jersey office directly across the river from Manhattan. In a late change of plans on Monday, I decided to report directly to my New Jersey office on Tuesday morning—something that I have never done before. Although I was away from the threat of physical harm, being directly across the river from lower Manhattan meant that I witnessed the entire event first-hand with the view that most people have seen over and over again on the news. From minutes after the first plane went into Tower 1, I watched the entire thing unfold. It was like watching the worst movie you have ever seen, except it was real, and there was no “pause” or “stop” button. Lindsey Lorinovich ’00 Editor’s Note: Lindsey is a scheduler/office manager for Congressman Charles F. Bass of New Hampshire. She was at work in Washington, D.C. when the attack occurred. W hile I am fine and everyone I know is fine, we all experienced a fear I and most everyone here had never felt before. Thank you for your concern, prayers, and encouragement. This attack took us all by surprise. I cannot imagine what the citizens of New York City are experiencing right now, but I can understand a small portion of the fear they felt. Everyone is trying to get back to normal here, although it is going to take awhile. The stench from the Pentagon burns our noses outside our apartment, and when you think of all that burned and is still smoldering over there, it truly is appalling. We had heard about the World Trade Center attack, but we did not realize this was a national terrorist attack until the Pentagon was hit. Then we heard a rumor that the National Mall was on fire (which we now know is false), and my congressman told us we had to evacuate our offices immediately. People were running out of all the buildings. Some were crying, and the fortunate ones were talking on their cell phones. I had a moment to get off a quick e-mail to my parents telling them that the Pentagon had been hit and that we were being evacuated. ... I asked them to pray and I told them I loved them, and then I was out the door. It was crazy here. Thousands of staffers were in the streets. I can’t really describe the feeling. We didn’t know if we were in a state of war; we didn’t know if we were under direct attack. I was praying the whole time. My congressman stayed relatively calm and was telling us that by the time we got outside the building, the airspace around Washington, D.C. should have been secured. The attack on the Pentagon took everyone by surprise. We went with the congressman to a staffer’s house a few blocks from the Capitol. We were there until 5 p.m., and then, since my car was still in the congressional parking garage and most of the roads were closed, we had to take the metro out of the city. It was like a ghost town everywhere. We metro’d right under the Pentagon and came up in Pentagon City. We were a disheveled mess. We borrowed clothes and shoes from people, because we had been wearing our suits and dress shoes and had blisters from the walking. Anyway, we got home OK. … Thanks again for your prayers, phone calls, and thoughtfulness. We have so much to be thankful for. Jon Christopher Reinhardt ’96 Editor’s Note: Jon is a naval officer currently stationed on board the USS Shreveport , based out of Norfolk, Virginia. W e are currently on deployment and are doing our best to support the nation at this time in history. Out here at sea, we go for weeks without seeing land or another person other than the few people who reside in a space of 575 feet by 80 feet. At night, standing watch on the bridge, looking out at the sea illuminated by only the moon and stars, I am amazed at the vastness of God, as revealed by His creation. For reasons unknown to me, God led me down the path to be a naval officer at such a time as this, and I am convinced that He has a great plan to work through me on this ship. It is amazing how God has brought such encouragement to me. Yesterday (November 9), I received a care package from the Cedarville University Division of Christian Ministries. I was truly astounded. I also received an encouraging letter from Dr. Joseph Halsey, one of my former instructors. The support from all of you there has helped me realize just how much God has been and continues to be with me and with all of us here on the Shreveport . photo courtesy of www.verizon-media.com