Oklahoma City Bombing

February 18, 1996 by Lisa Beckloff, John Perry

The Survivor's Voice:
"I have been bothered by a few things since April 19. I have been having sleeping problems and also loud noises really bug me since it happened."

- Casey Cordes of Harrah, whose ears rang for 24 hours after the explosion, and who then felt a sensation "like when you're diving and you hit deep water." Cordes, 19, was working outside the Globe Life Building's parking garage on the corner of Robert S. Kerr and Robinson when the blast went off. The impact threw Cordes 20 feet onto the concrete. He suffered a concussion, ear damage and deep bruises to one hip. Despite his own pain, Cordes retrieved cars for dozens of Globe Life employees who were then able to quickly leave the area. His presence of mind didn't go undetected by his employers. Cordes said he got a "nice, big bonus." Today, Cordes said he's fine physically, except for the sleeplessness and loud noises.

 

• Acts of Kindness:
Campbell Elementary School children in Cass City, Mich., celebrated their last day of school with an "All American Celebration." The local VFW Post 3644 displayed 12 flags on the school's playground. Students decorated a wheelbarrow and filled it with $526 in pennies for Oklahoma bombing victims.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Oklahoma City has created the "Deveroux Children's Fund. " Castine Deveroux died in the blast. Her two youngest children are involved as "littles" in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. For information call 943-8075.

Golf USA sponsored an auction of golf equipment and accessories that netted more than $12,000 for bomb victims. Golf manufacturers and vendors from across the country donated items to be auctioned. Proceeds went to the governor's relief fund.

TRW Avionics and Surveillance Group, based in San Diego, gave $21,840 to Feed the Children and the Salvation Army. Several company divisions collected the donations.

 

• Emotional Difficulties:
Faculty members in the OU Health Sciences Center's psychiatry department - in cooperation with The Oklahoman - will answer general questions. Leave a message at 475-3424 or write to: Emotional Difficulties, The Oklahoman, Box 25125, Oklahoma City 73125.

Personal help is available at the OU Health Sciences Center's free hot line at 271-5575, the Project Heartland counseling center at 858-7070 or its 24-hour hot line at (800) 522-9054.

Q I have always found it helpful to read books on coping with various problems in my life. My friends know this and several have asked me about what books they might read as they cope with the bombing. Do you have any suggestions? - R.B.

A Books can indeed be a great source of comfort when sorting through emotions such as those experienced in the wake of the bombing. Visiting your local bookstore or library and consulting with the personnel there is a good start. I would also suggest the following titles:

  • The Grief Recovery Handbook: A Step-By-Step Program for Moving Beyond Loss by John James and Frank Cherry
  • No Time for Goodbyes: Coping with Sorrow, Anger and Injustice After a Tragic Death by Janice Harris Lord
  • The Mourning Handbook by Helen Fitzgerald
  • Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman Lewis
  • Aftermath by Mariann Hybele-Steer
  • I Can't Get Over It: A Handbook for Trauma Survivors by Aphrodite Matsakis
  • Post-Trauma Stress by Frank Parkinson
  • The Grieving Child: A Parent's Guide by Helen Fitzgerald;
  • Helping Children Cope With Separation and Loss by Claudia Jewett Jarratt
  • Children and Trauma: A Parent's Guide to Helping Children Heal by Cynthia Monahon

- Dr. Ronald Krug,
OU Health Sciences Center

 

• A Phone Call Away
The Oklahoman’s Access Line has several bombing-related topics. Call 478-5100, then press the following extensions:

7301 - Express your feelings.
7302 - Feelings from other people.
7308 - Coping with emotions.
7309 - Helping your children cope.
7333 - Helping a grieving person.
7346 - Oklahoma City Municipal Employees Choir.
1031 - Menu of fund drives.
1033 - Menu of other categories.

 

• Deadline
Individuals and business owners who suffered damages or uninsured losses can apply for help by calling FEMA's registration number, (800) 462-9029 or TDD (800) 462-7585. The deadline is Monday.

 

• How To Help
Donations may be sent to:

Gov. Frank Keating's Victim & Family Relief Fund
Office of the Governor
State Capitol, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Mayor Ron Norick's Victims Relief Fund
Oklahoma City City Hall
200 N Walker, Oklahoma City 73102

Additional fund information is available by calling The Oklahoman's Access Line, dial 478-5100. Funds are listed in categories 7324 through 7330.

 

• Your Connection
If you have a question for a public official, write to Your Connection, The Oklahoman, Box 25125, Oklahoma City 73125. Please direct your question to a specific public official and include your name, city where you live and phone number so we can get back with you if we have any questions. Your phone number will not be used in any story.

Q I have a question for Gov. Frank Keating: What happened to all of the funds that came into your office for the Luster children?

- Elizabeth Marie Luster, 15, one of six orphaned children of bombing victims Robert and Donna Luster of Guthrie.

A We found no record of any money earmarked specifically for the Luster family. If they had a specific financial need stemming from the tragedy, we would urge them to contact the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

- John Cox, Keating's deputy press secretary.