9/11 - A Turning Point

2014-09-11T11:19:29-04:00

We’ll never forget the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We should also make it a point never to stop supporting our troops—the men and women who protect us from the evil of that horrific day.

I checked into my first unit on 9/11/2001. I had just moved to California and was planning on checking in on 9/14 on a Friday, so I could easily get away for the weekend. My apartment didn’t have any furniture, nothing was unpacked, and all my household goods were in my car when I heard the news. Right away, I put on my uniform and went to check into my unit. I remember, pretty clearly, thinking “they finally did it”, referring to Al Qaeda, and it’s time for us to do our job—what we’ve been training for. Most of us in the military prior to 9/11 knew that an attack against our nation could happen any day. After all, the WTC was first attacked in 1993. The attack in 2001 was the second attempt.

Driving on to Camp Pendleton, nobody knew what was going on. I was asked to get out of my car and I was frisked in my service uniform (standard uniform for Marines checking into units) at the gate because my car wasn’t registered, and the base was implementing THREATCON Delta for probably its first time. After I was cleared, I reported to my unit and introduced myself to the commanding officer. We had a very quick welcome to the unit, and he headed off to a briefing. It was very surreal and intense.

As somebody who joined before 9/11, I can recall that most civilians never spent much time thinking about the military prior to that day. Service members were rarely thanked for service when in uniform… Many of my friends even questioned why I would want to join the military, and it was difficult for them to understand the pride we shared in our service.

Immediately after 9/11, everything changed. The military received more funding and became “popular.” The public would recognize us in a variety of ways. I used to run in my USMC shirt with a small and subtle American flag on it… Suddenly after 9/11 when I would go running, people would wave at me and encourage me as I ran by them. I had to stop wearing the shirt to avoid drawing attention.

When we deployed in January of 2002, everyone in the military had a shared sense of purpose. We were 100% focused on the mission and excited to be in a position to defend our country. Although our deployment to Southeast Asia was prescheduled, we were excited to deploy and be closer to the war.

For years we enjoyed very strong civilian support. During that period, I came back from deployment in July 2002 and then deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in February 2003. There was definitely a sense of duty, of everyone fulfilling their turn to serve. There was also a very strong connection between the military and the rest of the population.

Some Soldiers deploying today to Afghanistan may have been in kindergarden when 9/11 happened. As the wars became protracted, America’s sentiments towards its military began slipping back into pre 9/11 status. It wasn’t until 2009 when I left active duty that I recognized how far the disconnect between the community and the military had become. People asked me “Are we still in Afghanistan?” “Are we still in Iraq?” when we were suffering casualties there every day. It’s important that we remember we’re still fighting some of the old conflicts as we dive into new ones.

It is best to show support to the military not just in times of crisis. Crises come and crises go, but the military is always here, and always ready. We shouldn’t slide back into complacency, or wait for the next conflict to come around before we give the military the recognition it deserves. The best way for civilians to show their gratitude is not with “thank you” and military discounts (although those are appreciated), but to be informed on the issues and remember that military sacrifices are ongoing. As the President made bold decisions just last night about an increased US military campaign against a new enemy emerging in the Middle East, I have to wonder how many Americans woke up this morning even aware that its military has been committed to an escalated conflict.

We don’t expect civilians to understand what it’s like to be in the military, or even why some of us choose to serve. We’re not looking for more handshakes or more pats on the backs. We need to feel supported in our mission, and not just in time of crises.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Sep 11 at 2014 1:02 PM

2014-09-11T13:02:41-04:00

Sir,

I wish it really was a turning point and that our nation learned a lesson from the terrible loss of life we faced that day. Sadly, in my opinion, we did not and because we didn't, we will pay with the blood of the innocent again. Look at the mess we are facing now in Syria and Iraq. Look at our current leadership in Washington...both parties...and realize they didn't drop the ball, they sat it down and walked away.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 11:33 PM

2014-09-11T23:33:08-04:00

I posted this on my FB page yesterday....

13 years ago today....9/10/01, I was returning to Bremerton, WA after completing my first overseas deployment on the USS Rainier. First time on U.S. soil in 6 months.

After I got off the boat that night, I got a hotel room, ordered a large plain cheese pizza from Dominos, watched a movie, and sprawled out on the king size bed to get some (uninterrupted) sleep.

