Where were you during 9/11? What has changed in 20 years?

MSgt Ryan Tanner — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 19:12:40 -0400

This question is geared toward those who were in the service when this happened, (Old Guy/Gals I know...)however all responses are welcome.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 18 at 2013 7:36 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 19:36:33 -0400

I was a senior in high school on my way to statistics class. That's when I found out about the 1st plane.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 19 at 2013 3:21 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:21:45 -0400

PS -- When I first read your question, the first thing I thought of was the Jimi Hendrix album. I'm just saying... :-)

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Sep 20 at 2013 1:38 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 13:38:36 -0400

I was assigned to PERSCOM (now HRC) in Alexandria, VA. It was located about 15 miles or so from the Pentagon. We saw the first plane hit the WTC via video from the internet. Then the call came in that a second plane hit the other tower. Both our buildings were ordered to evacuate. As we left the Hoffman Building, I remember seeing smoke rising from the direction of the Pentagon. It was then, on the way out of Alexandria, that we heard the Pentagon was hit. I remember thinking that I was just up there the week prior for some training...on the same side that was hit. As we were slowly heading south on I-95, I remember seeing all of the EMS vehicles heading towards the Pentagon. It took forever to get in contact with my wife or with anyone back home to let them know we were alright. I remember sitting the rest of the day in front of the television almost numb watching and listening to the coverage from all three sites.

For the next thirty days, I was assisting as part of an ad-hoc DoD Casualty Assistance Center set up in Crystal City, VA. All of the families of the victims of the Pentagon attacks were brought in. I remember sitting in on briefings that were held twice a day to give updates to the family members on the progress being made in recovery efforts. I remember listening as remains were recovered, some remains as small as the tip of a finger, DNA matches were made and familes were notified. It was our mission to assist in taking the families through all of the steps with regards to filing claims, death benefits, burial coordination, etc. As a SSG(P), it was my introduction to the duties of a Casualty Assistance Officer. However during this time, there were five of us who handled all of the familes from the victims who were members of the Army. Each branch of service had their own representatives. It was a duty that I remember vividly as one of the longest 30 day periods of my life and also one of the most fulfilling. We helped the families, made a difference and I am exrtrmely proud of that.

Fast forward 11 years later. Most of us have served multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Most of us have friends who did not make it back. Most of us have been changed in some way from our experiences "downrange." I believe that those have been and continue to be necessary sacrifices to ensure that our country and our way of life is never attacked again.

One more thing I would like to mention. All of the young men and women who serve our country today enlisted after 9-11. They knew what they were getting into. That is a testament to the level of selfless service that our current fighting force possesses. These Soldiers joined our military knowing they would be trained, deploy, fight, and maybe not return from war. I thanked them all for their service. I am proud to continue to stand in front of these Soldiers. If you see them walking down the street, or in an airport, or anywhere else, you should thank them also...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2013 1:52 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 13:52:30 -0400

I was actually watching TV that day as the first plane hit. As a meteorologist I knew something didn't seem right. Why would a commercial jet be so close to the towers and was ATC and Flight Operations wondering the same?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2013 1:56 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 13:56:11 -0400

I was on the USS Harpers Ferry with the 11th MEU, in the Pacific. We were returning from a WESTPAC deployment that took us into the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and throughout SE Asia.
We had been harrassed the whole time whether on ground or anchored in the water. Intel knew to expect something... but we had no idea where/what.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2013 1:57 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 13:57:54 -0400

Great question! My daugher was born one month prior to 9/11, so I was on maternity leave. I watched the events unfold on TV all morning long...with extra caffeine & hormones. I remember thinking the world was never going to be the same, and my newborn daughter & 2 yr old son wouldn't know a time without it being in their history.

