2001 Blog Archive - In Their Own Words
| "As we go through a healing process, both as a nation and as individuals, it is important that we not let our lives be unduly altered by the events of September 11. It is important that we go back to work, travel on planes, visit New York and Washington DC. When I read the newspaper story about the 'Flight to Freedom' and the overwhelming response of Oregonians I was filled with pride, and not in the least bit surprised. Oregonians have hearts as big as the Pacific Northwest. I commend the organizers and participants of "Flight to Freedom" and hope their sterling example is followed by the rest of the country. And to the delegation I say: See you in New York!"-J.A., Arlington, VA
"I first heard about the Flight for Freedom on the news last Thursday evening and by Friday morning I could think of nothing else. I am a Project Manager at a Portland area software company and my job requires some travel. Since the tragic events of September 11th, I have been very apprehensive about travel of any kind. When I heard about the Flight for Freedom, I knew it was something I had to do. I called my sister and my mother and said "I'm going, how about you?" So, we've turned it into a family vacation to ease our new found fear of flying and to be a part of attempting to get travel and tourism dollars back into the economy. I am proud to be a part of this journey."-Deborah Brown "If you're going to talk the talk-you've got to walk the walk. . .and Wells Fargo is doing just that by participating with my fellow Oregonians in Operation Flight For Freedom scheduled from October 5 through October 9, 2001. We wish to extend our condolences to all those who have suffered as a result of the September 11th Attack on America. The Wells Fargo family encourages all Oregonians to remember that rich cultural diversity created the melting pot we call America. Hatred is not determined by the color of one's skin or by the God one worships, but by the distortion of beliefs. On behalf of Wells Fargo's Northwest Region President George Passadore, we urge you to show your resolve by continuing to contribute to the American economy any way you can. Spend responsibly, and renew family bonds by traveling and vacationing together. We are rededicating ourselves to the cause of freedom. And, with the true American spirit we go forward."-Bernie Kronberger, Vice President/Community Development Manger/Wells Fargo "I work for a Fire Restoration Co. (Kennedy Restoration). I may not fight the fire but we put the lives and property of what it causes back together. This why we are showing our support. We will not let anybody take our Freedom away and as we all know you can't find a more caring city than The City Of Roses, a.k.a. Portland, OR. That is why we are taking this Journey to show our support to the Firefighters and Police officers of New York City, they are the true Heroes/ God Bless New York And God Bless the USA. See you in New York."-James Terrell "This is Oregon's way of declaring a peaceful war on the evil of terrorism. More than 800 Oregonians will display their love and concern for one another and especially those directly impacted by the September 11 attack. We hope by planting this small seed of unity, it will grow into universal peace."-John Pickman, President, US Bank "As of October 1 2001, I am a RETIRED librarian (from Oregon State University) who, 42-years ago flew into New York City as a 20-year old immigrant from Holland. I will be traveling with my partner Joy S. The United States has been very good to me and my family, giving me an opportunity for a college education and a good, satisfying career. I am happy to travel to New York -- and plan to see the Peking Opera at Hunter College (we already have tickets) and as many museums as we can cram into five days in between the activities already scheduled. I thank you for this opportunity to show NY City and the rest of the United States that we can and will travel freely anywhere in the United States."-Josephine (Jos) Anemaet "Looking forward to the trip. I'm guessing it will be 'bitter sweet.' There are 8 of us traveling together. New York will be a new experience for all of us. Five of us are City of Portland Firefighters, accompanied by three of our wives. We will be attending at least one funeral for a FDNY firefighter and will wear Portland Fire Bureau's dress uniform."-Gregg S. "I am a native New Yorker, now living here, and I'm longing to get back to my home town, now so battered and bruised. How can I participate in our odyssey?"