Remembering 9/11: Emergent employees reflect on the events of September 11th

This Sunday, as another year passes since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, we collectively reflect on its enduring legacy, and continue to honor the memory of those who lost their lives that day, and those whose lives were forever altered.

More than two decades later, Americans have been defined by our resolve, resilience, and commitment to protecting the very freedoms that were attacked on that day.

For some Emergent employees, particularly those who served or were called to serve, and others whose careers were influenced by the events surrounding that day, the terrorist attacks and their aftermath continue to have an important influence on their lives.

An attack on our national security and way of life

Chris Frech, SVP, Government Affairs, was working as deputy Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Deborah Pryce at the time. On Capitol Hill, there was shock and uncertainty - fueled by rumors of potential attacks in Washington, D.C. "We ended up having to evacuate the building. The streets were blocked. There was no way to get cars out, and we made a decision to go by foot, approximately 15 blocks to one of our staff member's houses." At that point, like many Americans across the country, he stationed in front of the television watching reports come in.

He recalls stopping by the Pentagon on his drive home that day, "you could smell it, you can taste it in the air, as we went forward, we knew that our world had changed. People were not going to be able to go about their business the same way, security measures were being put in place at unprecedented levels. And from that day forward, life was going to be very different." For Chris, September 11this a reminder of what was taken from us, the threats that occurred, and why we need to continue to do whatever we need to do in order to protect our freedoms and way of life.

Serving and protecting in the post-9/11 era

Halfway across the world, Nick Droste found himself in a unique position on September 11th. Stationed in South Korea, Nick was a freshly promoted Army buck sergeant at the time. With the time difference, it was the middle of the night when the first tower was hit, and the Army quickly put every location in the world on high alert. "We mobilized for possible follow-onattacks, while still trying to process what had just happened, and with no idea that two decades of conflict loomed ahead of us." said Nick reflecting on what immediately followed.

Two years later, when the call finally came to begin tactical operations in response to the attacks, Nick requested to be assigned to a unit deploying to Iraq, and began heavy training for operation in combat theater. Now, as Supervisor of Manufacturing Operations and co-Chair of Emergent's veteran-focused employee resource group, BRAVE, Nick brings the values and experience he gained in the military to his work every day. "The ideas of "We Go" and "To Protect and Enhance Life" resonate deeply with me, and I am honored to be able to have some small part in the continued support we provide to my brother and sister veterans."

The reality of new public health threats at home and abroad

In addition to the tragic events of September 11th, Kelly Warfield, Senior Vice President, Research and Development thinks about a specific part of the aftermath quite often. Soon after the attacks, letters containing powdered anthrax were sent to media agencies and United States Senate offices, exposing hundreds, potentially thousands, of people to deadly anthrax poisoning. After authorities were alerted, 43 people tested positive for Anthrax exposure and sadly, five died.

"I remember this moment clearly" said Kelly. "I remember imagining the tragic potential for bioterrorism and how different the world was going to be with these new threats in it." Americans were seeking ways to prevent terrorists and non-state actors from further weaponizing chemical substances and to better prepare for worst-case scenarios. This was one of the events that has fueled Kelly's work at Emergent - where her team is an important part of providing the U.S. government with vaccines and therapeutics for public health threats to help protect Americans in potentially catastrophic situations.

Supporting 9/11 veterans, heroes, and families

Today, Emergent employees throughout the organization commemorate the lasting historical legacy, sacrifice, and service of so many. This month, our team is proud to sponsor theTravis Manion Foundation's 9/11 Heroes Runin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Annapolis, Maryland.

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization that empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. Since 2008, TMF has held the 9/11 Heroes Run fundraiser in remembrance of the military, first responder heroes, and those who served since that fateful day.

"One of our CSR pillars is protecting those who protect us. We're able to do this through opportunities that support enhancing the health and well-being of active military, veterans, first responders, and their families." said Mary Longarini, Director, U.S. Market Access and BRAVE chair. "This run is an ideal opportunity to pay homage to our nation's 9/11 heroes and connect as colleagues within our communities."