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Christopher Combs: A Firsthand Account of the FBI’s Response to 9/11 at the Pentagon

Written by Gabriel Kranz-Danet

LEAP students recently had the opportunity to host former FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs at the Walker Education Center! Several students had attended a similar talk with the World Affairs Council earlier in the semester, and we were all eager to hear from him again.

To start off the evening, we enjoyed a reception complete with delicious food and plenty of excited conversation! During the reception many attendees visited the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s Annual Photo Contest. Several community members were able to attend, including Ken Holland, Nancy Ormsby, and Sam Houston Memorial Museum‘s own Megan Buro. We were thrilled to have attendance from Caney Creek High School’s Student World Affairs Council Club, whom we have seen at many WAC events!

Drawing on his years in federal law enforcement, Combs offered an inside look at the confusion surrounding the initial response, the challenges investigators faced, and the lasting consequences of that day. His enthusiasm, personable attitude, and remarkable storytelling ability made the presentation especially engaging.

Combs began his FBI career in counterintelligence, primarily working on Russian espionage, before transitioning to a rapid-response counterterrorism task force. At the time of the attacks, he had been with the Bureau for only five years. He described himself as simply “a guy doing the job,” but the events that followed would become some of the defining experiences of his career.

One detail that stood out was how little anyone initially understood about what had happened. Combs recalled that he did not initially believe a commercial aircraft had struck the Pentagon. His first suspicion was a truck bomb. For nearly 15 minutes, investigators struggled to understand what they were facing. Hearing him describe those first moments was a reminder that those responding had no clear picture of what was happening or what might come next.

Combs described a scene that drew thousands of first responders and investigators. A total of 183 people were killed at the Pentagon. Investigators recovered 113 bodies, which Combs defined as a torso or larger, while more than 3,000 human remains were ultimately collected and identified.

Despite the willingness of so many people to help, some volunteers had to be turned away because they lacked the necessary training and were unintentionally hindering operations. Combs emphasized that remaining calm, organized, and focused was essential. Cooperation among local police, fire departments, FEMA, the FBI, and Pentagon personnel made the recovery possible.

He compared the undertaking to the familiar saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” The work could only be accomplished by breaking an overwhelming situation into smaller, manageable tasks. For students interested in law enforcement, this offered a practical lesson in preparation and teamwork.

Combs also discussed challenges investigators encountered beyond the recovery itself. Some individuals attempted to impersonate emergency personnel to gain access to restricted areas, requiring stricter procedures for verifying response teams. Evidence collection also had to happen quickly, as important evidence could be lost amid the destruction. Investigators had to balance urgency with careful investigative procedures.

He also spoke about the media’s coverage of major incidents, explaining that early reporting is often inaccurate. Combs avoids publicly identifying terrorists and mass shooters whenever possible, believing attention should remain on victims and the personnel responding to these events.

Throughout the presentation, Combs emphasized that repetition breeds excellence. Preparation, discipline, and teamwork are essential when circumstances become unpredictable. He also spoke candidly about the demands of federal law enforcement, including frequent travel and time away from home. Following the Pentagon response, he was immediately involved in the anthrax investigation and recalled earning a reputation as “the crisis guy.”

For me, one of the most valuable aspects of the evening was hearing these experiences from someone who had actually lived through them. Combs’s enthusiasm, storytelling ability, and passion for his profession made an already significant subject that much more engaging. His presentation showed that law enforcement requires more than investigative knowledge; it demands adaptability, cooperation, and a willingness to serve others under difficult circumstances. For LEAP students considering careers in public service, hearing that perspective firsthand offered a meaningful look at the responsibilities of the profession.

Honoring Alumni at SHSU’s Distinguished Alumni Gala

Written by Jacob Wessels

Students recently had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Gala at the Lowman Student Center, kicking off Homecoming weekend by celebrating alumni and university leaders who embody the campus motto: “The measure of a life is its service.” Hosted by Sam Houston’s Alumni Association, it proved to be a night to remember for many of the students and alumni alike.

