AES members recall 9-11

The photo was taken on the Scott AFB flight line with 932nd AW and 375th AW crews just prior to their flights to Andrews AFB, Md. in response to the 9-11 attacks. Team Scott was able to quickly deploy two C-9A Nightingales and their aeromedical crews less than 12 hours after a hijacked jetliner struck the Pentagon. Back row, from left: Maj. Robert Witzel, 73rd AS; Capt. Michael Donovan, 73rd AS; 2nd Lt. Kale Jeffery, 73rd AS; Senior Airman Robert Moore, 375th MXS; 1st Lt. Roger DeJean, 73rd AS; Master Sgt. David Rainey, 932nd AES; Staff Sgt. Mark Jaynes, 375th AES; Tech. Sgt. Louie Hawken, 375th AES; Tech. Sgt. Randall Palen, 932nd MXS; Capt. Andrew Reimund, 375th AES; and Tech. Sgt. Shane Cayson, 932nd AES. Front row, from left: Capt. Rodney Logan, 375th MDG; Capt. Linda Sitton, 932nd AES; Capt. Sharon Moss, 375th AES, Maj. Treasa Huston, 932nd AES; Senior Master Sgt. Ellen Luhrsen, 932nd AES; and Capt. Melanie Leu. (Courtesy photo)

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932nd AES members recall 9-11

Published Sept. 9, 2011
By Public Affairs
932nd Airlift Wing

Scott Air Force Base, Ill -- Two 932nd AES members who were part of Scott AFB's aeromedical response to 9-11, recall a day of focus and adrenaline.

Chief Master Sgt. Shane Cayson, was on alert duty and was staying in billeting. "Then, I got the call from our squadron chief, and he told me the news and to get ready."
The rest of the day, Cayson says now, is a blur. "We were so focused on getting ourselves and equipment ready, I can't tell you who I flew with that day."

Maj. Linda Sitton was headed home, then took a call from her daughter. She returned to the base, but couldn't get back on. She called Capt. Rachelle Eckermann, who had sent her husband to pick her up. Eventually, Sitton was on the second C-9 that was launched from Scott at 6:13 p.m. and landed at Andrews at 7:47 p.m. Like millions of Americans, 9-11 is day she won't soon forget.
"Yes, we we're so focused, all that adrenaline pumping. You're a bit on edge, but ready to do the job."
Sitton recalled a small moment before taking off. "We're on the flight line just before boarding and one of the pilots shouted, 'let's take a group picture!'"
Ten years later, the (now) historic photo triggers lasting memories for Sitton, Cayson and the other 932nd AW crew members.