9/11 Stories: Terry Horniacek

Terry Horniacek’s job was to check in United Airlines flight crews. She was one of the last to see the flight crew of United Flight 93, which was hijacked and brought down in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Among the heroes who helped bring down that plane (preventing it from hitting another target) were some of the crew members Terry had checked in minutes earlier.
Terry knew the crew well. She had been checking them in for years. Flight attendant Sandy Waugh Bradshaw was just back from maternity leave. This was to be one of her last flights. She planned to become a stay-at-home mom. Sandy’s husband, Phil, was a United Airlines pilot. Flight attendant Debbie Jacobs Welsh was very excited on September 11th. She was one year free of melanoma cancer. Terry remembers giving Debbie a big hug, so happy she was in the clear. Flight attendant Wanda Anita Green had thought about calling in sick on September 11th. She has heart palpitations that day. In the end, she decided to see a United Airlines doctor, once the flight had arrived at its destination in San Francisco. 33 year old flight attendant CeeCee Ross Lyles was a last-minute fill-on United Flight 93. She was a new hire, called to fill in when another flight attendant called in sick that day. After serving as a cop and detective for six years in Fort Pierce, Florida, CeeCee had just completed her flight attendant training for her dream job just 9 months earlier.
Terry spoke by phone with the crew, after the hijacking learning that while Lorraine & Wanda tended to the passengers of hijacked Flight 93, new hire CeeCee and new mom Sandy were in the back of the plane with hero passenger Todd “Let’s roll” Beamer and others. CeeCee and Sandy were filling passenger carts with unopened soda bottles. They were planning to bombard the hijackers in the cockpit. Some of the passengers planned to use fire extinguishers as weapons against the terrorists.
United Airlines Onboard Flight Services Coordinator Terry Horniacek says the trauma of 9/11 nearly ruined her life. She suffered a breakdown , followed by drug addiction. It was only 2 years ago she got her life back. She never told her 9/11 story to her 4 children. One of her sons heard her story for the first time , sitting in on this Zoom recording session.
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[@shannonmorgan9300]

I love you Aunt Terry! I'm so glad that you could share this story. You are very strong. Trauma hits you when you least expect it, but look at where you now.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

flight 93 didnt crash in pennsylvania. also, according to the NTSB flights 11 and 77 were not even scheduled to fly that day

[@laurenbendik2006]

The woman who just had a baby and was gonna stop working soon….so heartbreaking

[@uscitizen4172]

This lady deserves a huge hug! She did her job as best she could and is a hero!

[@normagrimstad8869]

Even twenty years later the emotion is like yesterday. Bless her for telling her story.

[@Littlescienceguy]

The stories of each of the flight attendants really got to me. They all could have so easily not been on the flight that morning. The irony. Just tragic.

[@kevincharles1983]

I'm surprised every one of these doesn't have a million views. Truly a piece of history now. I was 18 when this happened

[@ameliaparis3222]

I've heard a lot of these September 11 stories but something about this one really hit different. Hearing all those flight attendants' individual stories.. so so heartbreaking. Thanks for your courage to share this with us

[@punkyspray]

I agree 🥺😭

[@louern123]

So sad ...

[@denisejaydub]

Yes agree when you hear the personal stories it makes it all the more real 😞

[@mtio2807]

We’re blessed she is sharing these memories with us.

[@tomkelly3896]

Hi amelia

[@minicomma]

Thank you Terry. I was based in EWR with Debbie upon our graduation. Since I moved to JFK base several months prior, I was delighted to bump into her on my flight where she joined the JFK crew as an extra to work a transcontinental flight. It was around mid-August, so maybe 2-3 weeks before 9-11. We made plans to meet up for coffee in Manhattan after we got back but to catch up with each other and hear more of Debbie's incredible stories she intrigued me with. Unfortunately, 9-11 happened before our meeting could take place. I went to the computer and pull up the crew manifest that day and saw the names of the crew members on Flight 93 when the record was not yet secured. I was already in a state of mess following the event as it unfolded that morning, but it hit me like a jack-hammer to actually read Debbie's name at the very end of the crew list, as the F/A's names were listed in alphabetical order. The second time I tried pulling up the crew manifest (probably because I didn't or didn't want to believe what I saw the first time) the "RECORD SECURED" message came back, like Terry mentioned in this video. The passage of time does not make it any easier for those who lost friends, relatives, loved ones, or colleagues that day. Terry, thank you for this video which keeps their names alive.

