Resurrection Lutheran Men’s Breakfast Hosts Alan Bergstrom | Community

On Saturday, October 4, Resurrection Lutheran Men’s Breakfast (Oro Valley) recently welcomed Alan Bergstrom, who shared his personal story of the attack on the Twin Towers in New York City on September 11, 2001.

Alan Bergstrom was just about half a mile away, across the river in New Jersey that fateful day, with a clear view of the World Trade Center towers. Alan witnessed the second plane hit the South Tower and both towers collapse. He was in town assisting a consulting client directly across the Hudson river from the towers.

Even though it was over 24 years ago, for Alan, the event and horror he experienced is still raw and seems like yesterday. His emotional story recounting what he saw and the panic that ensued kept the gathering of 50 men silent and solemn. He also shared important facts and little-known activities before and after the tragedy, as well as the location of memorials honoring the 9/11 tragedy here in Arizona.

The breakfast began with opening remarks by committee chair Jim Seppala who also provided the blessing. Mark Boyce guided the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and Herman Haenert introduced the guest speaker. A hearty breakfast, prepared by Kevin Risner of Flaming Heart BBQ Catering, was served prior to the presentation.

The Men’s Breakfast has just begun its 2025 to 2026 season and will meet next on Saturday, November 1. The featured speaker in November is Tim Tarris, who will present on “D-Day Doll”, a C-53D ‘SkyTrooper’ that participated in the D-Day invasion over Normandy during World War II.

The Resurrection Lutheran Men’s Breakfast meets on the first Saturday of each month from October through May at the Outreach Center on the church’s main campus in Oro Valley. Doors open for coffee at 7 a.m., with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. Registration is available online at orovalley.org or by calling (520) 575-9901. A $15 donation is appreciated. All are welcome.