Has it really been more than a week? It seems like a few minutes ago, I was sitting at my desk in the newsroom working on...who knows what? Prior to 11 a.m. on July 16, we were preoccupied with two drag racing cops, and endless debates on Confederate flags and same-sex marriage. Two weeks ago, Chattanooga's name (mispronounced by 90% of national media, including news anchors and cable hosts) became associated with violence, tragedy and terrorism.
I was called into the studio to report on a heavy police presence on Amnicola Highway, apparently caused by reports of an "Officer Down." Those reports proved to be true, but as we soon learned, the whole truth was far worse.
The shooter was "neutralized," as police say, within minutes. But not until he had caused heartbreak for five families.
The response from around the nation has been so touching. Chattanooga's city limits signs have been non-existent in recent days. Even the spirited competitor in "Best City Ever" from a few weeks ago, Port Angeles, Wa., sent a show of love. An anonymous donor from New York sent 3,000 roses for the memorial services. People have driven hundreds of miles just to visit the makeshift tributes at the sites of the shootings on Lee Highway and Amnicola Highway.
I've seen a couple dozen songs on Facebook, all of them from the heart. Not to mention billboards, bumper stickers, artwork from adults and children, beautiful tributes at restaurants, stores and offices. Blood Assurance has seen a healthy, much-needed increase in donors. A GoFundMe page for wounded police officer Dennis Pedigo is approaching its goal of $20,000 after only three days. The upcoming US-101 Brantley Gilbert concert is sure to help our victims’ families, and our region's spirit.
Just two months ago, the funeral service of Chattanooga Police Officer Nathan Rogers was held at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga. Nathan was a proud Marine who died at the age of 31 after a long battle with cancer. Among fellow Marines paying tribute to Nathan and his family was Sgt. David Wyatt who was one of the five servicemen who lost their lives during the Chattanooga shootings. Little did we know that we would be saying goodbye to him just a few weeks later. He was only 35 years old, and he too was buried at the National Cemetery Friday.
Sgt. Wyatt’s father said his son died after helping several others escape when the shooting began on Amnicola Highway. "They were able to get 18 people away, over the fence. They counted, and there were two missing, and my son along with Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan went back to look for the other two, whereupon they ran into the shooter, and were fired upon and killed."
Known as "Gunny" to his fellow Marines, Sullivan "died a hero," Marine Sgt. Amanda Vincent told Sullivan's family, who gathered in his hometown of Springfield, Ma. to celebrate the life of the 40-year-old, two-time Purple Heart recipient and Iraq veteran.
"The only thing on his mind was if his fellow Marines were OK. He had a chance to jump the fence and run, but instead he ran back to make sure the Marines that were shot were OK," Vincent said in a message to the Sullivan family.
Sullivan and Wyatt were about to enter the Navy Operational Support Center when they were warned that the gunman was exiting.
"They ran back to the Marines outside and (Sullivan) made sure they all jumped over the fence and got away," Vincent said.
Sullivan and Wyatt were the last two who needed to jump the fence. Wyatt scaled the fence, but when he looked back, "Gunny was gone," Vincent said. Sullivan had instead gone to help other wounded Marines before he also sustained fatal injuries.
US Navy Petty Officer Second Class Randall Smith, who lived in the Rossville, Ga. area, also is credited with saving lives that day. He was only 26. His funeral service, for family and close friends, is set for Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Fort Oglethorpe, with burial to follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Also killed were Marine Sgt. Carson Holmquist, 25, of Wisconsin and Lance Corporal Skip Wells of Marietta, Ga. The 21-year-old Wells was barely out of boot camp.
Again, I emphasize that the bravery shown by our military and law enforcement officers saved many, many lives that day. We cannot thank them enough.
Tom Petty's 1989 song "I Won't Back Down" is appropriate for our city, and it’s strong, determined response. I agree. Check out these lyrics:
“Well, I won't back down
No, I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down
No, I'll stand my ground, won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down.”
(From David Carroll’s ChattanoogaRadioTV.com)