[@mtio2807]

I’m sorry for your loss

[@Augfordpdoggie]

flight 93 didnt crash in Pennsylvania, but outside of cleveland

[@destructionman1]

I've been listening to a lot of these 9/11 stories and this one is one of the most touching. God bless this woman. Thank you for sharing. I hope you can find peace.

[@favouritemoon4133]

Thank you to Terry, and indeed everyone who has shared their memories of that day. I know it's hard, but I appreciate it.

[@crazyforitaly2021]

Sweet thing. I can see the pain and hurt - still. Thanks for your story, Terry.

[@kfordgal]

You can hear the pain in her voice 😢 to have spent time with them before they took that flight for the last 20 years its got to have been on a loop the last moments she saw them, I just hope she's found some peace and remember they were hero's on that flight because if it wasn't for them brave souls many more people would have died that day...they will always be remembered ❤ Terry I wish you all the best, take care xxx

[@liverbird956]

Aw bless her. She really has been through the mill with all the mental trauma of 9/11. This is the first story I've heard about flight 93 So sad when she talks about the personal stories of the flight attendants who were just going to work as normal that day and lost their lives. Such a tragedy. I'm so glad that Terry is getting the help she needs and is beginning to heal May all the Victims of 9/11 R.I.P

[@rgkavendek]

Oh my dear Lord!!! 😢💔 Thank you so very much for sharing your absolutely heart wrenching story, Terry!! I know it must not have been easy and am really glad it was so cathartic for you...that in itself is a true testament to how very far you have come in your healing process!! ✊😊 🙏🙏🙏

[@mtio2807]

Heart wrenching indeed

[@Jkl306]

O no :( that woman that just had a baby 💔

[@generaljj577]

Wow. Thank you for sharing. Powerful. It hit so many people in so many ways.

[@cynthiamcgee4829]

Thank you Terry for sharing that story so heartbreaking. 💔🇺🇸🙏

[@artrobert0875]

I have listened to countless individuals on these videos, and admire each and every one of them. This one got me though, he can hear her pain and see how much she truly admired those flight attendants. Such a brave and admirable woman. Thanks for sharing your story, Terry. Its so important for people to hear it.

[@jordanhilliard6908]

Wow Terry. Thank you so much for sharing this horrific testimony. When we were sitting on your couch and you first shared your experience with me I appreciated your story. But now listening to your much more detailed and emotional story really hit home. You are such an amazing person. Keep your head up. You and everyone who were affected by this, are in my prayers. Much love.

[@VintageLPs]

I wonder if you realize that by telling your story you have added valuable insight to family members of the passengers and crew on that flight? One interview to which I listened was the mother of a college-aged daughter lost on Flight 93 and how she has devoted her life so that people remember what happened in Pennsylvania. She has been instrumental to get the monument that now stands there and is working on a hiking trail linking the WTC, the Pennsylvania site and the Pentagon. I hope you feel well enough to make it to Pennsylvania, Terry. Thank you for your story.

[@Melanie-iw9sl]

This is an unbelievable account of what happened to you on that day!! Thank you for sharing this with all of us publicly!! I can’t wait for your book!! And your right about sharing your trauma, and how you survived. 💜

[@rayross997]

Thank you Terry for giving this very moving account involving Flight 93. I know it was hard for you, but everyone needs to hear & see this. You are a strong person. God bless & keep you well.

[@Rodmic-hd9pn]

I’m so glad you are getting better

[@Sandy33569]

Thank you, Terry, for sharing your story. It is nice to hear about that day from a different angle and yes, about Flight 93. All of the crashes on that day were a tragedy, and heartbreaking, that we all should never forget. I wish you and your friends, family, colleagues (and the family of the victims you knew) well..

[@tomkelly3896]

Hi lilia

[@carolg.6838]

That was an incredibly clear and detailed story of events and tribute to those on Flight 93 and their family. I am glad you survived and recovered to this extent. Your work that day was very valuable. You shared heartfelt moments with much of the crew sharing their joy before they boarded.

[@leesher1845]

Incredible story with so many details. I felt almost like I was there. I hung on her every word.

