Kerik provided leadership for the city of NY during a terrible crisis . . .
"Can you cite a specific example of this?"
Just one? Ok, since being a Canadian excuses you for asking such a question.
Now, Can you explain why you posted an image in your profile of a soldier pointing his weapon at a possibly booby trapped body on the floor? Why didn't you post an image of Mr. Berg's head?
On 9-11 , These were just some of the people who held this nation together.
2002 DAR Medal of Honor Recipients
Though we cannot personally express our gratitude to each of the thousands that performed selfless, heroic acts following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it was our privilege to honor six of the leaders of the rescue operation in New York and the Pentagon for their extraordinary leadership and courage which reassured our entire nation.
RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani was honored for his extraordinary leadership following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Mayor Giuliani became the tireless, unwavering voice of comfort and resolve to the eight million citizens of New York, and indeed, the nation. Former Mayor Giuliani said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather doing what has to be done in spite of the fear.”
New York Governor George Pataki wrote in his letter of recommendation, “In the wake of the unspeakable events of September 11, Mayor Giuliani, Commissioner Kerik and Commissioner Von Essen have provided extraordinary leadership and calm under the most incredibly difficult of circumstances. Members of my Administration and I have worked closely with them in the weeks since, and we have all been deeply impressed by the dedication, commitment and strength they have demonstrated during these most trying of times. Their remarkable example and courage have inspired our nation and people throughout the world.”
BERNARD B. KERIK
Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik was honored for his extraordinary leadership following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Commissioner Kerik relied on his anti-terrorism training to set up a command post, with Mayor Giuliani and Fire Department Commissioner Von Essen, to begin the massive rescue operation.
In the hours after the attack, Commissioner Kerik reflected: “I felt waves of sadness roll over me, followed immediately by anger – rage toward the people who had done this, the religious zealots who somehow believed that killing innocent American civilians would further their goals. I hoped our country would see this as a military attack on our people, and that we would respond with the full force of the U. S. military to make sure that our people were avenged, and that this would never happen again.”
THOMAS VON ESSEN
Former Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen was honored for his extraordinary leadership following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Commissioner Von Essen was at the World Trade Center within minutes of the first attack, directing hundreds of firefighters in their rescue of thousands of victims. He reflected a few weeks later: “Sacrifice, commitment and dedication are the hallmarks of a New York City firefighter. On the darkest day our city – and our nation – has ever known, this sacrifice and commitment was more than evident as we mobilized in the face of terrorism and became the nation’s first line of defense for thousands of innocent victims.”
Commissioner Von Essen led the Fire Department in coping with the overwhelming loss of 343 firefighters on September 11. He has helped raise funds for the families and raised public awareness of firefighters' service to their city. “We are shaken, but we are not defeated,” he stated. “We stare adversity in the eye, and we move on.”
“Those who escaped the horror and its aftermath will always remember that while they were going down, the firefighters were going up. But they did not die in vain. More than 25,000 people were safely evacuated from the twin towers – the greatest lifesaving effort ever undertaken in this nation. We will never forget them.”
Rudolph Giuliani, Bernard B. Kerik, and Thomas Von Essen were sponsored by Peter Minuit DAR Chapter of New York City, Molly Ker, Regent.
JOHN J. JESTER, JR.
John J. Jester, Jr. was honored for his extraordinary leadership following the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon. Mr. Jester led the Pentagon’s security efforts in response to the September 11th terrorist attack. Paul K. Hazelbush, head of the Real Estate and Facilities Directorate, praised the Pentagon’s Protective Service Officers stating, “Defense Protective Service officers put their lives in jeopardy to provide emergency instruction and security, and simultaneously, rescue people.”
Mr. Jester was sponsored by the Thomas Lee DAR Chapter of Virginia; Chapter Regent F. Maureen Thompson.
JOHN F. IRBY
John F. Irby was honored for his extraordinary leadership following the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon. Mr. Irby played a vital role in preparing and training for a catastrophic event. As a result, the Pentagon’s “first responders” were well equipped and highly motivated on September 11, 2001. Mr. Irby’s preparation not only saved many lives, but also permitted the Defense Department to continue to operate for the sake of our nation’s defense.
Thomas C. Tucker, Director, Management Support, wrote in his letter of recommendation, “The rapid recovery of the Pentagon’s infrastructure was not just the result of heroic efforts at the site of the attack – although there were many – it was the result of years of planning for just such an event by John Irby. The team he prepared put their lives in jeopardy to rescue people and turn off (or on) electrical, water, and ventilation systems. His leadership was pivotal in assessing damage and monitoring potentially hazardous substances. Shortly after the disaster, he was the Department of Defense spokesperson for a nationally televised event in the Pentagon Briefing Room. His grasp of the facts and lucid explanations of corrective actions being taken inspired confidence that the defense establishment was still able to play its role in defending the Nation.”
D. O. Cooke, Director of Administration Management in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, stated “…that the defense employees were ordinary Americans who did extraordinary things that day. They laid their lives on the line for others. They clearly showed their courage. They went back into the building. Some stood knee-deep in water, turning off electrical circuits at the risk of electrocution. They moved into this environment with falling debris. They held back fires with fire extinguishers while other people got out.”
The Anna Maria Fitzhugh DAR Chapter of Virginia and Crystal D. Sims, Chapter Regent, sponsored Mr. Irby.
SFC FRED WILLIAM BROWN, JR.
Sergeant First Class Fred William Brown, Jr. was honored for his extraordinary leadership following the September 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon. As Light Rescue Platoon Sergeant, Mr. Brown was instrumental in creating training doctrine and training scenarios that were both challenging and realistic. As a result of his efforts, the platoon was trained and ready when the Pentagon was attacked on September 11th.
Mr. Brown served as Platoon Sergeant of a 28-man Technical Rescue Platoon involved in Operation Noble Eagle, where he led the first rescue teams into the Pentagon. The Military District of Washington’s Engineer Company is the Army’s only collapsed building rescue company. Members of the unit reported to the scene at the Pentagon immediately following the terrorist attack, and spent many long hours and days sifting through the debris to locate and recover victims.
The Ketoctin DAR Chapter of Virginia and Chapter Regent, Terri A. Coleman, sponsored Mr. Brown.
If I were a Canadian you might have a point.
Now, Can you explain why you posted an image in your profile of a soldier pointing his weapon at a possibly booby trapped body on the floor? Why didn't you post an image of Mr. Berg's head?
Why don't you read the freaking quotation under that photo? I posted that back when those soldiers were being run through the wringer for what they had done, and I swore I'd vote for Mickey Mouse in every presidential election for the rest of my life if they U.S. military dared to have those guys face a court martial.
Now that you know the story, why don't you tell me what the f#%& Nick Berg's head has to do with it?
Commissioner Kerik relied on his anti-terrorism training to set up a command post, with Mayor Giuliani and Fire Department Commissioner Von Essen, to begin the massive rescue operation.
The "command post" was already there in that specific location, having been built by the City of New York to serve as a central command post in the event of a terrorist attack after the 1993 bombing of the world trade center. Was Kerik the dim bulb in the Giuliani administration who recommended that they build the thing in the basement of a building complex that had been identified as a primary terrorist target for years?