JBER host its 1st annual 9/11 memorial stair climb

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Twenty-four service members and first responders honored the lives of those who died during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, during Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s first annual 9/11 memorial stair climb Saturday on base.

Nicholas Parks, a firefighter and EMT on JBER, was one of the organizers for the event. He said he’s wanted to do a memorial stair climb like this for the past year or so on base.

“We want to make sure they’re not forgotten,” said Parks.

That dream became a reality as service members and first responders climbed 110 flights of stairs in honor of those who died during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. There ceremony remembers those who died that day as well as the thousands of people who continue to face ongoing health complications linked to the 2001 attacks.

“We’re here today to just serve them, honor them, respect them and celebrate their lives,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jahleel Natta-Haynes.

For 20-year-old Natta-Haynes that means thinking about his first-grade teacher, Ms. Morales, whose father died in the towers during the attacks.

“It showed me that, wow, even though I wasn’t there, people go through things, so history is very important,” said Natta-Haynes said. “I’ll be thinking of her about her just see show love to him and her family.”

JBER’s 9/11 event served as a platform to remember the fallen and as a moment for comradery among first responders.

“It has happened and another emergency will happen, we keep in mind that it’s important to be out here, climbing the stairs and working with each other,” said Parks.

Parks said he plans to continue to have a memorial stair climbs to honor 9/11.

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