ELGIN, Neb. (KTIV) -
So many families lost loved ones on 9/11, including a family whose roots are in the small town of Elgin, Nebraska.
184 people died in America's second largest terrorist attack, as a hi-jacked jetliner took aim at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
Hundreds of miles away in Elgin, Nebraska, a family took notice of what was unfolding, but still unaware of how the tragic events would change their lives.
"I was at work and I didn't get excited because I just assumed he was on the other side of the building," said Jim Getzfred. "Larry was stationed on the other side of the Pentagon and they got the Navy section remodeling done first. And he got moved and I didn't realized he got moved."
Captain Lawrence Getzfred, a 37 year veteran, was on duty in the Navy Command Center as Director of Information Management.
His brother Jim said, "There were 2 military people already at mom's house late that day when we got there."
Captain Getzfred had missed roll call. For the next several weeks there was no definitive word on his death.
Older brother Bob Getzfred said, "There's always hope, until you see the place, till you see the place on TV and where he's supposedly at. Didn't have much of a chance."
About the time DNA confirmed his death, the Getzfred family was already making travel plans to attend a memorial service for all who perished at the Pentagon.
Captain Getzfred is buried in Illinois, but his name is etched in stone in the Veterans Memorial in the Elgin Cemetery. Marked with the distinction of 9/11.
While that's how some will remember him, as the second oldest of seven boys, Capt. Getzfred will be remembered by his brothers for his intelligence and initiative.
"All through school, never took a book home. That's all I remember about him." said Bob.
Jim said, " He worked for a guy at the grocery store and he sold out and Larry, as a junior in high school, taught the new guy to run the store."
During his career, Captain Lawrence Getzfred was stationed all around the world. Even flying with the Royal Air Forces, based in Scotland.
He loved the P-3 airplanes and was an instructor for several years before his second tour at the Pentagon. Captain Getzfred even has a training building named after him in Hawaii.
He's survived by a wife and two daughters.
But in many ways, the loss of a loved one isn't the only way this family has been affected by September 11th.
"It's taken ten years and we haven't tried anybody yet," said Bob Getzfred. "I mean come on, it don't take ten years to figure out what to do."
His call for justice is passionate, along with his wish for restored faith in the security systems now in place.
"Got no faith, no comfort level that used to be there. You used to have a lot of comfort level when you travel around. You don't have that anymore. Nothing's the same. We got to the point now, we ain't free. And that's a direct result of this," he said.