The next morning.... we were called back to the boat in a state of a national emergency. I was 20 years old. I was selfish, and I was mad. It took about 3 weeks for it to finally sink in what ACTUALLY had happened. Every year I have to remind myself that there's nothing I can do to change my initial reaction to the news that day.... It doesn't get any easier knowing that when tragedy happened all you could think about was "Darnit, I just got home, and now this crap..." *sigh*

I can't change the fact that I didn't understand or grasp the big picture at the time. On my drive in to work this morning, the radio station played a time line of the series of events as they happened 13 years ago, and I got pretty upset listening to it. It makes sense NOW. I understand NOW but I clearly did not understand back then....

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 12 at 2014 1:28 PM

2014-09-12T13:28:26-04:00

Following PO3 Private RallyPoint Member...I wrote the following on my Facebook page yesterday.

I remember being stationed in Ansbach, Germany. The first plane hit around 4pm our time. By 4:30, we were standing in formation being briefed on what we thought was happening. We drew our weapons from the arms room and locked down the post. We went on "RED STATUS". Movement was restricted. Within a few short days, our scheduled deployed to Kuwait was moved up and I quickly found myself taking part in then Operation Southern Watch. While the deployment was a peaceful one we remained on guard and ready to deploy where ever we were told to go to next. That day, this day 13 years ago, forever changed us. It not only changed one of the most iconic skylines in the world but it changed it as a people. We were scared those first few weeks and months following the attacks. We were full of questions and doubts. Now, 13 years later, that iconic skyline has changed again with the completion of the Freedom Tower. The field in Somerset county has changed into an amazing monument. The Pentagon has been repaired and we as a people have emerged from the dust. Is the world a safer place? Sure, in some cases it is but we still face those that would love nothing more than to see America weak again. The threat is still very much alive and able to not only repeat what was done 13 years ago but to possibility do more damage. Thankfully, the one thing we as a people have learned though is that we are much stronger together than we are apart.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Sep 12 at 2014 1:56 PM

2014-09-12T13:56:59-04:00

I was stationed at Eglin AFB working in the Backshop on the Test Wing side of the base. While I was in the battery shop working on batteries, with the radio on, all of a sudden the music stops and the radio announcers come on and break in with a news announcement that the World Trade Center had been hit by an aircraft. They never did put the music back on since they were trying to get more information out to us as to what had happened. After the second plane hit the other tower and the plane hit the Pentagon we were told that we were in Threatcon Delta. We were in it for like 30 mins when the word went out to send all non essential personnel home. That included the entire test wing. The 33rd FW was loading for bear so they were essential. When I got home to my family. I had called earlier to tell my wife to put on the news. We watched what was happening. We were told not to return to work for a few days. Of course I lived on base at the time. I will say that this day of infamy will always be remembered.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 3:51 PM

2014-10-25T15:51:24-04:00

I was still living in Hawai'i on that day, and my mom woke me up to watch the news. I was almost 19 when it happened, and I remember thinking I should join the military. Joining had been in my plans as it was, because my dad served in the Navy and both my grandfathers served in the Army. Due to the chaos that ensued on the military posts on Oahu, I did not join then, but rather 11 years later in 2012. I was at Basic during the 11th anniversary of 9/11 and I remember talking with the other trainees I was with about what they remembered from that day. I was surprised to hear that most of them had been in elementary school when the attacks happened, and many of them did not remember it happening.

I do agree that it changed our nation, though that change has slowly been replaced with complacency and the "old habits" that we as a nation held before 9/11. I think we need more reminders from those that lived and served through 9/11 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to help people remember that we all serve for a reason. As you stated MAJ, the vast majority of us do not serve seeking handshakes and pats on the back. We do need the support of our nation, in all circumstances and hopefully that part of the change will live on and grow. Before I deployed I had someone tell me, "I may not fully support the war itself, but I fully support the troops who are called to fight it". This spoke volumes to me, and that is the kind of support that is needed.

Thank you MAJ Weiss, for these words and reminders.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Oct 28 at 2014 9:37 AM

2014-10-28T09:37:42-04:00

I was TDY to assist a REDTRAIN exercise at Ft. Hood, with 1st Cav. We were out in the field when someone came by with the word that we were to pack up and meet at an assembly area for convoy back to the rear. The exercise was called early. We didn't find out what had actually happened until a few hours after everything went down.

Response by CWO2 B. Sean Fairburn made Dec 9 at 2014 11:27 AM

2014-12-09T11:27:37-05:00

Hearing from Civilians that they are praying for us is the best way I hear them say "Thank You". The Media will never convey what actually happens in battle intentionally or unintentionally thus those back home will at best get No information other than if a service member has been killed in combat. I find that the hardest thing is conveying te good that is done every day to help people in foreign lands, directly and indirectly.