The evening opened with dinner and a welcome from VP Matt Bethea…

…before he turned it to Master of Ceremonies Mia Gradney and Alumni Association Board President Dr. Deirdre Holloway. University President Dr. Alisa White then addressed the crowd, highlighting the university’s growth and milestones, including a historic fundraising year surpassing $31 million, enrollment nearing 22,000 students, and the opening of the new Health Professions Building in Conroe. She emphasized how Bearkat alumni directly shape student success through career networks like “Bearkats Hiring Bearkats” and hands-on community engagement.

The heart of the program was the presentation of awards honoring exceptional service, entrepreneurship, and leadership:

Dr. Kathleen Gilbert, a first-generation college graduate, has directed the SHSU Food Pantry and Tripod’s Thrift since its opening. She transformed a small student initiative that once served 17 students from an office bookshelf into an operation recording over 5,000 visits annually, ensuring students facing food and professional clothing insecurity stay enrolled and earn their degrees. She was aptly honored for her work with the first of two Service Awards.

Mattie C. Provost also recieved a Service Award! Provost shared her journey from being a first-generation student to spending three decades rising through the ranks of the Houston Police Department to become Assistant Chief. Now serving as Chief Deputy of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, she spoke on the value of second chances and leading with empathy for front-line workers.

Joseph Anderson was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. A former Bearkat track-and-field student-athlete, Anderson translated discipline and corporate internships into becoming a Chick-fil-A owner-operator in Southeast Houston, an area known to be a ‘food desert.’ Managing more than 100 team members, he creates opportunities by funding employee scholarships and partnering with local food banks.

Regina Bynote Jones, reflecting on her time as an Orange Key student host and navigating personal health hurdles, detailed her career journey leading legal operations across global energy and agriculture giants. She currently serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary for Archer Daniels Midland while actively mentoring future generations of legal and corporate leaders. She was recognized with the highest SHSU Honor: the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Larry D. Larrison was also a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Coming from a multigenerational Bearkat family, Larrison built a 42-year career in the insurance industry alongside his ranching operations. During his tenure as Alumni Association President, he helped establish the “Hire a Bearkat” initiative to create clear pathways between alumni businesses and graduating students.

Kenneth Ross was the final recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Starting as a student-athlete and a Huntsville police officer, Ross transitioned into insurance, becoming one of State Farm’s top agents nationwide over a four-decade career. Throughout his success, he maintained continuous involvement in Bearkat athletics and community initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity.

The gala concluded with a spirited performance by the Bearkat Marching Band and the traditional singing of the Alma Mater led by music student Tito Portillo.

Hearing these stories firsthand demonstrated that life after college is rarely linear. Each honoree showed resilience through obstacles and setbacks, with an enduring commitment to lifting others up, which remains the defining standard of the Bearkat community.

From the Capitol to the Canvas: LEAP’s Austin Adventure Comes to a Close

Written by Brittlyn Jackson and Kayla Fleming

To wrap up an exciting and informative weekend in Austin at the Texas Tribune Festival, LEAP students visited the Blanton Museum of Art. Founded in 1936 and located on the edge of the University of Texas at Austin’s campus (with an astonishing view of the Texas State Capitol), Blanton houses more than 22,000 pieces from a variety of cultures, time periods, and artistic styles.

Professor Yawn pointed out many great artists throughout our visit, including one of his personal favorites, Jerry Bywaters. Bywaters was a Texas regionalist, and his piece, Oil Field Girls, gave us a view of the West Texas landscape and conditions during the 1940s.

We also learned about Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt, important artists associated with the Hudson River School who created paintings depicting the American West. Their paintings, The Golden Hour and Indian Canoe, allowed us to see how Americans viewed the West in the late 1800s. The warm tones of what appeared to be a setting sun, along with the beautiful landscapes, made these paintings visually striking and compelling.

We also encountered art pieces from the Spanish Americas, many of which had unknown artists. I noticed a lot of the Spanish art consisted of religious paintings and sculptures. We also came across another Texas native and Latino artist, Luis Jiménez, whose fiberglass sculpture, Border Crossing [Cruzando el Río Bravo], immediately caught my attention. The sculpture itself stands around 4ft tall and features bright neon colors. The sculpture, like most of Jiménez’s work, features bright colors he associates with Mexico, making it all the more captivating.

