Climbing to remember Published Sept. 18, 2013 By Senior Airman Stephanie Sauberan Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A team of five firefighters from the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron gathered on Sept. 11 at the firefighter training facility, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to honor the first responders and those who died during the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Similar to those who responded to the terrorist attacks, the team, outfitted in nearly 100 pounds of firefighting equipment and tools, began climbing the 110 flights of stairs at precisely 8:46 a.m., the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower 12 years ago. "As I climbed, I tried to imagine what it would be like to go up as thousands of employees tried to go down those same stairs," said Airman 1st Class Gavin Hoeft, 5th CES firefighter. "It is hard to image what it feels like to climb 110 stories while people run by you terrified." Staff Sgt. Jevon King, 5th CES noncommissioned officer in charge of health and safety, explained that a large number of individuals volunteered to take part in the climb, but due to mission requirements, it was decided that the ascent would be undertaken by a team of only five. To ensure participants understood the significance of today's stair climb and sacrifice of those who made that similar climb that tragic day, senior leadership within the fire department took time to meet with their Airmen and explain the events of September 11, said King. They made sure it would mean something to them as they climbed the steps and be reminded of those who had ascended a very different set of stairs 12 years ago. "It felt good to do something to pay tribute and show our respect," said King. "Even if the memory has faded in some people's minds; for us it's still very much at heart." The distinct bond shared by both civilian and military firefighters makes them "brothers in badges," said King. There is understanding, respect and camaraderie between those who choose to run toward danger while others would turn away. Through their resolve, the team wanted to illustrate that the sacrifice of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten, said King. Today's climb served as a way to embody a measure of the difficulty and pain that was felt on that day. "Even when we're beat down, we still want to press on," King said. "We know we have our brothers to carry us." For King, the event served as a way to let people remember what the brave men and women at the Twin Towers went through, and to take a moment to pay them the respect they deserve. "The level of bravery and heroism they had that day inspires me to always do my best every day," Hoeft said. It is in every firefighter's nature to press on even in the toughest of times, said King. Even when weak or weary, their fellow firefighters will be there to help them should they fall. Base leadership was very supportive of the event, and the planning process was smooth, making it a success, added King. King and Hoeft planned the event together and were the ones who decided that 8:46 a.m. would be the best time to begin the climb in order to mirror the events of 2001. Memorial climbs have been conducted across the country by various civilian fire departments since the attack on 2001. However, this was the first climb undertaken at Minot Air Force Base, said King. Discussions have already begun to make it an annual event, perhaps relocating it to the state capitol, Bismarck, N.D. "I'm very proud of what our firefighters did today," said Lt. Col. Doug Gilpin, 5th CES commander. "I feel it exemplifies the Air Force core value of service before self and that is what being an Airman is all about."