Give Your Voice

· Give Your voice was informed by Marion Fontana from the 9-11 Widows and Victim’s Families Assn. that 14 civilians and one Port Authority Policeman were recovered from the North Tower. This brings us the hope we need to continue our efforts to ensure that the recovery is handled properly, with the required manpower and with dignity.

Give Your Voice Meets With Senator Shumer:

· Representatives met with Senator Shumer on Dec 2nd. The meeting provided an opportunity to share the many concerns felt by the civilian families. Concrete examples were stated to illustrate the urgency and need for civilian representation on the recovery, plans for a memorial and the struggle to obtain financial assistance.

· Senator Shumer was very concerned and expressed his desire and willingness to help us. We are asked to call him after the meeting with the mayor's representatives.

· A representative from Congressman Crowley contacted Give Your Voice. He is interested and very concerned about our questions and concerns. We were asked to call him and provide an update. He wants very much to meet with us. A date and time will be set after our meeting with Rosemarie O'Keife.

Possible meeting with Governor Pataki:

· It is our hope that the Governor will meet with Give Your Voice. There has been dialogue with representatives from his office. We are waiting to hear from them.

Give Your Voice Meets with Representatives from the Mayor's Office:

·Family members of Give Your Voice met with Rosemarie O'Keif, and the commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management. Also present:

The Medical Examiner

Director of Forensic Biology

Red Cross LCR Officer, Hayyim Obadyah

Safe Horizon- Elizabeth McCarthy

Sept.11th Fund- Josh Gotbaum

· Bill Doyle, Our newest member to the Give Your Voice Family did an excellent Job of stressing the critical issue of the much-needed assistance. Bill raised an important issue of health insurance and received a commitment from the Red Cross that this issue will be looked into and addressed. Bill is extremely knowledgeable concerning assistance information. You can E-mail him at WDoyle5615@aol.com

· Members from Give Your Voice expressed the concerns and many questions that are facing the civilian families. They provided clear and concrete examples to demonstrate the need and urgency for civilian representation. The meeting lasted approximately 4 hours. During which time concerns and questions were raised regarding:

The Recovery Effort at Ground Zero and at The Staten Island Landfill. The issue of sufficient manpower at the landfill was raised, and for the DNA testing. The question as to why more time could not be spent at the site for the sifting of debris. Mr. Sheirer stated that there was no room. Give Your Voice stated that if the quantity of machinery was reduced and the removal of the dumpsters; greater space would be achieved and would provide for greater care and a dignified search. Mr. Sheirer stated that he would look into this possibility.

· The disparity and struggle to obtain funds was discussed at great length. Give Your Voice also addressed concerns regarding the Twin Tower Fund. The critical issues of health insurance and the inability and struggle to obtain the much needed assistance was outlined to the members of the Red Cross, Safe Horizons, and The Sept. 11th Fund. A commitment was made from these individuals that the issues would be looked into and addressed. The Red Cross stated that they would provide a contact person that will be able to assist specific needs and concerns.

· It was also expressed that the civilian families want very much to have a voice in any plans of a memorial. Ms. O'Keife stated that she would share this with the mayor.

Conclusion of Meeting:

· Rosemarie O'Keife agreed that there was a need for a liaison for the civilian families. She stated that she recognized the need for greater communication with the civilian families. She stated that she would share our request and concerns with the mayor. A commitment was given that the mayor would meet with representatives from Give Your Voice. Rosemarie is to contact Jennie Farrell on Tuesday, Dec. 4th with a response from the mayor.

Response from the Mayor:

· Rosemarie contacted Jennie Farrell today. She stated that the mayor was receptive to the suggestions and ideas presented by Give Your Voice. She shared that the mayor had some ideas that he would like to share with representatives of Give Your Voice. Although, there was no commitment given today regarding a liaison or board of civilian representatives; it was good news to learn that the mayor would like to meet and discuss these issues. Rosemarie stated that she will call tomorrow with an exact time and date.

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If you are a family member of a missing Civilian and would like to obtain more information on:

How you can support and become more involved in the above issues.
Future meetings with other families for updates and planning sessions that address our important issues.

Please contact our chairperson Jennie Farrell. Email her at Jennie@OptOnline.NET

Please Sign our Membership Form and offer your support for our efforts.