More of Why You Should Vote on Tuesday
THE FIRST BATTLE IN WHAT IS A WAR AGAINST TERROR was largely led by those we usually don't think of as "our troops" yet first responders are always our last line of defense. On 9/11, they fought with the greatest weapons in their inventory--human compassion and shear will--and while many were lost that day, far more were saved because of their service and sacrifice. "Our troops," be they far away and easily recognized or nearby and not recognized until we need them ourselves, share common virtues and a single cause. The comments below are from first responders and their families. Some of them have family in our military and some even wear two hats.
Brandon Bothwell-Firefighter 10/27/2004 10:46:02 PM Keep fighting the good fight because the cause is worthy and the outcome, our children, are more than worth it. May President Bush lead us for another 4 years, even if the IAFF does not agree. A large portion of our membership support Bush, despite ourUnion's stance. Bellevue, WA- local 1604
Gene Fowler, Firefighter Oct 26, 2004 1:15 pm I thank all of you who put forth the effort and time necessary to build your website. Although I do not know anyone personally who paid the ultimate price in this tragedy, I certainly was, and continually are, affected by it. God Bless You, and God Bless The President of the United States.
Tim and Jody Mackling Oct 26, 2004 12:03 pm Firefigher, Texas
Dan, Ashley and Grace Harris Oct 25, 2004 8:22 pm As a member of TNTF-1 who responded to the Pentagon on 9/11, myself and my family are behind you 110%.
Mark J. Hernandez Oct 22, 2004 3:52 pm Lt. on the Newton Fire Dept. Newton, Mass. currently serving active duty Army with the 249th Med Co. (Air Ambulance) as a MEDEVAC pilot. Never forget.
David Harms 10/22/2004 9:08:09 PM WheatRidge Colorado Firefighter
Ken Deane 10/23/2004 9:51:02 AM Firefighter
Jeffrey S. Gable 10/21/2004 7:28:29 PM Firefighter/EMT Engine 92, Fayetteville, GA
John Massie Oct 23, 2004 11:27 pm Brother firefighter from Lincoln Ne.
Anthony Vera Oct 24, 2004 11:07 am I'm a firefighter that stands 1000% for our President, DESPITE what the IAFF union wants you to believe! There are MANY (actually a majority) of Firefighters that stand behind our President!!!! God bless us all, and may George W. Bush win reelection for the good of our entire country! I'm with you guys all the way!
Ted Glaessgen Oct 24, 2004 1:29 pm Retired Lt. FDNY, Viet Vet and disgusted member UFOA. There is more to it than what a president did or did not do for a union. It's about defending our ation. Kerry has shown his colors and they're yellow. Let the democrats put up a strong defender of freedom and we can talk union issues. Until then, we need the president's leadership. I worked alongside a half dozen of the brothers that were lost that day and will never forget or forgive the terrorists or anyone who weakens our determination to bring them to justice. God Bless President Bush and the United States of America. Yes to saying the pledge of allegiance, singing God Bless America and any other show of patriotism. It is what made this country great. If the liberals don't like it, let them get their own country, get out of ours.
Maralee Clarke Oct 22, 2004 6:57 am I am the daughter of a retired New York City Fire Captain, Ed Kellerman, and I am proud to sign this guest book. Not only as a daughter of one of America's brave firefighters but also as the daughter of a WWII veteran. If we all could exhibit the courage it takes to stand up and really state our beliefs and not back down. This is what our leadership has done. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Nick and Lucinda Bautizta 10/20/2004 6:21:17 AM This goes out to all of the family members of 9/11 and those who gave there lives for our country. I am a firefighter also and it hit close to home because I lost brothers that I never met before but we will never forget. My wife and I will have all involved in our prayers. God Bless
Stephany & Peter Byrne 10/21/2004 9:23:04 AM My husband retired from FDNY in the 80's after 20+ years of service. Sept 11 was without a doubt one of the hardest days of his life - watching his brothers risk their lives and/or die. We must not let the liberals of of our nation be our spokesmen. Bless our President and our Soldiers!
Leah Zwald & family 10/15/2004 11:19:27 AM My husband is a firefighter in GA. He went to NYC on Sept 21 and worked with the men & women of FDNY. My son has joined the USMC to help with the fight on terriorism. Our hearts still ache for the families who have lost loved ones from this terrible event.
