Wednesday, September 11, 2013

another hero of flight 93













Sitting here it is almost 12 years to the minute that United Airlines Flight 93 became the final plane to crash on 9-11.  But the crash of this flight was to be different from the Twin Towers and Pentagon crashes, as 40 brave and heroic Americans defeated the terrorists by taking the plane over and flying it into the ground, just outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  A little town not even on some maps, it was soon to become a memorial field, and a place of remembrance.  On that day a Catholic priest, Fr. Alphonse Mascherino was so touched as he volunteered to do whatever was needed, that he asked God how he could help.  God’s answer to him, was to make a place where families, friends, and others could find peace, and remember that morning.  Selling everything he had, his brother in law Larry gave him far more than his antiques were worth, and he bought an old church building, that local farmers were using to store hay.  Investing everything he had in the vision God had given him, he started to renovate the insides, his goal to e open and have a service on 9-11, 2002.  When the clerk at 84 Lumber asked why he was in all the time, buying $25 of stuff at a time, he explained his dream, and the owner, Maggie, provided all the supplies, lumber, and manpower to meet his target date-all with just two seeks to spare.  And the miracles had just begun.
In 2005 on my first Torches Across America ride, we went to the crash site, and on that foggy morning, a man stepped out of the crowd of 300 bikers, and sang the Star Spangled Banner, as we all joined in.  And as the fog lifted, the sunlight shone on the area still off limits, and 9-11 became all too real.  So the next year I planned to be there on 9-11, and had heard of the chapel.  The UAL Flight 93 Memorial Chapel, the dream of Fr. Al.  Contacting him, I volunteered to help, but he wanted me to speak, as many bikers were coming, and he wanted them to be ministered to.  And soon the vision of the Chapel had brought me into Fr. Al’s vision, and on the fifth anniversary of the crash, I was to speak.  And also to be humbled by a man who loved people, and to comfort them.  A man so well respected that from senators to farmers all knew him.  A day where it rained, the locals claim God sheds tears there that day, where over 500 of us waited in tent that held only 250, we all were overwhelmed by the presence of God.  From the North Star Kids starting off singing “I’m proud to be an American...” our tear cracked voices sang along.  We got to meet the Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania, who approached me and told me she rode a Harley, and was one of us.  To meeting the entire Leroy Homer family, Flight 93’s co-pilot, Mary White, Beth Waino’s mom, to so many who had been associated with them, we were welcomed, and blessed.  All friends of Fr. Al, who made us all feel welcomed, and the start of a friendship lasting until he died last spring.  A man who was healed miraculously of cancer-3 times, yet the fourth was to take his life.  A man who died penniless, except rich in God and friends.  A man who when God gave him a vision, let Him carry it out, also providing a cottage next door for his friends to stay at, of which we stayed many times.  A man whose faith in Jesus Christ made him a rebel in the Catholic church, as he gave communion to all believers, and who with another priest were looking to buy old churches, and allow all faiths to use them to worship.  A man who used to e-mail regularly, asking for prayer and guidance, as he undertook new projects.  A man who after being healed for the last time, opened the chapel on Sunday afternoons for any church group with a worship team, and then to have a healing service...how many of us would look for reasons to not attend, he saw Jesus as the only reason to attend. 
In the spring of 2011, when taking a drivers test, he failed, being declared legally blind due to cataracts.  Which explained his wild driving I experienced first hand.  But having one eye done, then the other, he saw such colors and beauty that he wrote he was going to find a church and attend his first sunrise Easter service.  But soon after that a fourth cancer was to set in, and take his life.  But loyal to God to the end, he spoke last year at the chapel, and would still do mass for whoever needed it.  Giving of himself, he emptied himself much like Jesus did, serving with humility and love, to a dying world.  And today I really miss my friend.  A man of God so sold out to God he once denied Focus on Family to tape there on the National Day of Prayer, there agenda was too politically correct for him, the day was to draw attention to Jesus, and no one else.  I really miss the man with holes in his boots, and dirt under his fingernails.  I miss the e-mails, and talking for hours on the phone.  But I too have left a legacy, as CMA through Dave and Linda continue to serve at the chapel, and Dave was able to assist Fr. Al in his last days.  One man touching so many lives...a true hero of Flight 93.
So as I look out on this cool California day, last week was 100, today in the 60’s and foggy, I remember that first day at the chapel, where I knew something special was to happen.  I remember at 10:03, the time the plane went intothe ground, the bell ringing ceremony, 40 people there to ring the bell, one each for each hero.  I remember the newscaster filming the Homer family with us, and when Ilsa Homer, Leroy’s mom joined the group, she of Swedish descent, the black camera man blurted out  “You’re white!”  To which she answered, “ my husband was black.”  And we all laughed together.  To being held and consoling the other stewardesses of United Airlines who knew the crew and captain, with their tears touching my cheeks.  And to Fr. Al leading us all in God Bless America!  And so that is my prayer for today, and everyday.  God bless America, we need it.  But let me add, America Bless God.  And as we remember the victims of 9-11, including the ones in Libya, let us turn to Jesus and seek His peace and guidance.  Just like my friend and fellow patriot Fr. Al did.  Who today and forever is in heaven, finally meeting his fellow heroes and co-workers.  It is written the harvest is plentiful,but the workers few.  I am blessed to be among the few, and a friend of Fr. Al.  Who would be embarrassed, and write me telling me so...I’ll just have to wait to deal with that one.  One more time to see my friend, and in heaven with Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
from a plaque left at the chapel-
THE BRAVE AMERICANS WHO BOARDED FLIGHT 93 DID NOT KNOW THEY WOULD BE CALLED UPON TO BECOME WARRIORS FOR GOOD, IN THE EVER PRESENT BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL. EVEN SO, THEY EXERCISED THEIR GOD GIVEN RIGHT TO FREEDOM BY TAKING A VOTE, AND THEN TOOK OSAMA'S KILLERS TO THE GROUND. SINCE I DO NOT KNOW OF ANY WHO EARNED THE EAGLE, GLOBE, AND ANCHOR, I AM LEAVING THEM ONE OF MINE. SEMPER FI.
KEN GUERCIO
5-30-05