Being “Arab” American on 11 September 2001

Maj Alea Nadeem — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 08:02:03 -0400

(Central Catholic High School, Toldeo, Ohio.)

What can I do to help? Why is the local news interviewing us? I want them to interview me, but they continue to skip over me. What would I even say? Would I tell them the truth? They never did interview me that day and to be honest, to this day, I wish they had given me the opportunity to comment on the terrorist attacks.

I recall that day I was in homeroom, among other 16-year-olds waiting for our daily announcements, when the teacher turned on the television and we all watched the horror of two planes hitting the towers. I’m not sure I even knew what was really happening, but I could feel the tension and fear in the halls as we changed classrooms. I made my way to English class and the television was replaying the images. My English teacher, Mrs. Bohl said she could no longer watch the news. a She was the kindest and gentlest teacher, but that day, she had fire in her eyes. She gave a speech and one comment stuck with me. She said:“the United States has a beautiful velvet curtain, but behind that velvet is steel and the world will now see what Americans are made of!” I was right along with her, thinking “yes, you will see what we are made of.” I was moved deeply in my core by what she said, but I was not sure whom we or I was going to ‘show’ what America was made of. I just knew I wanted to be part of this movement and I wanted to be strong for my country.

As the dust settled and we Americans learned who was behind the attacks, I was perplexed at the conversations and comments I overheard; “Fu--ing Arabs”, “Sand Ni--ers”, and I’ll spare you the rest. As an American of Arab descent, this was such a challenging, confusing time to figure out my role in these conversations.

People said awful things, but I understood because we were all angry at what happened. I was angry too! In the midst of America’s anger, I wanted to quietly say “Arabs are nice and kind people”, but who could I say that too? There was not one person I could say that too. If I said that would people think I’m a terrorist? I was 16 years old, so being self-consciousness is a constant, but then it doubled for me. Not only was I a 16 year old trying to figure out life, but I was an Iraqi-American who lived in the United States during 9/11. Not a good time to be Arab in America. I didn’t say much about being of Arab descent, or having lived in Iraq for a short period of time, but I did have a lot to say; I just didn’t know how or what was appropriate. I began to learn how people viewed me.

During Math class, I was being teased by one of the students because I had a fake tattoo on my arm, it was really popular in the 2000s...I promise. It was a series of numbers on my forearm and he said, is that your terrorist prison number? I was shocked he said that, then hurt, and then pissed! I was consumed by this wave of anger and frustration, I didn’t know what to do or say. What could I say? Everything seemed to be going in slow motion, I remember we were on the third floor in our high school and the windows were wide open. The birds chirped in the background and the sun was covered by the shade of the trees. I looked to my left and the windows looked so inviting, just calling me to their edge. I looked back at him - the individual who accused me of having a terrorist serial number - and picked up his open backpack,, walked over to the window, and threw it outside. Papers and books spilled everywhere on their way down and I was happy! He called me a name that starts with a B and tried to take my backpack, but I immediately put it over my shoulders and held my ground. The whole classroom was shocked, to include me, but that day changed me. I knew I would never accept comments like that and realized I had some fight in me. Did I really just throw his backpack out the window? Yes, I did!

I knew then that I had to do something bigger than myself to help. Help who? Help how? I didn’t know at the time, I just knew I had to help with something important. The voice inside me continued to pursue this ‘help thing’. By my senior year of high school I found myself meeting with my local Air Force recruiter and the rest is history.

To the student who called me a terrorist, thank you! You lit a fire in me that has not stopped and pushed me to serve the most amazing country ever...the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Though that was a terrible day in high school, I am grateful for that moment. I wholeheartedly accept your apology and thank you for reaching out this year to apologize. Despite all the years passing, it did make a difference. As you said, “what is an apology without action?”

Please remember those who lost their lives on September 11 2001, all the lives that were affected in so many ways on that fateful day, and all the men and women who were the steel behind the velvet.

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Sep 11 at 2019 8:04 AM

SSG Michael Noll — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 08:04:35 -0400

Great share Ma'am and thank you for your service.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Sep 11 at 2019 8:16 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 08:16:40 -0400

Excellent share ma'am, thank you.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 11 at 2019 10:26 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 10:26:12 -0400

This right here is truly amazing! I think we often forget that the war on terror is NOT the war against the Muslim faith. For many, I'm sure they were just as confused, lost and pissed off as everyone else but as highlighted in this article, were silenced by the hate.

