One year later, Robin DeHaven still reflects about the suicide plane crash at the Echelon building.
“It is definitely a day I'll never forget,” said DeHaven. “I guess thinking back to that day, 'What would happen if I didn't stop?' I think about that it changed my life, but also affected all those people.”
He still works at the same job as a glass installer, yet he says his life has changed.
"I’m trying to work on a book,” DeHaven explained. “I am also working on a TV show; a brotherhood outdoors hunting show that's getting exciting. They are coming to finish filming this month. That's going to air later this fall.”
DeHaven has been called a hero. It is something he shrugs off. He has been recognized for his bravery from Austin to Washington D.C. He has a shelf devoted to every award he has received.
“I was in Faith and Family, Austin Magazine,” he said.
He was the first civilian to receive three challenge coins from all three emergency services. He says people still recognize him and doors have opened for him.
“I got to throw the first pitch at a Round Rock Express game,” DeHaven explained. “I was a honorary crew chief for NASCAR race team for Sprint Cup."
It was on Feb. 18, 2010 when Joseph Stack flew his small plane into the Echelon office building in Northwest Austin.
“It looked like a big bird or toy at first,” explained DeHaven. "I realize it was a full-size plane as we got closer to each other. I saw it go down.”
The crash caused a raging fire that sent black smoke billowing from the Echelon building.
DeHaven was driving by and saw the plane crash. Without hesitation he rushed to the scene and grabbed his ladder.
“DeHaven rescued six trapped IRS workers from the second story of the burning building. Five men and a woman. That woman was Lisa Alexander, a single mother and revenue worker. She told KVUE Metro Reporter Steve Alberts she now views life differently.
“I am very grateful to be here,” said Alexander. “I appreciate every minute that God gives me.”
Alexander treats life as a gift. She believes she could have died that day if it were not for DeHaven's heroics. She says she has been able to move forward with her life.
“I have healed so much since last year,” she said. “I am not so sensitive and emotional.”
She takes nothing for granted and treasures the moments with her teenage son.
“It's great because I could have missed a lot of things,” she explained. “He's turning 16 this year, so you know, he's changing from a young man into a young adult man.”
DeHaven and Alexander talk and e-mail often. They see each other when they can. As each moves forward with their lives, they are reminded that through tragedy, friendships and a renewed appreciation for life can develop.
