0600 – terrorists Mohammed Atta and Abdulaziz al-Omari traveled to Logan International Airport from Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine.
0652 – fellow terrorist Marwan al-Shehhi called Atta at Logan to confirm the plans of the attack.
Archive for the ‘Memorial’ Category
9/11 Memorial – As It Happened – 0600
Saturday, September 11th, 2021FirstSpear Friday Focus: 9/11
Friday, September 10th, 2021With the conclusion of DoD & State Department evacuations from Afghanistan the formal end of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel is now upon us. Persistent threats to America will continue. On this solemn anniversary FS wishes to recognize that U.S. military, government and law enforcement personnel have been continuously deployed domestically and globally, since Operation Noble Eagle on 14 September, 2001.
As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the FirstSpear team would like to extend our profound gratitude to all those who, for the last two decades, fought valiantly to bring retribution to the enemies of freedom and by doing so have given America unchallenged safety. Your service wasn’t in vain. Freedom isn’t free. We will never forget.
In the words of the late Major Douglas A. Zembiec USMC,
“Never forget those that were killed. And never let rest those that killed them.”
5.11 Releases Call to Service: The Final Rescue of 9/11 Documentary Short Film
Thursday, September 9th, 2021IRVINE, C.A., (September 9, 2021) – In honor of the 20 the anniversary of the September 11 the attacks, 5.11, Inc., the global leader in innovative, purpose-built apparel, footwear, and gear, has released the 12-minute documentary short film, Call to Service: The Final Rescue of 9/11. The film commemorates the stories of several New York first responders to arrive at the Twin Towers on 9/11, and also recounts the patriotism that supported, motivated and comforted them in the days, weeks and months ahead.
A preservation of oral history, the documentary short film shares the firsthand accounts from several members of the New York City Police Department and New York City Fire Department in explicit detail. The challenges, the fear, and the danger they faced on September 11, 2001 were unparalleled. Their innate desire to protect and serve, in combination with the national sense of camaraderie, fueled their charge to search for survivors.
The September 11th story of Patrick McGee, NYPD-ESU (Ret.) and Scott Strauss, NYPD-ESU (Ret.), were originally documented in the 2006 Paramount Pictures film World Trade Center. In 5.11’s Call to Service: The Final Rescue of 9/11, Strauss recounted, “The film was one of the few times Hollywood made something less intense than it was. There was no room to get out if we had to… I asked my kids to be good. I asked them to take care of mom. Make me proud. And I apologized for getting myself killed, as I crawled down this hole thinking I wasn’t going to get out.”
Strauss continued, “September 12th brought us the support we needed. The patriotism went on from September 12th for months – the entire country came together. It wasn’t just firefighters and police, there were civilians helping civilians get down those stairs.”
“These individuals truly embodied the preparedness and self-reliance we strive for as a brand,” said 5.11’s Chief Marketing Officer, Debra Radcliff. “Always Be Ready means more than just your gear – it’s your mental state and strength, your emotional stability and control; being able to remain calm when lives, including your own, are on the line. Their actions and words are inspiring, and we can all use their experiences to be motivated to live the spirit of 9/12 every day.”
“Our motivation for producing this documentary is to show our unwavering support for those who serve our communities and our nation,” said 5.11’s Chief Executive Officer, Francisco J. Morales. “Our focus as a brand has always been serving those who serve. This film is a tribute to honor and remember the law enforcement, fire, emergency services professionals and even the public who banded together to support one another in a time of crisis that our country will never forget.” In closing, Morales shared, “September 12 this now called Patriot Day for a reason – let us all remember the strength of humanity, our nation, and all those who serve and strive for the greater good.”
The short film documentary Call to Service, The Final Rescue of 9/11 is available for viewing now. Over the coming days, the full interviews with each of the participants will also become available for viewing.
For more information on 5.11, please visit www.511Tactical.com. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical.
In Memoriam – Joe Galloway
Sunday, August 22nd, 2021Vietnam War Journalist extraordinaire Joseph Galloway, 79, passed away last week due to complications from a heart attack.
