The Muster Room

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This episode of The Muster Room Podcast takes listeners to the sacred grounds of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as part of their ongoing 9/11 series. Hosts Austin Glickman and Eric Potts are joined by Ken Nacke, a retired Baltimore County police officer and the brother of Louis Joseph Nacke II (Joey), who was aboard Flight 93. Ken shares intimate stories of Joey's life and character, emphasizing that the events of 9/11 were not the defining moments of the 40 heroes on Flight 93, but rather the tragic culmination of their already remarkable lives. The conversation delves into the personal impact of loss, Ken's journey through grief as a first responder, and the unique perspective of being both a family member and a law enforcement officer at the crash site.

The episode highlights the immense heroism of the Flight 93 passengers and crew, who, within a mere 30 minutes, gathered information, processed it, and democratically voted to fight back against the hijackers. This courageous act prevented the plane from reaching its intended target—likely the US Capitol or the White House—and is recognized as the first victory against modern terrorism. Ken passionately stresses that these individuals were "heroes," not "victims," who sacrificed their lives so that others could continue to live theirs, emphasizing the memorial's profound message that individual actions matter and can change the course of history. The discussion also touches upon dispelling 9/11 conspiracy theories and the importance of educating future generations about the diligence and self-sacrifice displayed on that fateful day.

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In this inaugural episode of our 2025 9/11 series, the Muster Room podcast travels to the solemn and inspiring Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Join us as we delve into the heart of this sacred site with Superintendent Stephen Clark, who oversees five National Parks in Western Pennsylvania.

Superintendent Clark shares the remarkable journey of the Flight 93 National Memorial, from its rapid establishment after 9/11 – a process that typically takes decades for the National Park Service – to its powerful and poignant design. Learn about the symbolic elements woven into the memorial's architecture, including the Tower of Voices, a unique musical instrument featuring 40 wind chimes, representing the brave individuals who perished on United Airlines Flight 93.

Discover the unwavering commitment of the memorial's ambassadors, many of whom have volunteered since 9/11, embodying the spirit of the community that rallied immediately after the crash. Superintendent Clark also highlights the memorial's crucial role in educating future generations, sharing a deeply moving story of how the site profoundly impacted a young visitor.

This episode underscores the immense bravery of the 40 passengers and crew members of Flight 93 – ordinary civilians who became the first counter-attack in the War on Terror, sacrificing their lives to prevent further tragedy. Their collective heroism, even as strangers, continues to inspire and resonate globally.

Tune in to understand the unique significance of this site and how it stands as a testament to patriotism, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit. This is just the beginning of a powerful 9/11 series, with upcoming episodes featuring poignant interviews with family members, first responders, and other key figures connected to Flight 93.

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Join us for an intriguing episode as we sit down with Tommy, a retired NYPD undercover narcotics detective. With years of experience navigating the shadows of the city’s drug scene, Tommy shares gripping stories from his undercover assignments, the challenges of life on the force, and what fueled his dedication to justice. Tune in to hear firsthand accounts, lessons learned, and insights into the hidden world of undercover policing in New York City.

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Sergeant John Krupinsky, (or as some of you may know him as “The Mayor of Police Week”) is a 30+ year law enforcement veteran with various titles. From a Danbury (CT) Police supervisor to a professional hockey coach to the FOP President, John has done it all. However, for many who walk the Thin Blue Line and attend Police Week each year, John is a celebrity. From the early days in a parking lot to the monster event it has become, John helped shape what we all now know as National Police Week in Washington D.C.

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Aaron Leonard is a retired Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Army, serving over 27 years and multiple combat deployments. Leonard’s extensive background includes leading Sierra Club Military Outdoors and founding the Outdoor Rx Coalition in New York, which works to reduce barriers for veterans accessing public lands. He passionately advocates leveraging nature-based experiences to promote mental health and healing. As the CEO of Guardian Revival, Aaron leads a dedicated team fostering positive mental health and well-being for veterans and first responders. 

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Today on the Podcast we have former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito. Before serving in the 118th Congress, D’Esposito served as a councilman for the Town of Hempstead and as an NYPD Detective in Brooklyn’s 73rd Precinct.

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Retired NYPD sergeant Paul Linekin sat down with the Muster Room to discuss the benefits of being involved with fraternal organizations and his work with Talk to Me Post Tour.

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As a police officer, Robyn was initially assigned to patrol duties and plain clothes assignments in Patrol Borough Manhattan South. Later Robyn worked in the Early Intervention Unit, located in Police Headquarters, where she provided peer counseling and training for officers of all ranks. Robyn’s responsibilities expanded to include the restructuring of the early warning and monitoring systems and of the Early Intervention Unit’s responsibilities. Robyn facilitated conferences on many topics in law enforcement, education, and mental health. Robyn worked as part of a team to initiate an outreach program for peers in the NYPD to utilize peer services.

Subsequent to retiring from the NYPD, Robyn became the founding Director of COP CARE, a nonprofit organization that provided services to police officers in the Tri-State area by means of a helpline. Her organization was hosted by the New York Patrolmen’s Union and received in-kind services from that organization.

Robyn consulted with the New York State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), leading a feasibility study for a pilot helpline project for the FOP. 

Robyn acted as a consultant and clinician for Delta Airlines and other commercial carriers and served as the lead mental health professional on the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) team for the northeastern United States. Robyn has trained pilots and crews on topics including acute stress, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and panic.

Currently, Robyn maintains a professional practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) who is Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) certified and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) certified. Robyn currently trains individually on “Brainspotting” (a new, highly effective treatment method) technique, with Dr. David Grand. Robyn provides psychotherapy to children and adults. A substantial part of her practice includes law enforcement officers and their families. Robyn’s awards include the Police Self Support Group Humanitarian Award and the Brooklyn Union Gas Person of the Year Award. Robyn is a Board Member for several not-for-profit organizations. She is also currently completing research for her doctorate.

Robyn and her colleagues recently developed a protocol for trained law enforcement officers to process daily post-tour events that they encounter during their shifts. This protocol of a reverse roll call, facilitated by trained peers, has established a mechanism to diminish police stress and thereby promote the well-being of officers and the communities that they serve.

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Pat Ryder was named Commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department in February 2018. He has spent 38 years in law enforcement, serving the last 36 years with the Nassau County Police Department. Commissioner Ryder began his law enforcement career with the New York Police Department on January 4, 1984. He joined the NCPD on July 18, 1986, and was assigned to the 3rd Precinct and in 1989 assigned to the Bureau of Special Operations. Promoted to Sergeant in 1995 and assigned to the 5th Precinct, 8th Squad, and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) as the Deputy Commanding Officer. 

In 2008 he was designated the Commanding Officer of AFU, where he proactively implemented a number of life-saving programs and initiatives that helped ensure officer and public safety. These include the NCPD’s Real-Time Intelligence (RTI) system; the R.E.A.C.H. Program; the Civilian Intelligence Analyst Program; the DNA Collection Initiative; and the creation of the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Think Tank, and the Department’s Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team (CIRRT). Together these initiatives have brought crime in Nassau County to historic lows, allowing residents to enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the United States.

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Bobby Egbert is a retired Port Authority police officer, a 9/11 first responder veteran, and the public information officer for the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.