This article serves as a beautiful reminder that 9/11 impacted countless people.

Response by CPT David Gowel made Sep 11 at 2019 11:50 AM

CPT David Gowel — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 11:50:11 -0400

All of us who served (and are old enough) remember exactly where we were that day. I never really thought about how some of us who served were treated like the enemy at that same moment. Thanks for the valuable perspective Maj Alea Nadeem and for all you do / have done in service to our country.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Sep 11 at 2019 11:53 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 11:53:12 -0400

We sortied that morning, with a Muslim sailor on our ship. No one had a problem, he was never bullied nor made fun of. Sorry about what you went through.

Response by SN Robbie Malone made Sep 11 at 2019 2:50 PM

SN Robbie Malone — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 14:50:19 -0400

When, this attack happen it was hitting me on all cylinders, I was attending school to obtain my degree and my Papa woke me up saying we have been attacked. When i seen the planes slammed into the towers, on the news I was thinking of another war and another nation doing pretty much the same thing.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 11 at 2019 2:52 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 14:52:01 -0400

Maj Alea Nadeem Thank you for sharing your frist-hand experience with that day in September 2001 and how blind we as a people (American People with all types of ethnic backgrounds) can be when something like this happens. I had many Arab American employees and one Director of Operations in Chicago that was from Iraq and it never crossed my mind to lash out or be mad at any of those great Americans. I enjoyed everything you shared and I'm so grateful for your service to this country Alea! May we never forget those we lost on that day and those who sacraficed Post 911 in service of our country.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2019 2:55 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 14:55:16 -0400

When 9/11 happened, I am not going to lie. I was filled with bile and hate for those responsible. I wanted nothing more than to put a bullet in the skulls of those responsible. To this day, if I could travel to Guantanamo and give Khalid Sheikh Mohammed a good hard kick off a stool with a rope around his neck, I would.
Fuck them, and all of their hateful ideology that somehow justifies to them that mass murder is justified in any way.

Does that go for every Muslim? Of course not. But I have no quarter in my heart that gives an inch for Al Queda and the Taliban that harbored them.
I hope Satan is buggering you with a hot iron as I type this, Bin Laden.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2019 3:02 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:02:30 -0400

MAJ Nadeem,

Ma'am....thank you so very much for YOUR service to this country. I am so inspired to read that you took something negative and used it to fuel a supremely positive thing with great impact!! This country owes you its gratitude. It is honestly and truly people like yourself that REALLY make America great.

Response by Sgt Dale Cusack made Sep 11 at 2019 3:30 PM

Sgt Dale Cusack — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:30:50 -0400

The day started quite innocently for me, I woke up, put the coffee on and turned on a news channel that rebroadcast The NBC Today show while I poured a cup of coffee. The images that came on the screen were horrifying and I was not sure what I was seeing was real. At the time, I was working in Melbourne Australia and my wife had gone home earlier so I was alone. I was scheduled to leave on vacation back to the States on the 12th but that got pushed back a week. Being that far away, it was all surreal and almost a dream. Unfortunately it was all real and I later found out a person that had worked for me before I went to Australia had gotten a new job in the Towers and was at work that day. Unfortunately he did not make it out.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Sep 11 at 2019 3:46 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:46:24 -0400

I remember that day as clearly as if it were yesterday. I was in my office at the HQ building when we were told to turn on the TV. Shortly thereafter we went to FPCON Delta and locked down everything we had. As I was locking and securing the front doors of our building my wife was walking up to the door with my 3 year old daughter to bring me breakfast and to say hello. I told her through the door to go home, lock the doors, turn on the tv and I would call her shortly...she was crying and I teared up as I didn't know what to expect next...were we next? It was a difficult day for me as for all Americans because we didn't know what had happened...in my mind it was our generations Pearl Harbor...everything changed that day.
When I found out who was responsible I was angry at all Muslims...not gonna lie...up till then I didn't know much about the Muslim people, religion, or tenets of faith. I was just mad as hell that they frightened all of us and dared to attack us on our soil. As I was driving by our church the next day the sign out front had been changed to read "pray for our enemies." That changed the way I thought about life and everything that happened. Yes they were our enemies but that doesn't excuse me from praying for them. From that day on I looked at Middle Eastern people differently...I wish i could say I don't but I do. However, I fully understand that not all Muslims are bad people just like not all Baptist, Methodist, Catholic etc are good people. There are good and bad of each and until you fully understand and get to know one personally you don't know who they are or how they are. We shouldn't generalize but we do and that is human nature.
Maj Nadeem...You have done well for yourself and this nation in spite of the uphill battles you have had to fight. You are a tough and courageous lady and officer and it would have been my pleasure to serve alongside of you. Stay the course and I hope to hear about Eagles or higher on your shoulders down the road.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Sep 11 at 2019 4:02 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 16:02:15 -0400

Thanks, as always, for your insightful and unique perspective, Maj Alea Nadeem.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Sep 11 at 2019 4:18 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 16:18:38 -0400

Excellent share.

