I was a civilian on
vacation during 9/11. I was in Seattle, Wash., when the
planes hit the towers. Unable to return home to my law
enforcement job, I was able to hitch a ride on a General
Electric Challenger jet with FEMA employees and cadaver
dogs. We were one of
the few aircraft exempt from the no-fly rule after the 9/11
tragedy. Approaching KHPN, I could see a thick haze rising
up from the World Trade Center site. Being a lifelong New
Yorker, the New York City skyline looked so different after
that day. It was a sight I will never forget. Let none of us
ever forget that day of tragedy and heroism. Today I stand a
proud ALPA member.
First Officer Charles Castioni, CommutAir |