Colonel Harold Billingsly worked at the Pentagon when the devastating crashes of 9/11 happened, working on the same side where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed.
During that crash Harold found out several of his friends died.
“When I realized my friends died, I felt devastated and horribly upset,” said Billingsly.
Luckily, Billingsly was at a different section of the Pentagon when it happened. However, the days following were difficult for him.
“The next weeks were frightening,” said Billingsly. “The Pentagon smelled like smoke for the next two weeks, I was so scared about another attack which could happen any minute. Even though I was concerned for the weeks to come, I still worked there and I had to work 12 hour shifts.”
Billingsly was born in Florida on February 14, 1949. He was in the Army for 26 years and achieved the rank of Colonel before retiring. During his 26 years in the Army, Billingsly worked at the Pentagon for three and a half years. When he was in the Army, Billingsly worked on counter terrorism and worked for the Special Forces.
Currently, he lives in Fort Pierce with his wife, Sediah.
Harold Billingsly is the grandfather of freshman Andrew Billingsly.