He was a giant among men, unafraid of heading into the fray with the forces he meant to cover. In fact, during the battle of Ia Drang Galloway saved a Soldier’s life and was eventually recognized decades later by the Army with a Bronze Star Medal for his heroism under fire. A witness to the action, it was so intense, he armed himself. During his ceremony, MG Joe Kellogg said of Galloway, ““He was a soldier in spirit, he was a soldier in actions and he was a soldier in deeds.”
He wrote a book about that battle, along with retired LTG Hal Moore entitled, “We Were Soldiers Once … and Young” which was later made into a movie.
He remained a journalist his entire career, covering everything from the local seen to international politics.
May He Rest In Peace.
In Memorial – USMC Gunner Jesse Schertz
Friday, July 30th, 2021Retired Marine Gunner Jesse Schertz passed away unexpectedly on July 9th, when he was tragically struck by a vehicle in Stafford, VA.
While many knew Gunner Schertz during his career in the Marines, I did not meet him until he worked for Aimpoint. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He will be missed.
There will be a celebration of life event on 31 July (Saturday) at the VFW Hall, located at 111 A. View Ave, Norfolk VA 23503 from 15:00-22:00 (3:00pm-10:00pm).
His memorial page can be found here.
Additionally, his friends have organized a fundraiser for his family at www.gofundme.com/f/jesse-schertz-memorial-fundraiser.
May He Rest In Peace.
FirstSpear Friday Focus: Battle of San Juan 123rd Anniversary and Rough Rider T-Shirt
Friday, July 2nd, 2021On July 1, 2021, the 123rd anniversary of the epic battle of San Juan Hill, Cuba. FirstSpear pays tribute the Rough Riders and the gallant charge made that day to secure the critical heights. This charge ultimately led to freeing the oppressed peoples of Cuba to pursue their own destiny.
This iconic photo was taken that day after the successful charge. Legendary famous Law Man and Troop CO “Buckey” O’Neil once said, “War is argument, best way to settle it is to kill the other fella.” This emboldened the Rough Riders to continue forward to victory even though he was killed in the assault.
FirstSpear has created an iconic, limited edition commemorative T-shirt with this photo and quote.
For more information, check out: www.first-spear.com/rough-rider.
Kimber Mourns the Loss of Firearms Industry Leader Chip McCormick
Thursday, June 10th, 2021
TROY, AL, June 8, 2021 — Kimber Mfg. has learned of the passing of Chip McCormick, the man renowned for creating industry-leading 1911 magazines and triggers through his company, Chip McCormick Custom. Mr. McCormick, in partnership with Kimber Mfg. owner and CEO Leslie Edelman, also contributed greatly to Kimber’s success in the 1911 market.
Mr. McCormick provided instrumental consulting to Mr. Edelman in creating the firearm industry’s first mass-produced, high-quality 1911 pistols that included custom features. Mr. McCormick’s contributions included a beavertail grip safety, an extended slide stop, and an ambidextrous manual safety. These efforts not only changed the handgun market by adding upgraded features to commercialized top-notch 1911s, but simultaneously revolutionized how firearm-manufacturing companies crafted and assembled the legendary 1911 platform.
“The Kimber family is deeply saddened by the loss of Chip McCormick. He was a great friend and a great business collaborator,” said Kimber owner and CEO, Leslie Edelman. “His impact on this company, as well as the entire firearms industry, is immeasurable. Our condolences go out to Chip’s family and friends. He will be missed greatly.”
Thinking About Those We’ve Lost
Monday, May 31st, 2021I don’t find anything particularly “happy” about Memorial Day itself. Sure, it’s a great weekend to spend kicking off summer with friends and family, but I always end up thinking about those we’ve lost in military service.
Almost every year I remind others that Memorial Day traces its roots to the post Civil War period to help heal after American fought American. Originally known as Decoration Day, Veterans chose 30 May because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle.
Over time the holiday transformed to the last Monday in May and changed names, but it wasn’t recognized as an official national holiday until 1967, the year I was born. While the implementation of the holiday has changed somewhat as well, its intent has not; it’s about the fallen.
Not everyone does in battle and wounds may takes years to kill. Please remember, earlier generations sacrificed in other ways, so don’t discount someone’s death while in uniform just because they weren’t charging a machine gun nest. They did their part, and it’s up to us to toast them and honor their death.
Take some time today and consider what you and yours have done for America.