[@juliebriz1703]

What a lovely lady...💜

[@donw3912]

Thank you for telling your story Terry. The WTC is always mentioned as to 9/11 but not so much of the Pentagon or flight 93. I remember when it came out how some of the passengers banded together to do their thing how brave they were in doing so. Those on the ground who was in contact with those on the planes in my eyes are every bit as much of a hero as anyone who lost their life in the initial incident. Thank you again for telling your story Terry.

[@Just.G]

I wish you the very best Terry. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless

[@LLandP]

You are such a strong person to be able to cope with your ordeal. Hearing you talk about it is gut-wrenching! Congratulations on overcoming your addiction over it. God bless you and your family.

[@carriebizz]

Oh my goodness 😭 thank you for sharing your story, I haven't heard really any stories from anyone who worked at the airport on 9/11 I've heard many survivors from the towers and emergency services but not really many others. I can only imagine how hard this would have been and obviously still is for you Terry. Much love from Australia 💖

[@dianapintodasilva]

Thank you so much for sharing this story of this beautiful strong Lady. I’ve been crying through the story this woman was so brave to go on with her day and for the days after! No wonder you had a breakdown you were strong for so long. God Bless you always!❤️🙏

[@admintheparkapp6215]

Those who bear witness like Terry and so many others in this tragedy have to, as individuals, find a way to lay that burden down. I find a morbid satisfaction in the Flight 93 heroes that joined Todd Beamer in acting so valiantly against these terrorists, I think there's a bit of all of us wanting to run down that aisle to get into that cockpit

[@mtio2807]

Pieces to the puzzle

[@cynthiagraham878]

What a tremendous testimony of overcoming.

[@bridgetgaskell7251]

Terry you are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️

[@cynthiamcgee4829]

John Voishan actually went to shanksville to see the memorial before he passed away to honor all his friends that were on flight 93. 💔🙏🇺🇸

[@MonCla724]

Thank you for sharing your heartbreaking story. I’m so sorry for you and your family. I wish you continued strength in coping with all you are going through. Your 9/11 story breaks my heart.

[@michellemahar9030]

Thank you for sharing your story. PTSD is so tricky. Even knowing what to look for, knowing you have it, it can still real havock. Keep fight the good fight! You aren't alone.

[@TheDmonet]

Terry thank you. I wish you all the best. The one thing I can tell you is that your happiness and good health would make others happy, but also would be the best middle finger to the people who caused all this untold damage to you and so many other innocents.

[@tammymcknight7289]

Thank you so much for your story 🙏💕

[@kerridrury4240]

You are so inspiring I am just so grateful that you told this story and that you are doing better. God bless you and your family.💖💜💙♥️🧡I'll be looking for your book!! also your account is a reminder of the horror that was at the same time going on elsewhere.

[@polgarauk5606]

Terry is right you hear so little about any of the passengers and crew aboard the flights nor the people like Terry at the airports. I am watching this series in April 2024, I sat watching everything unfold in 2001 while entertaining my daughter who had just turned 1 that day my heart broke then watching and it is breaking more now hearing all the stories on this channel especially this one. I will never forget I promise any of the people from that day. I hope that 2 years later Terry that you are still doing ok and I send love and hugs from the UK

[@carmenfalette5942]

Thank God u are better. God bless you.

[@i.m.demarco2324]

Oh hunee.... everything was out of your hands...it must have been chaos.... Love, peace and blessings from New Zealand.. 💞✌🙏

[@AwesomeMaddox12]

You are amazing ❤️

[@100secondworkout]

As a retired USAir Employee who worked in the Operations and Catering Departments and was in daily contact with flight crews all the time my heart is still broken about what happened that day ! Flight Attendants and Pilots are such wonderful people and I think every American should demand a Full Investigation of what really happened that Awful Awful Day 20 years ago! We owe it to the families of all those who we lost ! I still get crazy as I see the Terrorist setting of the metal detectors and being let right through security! The brave flight attendant trying to cell phone for help and our military doing NOTHING! Playing their ridiculous war games as lives are being lost ! No top brass ever held accountable!