-Tia H. "I will be representing the City of Medford on the Flight for Freedom. I am a City Councilor for the City of Medford. Professionally, I am Director of Marketing for Cascade Investment Counsel, LLC, an investment management firm based in Ashland, Oregon. Our firm manages funds for foundations, endowments, not-for-profit corporations and individuals. I have been to New York City many times and when the opportunity for this trip arose, I was excited at the prospect of helping our fellow Americans in their time of need. Being a naturalized US Citizen, the tragic events of Sept. 11 really hit home with me. I have a cousin who has been displaced out of her home with her family. Her husband worked in the WTC but wasn't in the building when planes hit as they were taking their daughter to her first day at school. If I can help one fellow American with the recovery, help our economy both nationally and locally recover, and touch one life with this trip, I will have accomplished something positive. I'll see you in the Big Apple!"-Ed Chun "Portland has become my 'second' home after 16 years, BUT - I am a native of New York City even though I have lived in many places since graduating from college there years (and years) ago. My NYC accent has waned, my relatives there have died and many friends moved away, but I can personally attest to the fact that even though you can take the girl out of NYC, you can't take NYC out of the girl! The September disaster affected me deeply and it was almost two weeks before I was assured the people I know there were OK. Knowing that wasn't enough, donating money to fundraisers wasn't enough, and at the juncture where I had decided to go to NYC on my own, I read about the 'Flight for Freedom' and signed up immediately. The best I could do to explain to colleagues at work why I am going to NYC is that it is as if someone I am close to is in the hospital and I feel, helpless or otherwise, I have to be there with them because it will make a difference to them, and to me. As for my profession, I am a research professional currently working for a not-for-profit agency coordinating evaluations of programs they sponsor."-Jane Gordon "As a business with deep roots in the Northwest, we're proud to help sponsor this delegation to New York. Our company values-economic development, education and the environment-are stronger and more important now than ever before. Those values are inextricably tied to the vitality of the communities we serve and to our business itself. The spirit and strength of community we've seen displayed in New York and across thee U.S. are lessons to us all, as corporate citizens and as individuals."-Judi Johansen, CEO, PacifiCorp (servicing 1.5 million electric customers in the West as Pacific Power and Utah Power) "I am a naturalized citizen of the US. I was born in the Ukraine of German descent, left the Ukraine when I was 1 for Neunkirchen, Germany (south of Hamburg). I came to New York City when I was 8 years old in 1951 and went through all the procedures of the time at Ellis Island. My family, Mother, Father and Brother and I all carried one suitcase. None of us spoke English. My name is one of the original names on the wall outside of the main building. This is a very special trip for me."-Walter R. "We'd be scared/nervous, but we'd do it for the USA!!!"-Ana & Logan R and family, Vancouver, WA "You are providing a wonderful gift to the country by getting together and flying to New York City. You are showing your courage by traveling to 'The Big Apple' and supporting the City after the tragedy of September 11. Our nation appreciates you and wishes you all the best!"-Richard "Duke" Walters, Redmond, WA "Thanks for spearheading this. . .great work!"-Billie Jean Morris, CEO, Hermiston Chamber of Commerce "I am a stay at home single adoptive Mom of a 19 month old little girl. My daughter is a new citizen of the United States and I am proud of her Vietnamese heritage as I am of her US citizenship today. I am teacher at Nancy Ryles School, but I am taking time off to be with my daughter. I decided to take this trip to do my part to help out New York and to show the world all of us (Americans) even the mommies and babies are going to live our lives without fear and help out one another however we can. I am excited to take part in any activity there is for Josie and I. Thanks for arranging this wonderful trip!"-Dana Berger and Josie Loan Berger "We are so excited to be on this trip and we are NOT afraid to fly."-Celia W. "I am a mortgage banker/broker in the Clackamas/Portland area. My wife, Myriam, and I have been impacted by the 9/11 attacks. We want to do a little for the city of New York and their economy. We have contributed money already and are looking forward to visiting the city and showing the world that our freedoms will not be compromised. We all need to stand together and live and lead by example. We will be leaving our 2 children (2 and 4) in Portland and are confident that this will be a safe trip."-Stephen Berger "I am a student at Barlow High School in Gresham, OR. When I heard about Flight For Freedom I knew it was something I wanted to do. I wanted to stand up and say I am proud to be an American."-Shawna B. 