Response by Capt William Linde made Sep 20 at 2013 2:10 PM

Capt William Linde — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 14:10:14 -0400

I was deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia when it all went down, a LT in the JIC. I had only been there for a week or two, and was only just getting acclimated to the intel center there. I remember everything like it just happened. The JIC transformed into a maelstrom of activity...it was surreal. Over the remainder of my deployment, we shifted from Operation Southern Watch ops to Enduring Freedom. What a crazy time. It shaped the remainder of my time in the USAF. I wound up spending nearly 3 of my next 6 years in the Middle East, all told.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2013 2:12 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 14:12:05 -0400

I was a civilian working overseas for a charter company taking some interior designers around the Spanish Rivera. We had to go into a local bar to find out what was going on. When we entered all of the patrons looked at us with the painful acknowledgement that America would change forever.

Response by SFC Archie Lindsey made Sep 20 at 2013 2:20 PM

SFC Archie Lindsey — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 14:20:57 -0400

I was in Kuwait , out at the Kubal

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2013 3:09 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 15:09:28 -0400

In September 9 2011 I was in Ansbach Germany in my second oversea tour we were at the NCOPD when the 1st plane strike one of towers from there all hell broke loose, I got to go home four days later. We were in lock down.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2013 3:25 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 15:25:05 -0400

I was stationed in Germany. We had got back from kosovo. I was standing in lin at the shoppett at schinfurt (ledward barracks); I was watching the news on the small television when I seen the caption at the bottom of the screen. It read: AMERICA UNDER ATTACK. It seemed as if my ncoic was watching the same thing at the same time because my phone rang before I could leave the shoppett. We were on lock down for two days. It was a crazy time in my life. The army would never be the same.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2013 3:25 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 15:25:23 -0400

I was at Hill AFB, UT processing supply requests when an airman from another office ran by and told us. Next thing we knew we were watching the TV for updates.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Sep 20 at 2013 4:09 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 16:09:06 -0400

I was at 29 Palms, my unit was going to fly to Egypt later that month. We had to prepare for a short field op to practice for Bright Star, so we had a short turn around. I was checking my email in the barracks right before heading to morning formation and the first plane had hit the tower, and I thought what kind of idiot hits a building that big?. In 95 while flying from Boston to NYC to get back to the west coast, a pilot took us sight seeing where he flew a figure 8 pattern around the Statue of Liberty, and the WTC towers before we landed. I arrived and at the time most of us in the barracks had no idea of the severity of the situation or what happeend as we didn't have TV. That week was a busy week as we continued to prepare the equipment to go to Egypt, I remembered working 37 of 48 hours on Friday and Saturday to clean up, test, and repair comm gear to deploy with the unit. There were the typical rumors that were circulating that 1st Tank Bn would be redirected to Afghanistan and the rest of us that were not part of the operation would be joining the unit there. In the end none of that came about and I spent some time training British Royal Marine Commandos how to deal with the desert.

Response by MSG Garry Harrington made Sep 20 at 2013 5:28 PM

MSG Garry Harrington — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 17:28:15 -0400

I was at Camp Red Cloud,Korea,it was early in the morning(1:00-1:30am) I went to bathroom and afterwards turned on TV,I thought it was a movie at first,then they flashed the breaking news banner across the screen,that's when I knew this is for real.And of course the sirens on post went off and we were on lockdown and pulling guard duty.

Response by MSgt Fred Gondzar made Sep 20 at 2013 5:55 PM

MSgt Fred Gondzar — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 17:55:29 -0400

I was at work in my home office and I had the TV off.
I got a call from a friend who told me about it.
I then turned on the TV.....for the rest of the day.

Response by COL Bowman Olds made Sep 20 at 2013 6:19 PM

COL Bowman Olds — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 18:19:36 -0400

