Pentagon Survivor Reflects on 911 | Tampa News

On a clear September 11th, retired military officer Kirk Phillips was inside the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the building — a moment he recalls as a jarring vibration beneath his chair, followed by silence, smoke, and chaos. Unaware at first, he soon realized it was a deliberate attack, not an accident. Guiding colleagues to safety amid alarms, he stepped outside to witness the eerie calm of the National Mall — a surreal contrast that confirmed America was under siege. Years later, haunted by survivor’s guilt and grief, he volunteered for Afghanistan, feeling called to serve after what he’d witnessed. Now, he urges others to share their stories before they’re lost — because while the nation says “never forget,” the details fade without those who lived it. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/be8335cc85a7f740