Editor’s note: News that U.S. has killed Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, has had a powerful impact on many industry professionals, especially those who served in the military and those who have significant ties to the military and/or September 11th. PCT contacted several such industry professionals and asked them to share their thoughts.
Joshua Weeks, former vice president of Professional Products, North America, Bayer. Weeks has one son who is a retired Navy Seal and another son who is on active duty in the U.S. Army
“Obviously, one's thoughts go to the families of 9/11 because of the linkage there. I hope that this is a positive turning point in our war on terrorism in the sense that many of our adversaries may have thought that Osama bin Laden was invincible — and took solace from that — and this proves that is not correct. So, maybe this will gave our adversaries a moment to pause going forward. Certainly, it is a significant event and this is a great day, and hopefully it will be a positive turning point for our war on terror.”
---------------------------------------------
Jeff Johnson, A-Active Pest Control, Virginia Beach, Va., and former private first class (PFC), U.S. Marine Corps.
“Yesterday marked a great victory for the United States! It saddens me that it has taken us this long to catch him, but it also shows the world we have the most sophisticated Armed Forces in the world and I am extremely proud of our Navy Seals and that we never lost focus of our mission. I have quite a few Navy Seal friends that I guarantee will be celebrating this evening. Semper Fidelis!”
---------------------------------------------
Chris Donaghy, president of Residex-Turfgrass, Inc., Cranford, N.J. Donaghy and Residex-Turfgrass are supporters of the Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The program provides motivation, training, and the opportunity to rebuild strength and endurance while healing through distance running events.
“The killing of Osama bin Laden by the Navy Seal Team in the manner they executed the mission is significant to our nation and the world in that he didn’t die of natural causes and he didn’t dodge justice. I am very happy to hear that he is dead and we should understand that this event is only the beginning of a long war against those who hate and want to destroy America. This morning I wasn’t planning to run, but after learning the news of this event, I decided to run to the Colts Neck 9-11 Memorial to pay my respects, reflect on the last 9+ years and to place an American flag on the memorial site for the neighbors I never got to know.
“Since 9-11, I have never forgotten the emotions and horrific events of that day. For nearly 10 years I almost always wear one of three lapel pins commemorating the Twin Towers and 9-11 to remind people all across the nation not to forget that we were attacked and need to finish the job we set out to do in 2001. Most importantly, I am so impressed and proud of our Armed Forces and their level of commitment to protecting all Americans and the world from tyrants. I am also hopeful that those who have served our country will lead this nation as the next ‘Greatest Generation’ and push and pull America back to a unified and patriotic nation.
“While this event is a great victory, the war is not over and I will reserve my joyous celebration for the day our troops can return home because their mission is over and victorious.”
---------------------------------------------
Charlene Mertz, Nisus Corp., and former lance corporal (Lcpl), U.S. Marine Corps (1983-84)
“My first reaction was surprise, and then it was relief. I’m very happy to hear it, although I wish it happened sooner — a lot of time has passed between 9/11 and now. I am concerned about possible repercussions. We certainly don’t need any setbacks, especially regarding our [fragile] economy. Even though I served in the Marines I have a high level of respect for the Navy Seals and that that is a good example of what they are capable of.”
---------------------------------------------
Chuck Russell, Eradico Services, Novi, Mich. Russell has a close friend serving in Afghanistan.
“I have had many mixed emotions today — four to be exact: pride, anger, compassion and concern:
1) Pride: There is no question we have the best special forces on the planet. What an accomplishment for those men to go into a foreign nation, with surgical precision, find and eliminate public enemy No. 1, without suffering any injuries. How can you not be proud to be an American today. We have an entire volunteer military force of men and women who risk their lives daily for our protection. George Orwell’s quote comes to mind: 'People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because Rough Men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.'
2) Anger: I am angry that a close friend of mine has to be away from his family, living in the mountains of Afghanistan as he commands his troops, risking his life every day because that fool, bin Laden, decided to attack us. I remain angry that so many people have lost their lives and loved ones because of this fool.
3) Compassion: After the first two emotions subsided, I felt a deep level of compassion and sadness for those people who are spiritually misled around the world. As a Christian, I am commanded to love my enemies and am reminded that even though they do not think, believe or act like I do, it doesn’t mean that the Lord loves them any less than He loves me. Love is the answer.
4) Concern: I have concern that the American people and members of our government will cease to realize that a very real threat continues to exist to our nation, its citizens and our way of life. My hope and prayer is that we continue to stay focused in our worldwide fight against radical Islamic terrorism. It’s best to fight radical Islamic terrorism overseas than deal with it on our streets."
---------------------------------------------
Kevin Moran, Residex-Turfgrass, Inc., Norwood Mass. Moran has a son in the U.S. Marine Corps and a daughter in the U.S. Coast Guard.
“When I first heard the news I was getting ready to shut my eyes for the night, but that changed. I watched and I listened with a smile on my face, with a hope that some people will stop hating this country because we live in freedom. I have a real profound respect and admiration for those Navy Seals ( they are good at what they do). Lastly, I had a feeling that maybe we are all are just a tiny bit safer today and all those service men and women overseas may be home safe, soon.”
If you would like to share your comments about the news of Osama Bin Laden’s death with PCT, e-mail bharbison@giemedia.com.