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TX Fertilizer Plant Explosion

Last Updated on Saturday, 20 April 2013 16:52 Written by Administrator Friday, 19 April 2013 21:38

Reports now indicate that 12 bodies - mostly the remains of first-responders such as firefighters who arrived at the scene and began evacuating workers and residents in the area mere minutes before the explosion - have been recovered from the site. The blast was reportedly so intense that more than 200 persons were injured in addition to many buildings being damaged - including a school, nursing home, and apartment complex - some of which were completely leveled.

During this time, as the names and identities of those who lost their lives in the efforts to save those of others are released, we keep the small town of West, Texas in our thoughts and prayers.

We are truly sorry for this community and their great loss and thus express our deepest condolences during this time!

Our Hearts Go Out to Boston

Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 April 2013 15:00 Written by Administrator Tuesday, 16 April 2013 20:11

All of us at the Turkish American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast U.S. Headquarters Office were shocked and horrified upon hearing about the atrocious bombings in Boston, Massachusetts on Monday, April 15th 2013. To think that somebody would detonate bombs especially at an iconic event such as the Boston Marathon - mere days before Patriot's Day - in the midst of throngs of innocent bystanders is utterly devastating and heartbreaking.

Our hearts go out to all of the friends and families of the three Bostonians who lost their lives, the injured that numbered at least two-hundred and sixty, and the thousands who witnessed the attack firsthand, those who will undoubtedly carry invisible, emotional scars for the rest of their lives. 

We are ever thankful to the civil servants and emergency rescue crews - in addition to the good samaritans and civilian volunteers (including blood donors) - who immediately took action to protect and save more lives, to remove debris, to pull people from the rubble and take them to the hospitals. We are also greatful to those civil servants who actively pursed the two suspects, especially MIT Officer Sean Collier who lost his life in doing so. Two evildoers might have caused immense harm but in the aftermath, it is clear that there were and are many - hundreds, thousands, thousands upon thousands - more people who are chivalrous, brave, and honorable.

In closing, given the recent incidents of bloodshed such as the bombing of the 117th Boston Marathon and the shootings in Newtown, CT, which seem to be increasing in frequency, it is more important than ever that we as individuals come together and stand united as a nation, for only by continuing to go out and enjoy oneself publicly, whether it be at the movies, a marathon, or even at work or school, can we progress and live our lives to the fullest!

We should not be afraid, rather, we should be proactive, grateful for what we do have, and readily able to help those in need, especially in the case of a terrorist attack in which civilians are targeted.

Boston, our hearts and minds are with you!

April 15th 2013

We Will Never Forget