Community reflects on 9/11

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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Nearly 100 people gathered this morning outside the Goldsboro Sam's Club for a small event that has become an annual community gathering.

Leadership of the store has continued to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, but they have also expanded it as a way to pay tribute to the men and women who serve in the local area.

While firefighters, police officers and first responders are often present, Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base also make up a list of those the store honors with a small plaque and words of appreciation.

Today's event honored three Airmen from the 916th Air Refueling Wing. Airman First Class Kejuan Stanley, Senior Airman Sonney Ornelaes and Tech. Sgt. Dan Drake were there along with service men and women from other branches and with Airmen from 4th Fighter Wing. Stanley and Ornelaes represented the 916th Maintenance Group and Drake represented the 916th Mission Support Group.

In the end Col. Caroline Evernham, 916th Operations Group commander, thanked the crowd for coming and Sam's Club for hosting such a nice event. She reminded the crowd to reflect on the meaning of the day.