Since I started at OEM, I have done some pretty interesting things. From escorting dignitaries to Ground Zero, to bringing press to various locations – to meeting famous people – this job has certainly had it’s share of exciting moments. But of all the things I have done, the places I have gone and the people I have met – it was this Sunday that I experienced one of the most exciting moments of all.

I was asked to escort someone to Ground Zero who is not only a famous moviemaker – but someone who created one of the most memorable characters in the history of horror – and someone who has given me more sleepless nights then anyone else. The man I speak of is Wes Craven.

Called “The George Lucas Of Horror”, Wes Craven has brought us such memorable horror movies as Nightmare On Elm Street, The Last House On The Left – and most recently – Scream. His ability to frighten horror fans by creating flawlessly terrifying movies and menacingly frightening characters has earned him a place in the Horror Hall Of Fame – and a place on my list as one of the greatest movie makers of all time.

I can still remember watching the Nightmare On Elm Street movies and not being able to sleep that night. Between the dark and eerie theme of the movie – and the fact that Freddy himself was so scary – it was obvious as the movie’s credits rolled that I would not be sleeping for a while. But even though the movies terrified me – I still watched the new ones when they came out. Although he was not as involved in the sequels to Nightmare On Elm Street as he was in the first one – Craven had laid the groundwork for one of the most successful – and in my opinion most interesting series of horror movies in history.

And now, after watching his movies and enjoying his work for well over ten years – I had to go to the Regency Hotel on Park Avenue – and pick up Wes Craven.

To be honest, I freaked the moment Maryl told me that I had to take Wes Craven to Ground Zero. And up until the moment we met – my excitement grew more and more with each passing day. And when I arrived at the hotel – I could not wait a moment longer to meet him – and then it happened.

From the moment I shook his hand – I could tell that he was a very genuine person. You would think that someone who created one of the most popular characters in the history of films would be a little more standoffish – but not Wes Craven. He was very down to Earth and even seemed humble when myself and some of the workers at Ground Zero told him that they loved his work – and that is something that I really admire.

When we arrived at Ground Zero, all of our moods changed – as does anyone’s mood when they visit Ground Zero. As we made our way past the gate at Liberty and West Streets and made our way up the stairs to the viewing stage – both Wes and his daughter Jessica both got a look on their face that I have seen on the faces of every single person I have brought to Ground Zero – shock, disbelief and sadness. Even now, almost three months after the attack – the Site still is still burning and still gives off the same aura of death and destruction that it has since that fateful day – and always will no matter what they build there.

As I stood with Wes and his daughter as they stared at the site that I have seen so many times that I could paint a picture of it – I could tell how moved they were to be there. Here is a man that has built a career creating the most gory, hideous – and horrific things we have ever seen on film now standing in the presence of real horror – and I could tell how deeply it touched him.

After the viewing stand, we moved into the site and made our way to the remains of Tower #2. As we watched dozens of men far below the surface digging through tons of twisted debris – we all stood there for close to twenty minutes watching the men work – never taking our eyes off of them. As we watched these men toil and labor in what seemed like an ocean of destruction, Wes and Jessica asked questions about the recovery efforts, the “bathtub” or slurry wall that holds in the sea – and the victims of this senseless tragedy. I tried my best to answer all the questions I could, but sometimes had to turn to the experts at the site for some answers. I think that just seeing the devastation first hand answered any questions they might have had – except for the one question that plagues us all when we think of what happened there – why?

After we watched the work taking place at Tower #2 – we made our way to what used to be Tower #1 – the Tower where Doug worked. As we watched a different set of heroes performing the same tasks as their colleagues just a few yards away – my mind drifted to Doug and how much I miss him. As I stood there listening to a Firefighter explain to Wes and Jessica what he and his men were doing – I still could not believe that this pile of destruction used to house my friend for five days a week – and that I was standing on the very spot where he lost his life.

After only a few minutes at Tower #1 – the machines were getting a little too close – so it was time to go. As we made our way back to the Gator that brought us to the Site – Wes thanked me for taking him there. I told him that it was my pleasure – and that it was an honor to meet him.

When I took him back to his hotel, he signed my friend Chris’ jacket and Scream video. He then gave me an autograph for Cookie – and even took the time to say hello to Christine on the telephone. After that, we exchanged addresses, shook hands – and parted ways.

Not that any good could ever possibly come out of the September 11th tragedy – but I am glad that I was able to meet Wes Craven. He is someone that has always brought me joy in the form of scary movies – and now I can say that he is a great person to know. I will never forget the day that I took him and his lovely daughter to Ground Zero – or the time that we shared. And even if I never meet him again – I can’t wait for the next time he releases a movie and scares the stuffing out of me.

A pleasure to meet you Mr. Craven – thanks.