September 11, 2008: I Remember Alison Marie Wildman

As many of you know, in 2006 I volunteered to write and post a tribute as part of the 2,996 memorial tribute, dedicated to the 2,996 victims of September 11, 2001. Unfortunately, the 2,996 tribute was not continued by its founder. Last year I took it upon myself to post a second tribute. Please see my previous tributes to Donna Bernaerts-Kearns and to Daniel Thomas Afflitto, as they deserve to be remembered today as well. This year, I almost did not post another tribute. The past week has been very tough for me, both personally and professionally. However, when I thought about it, the past seven years has been tough for the victim's families. As such, I decided that it was only proper to continue this year. I ask Lawhawk to allow this post to remain just below his post on September 11 for the remainder of the day.

Chosen by random, I have decided to remember Alison, a 30 year old stockbroker at Carr Futures. Alison was born in the Colonia section of Woodbridge, and raised in Bridgewater. Alison was the youngest child of Arthur and June Wildman. Alison lived in Manhattan, but frequently visited her family in New Jersey. Like many of the victims of 9/11, Alison's passion was her work, arriving early and rarely taking days off.

Alison's other passion was animals, especially the family dogs, and was an accomplished horse rider. Upon her death, Alison's family created the Alison Wildman Foundation, which recently made a $2,000 donation to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for the purchase of Kevlar vests for the dogs. More information on the Foundation can be found in the press release.

Alison is survived by her parents and three brothers, Arthur, Robert and Richard, a sister, Jill Saladino, and her grandmother Beatrice Wildman of Manchester, N.H.

As with my previous tributes, I did not know Alison. However, we share some of the same passions. I am also a avid dog lover (I am a contributor to the ASPCA in both New York and Monmouth Counties.) I believe I share many of her professional attributes, work hard, do not take off, love your job. Alison has been described by one of her friends as one of the most genuine and honest people -- something we should all strive to be remembered as.