Response by Sgt Deborah Cornatzer made Sep 11 at 2019 5:19 PM

Sgt Deborah Cornatzer — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 17:19:27 -0400

I was teaching at Rutgers and in grad school. I was "off" that day. I had planned to do some reading and class prep. I turned the television on just before the second plane hit. The morning show I had on (ABC, I think) had a live-feed of the fire burning from the first strike, but they were not discussing details. Then came the second plane. It entered the screen to the right of the tower; it did not fly past the the tower. There was another explosion. I knew what had happened. The commentator seemed clueless; she had not noticed the second plane and did not seem to understand that the explosion was another hit. For weeks, I had the news on, feeding my own anxiety. Teaching helped as I was forced to think about it and I chose to create time and space in my classes for us to talk about it. The following year, I had a number of students who were from North Jersey and had first-hand accounts of the attack and the loss of friends and loved ones. Once again, there was a need to "talk"; we shared our stories. It helped immensely. Those were truly remarkable years.
Thank you, Maj Alea Nadeem for sharing your story and for your service.

"We are the creature of language, and through language we affirm ourselves, we find out about the world, including ourselves, through words, and we share with one another through language.” ― Robert Coles

Response by Sgt Dale Cusack made Sep 11 at 2019 5:51 PM

Sgt Dale Cusack — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 17:51:03 -0400

I wish I could state that we live in a perfect country, in a perfect world, but we do not. I also wish that I could take all the hatred that exists between various cultures and turn it into love, even for just one day but I cannot. I do believe that together we can overcome these issues if we all provide by example that we love and care about our fellow man. Your story is inspiring and I am glad I got to read it today. You are an inspiration to us all.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Sep 11 at 2019 6:03 PM

CW3 Harvey K. — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 18:03:40 -0400

I woke up and put on CNBC to see how the stock market was shaping up before the open. Instead of the usual scene in the studio, it was a view of the first struck tower, with smoke pouring from the building.
I remember wondering if this was a plane that had taken off from JFK, and somehow lost all control, leaving the pilots helpless to direct it. The weather couldn't be involved, I thought, it was such a beautiful late summer day.

Then Mark Haines reported that "A second plane is flying towards the World Trade Center", and the truth of the situation was clear -- terrorism.

The terrorists were the enemy, not the category of "Arabs" or "Muslims". Indeed, there were many Muslim victims at the twin towers -- it was the WORLD Trade Center. But all too often we deal with enemies by "throwing a wide loop on our lariat".

It was the same in WWII. It was not easy to be a German-American (unless your name was Eisenhower). My sister-in-law was in grade school, and walked to and from school with a brick in her hand to warn off those who called her a Nazi. On a larger scale, the Japanese-Americans were presumed to be a danger, and removed to internment camps away from our west coast.

I don't doubt that the same "spillover" of blame and hatred would be directed at Irish-Americans, if the terrorists involved with 9/11 were the IRA.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 11 at 2019 6:09 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 18:09:55 -0400

Thank you for posting a poignant reminder Maj Alea Nadeem that ignorance and unwarranted prejudice can bring out the worst in us.
Sadly your experiences are far too common - in earlier decades American Indians, Japanese Americans, German Americans experienced similar anger directed towards them.
People tend to hate the unfamiliar and it is far too easy to demonize groups we know little about.
I am glad and not at all surprised that you were motivated to serve.

