Disbelief. Shock. Anger. And Helplessness. ISU Civil and Construction Engineering Lecturer Beth Hartmann was a U.S. Naval personnel officer on September 11, 2001. For one day she was a hopeful ear for many who had little hope left.
On that infamous day, Hartmann was stationed at Naval Support Activity in Millington, Tenn. She was attending a command indoctrination course when word broke out about the first plane striking one of the World Trade Center Towers in New York. Classes were cancelled shortly thereafter and members surrounded the television, witnessing the second plane hit the second tower. The Army’s Personnel Command Headquarters was hit in the attack on the Pentagon, requiring the Navy to pick up their duties.
A 1-800 number on CNN was put in place for anyone with questions regarding individuals working in the Pentagon. Hartmann was one of many who answered as thousands of frantic loved ones called during the night and into the morning. She and others in her class held a list of those confirmed dead, followed a specific script and, most importantly, listened. The toughest call Beth received was a woman looking for her cousin located in the Pentagon, who was already confirmed dead. People from all over the globe called offering condolences and asking what they could do to help.
Beth’s emotions ranged from disbelief and shock to anger and a feeling of helplessness. Through the call line she was able to feel a sense of purpose in helping people find loved ones. Beth said there were times she cried to and from the call center, but stayed professional and regained composure on site. She credits the Navy with her training and ability to handle a crisis.
Shortly after the attacks, Beth describes a feeling of patriotism and camaraderie amongst those in the Navy and around the U.S. In other cases, there was a spectrum of political beliefs in response to the attacks, in response to those who were responsible.
The 9/11 terrorist attacks had a strong impact on Beth’s life, resulting in a strengthened passion to live each day to the fullest and feel an appreciation for life and relationships. It was a constant reminder to tell those around her how she felt about them.
Hartmann graduated from Iowa State in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, while also involved the campus’ Navy ROTC program. She was later commissioned within the Civil Engineer Corps working in public works and construction. She earned her master’s degree in civil engineering from Iowa State in 1996. In 2009 she retired from the Navy after 20 years of service and joined CCEE faculty as a lecturer for civil engineering and construction engineering undergraduate courses.