Student Jared Morgan, a member of Theta Xi fraternity, sent this
message to some friends and faculty members to inform them that he has
been put on State Active Duty.
I just wanted to drop a line to everyone. I am at now what they call ground
zero. I was as of this morning put on State Active Duty. I reported to
Sea Girt yesterday. This morning a few other people and I tried to get
a convoy together. But it failed, so we just POV (Personally Owned Vehicle)
here today. The security was tight. Even though we had uniforms on we
still had to show ID and explain where we were going…We met up with
the rest of the people from my unit…here at the Bloomberg office
campaign center on the West Side Highway. I have seen some devastation,
but I am probably not nearly as scared as I will be later when we go out.
I am waiting to meet with a major and find out what our mission is. I
have a disposable camera with me. I hope this is all over soon, and please
keep me and everyone's loved ones I am searching for in mind. Honestly,
I am scared. I have been told that this will probably be the worst thing
I will have to deal with in my life. I'll be checking my e-mail every
chance I get.
Thanks guys. I love my fraternity.
One of the people who received this e-mail was Jack Samuels of Health Professions, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies. He said, "Jared is one of the most dedicated persons in Theta Xi and deserves our prayers. I wrote him back and wished him well." Samuels shared the letter with those who attended Thursday's unity forum. After reading the letter he said, "I would like to take a moment to say that each of us should search our souls at this time. Yes, we need to move our lives forward, but we also need time to reflect and an understanding that others need time to cope with this terrible tragedy."