Two members of the Families of Flight 93 met with a production crew from ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition last month in Stonycreek Township.

The meeting was part of the process to develop an episode featuring the Flight 93 National Memorial.
Casting director Quintin Strack told them that more than 20 families, some from as far away as Pittsburgh, were being interviewed as candidates for a home makeover, Gordon Felt, president of the Families of Flight 93, said. They visited on March 24.

A decision has not been made as to which family will be chosen. The project is still on track to be done this summer, with the episode tentatively scheduled to air as the fall season premier shortly after the Sept. 11 anniversary.

“We were in town (Shanksville), trying to give Quintin a good sense of the community,” Felt said. “We went to Ida’s (Country Store) and both firehouses. People are so wonderful -- they tell their story just by being the way they are.”

Shanksville Fire Chief Terry Shaffer conducted the fire hall tours.

They then went to a ridge overlooking the crash site to film an interview with Felt and Ken Nacke, another Flight 93 family member. They also filmed at the temporary memorial.

”The Families of Flight 93 do not want to insert themselves into the selection process,” Felt said. “We feel this is such a wonderful way to give back to the community that has done so much for us. We are happy to support whom they choose. This will also publicize the Flight 93 National Memorial.

Many members of the Families are planning on volunteering to work on the construction project this summer.

“As many Families members as possible will be there, so we can give back to the community as well,” Felt said. “This is really an exciting opportunity to recognize the people of Somerset County for their hard work and stewardship in looking over the site where our loved ones lost their lives. This will be an opportunity to give back to one of the many deserving members of the community.