This is my part of the 9-11 attack history. I was working as a one-man-band reporter for a small NBC station in Michigan when this picture was taken. I begged my news director to let me follow a team of folks as they bring relief supplies to victims of the attacks.

He said, absolutely not--we can't afford to send you and it will not work. It wasn't an answer I hoped for, but I needed to be a part of this and share the stories of this horrible event in U.S. history. So, with just a few days of vacation left, I put in for vacation and it was approved. I was denied the professional DVC Pro camera to take with me to Washington D.C. so I asked if I could use this junky S-VHS camera to work with. Reluctantly, they agreed. So, here I am at the Pentagon where the building was still smoking and smoldering--workers searching the grounds with masks on. They are all off to the left of this picture. On the right and behind me? Armed green baret soldiers watching our every move.

As I thought about what I was seeing with my own eyes, a familiar face came into view. It was the host of America's Most Wanted--John Walsh. I casually walked up and said, "Mr. Walsh, I'm with a local Michigan TV station and I'de like to ask you a few questions about your visit here today.". He agreed right away and we did this interview you see above. Super nice guy by the way.

I ended up getting some great pictures and sound, but to this day--I am proud for standing up for a story I believed in covering for my station and myself. I was part of this history, both good and bad. I just remembered thinking--I am a journalist. I became like someone I admired, Peter Jennings. This is my career, and this is my duty to the community. Tell stories and stand up for what I believe in. I thank God everyday, that I get to tell stories.

JR