Army Reserve responds terroist attacks - Attack on America - terrorist attacks on World Trade Center and the Pentagon, September 11, 2001 - Illustration

Army Reserve Magazine, Fall, 2001

People around the Pentagon know what the 311th is doing and appreciate it.

"When we left the site the other day," Martinez said, "heading back to our barracks, people who saw us starting cheering and waving."

The Army Reserve also knows and appreciates what the citizen-soldiers of the 311th are doing.

"The 311th Quartermaster Company is a first-class outfit," the Chief of the Army Reserve said at a town hall meeting for the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve (OCAR) on October 2.

Plewes told the OCAR staffers that the unit did not go through a 30-day mobilization process. The first part of the 311th was called up and on site within two to three days of the attack, with the whole unit up here within 11 days.

"This unit mobilized here, not at home station," he said.

"They're doing a very difficult job," Plewes said, describing the nature of the mission the Fuerto Rican Reservists must accomplish. "They're doing it with professionalism, treating the remains with dignity."

"It's what you'd expect."

As tough as the job is at the Pentagon, the Army as the right soldiers doing it. They have confidence in themselves and in their unit. They know how important what they are doing is, to the Nation and to the families of those killed. They will keep at their mission until they finish it. And the mission will be done properly, just the way it should be done.

As the general said, it is what is expected of the Army Reserve. (Lt. Col. Pullen is with the Public Affairs and Liaison Directorate, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve.)

Coping with emotional responses to traumatic events.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has programs to help combat veterans deal with the emotional trauma of war. Those programs have enabled VA to become widely recognized within the medical community as a leader in helping people deal with the aftermath of emotional events.

The emotional effects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and the Washington, D.C., area, will be felt by people everywhere. Those who were at the scene or have lost loved ones will have strong reactions. People who saw or heard about the attacks through the news media may also be very upset.

Common Reactions

Traumatic events create fear, grief, horror, helplessness and the feeling of being overwhelmed. People may be bothered by nightmares or upsetting thoughts and pictures that come to mind. Young children may be upset, distracted, or out of sorts. These are normal reactions to very stressful events, and they usually get better with time.

People directly affected by tragedy, young children, people who have been through other traumatic events, and people with emotional problems may need extra help.

Things You Can Do

Whether directly affected by traumatic events or helping others through a difficult time, there are things to do.

Remember that everyone has his or her own pace for processing trauma. It is important to listen to and honor their own pace and ways of dealing with the situation.

Talk or spend time with people. Coping with stressful events is easier when people support each other. Follow your own natural inclination with regard to how much and to whom you talk.