We then got to see examples of Pop Art, including Andy Warhol’s painting, Farrah Fawcett. We also viewed artists who specialized in cubism and abstraction. One of the most well-known artists we saw was Pablo Picasso, who had two paintings on display when we visited.

We also got to visit Ellsworth Kelly’s chapel, titled Austin, located outside the museum. The Chapel was solid white with geometric designs and colorful stained-glass windows that looked stunning in the light, a staple of Kelly’s work.  

My favorite piece personally was Madam C. J.  Walker by Sonya Clark, a portrait of Madam Walker made entirely out of hair combs. I really liked how the individual combs came together to create the portrait. I also enjoyed the creativity and symbolism behind using the combs, especially because Madam Walker rose to fame in African American hair care products.  

After the museum, we had the chance to drive by the Elisabet Ney Museum on our way home. It was built in her former home and art studio in Hyde Park, standing out because of its limestone castle-like structure. We were especially interested due to our tour of the Capitol, where she has two prominent statues in the South Foyer. They are of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, two prominent figures in Texas History.

The museum was a perfect way to end an exciting and educational trip. LEAP students learned a lot and enjoyed their time there tremendously. From exciting panels sparking new ideas to culinary adventures like Skipjack Oyster, it was a trip to remember. We are excited to take our lessons and newfound ideas back to Huntsville, where we can use them in our everyday lives.

Painted in Time: Larry Cook

Written by Kayla Fleming

On Tuesday, September 22, LEAP students had the opportunity to hear renowned historian Dr. Larry Cook speak on the historical insights hidden within Francis B. Carpenter’s personal artifacts. Hosted at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and presented by Museum Director Derrick Birdsall, the event was deeply enriching, featuring historical artifacts that had never been seen by the public. 

Following an introduction by Director Birdsall, Dr. Cook shared his background in Texas and his path to becoming a full-time historian, author, and political commentator. Drawing from his third book, Brushes with History: Francis B. Carpenter in His Own Words, Dr. Cook was witty, energetic, and engaging.

One of my favorite parts of the evening was learning about Carpenter—an artist most famous for what he called “The Great Painting,” depicting President Lincoln’s first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation—and how his journals are helping historians’ nationwide piece together the past with greater clarity. His writings offer key insights into major historical figures due to his time living in the White House under both President Pierce and President Lincoln. His time in the capital also allowed him to paint prominent senators and political figures, most notably Sam Houston. 

As an SHSU student, I was particularly interested in his notes on Sam Houston. Carpenter recorded that Houston spoke with a noticeable drawl—a detail rarely mentioned in other historical records. Afterward, Director Birdsall revealed to LEAP students that Carpenter also noted how Houston ate nothing but bread and milk while staying in hotels, as the smell of hotel kitchens made him ill. 

Dr. Cook masterfully wove historical details into an entertaining narrative. He was funny, sharp, and deeply insightful regarding who Carpenter was as a person. In closing, Dr. Cook remarked, “We all live in history, but Carpenter was different—he seemed to know it.” 

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum hosted an exceptional event thanks to the staff’s dedication and Dr. Cook’s captivating presentation. His words inspired the audience to brush up on their history and take a closer look at Francis B. Carpenter, who not only “documented history with his paintbrush, but with his pen”—a discipline that remains strikingly relevant in how we record our world today. 

Pre-Law Society’s First Ever Law Firm Fair!

Written by Allie Plunk

For students interested in pursuing a career in law, getting into the legal field can feel like a distant goal. This semester, however, Sam Houston State University’s Pre-Law Society brought that goal a little closer to home with its first-ever Law Firm Fair. The event gave students the chance to meet practicing legal professionals, learn more about different career paths, receive advice on building a competitive resume, and even put themselves forward for potential employment opportunities.

The evening began with our first-ever Law Firm Fair, featuring Rane Riley of Park Law Firm, Karla and Cameron Bush of Rosales & Bush Personal Injury Law Firm, and Victoria Cardenas from Sam Houston’s Student and Legal Mediation Services. Students received the opportunity to talk with practicing Lawyers about everything from what it’s like working in a private firm to tips and tricks to enhance resumes. While some firms’ representatives chose to talk to students one-on-one, others talked to the whole group at once, answering and asking questions beneficial to all the students before accepting resumes for review. There was a sense of excitement in the air as students passed from room to room, making sure to talk to every firm. For some, there was added pressure: a few lucky students might be able to secure a position at one of the firms if their resume fits the criteria they are looking for.

