Life Profoundly Changed For Many Oklahomans After 9-11

Havonnah Johnson, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- As civilians, we all know that security at our airports and borders is tighter since 9-11.  Now more than ever, Americans are concerned about safety.

Military mothers and wives point out the September 11th attacks have changed lives for so many people right here in Oklahoma.

Corporal Gary Moore's family said the 25-yearoold had a calling on his life to serve the Lord and protect. He trained to be a military police officer. After serving his country for two years he died in the line of duty March 16, 2009.

"I was at work.  I got the call that I needed to go to my father-in-law's house.  The sergeant was there.  I shook his hand.  He told me about Gary.  I literally collapsed to the ground," Randi Ivy, Moore's fiancé said.

Corporal Moore and Ivy were going to be married nine months after he was killed.

Watching the towers collapse reminds Ivy of her personal breakdown, so she avoids news coverage.

The soldier's mother is proud of her youngest son's legacy.

"He was always the soldier who carried his bible . He always had a positive thing to say to anybody no matter what they were going through," Vicki Lehew, Moore's mother said.

As a gold star mother Lehew embodies that positive spirit which she says comes in handy when supporting other military mothers and wives as the anniversary approaches.

"I really didn't imagine that he would go.  No, it doesn't happen to me, but I have made peace with it," Lehew said.

Oklahoma City's Blue and Gold Star mothers meet every Wednesdays to support each other.

"Don't take what we have here in the United States for granted because freedom isn't free and there are many that have paid the ultimate sacrifice," Ivy said.

Other Ways Life Changed After 9-11

No Leisurely Air Travel – All travelers build in time for security checkpoints, something that wasn't a reality before 9-11.

See Something , Say Something -- Everyone is a suspect: if you leave an unattended bag or package be prepared to answer questions.

Emergency Response Kits – water, medical, etc. If you look around your office, chances are you've seen them.

Family Planning Redefined -- Many people have heeded the advice of emergency preparedness professionals and developed a family disaster response plan.

Government Can Do Only So Much-- Some people now fret that their security is as fragile as the Twin Towers turned out to be.

Our Privacy Has Taken a Hit -- Start with the controversial USA Patriot Act of 2001, which made it a lot easier for law enforcement agencies to search medical, telephone and financial records.

Military Enlistment Is Up -- The attacks inspired many people to enlist for military service, some of whom undoubtedly made a career of it, like Corporal Gary Moore