December 1, 1999

ATTENTION!  VERY IMPORTANT!

If your blood type is A+, like mine, please read

John Comstock is in need of platelets.  The following was posted on Texags.com.

Aggifan:

*I just received this in my inbox, but have not been able to verify its accuracy, but
thought I needed to share it asap*

Hi,
I don't really know of any better way to get this out than through you.
I just got in from the hospital and John is still fighting, but they are
in dire need of help. John's doctors are saying that they need
platelets more than they need blood right now. The only problem is that the only platelet donation centers are in large cities. If you could
please get this out so people can get out and donate in the bigger
cities.

Thank You
Jason Sapp
 
 

ToddyHill:

Hey Ags...

If you have donated blood within the last 56 days, you are shut out from a platelet donation. If you haven't donated blood and live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, check with any Carter Blood Center.

A platelet donation takes about 2 1/2 hours (I just did it for the first time this past Saturday). They draw your blood out of one arm, remove the platelets (via a centrifuge), then pump the red blood cells back into you via your other arm. It takes 10 units of blood to generate the amount of platelets from one donation. And if your
platelet count is high enough (they'll be able to tell through their testing), you can donate two units of platelets (which only takes an extra 15 minutes). Here's the best part....your body replaces the platelets within 48 hours and the platelets go to folks like John who really need them!

Carter will allow you to donate platelets up to 24 times per year.

November 29, 1999

Late Friday, Nonvember 26, John Comstock of Dallas was taken into emergency surgery.  His surgery was a success even though doctors were forced to amputate his leg below the knee.  The thoughts and prayers of my family, and the Aggie family, are still John during this trying time.

On another note...  My wife and I were finally able to go "home"to College Station.  There were several mopments during the weekend in which we were brought to tears, and got lumps in our throats.  The stack site was surreal.  I had a strange feeling the entire time I was there.  I think the toughest part for me, at stack, was when I saw the Texas A&M Emergency Care Team tribute.  I am a former member TAMECT, and have worked many stacks, and cuts.   I could only imagine the sense of helplessness they felt.  I was also moved by all the letters, cards, and posters from the children.  The innocence of youth and their ability to comfort us adults during what must be a very confusing time for them, let alone us.  The University did a beautiful job placing all the rings, left behind by many students, on display in the Memorial Student Center.  I will post a picture here when I get it scanned.

On to the game.  My emotions for all the events came to a swell, when the Air Force jets flew over in missing man formation.  When that happened I started bawling like a baby.  I'm sure I would have started crying more, if I had been able to hear the Aggie Band play the Spirit of Aggieland, but unfortunately, I was forced to listen to the Longhorn band play Texas Fight.  That one act, to me, ruined all the kind gestures exhibited by their university.  I think that is why the Yell Leaders called for the "Beat the Hell..." yell.   However, I don't think the LHB's act called for a retaliation since they did start before the FTAB.  Also, I think their halftime performance redeemed them.  The playing of Amazing Grace, and Taps was beautiful.  The halftime performance of the FTAB, was, in a word, excellent.  The silent T was the ultimate tribute.  I told my wife, before the game, that we will likely see things that we have never seen before, nor will ever see again.  I hope.

Last note...

Texas A&M 20

Texas 16

November 24, 1999

The outpouring of emotion the past fews days has been tremendous, as we lay our Aggie brothers and sisters to rest.  Condolences from all over the country have been received.  The undying Aggie Spirit is alive and well as thousands of current and former students of Texas A&M flock to the funerals of the deceased.  However thoughts and prayers are still needed for those that are still hospitalized.

In place of the traditional Bonfire there will be a candlelight vigil tomorrow night at the bonfire site.  It will be followed by a yell practice at Kyle field.  In honor of the respect that the University of Texas has shown in this great time of sorrow, there will be no "Beat the Hell..." performed at the yell practice or game.
The bonfire crew will also be remembered by the band and football team.  Word on the street is, the football team will wear a decal on their helmets.  While the senior cadets in the band elected to forgo the traditional speach at the end of their performance honoring their last time on Kyle Field, and instead chose to honor the fallen.  The traditional block will be silent, and instead of running off the field at the end of the performance, as per usual custom, the band will silently walk off.
There is a drive to get ABC-TV to televise the halftime ceremonies of the game.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 AM Central on Friday.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.  I know it will be tough, but there is still plenty to be thankful for.

Gig 'em

November 19, 1999

Official reports out of Aggieland have the death toll at 12. 

Several students remain hospitalized.  3 of which are on life support, and 5 are still listed in critical condition.  Your prayers and thoughts are still needed.

Memorial services were held throughout the state.  Lt. Gov. Rick Perry ('72) ordered flags to fly at half staff on all state buildings.  The University of Texas at Austin will also lower its flags to half staff, as well as, darken the tower, and replace its annual "Hex Rally," on Monday with a "Unity Rally" and memorial service to be held on the steps of the tower.

As I mentioned yesterday, this is a time for Aggies to show the world what we are all about, and why we love Texas A&M so much.  So far, the entire Aggie community has made me proud.  In addition to the ones in College Station, there were memorial services, and blood drives held statewide.   I don't profess to know much about other schools, but I doubt there are many that are able to do what we Aggies have been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time, while under the dark cloud that has followed us all. For all the outsiders, this is what the Aggie spirit is all about.  We are a family, and we get a "bunker mentality" when one of our own has fallen.  This is why we love Texas A&M.   Today, as always, I am proud to say I am an Aggie.

God Bless the families in their time of need, and God Bless Texas A&M and the Aggie family.

November 18, 1999

During the tragedies surrounding the bonfire I was thinking about how this affects me as a human being and an Aggie. As a human I am saddened by the events, and feel concern for the families. As an Aggie I also saddened for the same reasons, but I am saddened as family member, because Aggies are an extended family. I also began to reflect on what bonfire means to me as an Aggie. Bonfire does not define Aggies, bonfire is a symbol of Aggies, and only defines a part of us. How we react defines us more than anything. There is no doubt in my mind that this tragic event will show the world what being an Aggie is all about. We always talk about how special it is to be an Aggie, and people don't understand. Unfortunately it may take something like this to see what we are truly about. We, as Aggies, must take what is probably the worst event in our history, and turn it into our finest hour. The world is watching, and it is our time to stand up and show the true Aggie spirit.

…There's a Spirit that can ne'er be told 
It's the spirit of Aggieland
We are the Aggies
The Aggies are we
True to each other
As Aggies can be…

In honor of our fallen comrades, I am proposing everybody wear maroon tomorrow. Be it to work, school, play, or whatnot, I think this is a fitting tribute that would honor them. I know it would me. I also propose we wear maroon ribbons at least through next Thursday night.

Gig 'em and God Bless the families in their time of need