By the end of the evening, students had gained more than just a collection of business cards and resume advice. The Law Firm Fair provided an opportunity to make professional connections, ask questions that can be difficult to answer in a classroom, and get a closer look at what life in the legal profession can actually look like. For students preparing to enter the field, the event was an exciting first step toward turning their interest in law into real-world experience—and hopefully the first of many Law Firm Fairs to come.

Welcome (Back) to Huntsville, Rosales & Bush!

Written By Robin Houghton

On September 17, Cameron Bush and LEAP alum Karla Rosales-Bush celebrated the opening of Rosales & Bush Injury Law’s new Huntsville location with a ribbon-cutting hosted alongside the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce.

Rosales & Bush Injury Law originally opened in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the firm emphasizes direct attorney involvement and offers services in both English and Spanish. More recently, however, the duo have sought to expand, and they thought of Huntsville, TX, where Karla Rosales attended Sam Houston State University, interned, and served as a LEAP Ambassador. That dream was realized this past week, with a Chamber ribbon cutting.

More than 70 people showed up for the event, which was located, of course, at their new office: the old Gabe Smither home, at 1414 11th Street (next to the Wynne Home).

As an intern for Cameron and Karla, I had the opportunity to help prepare for the event and attend the celebration…

…along with other LEAP Ambassadors, past and present.

The reception began with drinks, cookies, and a beautiful charcuterie board from Southern Shine Catering.

Among the mingling, guests took the time to enter a raffle, with the opportunity to win a $400 prize, while also taking tours of the home and enjoying the Rosales & Bush swag.

It was a wonderful opportunity for people to interact. Janette Stanley from our Citizenship Preparatory Course showed up with flowers; Thomas Leeper attended; numerous students from the Pre-Law Society showed up, adding some youth to the proceedings; many members of Karla’s family drove in from south Texas; and, of course, the Chamber President (Jason Brandolini) and Membership Director (Jonathan Murphy) were on hand.

Sebastian, young though he is, took things in, ever attentive to the goings on.

Following the ceremony, the raffle winner was announced and received a $400 dashcam, a fitting giveaway for a personal injury firm.

It was a meaningful end to an evening filled with community and excitement for the firm’s future in Huntsville.

Many thanks to Karla and Cameron Bush for allowing us to be part of their exciting new adventure.

Growing Knowledge—and Community—in Week Three of LEAP’s Citizenship Preparatory Class

By the third week of the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics’ (LEAP) Citizenship Preparatory Course, the atmosphere in the classroom had noticeably changed. Participants and volunteers who had begun the month as strangers were now familiar faces, and conversations around the tables were lively, comfortable, and filled with questions.

The evening began with a review of approximately 30 naturalization questions covered during the first two weeks. Participants revisited the founding of the United States, the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. They even reviewed $100 bill, which has some of the topics on the Citizenship Test, most notably Benjamin Franklin and Independence Hall.

They also reviewed the structure of the federal government, including its three branches and the officials who serve in each.

With that foundation reinforced, the class moved into the 1800s—one of the busiest and most consequential periods in American history. The lesson began with the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812 before turning to the Civil War and the divisions that led to the conflict.

Abraham Lincoln played a central role in the evening’s discussion. Participants learned about his presidency, the Emancipation Proclamation, and his efforts to preserve the Union. The class also examined the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address, connecting the events of the war to Lincoln’s enduring words about equality, democracy, and national purpose.

The evening concluded with Susan B. Anthony and her leadership in the movement for women’s rights, allowing participants to consider how the meaning of American citizenship continued to expand during the nineteenth century.

As always, SHSU student volunteers helped participants review questions, clarify difficult concepts, and practice their English.

By Week Three, however, those exchanges had become more than study sessions. The robust discussions, shared laughter, and growing familiarity reflected one of the course’s most important accomplishments: bringing together people of different backgrounds around the shared goal of citizenship.