Photo By Timothy Lawn | The Garrison Flag hanging over the Pentagon after the 9/11 attack, October 11, 2001....... read more read more
Honor Guard Soldier recalls actions at 9/11 Pentagon attack
“At that moment, I heard someone in 2nd Platoon by the water tower yell "PLANE!" I didn't see it, but I heard it… We heard the high-pitched whine of the airplane. I was thinking White House, or even the Capitol,” said Sgt. (Pfc. then but Sgt. (ret.) now) Gregory "Erick" Reed, of the esteemed 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
In a fleeting moment, Reed’s fears are answered.
The close proximity of the sound of the jet, the subsequent explosion and reverberation were closer than the White House or Capitol, leaving only one more symbol of American Power as the target, the Pentagon.
For Reed, September 11th began just like any another day in the Army.
Reed was a member of the Honor Guard Detail, his military duties were to perform full military honors for funerals in Arlington National Cemetery.
It was fall, on a clear sunny day with little wind. Reed awoke at the crack of dawn for formation, he conducted physical fitness training, had breakfast and prepared for another Army day.
Reed was stationed at Ft. McNair, he and his fellow Soldiers had to travel by bus every day to Ft. Myer for ceremonial rehearsals.
That September morning, before his duty day began, Reed and his fellow Soldiers were milling around another Soldier’s car, they were relaxing behind Conmy Hall at Ft. Myer listening to the radio and trading small talk.
Their light hearted relaxation soon turns to a state of shock and disbelief as they stand transfixed listening to a panicked male radio announcer describe how a jet airliner had just slammed into the side of one of the World Trade Center buildings.
“I'm pretty sure most of us were thinking,"that's [expletive] crazy!"" Reed said.
"Oh my god, a second plane has crashed into the second tower [long pause of silence] we are receiving news that this could be a terrorist attack,” the male radio announcer blurted out.
Reed recounts his fellow Soldiers disbelief, feelings of helplessness and confusion. They wonder if the District of Columbia and all its high value targets would be next, they wouldn’t have long to wait.
"If this really is an attack on the U.S., D.C. has to be a target... right?” Reed said.
The plane came in low, though Reed and his fellow Soldiers cannot see it, there is no mistaking the shrill sound of its engine, the unmistakable crash and jarring impact meant the plane was deliberately crashed into a target.
Reed’s military chain of command rallied him and his fellow Soldiers into the dining facility. They conducted roll-call to ensure all are present and order the Soldiers to board transportation so they can return to Fort McNair to await further guidance from their command.
Though travelling by bus, he describes their return trip as a flight through Arlington National Cemetery and a momentary halt before crossing Memorial Bridge.
“It is at that moment, everyone is staring out of the right windows of the bus. We are all transfixed. That's when all the adrenaline started kicking in,” said Reed.
They can see the smoke rising above a distant impact site, another Soldier and Reed question why they are not going directly downtown to assist first responders, rumors even begin spreading amongst the troops that another plane is inbound.
He recalls how vulnerable they all feel, pent-up inside a bus.
“We felt so far away, yet we all wanted to help,” Reed said.
The buses were stopped by police; there is supposedly a suspicious package on the bridge. The Soldiers senior enlisted advisors inform the police they are an Army Honor Guard detail and have to return to Ft. McNair. The police let them through, but their return trip ends there, reaching the other side of the bridge, the buses couldn’t go any further, the city traffic was frozen in gridlock and its citizens erupted into panicked chaos.
“We all agree to run back to McNair, we are ordered to stay in groups and get back to McNair double time, get in our battle rattle (combat equipment) and stand by for further orders,” said Reed. “I don't remember ever being out of breath, but I do remember looking over my right shoulder, which was a dreadful reminder of our urgent pace. Everybody made way for us.”
Reed and his fellow Soldiers get dressed, all are quiet. They are anxious and want to know what will be their mission or objective, what are they going to be doing to help.
They all cram into a common area (lobby) and are watching a television for more news about the Twin Towers in New York and their situation. Reed and his fellow Soldiers watch in shock as the Twin Towers collapse.
“It was a blur pretty much there on out,” Reed said.
Reed can't remember if they took UH-60 helicopters, or if the roads were cleared. He recalls them assembling their Army tents on the Pentagon grounds and gathering for a brief.
"This is completely voluntary, you are not required to help. If you can't stomach what is in there, if you get in there, and you can't take it, come back out, no one will hold that against you," the briefer said.
Reed and his fellow Soldiers don white hazardous waste protective Tyvek Suits over their combat fatigues and are handed respirators and eye protection.
Initially they are informed their mission is a search and rescue. After a couple of days, harsh reality sets in and they realize they are on a recovery mission.
“What I witnessed in there, from my own account; my brain shut off all emotional reality, and I was literally a machine... We all were, I think. It was… unfathomable what we were going through. Even with the most accurate, descriptive, heartfelt words... No one will understand how bad it was in there unless you were there,” Reed said.
He feels his mind has done a good job burying what he did in there.
Reed and his fellow Soldiers searched for remains and sifted through rubble from September 11th through September 30th.
Reed has done his best to bury his time inside the Pentagon.
He remembers his return to reality was when he returned to the barracks. Though not fully present in mind or spirit Reed mustered enough strength to call his loved ones back home. He talked with his girlfriend who is now his wife, his parents and sister.
“I don't really remember what I told them... I just remember calling them, subconsciously it was an attempt to purge my mind and seek comfort from those closest to me,” said Reed.
Reed tries not to think too much of his experiences during 9/11. He admits the memories tend to pop-up when least expected… flashbacks and nightmares. He admits it has affected his life and those around him.
For Reed, he went from an innocent and motivated young Infantry Soldier on active duty to a hardened veteran. Though he never made it to Iraq or Afghanistan he has more than made up for it with the burden he carries.
One year, two months and 22 days - for Reed a poignant reminder of how long he was in the Army before 9/11.
A period of time frozen, Reed has had a brutal reality lesson. A lesson where he learns that not everyone around the world likes America, in fact some who’s hatred runs so deep they are committed to destroying our Nation and our very way of life.
Reed takes comfort and shares a treasured quote, one that he says plays over and over in his head, he believes the original quote is triumph over tragedy.
"Through great tragedy, we can understand the evil humans can do to other humans and through the very same tragedy, we will see how humankind will band together in times of dire need,” said Reed.
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2016 13:11 |
| Story ID: | 209228 |
| Location: | ONTARIO, OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 5,660 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Honor Guard Soldier recalls actions at 9/11 Pentagon attack, by Timothy Lawn, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