You were 16 on that day and I was 45 :-)

September 11, 2001 was a beautiful day in northern Virginia. I had coordinated a meeting, at my convenience, with some people in an office in the Pentagon. I was at home reading the Bible and praying while sitting in a well-lit kitchen area. We didn't have network TV and I did not have a radio on. I received a phone call from the Pentagon letting me know that the Pentagon had been attacked and entrance to the Pentagon was closed [until further notice]. I learned about the attack on the twin towers and the plane crash in Pennsylvania over the next day or so. I put some thought and prayer into the situation and what I should do and discussed it with my darling wife.
1. I decided, with my wife's concurrence, to volunteer to be mobilized. I was put on TTAD orders reporting date of October 25, 2001 and then I was mobilized in November.
2. A friend of mine was in LTG Maude's office on A ring watching news about New York city on a big screen TV. He went to the bathroom which was on E ring. While he was in the bathroom, the plane hit LTG Maude's office and killed everybody he had been talking with moments ago. He was severely burned as the flames shot down the hall.
3. After I was mobilized, I was awarded a medal for earlier service and the Colonel I was assigned to work for received an impact award for his efforts in the AOC [Logistics operations center section] to get everybody out on 9-11-2001 in that basement section - water was a hazard as was fire. He got everybody out safely.
4. I went to the 2002 Special Operations conference which was on September 11, 2002, During that conference Secretary Rumsfeld presented a Navy and Marine Medal to a Navy Lt Commander SEAL for his actions in the Navy Operations Center which was in the section that was hit - levels below. The ops center was collapsing. This man held up a collapsing I-beam so that people who would have been trapped were able to get out of the ops center,

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Sep 11 at 2019 6:20 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 18:20:13 -0400

Thank you for sharing such a personal experience I can't nor would even want to imagine what you went through. I was on duty that morning when dispatch transmitted to all officers what had happened. I was mad and wanted to push everyone then I remembered my family and friends that are from the middle East. We took turns sitting outside their homes and businesses. We made sure that everyone knew we were there to protect all people! I'll never forget this little girl that ran out of her house and hugged me on her way to school. Those that do evil should be punished. Just cause you look a certain way or believe in a particular way doesn't mean that they're responsible for the sons of others! Thank you for your service!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 11 at 2019 6:59 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 18:59:11 -0400

I was out of service having retired in 1993. I was in my living room when I saw the video of the first jetliner and thought that it was a terrible accident. When the second building was struck I told my wife that we had been attacked.
The next day I quit my contract job as an O/O Driver and began to check out returning to service. A month later I was told I could return if I would become the family notification NCO for the expected casualties.
I declined and instead lined myself up to be a military contractor. I did those military contracts from October 2001 to January 2013 at various locations when I returned home after a particularly hard tour.
I had met many brothers in the United States and British services + many fine people of Afghan, Iraq and other nationalities. War is hate and makes a person responsible for areas never delved into prior to one's participation.
Sometimes war is necessary and in the years after the Twin Towers, GWOT was something the citizens of the United States required.
Enough said.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Sep 11 at 2019 7:04 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 19:04:05 -0400

I was in The Netherlands working for Army War Reserve. Woke up in the morning and what a shock.

Response by Maj William W. 'Bill' Price made Sep 11 at 2019 7:52 PM

Maj William W. 'Bill' Price — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 19:52:27 -0400

Well said Maj Alea Nadeem, and thank you for sharing your memories from 18 years ago. We should always judge a tree by it's fruit, and it is clear to me that you were planted in fertile ground and tended by loving parents in a difficult time. May God bless you further in your time as one of our defenders. Please know that you have both receptive ears and friends here. Cheers.

Response by PO1 Jerome Newland made Sep 11 at 2019 7:53 PM

PO1 Jerome Newland — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 19:53:05 -0400

I was using my VA benefits and attending a Michigan University course in Social Work. I was in the cafeteria eating lunch when I saw it on a big screen TV. I literally capped my shorts, and missed classes the rest of the day and stayed in my dorm room crying the rest of the day. So many lost, so many scars, so much fear, so much knowledge of a new war on the horizon. I was grieved to the core. I don't buy ribbons, remembrances, or talk with others about it usually. But, I remember.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Sep 11 at 2019 10:53 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 22:53:08 -0400

Sorry you were shocked and hurt..Iam 63 brain injured..part deaf with bipolar 1..all
service connected. As a NRA member I am now labeled a Terrorist, myself.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Sep 11 at 2019 11:48 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 23:48:26 -0400

Phenomenal share!!! I applaud the way you handled yourself at 16 and then joined the Air Force. Thanks for your share and I wish you peace and continued success in your Military Career!

