Memories of Sheila Barnes

LIRR friend still thinks about her

I saw the article on Sheila Barnes in Sunday's Newsday. I still ride the LIRR and I remember Sheila because every morning she and her daughter came walking through my car. I would greet them and open the door for them. I also worked in Tower 2 on the 35th floor for an insurance broker so I would see Sheila from time to time in the lobby. I still look for her every day that I ride the train thinking she will walk down that aisle one more time.

Every August I participate in a memorial motorcycle ride for 9/11. I am an Associate Board member of Americas 9/11 Foundation which was formed to honor those people who perished in the attacks on America on 9/11/01. We visit all thre crash sites from PA to DC to NYC over three days of riding with a full police escort. Police officers come from all over the country to ride with us. Last year we had two officers from El Paso TX. This year we hope to have 2,996 people accompany us on the ride to represent all the people who perished on 9/11. Our ride begins on August 18 and ends on Sunday morning August 21 at Ground Zero. Every year I dedicate my ride to the memory of Joe Hunter FF from South Hempstead and FDNY Squad 288 from Maspeth Queens. Our organization also supports active duty first responders through the awarding of college scholarships. Applications can be found at our website www.americas911foundation.org.

I was actually at work on the 35th floor when the second plane struck Tower 2. Sheila Barnes was at work also but up on 105 and she never made it out. It was a sickening feeling. Never Forget what happened that day.

God Bless America and All Who Defend Her.

Richard Pinnavaia, Port Jefferson Station