9-11

[buzz456]

If this is political please forgive me.

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[RudiJaeger]

I'm sure that everyone old enough to remember that day, twenty-two years ago, can recall their experiences as if it were yesterday. I've never shared this story before; but here's what I recall about 9-11:

I was a Battalion Mortar Platoon Sergeant in the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. That morning, we had just completed our daily fitness run, and I stopped by the orderly room to check if there were any new taskings. Everyone on staff duty were huddled around the TV screen in the meeting area. I said, "What's going on?", and the desk sergeant replied, "Looks like a plane hit the World Trade Center". No one knew for sure yet, what had actually happened. Shortly after, we watched in disbelief as the second plane struck the south tower. We immediately went on full alert, and I told my guys to get their packing lists out and get their gear ready for deployment. Those of us living off-post drove home to do the same.

My home was only a six mile drive, but traffic was already building up at the Fort Carson gates, and I knew there would likely be a traffic jam when returning to my unit. When I arrived home, my wife was already watching the developments on TV and kept me posted while I packed my bags. Knowing the traffic situation, the only way I could get back to my unit in a timely manner, was to walk or ride a bike. But with two full duffle-bags and a large ruck-sack, that was out of the question. So I went outside and grabbed my push-mower and removed the engine; then strapped all my bags on the empty deck. Still in my running shorts and t-shirt, I said good-bye to my wife, and began pushing my fully loaded lawn mower back to Fort Carson along the shoulder of the highway. Sure enough, when I got about halfway to Fort Carson, traffic was practically at a stand-still, as security at the gates was also on full alert. Suddenly, I didn't feel so silly, pushing a lawn mower full of baggage past the stalled traffic.

When I arrived at my unit, I changed into my duty uniform and began getting our soldiers, weapons, and equipment ready. That evening, we moved to a holding area, to await movement for deployment. We were there for over three days, while far above our level, command decisions were being made about a course of action. We eventually stood-down, and a short time later deployed to Kuwait, along the border of Iraq.

I will always remember 9-11, not only for those who lost their lives or were permanently injured; but also as the day that everything changed... increased security measures, always thinking about the consequences of attending public events, being constantly on-guard for explosive devices or people who "look" suspicious; and the list goes on and on. But finally, I remember how we all became more united against the forces of evil, even at a global level; 9-11 made us stronger and more resilient. I hope that the victims of this tragedy could know this; they did not die and suffer for nothing. Evil may have struck a deadly blow that terrible morning; but I think it's become increasingly difficult to be a "bad-guy" these days. When events like this happen, you really begin to see who your true friends are; and I think our Nation, thankfully, has a lot more friends than enemies.

Speaking of friends, here's a link to the touching tribute by U2 at Super Bowl IIIVI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og0V1UtjPt4

Thanks for reading.

[buzz456]

[ssbobz]

22 Years, it's difficult to wrap my head around that. The world changed so much after that day.

[harryadkins]

Thank you for reminding us. I'll never forget the horror and evil of that day.

Harry

[GogebicChief]

God Bless America.. Thank You to all who answered the "Call to Arms". Without You & Your Families Sacrifice, this would be a different World Today. I Salute You. Stefan