Response by SSgt Lyn Price made Sep 12 at 2019 2:39 PM

SSgt Lyn Price — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 14:39:59 -0400

Alea...I am also an Air Force woman, but I only did 4 years back in '74-'78. I used my G.I. Bill and became a teacher. As a former Air Force member - I'm so proud of you! As a retired teacher, I feel that anger you felt - for the undeserved prejudice. I wish I'd been your teacher so I could have handled it properly...
Yet...I am so proud of your maturity at such a young age and your response to serve our amazing Country. Thank you for your service. You make me so proud of you as a (fellow? lol) female US Air Force member!

Response by Patricia Overmeyer made Sep 12 at 2019 4:43 PM

Patricia Overmeyer — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 16:43:36 -0400

Maj Alea Nadeem: Thank you for sharing what had to be one of the scariest times in your young life up to that point. I remember I flew out to a tribal judicial conference in Green Bay on the Saturday after the attack. As I walked past the tv in the lobby, there was a story about a store owner in Phoenix who was killed because he was a "raghead terrorist". He was Sikh. The deepest fear I felt on 9/11, that we would see our own people attack fellow American Muslims, those thought to be Muslims, Arabs etc. because they are all terrorists, was now confirmed.
When I returned from Green Bay to Phoenix, all sorts of people were pushing and shoving to get a taxi. Because I was in a wheelchair, I was pushed to the side by others so they could get a ride. One young gentleman pushed me aside as I started to go toward a taxi. He opened the door, started to get in and then quickly got out. He started yelling it was a terrorist, a rag head, blah, blah, blah. I pushed past him, looked at the cab driver and asked if he would take me to the hotel where my husband was waiting. He quickly got out, helped me walk from the chair to the cab, put my things in very nicely, etc. As we drove to the hotel, I asked him if he was getting those same remarks as the young gentleman had said. Unfortunately, he not only was but he was not getting many riders. He was a Sikh who came here because of religious persecution in his country. He was studying at ASU to get his architectural degree since his wasn't accepted for work here. I cried. He dropped me off and got all my stuff transferred to our truck for the ride home, while I told my husband about what happened. My husband handed him enough money to make up for all the rides he had lost that day. When he said no, my husband refused to take it back. "You are one of us. I don't fear you, I fear all the other fools who think the worst of you. I am sorry that they are that stupid."
I still wonder today if we have ever learned the lessons from that day. The deepest lessons, that we are all Americans and that includes all of us. Your story reminds me that some of us did learn and are still teaching it.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Sep 12 at 2019 5:23 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 17:23:49 -0400

Well Major, know that many of us think of all Americans the same regardless of from whom you descend. I am of German American (not my normal appellation) descent born shortly after WWII. My mother is first generation American. As I grew older and understood what had happened prior to my birth, I expected nothing more than to be seen as a born and bred American. If I expected that for myself, I must give it to others. My entire family feels as I do and I know we are not alone. 5 uncles on my mother's side and 1 on my father's served in WWII. We are incredibly proud of their service. You are a person I am equally proud of. You represent all of us in your circumstance and some of us in your service. When I see you I see an American, not an Arab American, serving in the military. I am proud of you and will defend you to the end. I am not alone, I am but one among countless millions who share my pride in your service and am willing to do whatever is required to defend you. Your military service is fairly unique today and that alone makes you special. Thank you for sharing your thoughts then and now. You are no different than the rest of us in your horror at what happened and your desire to do your part to defend this most amazing of all countries

Response by PO1 Jerome Newland made Sep 13 at 2019 1:00 AM

PO1 Jerome Newland — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 01:00:36 -0400

In World War II Japanese Americans were forced to live in internment camps. You were a tribute to lessons learned since then. Thank you for your service. Jerry

Response by SFC John Hernandez made Sep 13 at 2019 1:14 PM

SFC John Hernandez — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:14:38 -0400

I'm glad you stood your ground! When I was a platoon SGT, I had this E5 who was a great soldier. His father was Syrian born if anyone said anything to this man that was slightly racist than I would take them to the backyard shed and fix it! You have to make a stand. Now I'm retired, and I still call it out when I see it! I thank you for your service.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 14 at 2019 9:11 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 21:11:16 -0400