"I am a single mom of a wonderful 13 year old boy, Levi. We are from Kent, Washington just outside of Seattle. My sister who lives in Portland saw the information for the 'Flight for Freedom' and called us to ask if we'd like to make it a family trip. So we did, there are four of us going, myself, my son, my sister and our mother. This will be our first trip to New York. We are very honored to be a part of this trip. I work for the Community Health Centers of King County as a Client Services Coordinator. My son is an 8th grader from Mattson Jr. High. We are looking forward to our visit to New York."-Denise & Levi Bendickson "Retired social worker of the state of Oregon. Have worked for Adult and Family Services, Services for Children and Families, and the Developmental Disabilities Program. I am involved in a lot of community work, West Linn Library Board, Mental health activities (one of my adult sons is bipolar). I know this America is the greatest country in the world and we need to support each other in our activities. I'm glad for the opportunity to go with other Oregonians to New York, a city I have never visited and have always wanted to."-Jan Warner "I feel that this trip is a necessary coast to coast American unity that is truly uplifting at such an emotional time. I am a Lead Analyst for The Regence Group - Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon. My co-workers are eagerly awaiting my return so that I can share with them my impressions of the 'new' New York."-Jane Inouye "Curt and I are THRILLED to be part of "Flight For Freedom"! We are retired; we live at…in Keizer, OR. I (Mary) have just had a very strong feeling that I "NEED" to be in New York, and this offers the most marvelous opportunity to DO something (what, I'm not sure). We want to connect with New Yorkers, be a part of their pain and if possible, encourage even one person while we're there. I was born in Binghamton, NY, but left as a child. In a way, I feel like I'm returning home. But, as the Mayor of NY put it, "if you want to help New Yorkers, come and spend some of your money!" We are prepared to do our part, being good tourists, taking photos (discreetly) and enjoying Broadway plays. We have no fear of this trip, flying or being in New York. My greatest desire would be to meet Tom Brokaw (!) but I suppose that is nothing more than a pipe dream! See you in New York!! We're bringing our energy and enthusiasm for whatever activities are available to be a part of. Count us in!"-Curtis and Mary Smith "My husband, Steve, and I have been to Manhattan before and loved it!! The twin towers disaster overwhelmed us with a need to be there again. My husband works for Intel and has done a couple recruiting trips to Manhattan. Realizing its historical relevance, we seem to have fallen into the role of "neighborhood ambassadors," with many requests to take lots of pictures!"-Colleen Butcher "When we heard that our Oregon family was going to NYC, we couldn't let them go without us! It was all of the incentive Steve and I needed to get back in the air and travel to NYC. Until this time, we had been paralyzed like the rest of the country and we are very happy that you all have spurred us into action."-Victoria B., Arlington, TX "I'm a Portland native and the father of two daughters. My wife and I are going because, well, it's a helluvan opportunity. Working as a fundraiser for United Way and raising two daughters, let's just say that three nights at the Waldorf Astoria would not be in the cards otherwise. That said, this is a reach for us economically and there are plenty of reasons to NOT go. But now is the time. It's not the time for tentativeness, to be driven by fear -- be it economic fear or fear of violence. It's a small statement that we will not be terrorized out of enjoying what America has to offer. I've been very taken with the many blessings - the grace -- that has come in the aftermath of an act of insane evil. In the end, good triumphs. I want to celebrate that."-Jonathan Weaver "We own and operate AfterCare Cremation and Burial Service. Karen is also employed as a Quality Coordinator/RN at The Portland Clinic. We have spent the last 25+ years traveling throughout Europe, South Pacific and American cities. We had the opportunity to travel to NY 4-5 years ago enroute to Bermuda. At that time we visited the WTC...and we are so glad we did! As soon as the airlines began flying again after the 9/11/01, and it was evident that Americans were not flying, we both wished there was somewhere to go to help as much as two people could to make a statement to the people behind the attacks. "We will not be destroyed by this!" So when this opportunity presented itself we started looking for someone to cover our business while we stood up to be counted!"-Lyle & Karen Prockish "My wife has been in the US for only about 7 years. She is from the Philippines, and because of that, is a little worried about all of this. I have always wanted to show her New York, and decided that this was the best time to go. Our son, is in the Air Force, and he has only been in the US about 6 years. His graduation from boot camp was to take place on the 9-14, and needless to say, that was cancelled. As a matter of fact, after we drove 2200 miles one way to see him, we were told at the gate to go home. We couldn't see him, or even talk to him. We were devastated. It all worked out, and we did get to see him, so a small victory against terrorism. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!"