NEW YORK-For XCEL FCU, the killing of Osama bin Laden brought closure to a tragedy that claimed the lives of more than 150 members.
"It was jubilation in our New York City branch when we opened our doors last Monday," was the report Business Development Executive Tom Quigley received from staff at a branch located one block from the site where the former World Trade Center fell. "Our members and our staff are very happy. They feel vindicated. But more than anything, there is a sense of relief."
When the first of the two hijacked airliners struck the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:45 a.m., XCEL employees were working in on the 39th floor of the North Tower. While all employees escaped, approximately 150 members of the $130-million credit union did not. With its headquarters destroyed, XCEL is now based in Bloomfield, N.J.
"We lost many friends that day," Quigley said. "We are certainly glad President Obama pulled the trigger on the mission and on killing bin Laden. We were not sure if he was going to do it. I know it was a tough decision, but it was the right one."
The $1.6-billion Municipal CU is located across the street from Ground Zero. CEO Kam Wong issued a statement saying, "The tragedy of September 11, 2001, was devastating on every level-for our country, for our community, and for our MCU family, which includes New York City municipal workers. Although there has been some welcome news this week in our country's efforts against terrorism, we must and will always remember and recognize the heroic men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice that day, as well as all the innocent people whose lives were impacted forever."
