FFDOA Special Message on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
On this 20-year anniversary of the historic, unprecedented attack on our nation, we remember the fallen and renew our prayers and support for the victims' families.
We also remember the coming together of a nation unlike any other time in modern history. From the rubble of the World Trade Center, the dust of a wounded Pentagon and the smoke of a Pennsylvanian field, two words unified our people, “NEVER FORGET”.
In the days preceding this message, as the President of the Association representing Federal Flight Deck Officers, I have been conflicted.
My instinct is to serve our members and “use” this remarkable anniversary as a talking point. As a springboard. As a momentum changer.
Why? Because right now we face challenges in the FFDO program unlike any other I have witnessed. We have serious concerns with our parent agency, TSA, on the management of the program, and I worry about the future.
However, this is not the time for that. Instead, I choose to thank our Branch Managers, TSOC personnel, Training Cadre and FAMS supervisors. While we are not always in perfect agreement, on this 20th anniversary we must all stand together. We must strive for common ground, and renew our commitments.
Today we honor our brothers and sisters who died on 9/11/2001. We pay special tribute to those crewmembers who fought and died that day. We remember all the victims, first responders, passengers, and families.
American Airlines 11
United Airlines 175
American Airlines 77
United Airlines 93
We also acknowledge our plank holders of the FFDO program, whose professionalism and dedication to duty set the tone almost 20 years ago. One such plank holder, Captain Marcus Flagg, lost both his parents on 9/11 on American 77. He turned his grief into action and was instrumental in the formation of FFDO, crewmember self-defense, and the eventual addition of cargo pilots.
He also helped stand up FFDOA and served as our President for several years. His message to our membership on this day, “stay the course, stay professional and thank you for honoring the victims by volunteering to ensure the safety of our nation’s skies”
So, while there is still much to do as an association, we will stay the course. I, too, thank you all for honoring those that died on that day by providing what I believe is best in our national character: A volunteer force who stands their post and without recognition does their part to ensure that there will never be another 9/11/01 on their watch. This is our workplace, our environment. Thank you for protecting it.
SEMPER VIGILANS
NEVER FORGET
