Twenty‑five years after the attacks of September 11, New Mexico residents continue to bear the emotional imprint of that day. Interviews with a World Trade Center survivor, the widow of a flight attendant, and a Pentagon veteran reveal how faith, family and community have helped them navigate grief and gratitude.
Albuquerque survivor recalls narrow escape
Tiffany Keeling, an Albuquerque resident, was on the 61st floor of the south tower when the first plane struck the north tower. Ignoring the Port Authority’s order to stay put, she evacuated the building, later becoming buried under seven stories of debris before being rescued. Keeling described the experience as both “heroic” and “cruel,” saying she feels honored to remember those who did not survive.
“There were a lot of heroes that day,” Keeling said. “If I could be given the opportunity to be there or not be there, I would be there.” She also spoke of lingering guilt, noting, “You always wish you could have done more,” but emphasized that dwelling on unanswered questions only hinders healing.
Alamogordo widow leans on faith
Becky Marchand of Alamogordo lost her husband, Al Marchand, a flight attendant on the second plane that hit the towers. In her reflections, she repeatedly cited God’s guidance, stating, “God has a different plan.” The Marchand family received an outpouring of support, including a cattle auction to raise college funds and a thousand paper cranes folded in remembrance.
Becky recalled criticism urging her to “move on” after a year, but she responded, “Just because it’s been a year doesn’t mean it’s time. We’re never going to get over it.” Her love for Al endures, and she continues to honor his memory through community gatherings and personal prayer.
Pentagon veteran remembers the attack
Col. Charlie Thomas, a 27‑year military veteran from New Mexico, survived the Pentagon attack while attending a meeting for the Kirtland Air Force Base Partnership Committee. He described standing in the mall entrance when the aircraft struck a wall away, then evacuating to a grassy area where thick black smoke rose.
“We didn’t know exactly what area was hit, whether it was an airplane or a bomb,” Thomas said. “It was an ordeal that won’t end any time soon and will take a lot of commitment and resolve from all of us.” His testimony, originally recorded in 2001, underscores the lasting impact on New Mexicans who were present that day.
Ground Zero workers share pride
Mike Gallagher, an investigative reporter for the Albuquerque Journal, visited Ground Zero just before Thanksgiving 2001. He reported that workers cutting steel girders from the site felt a deep sense of duty, referring to a salvaged piece as “God’s House.” Gallagher noted, “The guys who work down there are probably some of the biggest, toughest guys you’ll see, but they all say that being there has changed them.”
These personal stories illustrate how New Mexico’s faith‑filled families and communities have turned tragedy into a testament of resilience, honoring the fallen while looking forward with hope.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