Michael Richardson 10/12/2004 3:05:53 PM As a firefighter for over 25 years and the father of a young man fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan, I recognize the need for the strong and courageous leadership we have been blessed with since that fateful day in 2001. I want our country and my son to continue to benefit from the type of leader who makes a decision and then relentlessly pursues his objectives regardless of the pressures put on him by politicians in our country and abroad. I want a leader who recognizes evil and makes no bones about it. I want another four years of George W. Bush. To all those who suffered a personal loss on September 11, 2001...may God grant you peace and comfort, and may you take further solice in knowing that all true Americans stand beside you in your time of need.
Lieutenant John E. Peters, IAFF member, Oct 15, 2004 8:13 pm Fellow Americans & My FF Brother& Sisters. Sad to say that again my union has sold its soul to the Devil. I will follow you or lead you into HELL to fight the flames. But I will not join my UNION and support John Kerry in Hell.
Diane Floyd 10/9/2004 4:52:49 PM I was born and raised in NY and a police officer in Va Beach, VA. A part of me died that day also, for the first responders are a brotherhood no matter where we are. I watched with my then 9 year old son as those towers collapsed and my heart broke because the brave men and women in uniform were doing what they loved to do, help people. People that have never worn the uniform have no idea what they did that day, chances are they knew they weren't coming out, but did it stop them from going in NO!! In fact they raced to get there as fast as they could even if it was to save only one life in return for their own. God bless all of them and their families that are left without them. They died true heroes, first responders are a breed unlike any other. There is a special place in heaven for them. My family is a police family and my 15 year old wants to join the police department, do I want him to do it no, because I am a mom and I worry, am I proud of him, You better believe it.
Jeff Cool TSGT NYANG / FDNY 8/30/2004 I'm a proud to serve under President Bush and I hope to continue to do so for four more years.
John E. Rais Oct 18, 2004 6:33 pm I am a Cincinnati firefighter (29 years), along with you I was horrified, sickened, angered and simply stunned to witness the attacks of 9-11. I sat praying as I watched and felt the horror of the fate befalling real true heroes. President Bush acted immediately, accordingly and without question to do the right thing for all of America and especially for the first responders that sacrificed so much that day. This is a man that showed he knows how to lead this Country. This is a man that made us all proud that day he stood on the rubble and said the World will hear us! As they have heard us for these 3 plus years, they shall hear us loudest on November 2nd when we re-elect G.W.Bush to the Oval Office! I stand with you in prayer for our loved ones lost each and every day. And, I stand with you in knowing that Bush is and will again be our elected leader to fight these appalling, evil terrorists no matter where they try to hide. God Bless each and everyone of you and make each and every one of us strong enough to muster the courage we need to continue this fight!
Edward K. Herrick Toledo Firefighter IAFF Local 92 Oct 13, 2004 8:51 pm Though our national union supports Kerry, the debate rages in our nation's engine houses. The IAFF has been swampped with calls from irate members. President Bush has the conviction and principles to lead us in the direction necessary. No doubt he is a leader. As the terrorists heard from the US, President Bush will hear from the nation's firefighters on election day. God bless all of you.
Maureen Davis Oct 23, 2004 10:14 am My family had the most wonderful reunion in the Outer Banks in August just before the September 11th attacks on N.Y. My brother John was in the fire department headquarters the morning of September 11th to talk about retiring. When the five alarm fire came John was put in charge of the headquarters and then subsequently 1500 or so National Guard troops. He has had asthma during his lifetime. His lungs were bad and he could not go to alarms. John was in the fire department for about 25 years. My Dad, Robert Bruckner, retired from the Fire Department. John's firemen buddies flew my Mom and Dad to N.Y. from Florida where they had retired to be there for his promotion to Fire Chief. My Dad, Robert Bruckner, died in 1998. John was Fire Captain in Harlem for 6 years. He was then made Chief in the Bronx. He had about 50 friends who died that day 9/11/2001. He went on to take charge of all the fire department funerals. John is now retired. We have had many conversations about 9/11. John got up very early every morning and went home late at night. He lost his best friend Fire Chief Dennis Devlin. John is now retired and counsels families and young firemen put in charge long before their time. John's son Mattew Bruckner is a new proby in the FDNY.
