The Judge David Campbell Chapter, NSDAR, was one of many sponsors who volunteered at the Chattanooga’s fifth annual Chattanooga 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Commemorative Event Chairman Jody Clevenger and Registrar Susan Thomas accepted donations from chapter members and Mars Chocolate North America to create 200 “First Responder Survivor Kits,” filled with various chocolates, were enjoyed by the participants. Her son, John Washington Clevenger, sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremony.
During the climb, the Judge David Campbell Chapter table, stationed on the 1st floor of the Republic Building, offered membership and literacy packets. As the firefighter teams entered the stairwell, the members and guests cheered on each team. Climbing 110 flights of stairs representing the stairs of the World Trade Center, firefighters and civilians paid tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who perished on 9/11/2001. Active duty and veterans were also a part of this event.
As each team or participant finished their climb, they rang the bell, told their name and team name, and read the name of one of the 343 fallen firefighters for whom they climbed the stairs. The Alliance Therapy Dog team also had four of their member teams and offered their services in helping participants calm and stress-free. Approximately 200 people registered for the 9/11 Stair climb and $16,000 was raised for the National Firefighters Fallen Foundation. The National Firefighters Fallen Foundation, according to their website,” Honors America’s fallen firefighters, assists their families, and prevents line-of-duty deaths and injuries.”
Judge David Campbell Chapter, NSDAR, participants were Stacy Kehoe, Jody Clevenger, Charlie Clevenger, and Sally and Andy Michaud. Members were honored to be a part of this commemorative climb and will never forget the sacrifices are first responders make on a daily basis.