Because of that our families, friends, employers co workers (as returning reservist) and the general populous can't fully understand and give an effective form of gratitude and appreciation for the work and the umbrella of protection they enjoy. They just don't know what we do or have done. This breeds frustration conflict and depression.

All n all we know the good we do and have an abundance of unspoken appreciation for our fellow servicemembers that performed with honor in all branches at all levels seen and unseen.

This is why I like Rallypoint the people here "Get it" without explination, justification, apology or excuse.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 9:36 PM

2015-08-09T21:36:19-04:00

I remember that day well I was asked to do things on that day and the days following I had never anticipated being asked to do. My original assignment that day was to be the advance for a JAG inspection team and to correct whatever issues I found ahead of the team's arrival ... This was a day which marked a change in the way we operated, how we shared information and with who, it reshaped American life. As a result Congress federalized airport security, the Patriot Act was passed, border security was enhanced and immigrant data sharing became the norm, government agencies were created, and American muslims were under attack.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 9 at 2015 10:19 PM

2015-08-09T22:19:08-04:00

LTC Yinon Weiss Sir, IMO it was a turning point. I brought the country together to fight an element that attacked us on our home soil. But, our country has a short memory and soon forgot why we even went over there. There was no total commitment from the country. Everyone, besides the military and the alphabet gang, went about their lives like nothing was happening.

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Aug 9 at 2015 11:54 PM

2015-08-09T23:54:58-04:00

I am a 9/11'er. I watched the towers fall in '01 while I was in shop class. I always knew I wanted to serve, but 9/11 ensured that I would. My dad offered me a free ride to college just so I wouldn't go. I told him he had done enough and now it was my turn to earn my dues. I will never forget 9/11 and the unity that we found in tragedy.

I dedicated the next ten years to that endeavor and I regret nothing. I miss the hey-day of the wars when funding was through the roof, and the only thing higher was public opinion. I think we all knew it would only last so long, but it seems like it went even faster than I expected.

I look at 9/11 as a turning point for the generations that served in it, because it reminded us that there are those that will drop everything for this country. We may fail at a lot of things, argue, and go way too far in debt, but we will always have those that love country more than self. The military is tough, we can manage not being loved until needed.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Sep 11 at 2015 9:22 PM

2015-09-11T21:22:38-04:00

I had been out of the Marines 16 years when 9/11 occurred. I was at work, in my office with a business related flight later in the day from Tampa to Los Angeles (direct). Obviously that flight didn't go. My oldest son was 10 years old in 2001. He ended up joining the Marines after high school and heading off to Afghanistan in 2012.

I'd like to believe the sloganeering that "We will never forget". I think many have already forgotten. It is a distant memory and the entire GWOT was politicized and sides were chosen and we have been doing battle ever since inside our four walls.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Sep 12 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-09-12T08:43:50-04:00

Thanks for sharing LTC Yinon Weiss! I agree that we need to continue the support for the mission of defending this homeland. No matter who is in leadership, no concern for which enemy to which we direct our power, we must remember that there is no - nor will there ever be again in the near future - a break from the threats we face. The terrorism conducted on 9/11 embedded a new paradigm on the "rules" and our country must continue to adjust.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Sep 14 at 2015 11:14 PM

2015-09-14T23:14:27-04:00

LTC Yinon Weiss you summed it up very nicely. I am sure I speak for many Vietnam veterans who did not have the support our service members have today. Lets hope they never lose it again!

As for me, I spent 911 in NYC commemorating the events of 911 that resulted in loss of life and specifically the 343 firefighters who died that day, especially one in particular, Fire Marshal Ronald Bucca. Ron was a National Guard Special Forces soldier, Vietnam era who later joined the Fire Department. After he died, his son Ron Jr. did the same thing and was Special Forces qualified. My brother and a bunch of fire marshals went down to Bragg for the graduation ceremony. Since then Ron brings his counterparts from around the country to NYC for events honoring his father and I have been participating for about 8 years now.

Its always an emotional tribute, Ground Zero, events around the firehouse across from the trade center and other venues. Im attaching some pictures of the days events. We had a Marine with us who deployed to Afghanistan and then to Iraq where he lost a leg. We also had a DSC recipient in the pic but i won't identify any of them but you can probably pick him out.