Maj Alea Nadeem Remember walking into the House after Working the Night Shift at the Sprint Network Operations Center and watching the News (I'd Been Retired from the NSG for 4 Years). Truly a Learning Experience. It was Hard to Wrap My Head Around what I watched on the Tube. Seeing the Pentagon Burning where Several Years before My ETs Installed Telecommunications Equipment to Support WWMCCS. Getting Angry at Muslims? That was Not going to Happen being that Some of the Techs I worked with at Sprint were "Muslims" My Friends, My Co-Workers and One of My Favorite Chiefs that I Served Under in Project Outboard Gerald Rasheed was Muslim if I Remember Right. My Beef is With Religious Extremist, Zealots of All Faiths.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2019 4:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 16:36:03 -0400

Tough age to be living through 9/11. You did well. Thank you for hanging in there.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 12:11 AM

Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:11:25 -0400

Maj Alea Nadeem, thank you for sharing your experiences & emotions on those first few days. Technically I do Not think Iraqis are Arabs. I wish to apologize to you for All of America for the Harassment wich you unjustly endured because of the actions of Evil people!!!

The Real Culprits of 9/11 were Not the Arabs Nor the Iraquis But the Organizers & Planners of that fiendish plot, 'baby' busch, dickhead cheney, rummy & the other US officials, the cia, nsa, mossad & all of their ASSETS that were PAID by these agencies! It was a 'black-op' against the United States of America, pulled-off by these EVIL people & agencies! Thank you for your Love & Devotion to AMERICA & the Ideals upon which it was Founded !!! Blessings, Strength & Honor, to EVERYONE who Has served & Continues to Serve This GREAT LIGHT of LIBERTY to the Entire WORLD !!!

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 17 at 2019 4:20 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:20:34 -0400

Maj Alea Nadeem Thank you for sharing your story, insight and thoughts. I remember this day as if it were yesterday. I had just taken my kids to school, came home, showered and came out of the bathroom to see an airplane hit the tower. I thought "what the heck?" I sat on the edge of my bed and watched for hours. It never occurred to me to "automatically" "hate Muslims." It wasn't until recently...during the Obama admin that I actually started to learn about Muslims, their religion, their ways etc.... at no time have I blamed all Muslims, but I do have to admit, in the past 5-7 years I have found myself being leary/weary and concerned when it comes to Muslims. I try really hard not to let it influence me towards Muslims. I actually have many Muslim friends. Again, thanks for sharing your story.

Response by SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra made Sep 18 at 2019 12:52 PM

SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 12:52:54 -0400

Thank you for the share

Response by MSgt Gene Maddux made Sep 18 at 2019 12:55 PM

MSgt Gene Maddux — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 12:55:03 -0400

Thoroughly enjoyed / appreciate this perspective.

Response by PO3 Helen Hill made Sep 21 at 2019 6:00 AM

PO3 Helen Hill — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 06:00:27 -0400

God Bless you for standing your ground with that bully! Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing your story it brought me to tears reading about what you went through being an Arab-American after 9/11 but like you said you were also one of those women who were the steel behind the velvet.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 24 at 2019 2:22 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 14:22:00 -0400

After Pearl Harbor, all Japanese-Americans were considered aliens despite their American citizenship. They lost their homes, farms, personal property and sent to internment camps surrounded by barbed wire and watch towers. They were filled with sadness, anger, and confusion. Many young men enlisted to prove they were good American citizens. Right before leaving for the Army, Daniel Inouye's father said this is a good country. It has given us a lot and allowed us to prosper. If you die, it is for a good cause.

They were sent to serve in a segerated called the 442 Infantry Regiment in Europe and is now part of the Army lore due to their sacrifices, bravery, and mission accomplishment. The Division Commander had no clue of the 442's inordinate amount of casualties the Regiment sustained.

Response by SFC Cheryl McElroy US ARMY (RET) made Oct 2 at 2019 6:21 PM

SFC Cheryl McElroy US ARMY (RET) — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 18:21:42 -0400

Nidal Hasan is an Arab too. I don't think they belong in the military

Response by SFC Jeff Stevenson made Oct 8 at 2019 8:23 AM

SFC Jeff Stevenson — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 08:23:26 -0400

I enjoyed reading and wanted to highlight his reaction. He was first hurt, a feeling used way too much now days. Then he grew angry and then proud. That is what it is like to be an American. That pride. You burst through the "feelings" barrier and built pride. Many younger only stop at hurt feelings, and resentment, and never fight through to pride. I congratulate you. And am also proud.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2019 5:17 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 17:17:21 -0500

Nice move with the backpack.