Three of our family members were most fortunate on 9/11. My son was in New York that day scheduled
for a meeting in the Twin Towers. The meeting had been cancelled just before the crash.
My daughter working in Washington, DC was scheduled for a meeting in the Pentagon that day and
got sick the night before and came to our house in Virginia to recover. I was in the Dulles airport that
morning getting ready to board a UAL flight with my destination being Salt Lake City where I was
working on the preparations for the Winter Olympics. We departed that morning not knowing we were
behind AA #77 which crashed into the Pentagon. At that point during takeoff the pilot advised us that
there was a national emergency with no further details and said we have been diverted to Pittsburgh.
We did not know at that time that all flights were being grounded by the FAA. My family watching
these events unfold called UAL and they were told that my flight had been rerouted to Pittsburgh.
Moments later my family watched as the networks reported that a UAL flight had crashed outside of
Pittsurgh. With that notification from the FAA, our pilot then told us that our flight had now been diverted
to Indianapolis. Again, no details on what was happening in the world around us and recall in those days
you just didn't pickup a cell phone to call to find out what was going on. It wasn't until two hours later
after we landed did we know what had happened.

Response by SPC Christopher Hunter made Sep 20 at 2013 6:23 PM

SPC Christopher Hunter — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 18:23:28 -0400

I was in Basic Training in Ft. Knox at the range.

Response by 1SG Jeff Finlay made Sep 20 at 2013 7:28 PM

1SG Jeff Finlay — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 19:28:58 -0400

I was training Soldiers just outside our Brigade Headquarters. We were getting ready to do Funeral Detail.

Response by SMSgt John Paxton made Sep 20 at 2013 7:57 PM

SMSgt John Paxton — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 19:57:26 -0400

I was stationed at Pope AFB, NC assigned to the 18 Air Support Operations Group. It was my 3rd week being assigned there. I turned on the TV in the Office, just to see the second plane hit the tower. After that it was "game on" for preparation for deployments.

Response by PO2 Alfredo Pacheco made Sep 20 at 2013 8:16 PM

PO2 Alfredo Pacheco — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 20:16:24 -0400

I was in the middle of basic training at RTC Great Lakes. Right in the middle of having the different banks go through their deal of who to join, some chiefs came in and asked them to go outside the room and talk. When they came back in, we saw civilians running out the building and the bank reps packed up and left without saying anything.

Our RDC's (instructors) came in and informed us of what had happened. They then asked if any of us are from or had family in New York. Sadly, over half of our division was from New Jersey and New York. It was a very quite week after that.

I didn't see any footage or news until after I passed training and went to NATTC Pensacola in Oct.

Response by TSgt Rodger Ewing made Sep 20 at 2013 8:20 PM

TSgt Rodger Ewing — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 20:20:35 -0400

(Old retired guy's perspective) I was working for an international management consulting firm after I retired and on 9/11 I was sitting on a plane waiting to take off to Memphis Tennessee to visit a client. Just before take off the pilot announced we had to return to the gate. We were directed to deplane and we would be given more information later. I went to the airline's club to sit and do some work when I saw the TV screen. It was chilling to say the least.

Response by PO1 Thomas Grigsby made Sep 20 at 2013 8:21 PM

PO1 Thomas Grigsby — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 20:21:40 -0400

I was on the flight line in VFA 204 arming Aircraft for the days training missions. After the attack on the towers I spent the morning calling weapons department trying to procure Ammo and weapons for the A/C.

Response by Sgt Jim West made Sep 20 at 2013 8:58 PM

Sgt Jim West — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 20:58:10 -0400

I separated from the Air Force in 1978. On 9-11-2001 I was living in the Vail, Colorado area programming two music formats on a satellite music network. Our combined formats covered about 45 radio affiliates around the country. As soon as I saw the planes hit the buildings on TV that September morning our entire network went to an all-news mode for several days. I liken the entire time to probably what it was when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made Sep 20 at 2013 9:04 PM

SGT Mark Rhodes — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 21:04:23 -0400

I was in the courthouse getting my marriage license. They had a tv playing and No one knew what was going on. So we left and caught the second plane hitting the building

Response by PO1 Paul J Farrell made Sep 20 at 2013 10:09 PM

PO1 Paul J Farrell — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 22:09:08 -0400

I WAS RETIRED FROM THE US NAVY JUST OVER 5 YEARS. On Sept 11 , 2001 I HAD JUST WORKED OFF A SHIFT FROM SUNDAY FOR THE DOUBLETREE HOTEL NORFOLK.I FELL ASLEEP WATCHING THE CARTOON NETWORK AND WOKE UP THINKING WTF MOVIE WAS THIS AND WHEN I CHANGED THE CHANNEL IT WAS THE SAME I KNEW IT WAS A MOVIE TO SAY THE LEAST I WAS IN SHOCK FOR A LONG TIME.

