We all remember where we were September 11, 2001.
Someone took a photograph of me on September 12, 2001 as I guarded an entry point at my base. It was a defining moment of my military career.
At that point I realized what the Oath that I, and countless of other servicemen/women took actually meant. I was NOT a medical officer but rather an airman who swore an Oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against any enemy foreign or domestic.
I was blessed. 20 years later I’m still here to reflect upon it. Far too many of my brothers and sisters are not. When I joined in 1995 we were at peace. I had no expectations of ever going to a war zone (which I did in 2003). After 9/11 many took the Oath expecting, WANTING to take arms to defend the Nation.
We were joined by a collation of nations who stood by us to root out these enemies. 60 Nations in all helped us take the fight to their front door.
By no means I consider myself a hero. I don’t post my thoughts or image to garner praise or recognition. I saw far too many REAL heroes and would not want to diminish the word by being categorized with them.
Toby Keith wrote a song called “ American Soldier” which I feel summarizes my contributions and feelings of the effort.
"
American Soldier" -Toby Keith
I'm just trying to be a father
Raise a daughter and a son
Be a lover to their mother
Everything to everyone
Up and at 'em bright and early
I'm all business in my suit
Yeah, I'm dressed up for success
From my head down to my boots
I don't do it for the money
There's bills that I can't pay
I don't do it for the glory
I just do it anyway
Providing for our future's my responsibility
Yeah, I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be
I can't call in sick on Mondays
When the weekend's been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays
Sometimes all night long
You can bet that I stand ready
When the wolf growls at the door
Hey, I'm solid, hey, I'm steady
Hey, I'm true down to the core
And I will always do my duty
No matter what the price
I've counted up the cost
I know the sacrifice
Oh, and I don't wanna die for you
But if dying's asked of me
I'll bear that cross with honor
'Cause freedom don't come free
I'm an American soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front lines
Sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I'm an American soldier
Yeah, an American Soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front lines
So sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I'm an American, an American, an American soldier!
Just like the firemen who ran into the burning Twin Towers on that day, those servicemen who joined after 9/11 knew the risks and still raised their right hands and took the Oath.
Images of my experiences are indelibly etched in my mind that I will not soon forget. Thank you to those who take the time to remember and reflect on the events 20 years ago. Those heroes who cannot be with us, whether they were victims of that day in 2001 or in the 20 subsequent years will always be remembered and cherished for their sacrifice.
However, don’t forget those Giants who preceded us. Servicemen/women who fought in South East Asia, Korea, the Pacific, or Europe. They also took the Oath and “proudly took a stand.” Most of them realizing before taking the Oath they would be in the fight.
Despite our differences, we are all the same “and will always do what’s right.” It is that spirit that is the real strength of the Nation.
God Bless those who we lost as a result of the 9/11 attacks and give comfort to their families.