THE FIRST BATTLE IN WHAT IS A WAR AGAINST TERROR was largely led by those we usually don't think of as "our troops" yet first responders are always our last line of defense. On 9/11, they fought with the greatest weapons in their inventory--human compassion and shear will--and while many were lost that day, far more were saved because of their service and sacrifice. "Our troops," be they far away and easily recognized or nearby and not recognized until we need them ourselves, share common virtues and a single cause. The comments below are from first responders and their families. Some of them have family in our military and some even wear two hats.
Brandon Bothwell-Firefighter 10/27/2004 10:46:02 PM Keep fighting the good fight because the cause is worthy and the outcome, our children, are more than worth it. May President Bush lead us for another 4 years, even if the IAFF does not agree. A large portion of our membership support Bush, despite ourUnion's stance. Bellevue, WA- local 1604
Gene Fowler, Firefighter Oct 26, 2004 1:15 pm I thank all of you who put forth the effort and time necessary to build your website. Although I do not know anyone personally who paid the ultimate price in this tragedy, I certainly was, and continually are, affected by it. God Bless You, and God Bless The President of the United States.
Tim and Jody Mackling Oct 26, 2004 12:03 pm Firefigher, Texas
Dan, Ashley and Grace Harris Oct 25, 2004 8:22 pm As a member of TNTF-1 who responded to the Pentagon on 9/11, myself and my family are behind you 110%.
Mark J. Hernandez Oct 22, 2004 3:52 pm Lt. on the Newton Fire Dept. Newton, Mass. currently serving active duty Army with the 249th Med Co. (Air Ambulance) as a MEDEVAC pilot. Never forget.
David Harms 10/22/2004 9:08:09 PM WheatRidge Colorado Firefighter
Ken Deane 10/23/2004 9:51:02 AM Firefighter
Jeffrey S. Gable 10/21/2004 7:28:29 PM Firefighter/EMT Engine 92, Fayetteville, GA
John Massie Oct 23, 2004 11:27 pm Brother firefighter from Lincoln Ne.
Anthony Vera Oct 24, 2004 11:07 am I'm a firefighter that stands 1000% for our President, DESPITE what the IAFF union wants you to believe! There are MANY (actually a majority) of Firefighters that stand behind our President!!!! God bless us all, and may George W. Bush win reelection for the good of our entire country! I'm with you guys all the way!
Ted Glaessgen Oct 24, 2004 1:29 pm Retired Lt. FDNY, Viet Vet and disgusted member UFOA. There is more to it than what a president did or did not do for a union. It's about defending our ation. Kerry has shown his colors and they're yellow. Let the democrats put up a strong defender of freedom and we can talk union issues. Until then, we need the president's leadership. I worked alongside a half dozen of the brothers that were lost that day and will never forget or forgive the terrorists or anyone who weakens our determination to bring them to justice. God Bless President Bush and the United States of America. Yes to saying the pledge of allegiance, singing God Bless America and any other show of patriotism. It is what made this country great. If the liberals don't like it, let them get their own country, get out of ours.
Maralee Clarke Oct 22, 2004 6:57 am I am the daughter of a retired New York City Fire Captain, Ed Kellerman, and I am proud to sign this guest book. Not only as a daughter of one of America's brave firefighters but also as the daughter of a WWII veteran. If we all could exhibit the courage it takes to stand up and really state our beliefs and not back down. This is what our leadership has done. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Nick and Lucinda Bautizta 10/20/2004 6:21:17 AM This goes out to all of the family members of 9/11 and those who gave there lives for our country. I am a firefighter also and it hit close to home because I lost brothers that I never met before but we will never forget. My wife and I will have all involved in our prayers. God Bless
Stephany & Peter Byrne 10/21/2004 9:23:04 AM My husband retired from FDNY in the 80's after 20+ years of service. Sept 11 was without a doubt one of the hardest days of his life - watching his brothers risk their lives and/or die. We must not let the liberals of of our nation be our spokesmen. Bless our President and our Soldiers!
Leah Zwald & family 10/15/2004 11:19:27 AM My husband is a firefighter in GA. He went to NYC on Sept 21 and worked with the men & women of FDNY. My son has joined the USMC to help with the fight on terriorism. Our hearts still ache for the families who have lost loved ones from this terrible event.
