Where were you on 9/11?
For my grandparents, it’s Pearl Harbor. For my parents, it was where were you when JFK was assassinated. In my lifetime, this is one of the days that I will never forget. The days that followed were emotional and tough.
I was working for KSBY-TV as a Bureau Reporter in Santa Maria, California. It was unusual morning. I was normally up and to my office by 9 am. That morning I slept in a little bit and the kids were already off to school.
I got a call around 7:15 am from Sammy Buck who was the morning producer. He’s like Manuel we need you to go to Vandenberg Air Force Base right away. Your photographer will meet you there. I was like what’s going on. He says haven’t you seen the news this morning? I was no. He says turn it on. There has been a terrorist attack and you need to get the Vandenberg to cover that angle.
Of course, I watched the news real fast and got dressed. We got there and it was dead silent. No words coming out of the PIOs other than they were on the highest security threat. They would come out and speak to use every few hours and give us updates. Those updates were really very little information.
Vandenberg was a big concern because of the location and how important it was to the national defense. we used to go there for the annual testing of the anti-war missiles. Many were worried that location would be attacked because the Pentagon was a target, but nothing ever happened. It was too secure, but we spent three days out there covering the news. Air Force officials would not speak to us or the airmen or their families. Everybody was concerned there, but it was not easy watching all the coverage, while we worked.
I remember on Friday of that week after our around the clock coverage for three days they gave me the day off. It was the day of the national vigil and prayer for peace. I went to my church for the service and broke down crying. It was so emotional. My friends and family were worried about me. I just told them I am human too. At work, we had to stay on top of news and report what was going on. I really never was able to feel the emotion of what was happening. We were focused on doing our job. On that Friday, it just hit me what happened. So sad. I will not forget 9/11 and it will go down as a day of infamy for me.
South Texas Today 