[@k.gspianoworldjourneyschan437]

Terry!, your a piller! You have a heart that's unwaverd! I have a new hero in my heart! I too am in therapy for overcoming homelessness and now im 11 years sober. Your story is so amazing with Jason's in put as well. How your pebble rippled out from the trauma you experianced to effect your children and close family. Your a beautiful person I wish I could hugg! So here's a bigg air hugg 4 yah! Im in Ann arbor, Michigan living. I was born in derby Connecticut so im an east coast native. We moved to Michigan in the blizzard of 77' so thank you for your courage, strength , & most of all love 💘 and service! God bless! 💘 lov kenny!! 🤗✌💞🌻🌹💘

[@BonJody]

Such a horrific day what started out for most people as a regular work day was anything but and now that date is a bookmark in history, everything was post 9/11 or pre 9/11

[@LadyGenerationX]

I feel her pain ... bless her

[@lavishrw]

You are amazing Terry. Such a survivor! Thank you for your story.

[@nanfrostsfashionfocusstyle6250]

Wow. You are right, Terry. You always hear about the people in the towers but you don't hear about the people on the flights...or the pentagon for that matter. Wonder what the person who called off and was replaced by Cece has been doing all these years? And the woman who just got over melanoma! Oh my....

[@carstuff4u942]

This poor womans lungs. I hope shes ok!

[@kevincharles1983]

I'm assuming it's very stressful talking about this, and maybe she smokes. Assuming your talking about the debris from the building

[@sarahbarclay1650]

I can hear her breathing struggles too. I also hope she’s ok. It crossed my mind too. I assumed asthma or something.

[@lorilazise1521]

So sorry for the loss of your colleagues and the trauma you’ve suffered. I’m glad you were finally able to find some peace even though you still carry a lot of pain. God rest their souls and condolences to all the family & friends of all the victims! You are right, they don’t talk a ,to about the victims of flight 93. I watched the documentary and was crying throughout all of it. Stay strong! ❤️🙏😢

[@robbieogle8622]

The crash site is now a national monument.

[@punkyspray]

God bless the victims, their families and any survivors, I pray for you all the time. ❤️🙏💪

[@kkeiter]

Thanks for sharing terry. Sorry you were in the mix of all this that day. So awful

[@loislema597]

i lived in keansburg as well on 9/11 (small world right) it was horrible . i worked law enforcement in the city and had just retired..i too have severe ptsd from 9-11.

[@mtio2807]

The palpitations were premonitions

[@purplebunny7728]

Your are a very strong woman. Thank you for sharing your experience. Bless you.

[@Itsallillusional]

Thank you for your courage to speak. Be at peace sweetie.

[@jacobmccorry125]

I knew someone who was friends with that crew member who was sick and didn't make it on the flight that day.

[@crazyforitaly2021]

You're sound so very nice, Terry. Good luck with your book.

[@MsKariLola]

Thank you so, so much for documenting their stories. I was a few weeks shy of turning 11 when this happened. I am now a mother and I make sure my daughter knows. We must never, ever forget.

[@leaflover3497]

How she can talk about this without sobbing is beyond me.

[@mtio2807]

Honestly, you can see the pain in her face. This is a woman who saw, heard, lived and lost so much more than we can comprehend.

[@californiahiker9616]

You can see and hear the pain a lifetime later. She’s had considerable counseling to even get to this point. It’s best not to judge people if you haven’t walked in their shoes.

[@Sunny-cj5ic]

Bless your heart ❤️ continuous prayers for managing your healing.

[@californiahiker9616]

Terry, I’m a bit late listening to 9/11 stories. Thank you so much for telling your story! It’s a different perspective. It’s so amazing, the diversity of stories being told, jobs people hold I never really thought of. I just can’t imagine the horror you must have gone through, sending off some young vibrant women, only to learn some hours later they all perished! I hope you were able to visit their memorial. If not, that’s totally understandable! I hope you will get your book published, I certainly will read it if you do! Wishing you strength and sending you love!

[@julierobinson3633]

Understandable why they were told not to give out information when the next of kin had not yet been officially informed, but hard to imagine what it does to you, KNOWING that someone is dead and having to pretend to their frantic loved ones that you know nothing. Being in that situation must be incredibly damaging to your psyche - let alone if you knew the people well too...

[@iadesigns]

One of the flight attendants being a former cop and detective reinforces the theory of them coming together to take down that plane. With the man power and her law enforcement experience it’s extremely plausible IMO. RIP.

[@nattycasper2022]

Her poor kids. You can still hear the pain in her son's voice. Trying to understand what his mom went through but having so much damage inflicted upon him as a result. These stories are important. So many people were destroyed on 9/11 that continued to live. Its wonderful to hear they are overcoming after years of struggle.