Michael Richardson 10/12/2004 3:05:53 PM As a firefighter for over 25 years and the father of a young man fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan, I recognize the need for the strong and courageous leadership we have been blessed with since that fateful day in 2001. I want our country and my son to continue to benefit from the type of leader who makes a decision and then relentlessly pursues his objectives regardless of the pressures put on him by politicians in our country and abroad. I want a leader who recognizes evil and makes no bones about it. I want another four years of George W. Bush. To all those who suffered a personal loss on September 11, 2001...may God grant you peace and comfort, and may you take further solice in knowing that all true Americans stand beside you in your time of need.
Lieutenant John E. Peters, IAFF member, Oct 15, 2004 8:13 pm Fellow Americans & My FF Brother& Sisters. Sad to say that again my union has sold its soul to the Devil. I will follow you or lead you into HELL to fight the flames. But I will not join my UNION and support John Kerry in Hell.
Diane Floyd 10/9/2004 4:52:49 PM I was born and raised in NY and a police officer in Va Beach, VA. A part of me died that day also, for the first responders are a brotherhood no matter where we are. I watched with my then 9 year old son as those towers collapsed and my heart broke because the brave men and women in uniform were doing what they loved to do, help people. People that have never worn the uniform have no idea what they did that day, chances are they knew they weren't coming out, but did it stop them from going in NO!! In fact they raced to get there as fast as they could even if it was to save only one life in return for their own. God bless all of them and their families that are left without them. They died true heroes, first responders are a breed unlike any other. There is a special place in heaven for them. My family is a police family and my 15 year old wants to join the police department, do I want him to do it no, because I am a mom and I worry, am I proud of him, You better believe it.
Jeff Cool TSGT NYANG / FDNY 8/30/2004 I'm a proud to serve under President Bush and I hope to continue to do so for four more years.
John E. Rais Oct 18, 2004 6:33 pm I am a Cincinnati firefighter (29 years), along with you I was horrified, sickened, angered and simply stunned to witness the attacks of 9-11. I sat praying as I watched and felt the horror of the fate befalling real true heroes. President Bush acted immediately, accordingly and without question to do the right thing for all of America and especially for the first responders that sacrificed so much that day. This is a man that showed he knows how to lead this Country. This is a man that made us all proud that day he stood on the rubble and said the World will hear us! As they have heard us for these 3 plus years, they shall hear us loudest on November 2nd when we re-elect G.W.Bush to the Oval Office! I stand with you in prayer for our loved ones lost each and every day. And, I stand with you in knowing that Bush is and will again be our elected leader to fight these appalling, evil terrorists no matter where they try to hide. God Bless each and everyone of you and make each and every one of us strong enough to muster the courage we need to continue this fight!
Edward K. Herrick Toledo Firefighter IAFF Local 92 Oct 13, 2004 8:51 pm Though our national union supports Kerry, the debate rages in our nation's engine houses. The IAFF has been swampped with calls from irate members. President Bush has the conviction and principles to lead us in the direction necessary. No doubt he is a leader. As the terrorists heard from the US, President Bush will hear from the nation's firefighters on election day. God bless all of you.
Maureen Davis Oct 23, 2004 10:14 am My family had the most wonderful reunion in the Outer Banks in August just before the September 11th attacks on N.Y. My brother John was in the fire department headquarters the morning of September 11th to talk about retiring. When the five alarm fire came John was put in charge of the headquarters and then subsequently 1500 or so National Guard troops. He has had asthma during his lifetime. His lungs were bad and he could not go to alarms. John was in the fire department for about 25 years. My Dad, Robert Bruckner, retired from the Fire Department. John's firemen buddies flew my Mom and Dad to N.Y. from Florida where they had retired to be there for his promotion to Fire Chief. My Dad, Robert Bruckner, died in 1998. John was Fire Captain in Harlem for 6 years. He was then made Chief in the Bronx. He had about 50 friends who died that day 9/11/2001. He went on to take charge of all the fire department funerals. John is now retired. We have had many conversations about 9/11. John got up very early every morning and went home late at night. He lost his best friend Fire Chief Dennis Devlin. John is now retired and counsels families and young firemen put in charge long before their time. John's son Mattew Bruckner is a new proby in the FDNY.
1 comment:
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