-David S. Simpson "V.P. of Executive Reporting Services. I will be traveling with my family, Christine C., McKenzie Brooke and Ashley River Burns. This is a once in a lifetime trip for our family and we will use it as an educational experience for our children, 8 and 6, to learn more about the tragedy that has effected our country and our own lives!"-Jerry W. Burns "I love New York. To me, its culture and diversity represent what the United States is all about. In a way this is a small pilgrimage to tell my fellow citizens in NYC that I stand beside them and support them. I am a Project Manager for a large retailer and travel quite a lot for business. Traveling the globe is my passion- wherever, whenever!"-Andrea Bryan "I have been heartbroken over the attack on our Country and wanted to do something to show support to those in New York. I have never been to New York and I very pleased and excited to have this opportunity to go and show those that oppose the United States that we as a Country stand together."- Amanda R. "I am a 16 year old senior at St. Mary's Academy, and I am attending this trip along with my older sister. This will be our first trip together that far away. We are very excited to go and experience this momentous event."-Lauren Sugarman "I am a 19 year old sophomore at Southern Oregon University. My 16 year old sister and I are taking this trip together because we want to see NYC and also help in experiencing what it's like to be there. I am very excited and have been watching the television non-stop since the first attacks and felt a deep need to see NYC at it's best and yet worst times."-Leslie Sugarman "For the past 7 years I have served as the president and chief executive of Schwabe Williamson and Wyatt PC, I am a native Oregonian and attended the U of O Law school. I am currently the president of the Northwest Business for Culture and the Arts, a board member of the Boy Scouts, and Arlington Club. I have been a board member of Waverley Country Club, served as chair of the 2000 Boy Scout Technology Dinner, chairman of the state Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee, and president of the Multnomah Bar Association. I am going because I do not want to let any group control our lives by fear."-Walter H. Grebe "We are retired Tupperware franchise owners. Had 30+ enjoyable years as business partners, and almost 53 years as partners in marriage! We have 4 grown, married children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. We truly appreciate and applaud the efforts and leadership shown by the organizers of this amazing pilgrimage!!"-Genevieve and David Voorhees "When I appeared on KGW TV's telethon I quoted the New York slogan, I LOVE NEW YORK. . .MORE THAN EVER. And I said, "Today we're ALL New Yorkers,' So naturally, when I heard about your Flight For Freedom my first thought was. . .YEAH!"-Bill Gallagher, Newstalk 860/KPAM "I am a secretary for the Disabled American Veterans. I have wanted to visit New York for most of my life. Mostly for the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. When I read about the trip I thought it was a good opportunity to help New York, the airlines and fulfill my dream too."-Jeanette M. Carulli "We would be interested in taking in a couple of plays, a visit to Ellis Island & quite possibly a New York Yankee baseball game (If they are in town). We will be going one day to St. Francis Church to present to them some things from the Saint Joseph Catholic Church Choir in Vancouver. The priest who died is from St. Francis Church & our choir would like to do this in his memory."-James V. & Mary M. Olichwier "I have been very excited since I heard about the trip and think that it is a great way to show support for the people of New York."-Melissa S. "I am a retired computer programmer with Pacific Power. For the first 12 years of my life I called New York City home, the next 25 years were spent in Miami and the last 24 years Portland has been home. My husband was born in Brooklyn, lived in Detroit during World War II and moved to Miami after the war. My husband and I have one son and two beautiful granddaughters."-Brenda Kruger "Retired owner of Dehen Knitting Co. a manufacturing company of school apparel in Portland since 1922. We are parents of ten children, 21 grandchildren. Our hobbies are travel, concerts, family functions, swim aerobics, walking in Mt. Tabor Park and for Bill, golf. Lou Ann is a homemaker, member of DAR and Alpha Chi Omega sorority from U.of O. Bill attended Lincoln High, U.of Portland and Navy combat veteran of the submarine service. We are going to N.Y. to show support for the citizens of New York."-William & Lou Ann Dehen "I saw the information on your 'Flight for Freedom' on the CNN travel web site. I think this was an extraordinary idea. . .We do think it has the potential to be a very good thing here. I feel there would be a lot of interest from this area."-Sue I., Hillcrest Travel, Maplewood, MN "We are making this journey because we believe in air travel and in NYC and both are hurting right now. It seemed exactly the right thing for us to do."-Steve K. and Patti M. "I am taking my son, age twelve and a student at Sellwood Middle School, on his first trip to the Big Apple. He has been frightened by the tragic events three weeks ago but it is unified efforts like this trip that seem to give him a sense of empowerment to get through these tough times with courage and caring."-Kathleen B., "My husband and I are extremely interested in the arts as well as the business world. We have been devastated by what has happened to New York and the World. We think this is a way to show our support for America, the World and, of course, the arts."-Carol R. |