9/11 firefighters helping Georgia heal

ELLIJAY, Ga. - Dozens of New York firefighters still hurting from September 11th are now helping Georgia heal the wounds of a different disaster.

In the town of Ellijay, the heartbreak of September 11th is helping restore the Build an Arc Animal Rescue. An April 5th tornado flattened the rescue shelter's barn, nearly taking owner Susan Littlejohn and more than two dozen animals with it.

Dozens of volunteers are helping rebuild, including New York firefighters who witnessed the ultimate in despair.

"To be the recipient of it is amazing," said Littlejohn. "I go to bed crying and I get up crying."

Taking part in this good old fashioned barn raising are New Yorkers Brian Fitzpatrick and Paddy Neville. The firefighters are helping Georgia heal, while mending their own wounds at the same time.

"I met people from all over the country in those days that followed September 11th," said Fitzpatrick. "It was gratitude we'll never forget."

As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the two men who were there at Ground Zero are now focused on the infinite giving that followed the attacks. They're remembering the many people who traveled to New York to offer comfort.

"It was motivational," said Neville. "It kept us sane. It helped distract us."

Which is why they're part of an effort organized by the New York Says Thank You Foundation. Year after year, New York firefighters and others who responded to the September 11th disaster travel around the country to help those touched by disaster. It's their way of saying thank you a country that reached out to them.

"It will get tougher as we get closer to the anniversary," said Nevel. "It never gets easier. This is a step in the right direction, that's for sure.

Not only does Susan Littlejohn get her barn back, she has vowed to join those New Yorkers the next time they help someone in need.

"I believe I was saved to help," said Littlejohn.

Disaster comes in all sizes, but none of them are as big as the American spirit.