Response by LTJG Sandra Smith made Nov 17 at 2019 1:41 PM

LTJG Sandra Smith — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 13:41:17 -0500

I suspect, MAJ Nadeem, the only people who might have understood would be the Nisei Japanese of the WW II era, whose parents had come here, and they born Americans before that war, only to find themselves viewed as enemies after Pearl Harbor day. They walked in your shoes on that day, before you. As for Americans, at the moment of the shock, and not knowing what I know now about what brought those towers down, I can understand their outrage, and distrust, as I do about the Japanese here. It's difficult to disentangle from the emotions of the moment to allow that some may well be loyal Americans, or to trust that at least some may well not be so. I hope that is changing some for you, but it generally takes a few generations for a people group to assimilate and be fully accepted as "fellow Americans" regardless what their ethnicity or origins. That's been true throughout our history, and isn't going to change for your group, because you don't like it or it makes you fell uncomfortable. It's human nature and that hasn't changed appreciably in thousands of years.

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Dec 1 at 2019 9:15 PM

CPO Kurt Baschab — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 21:15:45 -0500

Thank you for sharing your 1st hand experience, speaking only for my self, when I spoke that day it was in Shock and disbelief, I could not help but think of all the loved ones lost that day, all the American citizens, and other Citizens from around the world ,that died , all the children that were Fatherless, Motherless, all the Parents that lost there sons, daughters, Siblings that lost Brothers, sisters, Cousins, Etc.
I just want to be clear, When I say American Citizens, I am referring to All American citizens, your Race, Nationality, religion, doesn't factor in, you are either a American Citizen, or a Citizen from anther nation. it is that simple, you my friend are my fellow American, you are my Fellow Citizen. you are the reason I served.
I am proud and happy that you are now protecting me.
you are correct America Anger should always be Directed at America Enemies, at those who wish to destoy the very Ideal Of America, not America fellow Citizens, Especially a 16 year old American Citizen boy.

America needs to protect the very Idea that men can self Govern, self rule under freedom, for the majorty of history man has lived under Tierney, and we and a Terrorist Organization wishing to impose this upon the world by brute Force.
i fear we are loosing this Freedom we have so many american citizens not willing to defend freedom of speech, if you disagree with them they call your speech hate speech, and demand it be shut down, no longer do fellow americans say I may disagree with you politically , but I will fight for your right to say it.

thank you for your service
you my fellow american citizen might be one of the last true Americans
thank you for defending this great nation.

Response by PVT Philip Schrantz made Feb 3 at 2020 10:31 AM

PVT Philip Schrantz — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:31:26 -0500

My experience was a little different. I am not a combat Veteran, but a Veteran nontheless! I am also a retired NYC fireman and was at Ground Zero on 9-11. Lost four guys from my firehouse that day and also my Godfather. After spending 8 days there, I had to leave to take my then 5 year old son Dustin to get his chemo treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

On my way home, beat up, dirty and exhausted, I stopped into a bodega in the neighborhood my firehouse serves. I had been in this place many times in the past and I wanted to buy some water and a case of beer to drown out what I had been through those past 8 days. As I walked in I saw the TV behind the counter showing a middle eastern woman dancing and celebrating the attacks. She was dancing with two young kids outside a Madrasa somewhere in the Middle East.

Until that time, I had no clue of what was transpiring outside of Ground Zero. Too busy searching for survivors! The thing that pissed me off most was the look I got from the two people working in that store. They were also from the middle east and they smirked at me!!!!! They too were celebrating in their own way! I have NEVER in my life been so fired up!

I do not hate anyone! I am not a Islamaphob! I am a man however, that truly believes that the Muslim community could do so much more to "clean out their closet" regarding Muslim's who reside here, yet do not assimilate or carry hatred in their hearts of our great nation!

I thank you for your service and would go to battle with you, this I promise you! You are obviously a patriot who loves our country!

Response by PFC Tom O'Day made Apr 8 at 2020 10:13 PM

PFC Tom O'Day — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 22:13:44 -0400

Thank you Ms Nadeem,
You are as American as Geo. Washinton. My mostly Irish ancestors arrived before the American Revolution. My family has been involved in every war in our history, they all like you enlisted, thank you for being a patriot, you are an American, your ancestry is only relevent to you, mostly for searches. Those small minded fools don't only inhabit classrooms, hundreds of them or more live in barracks. Thank you for your service, on my behalf.
Honorably discharged US Marine out in 1958