[@denisejaydub]

Thank you for sharing Terry. I’m so sorry you lost all of your friends 💔💔💔😞

[@taffycat93]

I'm so glad I heard this story here! It's so important to all of us. But I'm so surprised she hadn't told her children for so long. I can't imagine not sharing this trauma to those closest to you. God bless her. 💗💗💗 BTW, as a psychologist, I know the power of journaling! A very good way to process things. It sounds like it helped. Plus, how amazing to look back at that now!

[@kellymac2404]

Thank you for telling your story Terry 🙏

[@JSJSpeaks]

Well wishes to Terry and her family, and many thanks for sharing your stories. 💜

[@Rodmic-hd9pn]

Terry,Thank you for sharing your unique experience and I am curious are you trained for an event like this?

[@susandickerman4939]

Thank you for sharing. Sharing is healing. You are not alone.

[@eh1702]

The red bandanas…I did not know more than one was wearing this. It suggests maybe some of the hijackers did not know the others. A “cell” structure. The younger guy who checked in along with Atta - unlike Atta, he apparently was quite upbeat, and may not have realised that he was not part of a “normal” hijack.

[@lauriedugan7395]

Love you Terry! , So proud of you! Aunt Laurie❣️😘

[@carolleslie517]

Thank you for sharing your story, Terri! I pray that the F/A who called off sick is ok and doesn't have survivors guilt. I flew for TWA and that morning my flight was not hijacked but for the grace of God. Another thing is no one ever talks about the boxcutters that they used to overpower the crew during the flight. Those were put in the seat pockets of the hijackers so that means someone on the ramp was in on it too. Nobody talks about that now....

[@moejoe1030]

I heard just recently that hijackers carried them on, as it was allowed in 2001.

[@marymorris6897]

I would love to read the book. God bless

[@MareRS357]

So sorry to hear the fall out of trauma that 911. I think many people were in shock. Thank you for sharing your story. God Bless. ❤️

[@b0borden437]

Thank you for telling your story Terry.

[@TheHouseboat1]

God Bless you Terry for your strength, wisdom and devotion to your family, job and to those whose lives you touched.

[@ladybeekeeper7777]

It’s easy for people to think of those who lost their lives on that awful day, you remind us that there are many more people behind the scenes who suffered and continue to suffer. ‘THEY’ say what does not kill you makes you stronger, those that say that have never suffered real deep trauma. Bless you and the strength you showed despite the journey this awful event took you on, hoping you find peace because you helped many involved. You are a true survivor, god bless.

[@annhalton1963]

I have been through a lot of trauma, and in some ways, it has made me stronger. Speak only for yourself.

[@BlessedTruly2014]

🙏🙏

[@Koroodetto]

It was nice to hear the crew stories and yours.

[@christian.0000]

Bless your heart, thank you Terry for sharing 🙏

[@cathygreenlees4712]

Love 💗 you Terry thank you

[@lorenat05]

🇺🇸❤️✈️💙🇺🇸

[@raziax9603]

This woman is clearly very people oriented and she took on more than she could handle during that time. It broke her enough that she never found herself again... Stay strong sister

[@RalphIossa]

So sad Terry!

[@maryjanedodo]

I hadn't heard any stories from the perspective of an airline / airport staff member - really interesting & bittersweet insights

[@judythompson4971]

My sister is a flight attendant and I worry about her every time she up in the air. I always tell her to have safe flights!

[@PetreaGalina]

in the pile of oblique stories, finally someone really relevant. RESPECT

[@anniebananie7887]

I wonder why the flight attendants were moved out of the building?

[@robbieogle8622]

Thanks for sharing this. Very powerful.

[@robbieduffy9998]

Would love to read your book..is it available over here in the UK..??

[@sallydorsey1851]

Sad

[@Lisa1111]

My cousin has been an "overly" faithful employee for United to this very day, and they treat their employees like crap!

[@californiahiker9616]

That’s not unique to United. That‘s many companies these days, driven by profit.

[@yoso5934]

🙏🏾💔

[@siobhanmackay7889]

Why is her son doing this video while driving though that doesn't seem even remotely safe

[@siobhanmackay7889]

Is he not wearing a seat belt either???

[@kai88875]

🙏