November 5, 2009, will always be etched in my mind. On that day I left work to pickup my son to attend the graduation ceremony on Fort Hood. We arrived in the parking lot of Howze Auditorium, and I overheard someone on the phone announcing that there had been shooters on the base and they were headed in our direction. My immediate reaction was confusion, fear and a longing to be somewhere far away. It was at that moment my son squeezed my hand, saying “Mommy, I’m too young to die.” I looked down at his face and reassured him we were going to be alright as we proceeded to the entrance door of the auditorium. Wow. Never in my life did I feel so helpless, yet I knew God was in control of it all.
As more people hurried inside the building and into seats, a soldier made an announcement for all senior NCOs to do a two-person post-up at all of the entrance/exit doors. Again, it became so surreal I could not believe what was going on. I said my prayers and focused on the ceremony that had just begun. Although the graduation was overshadowed by the day’s events, it was a remarkable triumph for those men and women that crossed the stage. Before the ceremony’s ending remarks, another announcement was made that we were officially on lock-down and would have to remain inside the facility until further notice. As I looked around to see everyone’s reaction to the news, there seemed to be a calm in the building…no one was panicking.
Soon news began to spread in the building that there were multiple shooters and confirmed injuries and deaths. Everyone was either on the phone talking or texting, trying to find out from the outside what was going on. Unfortunately, my battery died; however, I was able to send word to my family and friends via text that my son and I were okay. Several hours elapsed and soldiers began bringing food and water for us which was a welcomed treat, especially for those suffering from diabetes.
Now it was well after seven o’clock and word was coming down that the lock-down would be lifting. We received word that we were allowed to leave; however, we must check out with the soldier posted at the exit door. As my son and I sat in the long line trying to get off base, I recalled the day’s events and gave thanks to God.
I am thankful for the quick action that was taken at the auditorium to ensure the safety of our lives.
God Bless Us All!
Erica S. White,
Assistant Web Master
Central Texas College
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Welcome
"One Voice" is an online blog created for the members of the CTC community who have been affected by the tragedy of 11/05/09 on Fort Hood. "One Voice" is a vehicle for those who wish to share their story regarding the events that took place that solemn day. Share your experience or just simply express words of encouragement for the healing process this community and the country have begun.
As a community we are all experiencing different ways of coping with the tragedy and the loss of innocent lives dedicated to protecting this country. We at CTC express our deepest sympathy for the lives taken and those who were injured.
Share your story...
As a community we are all experiencing different ways of coping with the tragedy and the loss of innocent lives dedicated to protecting this country. We at CTC express our deepest sympathy for the lives taken and those who were injured.
Share your story...
2 comments:
Erica,
I was heartened to read your blog to this. I and a couple of my students were 'locked down' at the Livestock Center and it was so weird to listen to the sirens and the announcer. It reminded me of the H bomb practices we had when I was a kid in school. The sirens would go off and we would huddle under our desks. Looking back, we were so helpless and that is how I felt last week. I wished that I could do something, anything and yet all we could do was listen to the news and wait. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the fallen and the wounded and I am proud of the actions of those who immediately stepped in to help, despite the danger to their own safety.
I asked for prayers at church Sunday for our soldiers; they not only risk their lives overseas, but also on American soil to preserve our freedoms. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their loved ones- dena wilks
Thursday November 5, 2009 was a very emotional day to say the least. KUDO'S to Central Texas College for having a great emergency plan set up, and to Jennifer who carried it out to a T. We were on lock down for roughly 3 hours due to the Fort Hood travesty. The CTC Foundation was hosting their annual Christmas Affair in the student center at the time of the shootings. I would like to thank all the vendors and students who were in lock down at the student center, your calm and cool manners are to be commended. My healing vibes go out to everyone who was affected by the November 5 event. Especially the Victims and their Family Members. Peace and Much Love.
Kathleen
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