Posted by
C-Hayes on Friday, September 11, 2009 9:37:46 AM
I did not know Judy Rowlett.
She did not know me.
But I have come to know her. And I've come to love everything I have learned about her.
She began her civil service work in 1986. On September 11, 2001, she was working as a transportation assistant with the Defense Human Resources Activity, a sub-agency of the Department of Defense.
"DHRA's operations and products help keep the wheels of Personnel and Readiness (P & R) turning smoothly through automation and cutting edge technology. They enable the Department's policymakers, Combatant Commanders, warfighters, and civilian managers to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively." (David S. C. Chu, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness)
Her life was one of almost 3,000 taken on 9/11/01.
Here is her 9/11
Pentagon Memorial:
Two other significant dedications in her honor took place soon after 9/11. One was
House Joint Resolution No. 407, offered February 19, 2002 in Virginia, describing Judy as a victim of an "inexcusable attack". From the last three sections of the resolution:
"WHEREAS, a native of San Angelo, Texas, Judy Rowlett was dedicated to her family and was widely known for her outgoing personality and sense of humor; now, therefore, be it
"RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Judy Rowlett, an innocent victim of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States; and, be it
"RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Judy Rowlett as an expression of the heartfelt condolences of the General Assembly of Virginia."
The second dedication took place
in 2003 in her hometown of San Angelo, Texas. The special monument contains a piece of steel that was acquired from the
World Trade Center. To me, the fact that the memorial contains a piece of the World Trade Center is even more significant in this case, since Judy was a victim at the
Pentagon. That's a unifying element that makes the dedication extra special.
As the Virginia Resolution touched on, Judy Rowlett was a fun-loving person who loved her family. She was survived by her parents, two daughters, three grandchildren, and "many loving family members and friends." According to her remembrance at the
Pentagon Memorial Website, Judy was a "true role model," both in her personal and professional life. Comments left on various tribute websites attest to her ability to inspire and to make others laugh.
One particularly poignant comment, though, struck me as utterly representative of Judy:
"God needed another angel. He chose you. God bless..."
Judy Rowlett - Rest In Peace.
A special thanks to all those who made this dedication possible.