Response by SFC Ron Chelsy made Sep 21 at 2013 2:52 AM

SFC Ron Chelsy — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 02:52:03 -0400

I was stationed at Camp Casey, Korea, 1-15 FA. Just got done with a night of drinking, bout to go to sleep when the wife called me in my cell phone and asked if I knew what was going on. 2 minutes later was on full alert and locked down on base

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2013 5:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 05:41:56 -0400

I was in Day 2 of ACAP Class at Fort Drum, NY with an ETS Date of 14 JAN 2002. They wheeled in a television set during a break to show us the first tower burning. When they turned it off and resumed the class, I assumed that it was some type of an Attention to Detail / Short-Term Memorization drill. During the next break, they wheeled the tlevision back in, and just as they turned it on the second plane hit. When we were told that this was not a drill, I grabbed my things and went back to my unit to find the Re-enlistment NCO.

Response by SGT Michael Griley Jr. made Sep 21 at 2013 6:50 PM

SGT Michael Griley Jr. — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 18:50:07 -0400

I was at Camp Bondsteel working with the 101st. Airborne Div.. I remember the command to lock and load at about 6 pm. In Kosovo.

Response by SFC Matthew Isenbart made Sep 21 at 2013 6:59 PM

SFC Matthew Isenbart — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 18:59:56 -0400

I was preparing for Drill Sergeant school trying to get my paperwork in order. I was Driving from where I worked at Malone 1 on Fort Benning to an M16 range to get my qualification taken care of. I turned on the radio and heard them talking about the WTC being bombed. I asked myself why are they talking about stuff that happened in 1993? Then they broke in with the second tower getting hit. On the way back to Malone 1 I heard about the Pentagon. I thought to myself this is a coordinated attack.

Response by MSgt Jeffrey Morgan made Sep 22 at 2013 12:43 AM

MSgt Jeffrey Morgan — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:43:17 -0400

I was at the Pentagon that day working in the Air Force Operations Group. We had just finished the Ops/Intel Briefing to the Chief Staff of the Air Force and the Sec of AF, and I was carry the laptops back across the hallway to our office which was on the Mezzanine level. Everyone was watching The first tower burning on CNN. I could tell there was going to be a lot of casualties, and ran back to the briefing room. I told the Tech to put CNN up on the screens so that the Seniors could see what was going on. He refused, but than a Capt came running in and made the same demand. The Seniors were watching for a few minutes and the second plane hit...all hell broke loose. Word spread that there was another plane heading back to D.C. we never thought that we were the target. We continued working, I was the the first person to observe CNN Coverage of the Pentagon on fire. We never heard or felt anything...probably because we were underground. People always ask, did you feel it? and I always feel a little guilty that we didn't. I wanted to go outside and assist but we were ordered to continue working. around 12pm people were beginning to complain of smoke. The decision came down that we were going to evacuate. I'll never forget how we ran in groups of three through the completely deserted hallways of the Pentagon. I was carrying two laptops with the briefing on them. Four helicopters were called in from Andrews AFB and landed on the ceremonial lawn. I jumped on the second one and was surprised to see I was sitting next to head of Air Intelligence. We took off, I remember we circled the plume of smoke and we looked down at the rescue operations. We than flew across the Potomac River and landed at Bolling AFB, were we set up another Operations Center in the Finance Building. It was a long day, I eventually just quit and called a buddy for a ride home.

Response by Maj Sandra Jeanette Howard made Sep 22 at 2013 6:09 AM

Maj Sandra Jeanette Howard — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 06:09:56 -0400

I was at work at Brooks AFB in San Antonio, TX when coworkers started gathering in the hallways outside the TV room to see the news. I was in the environmental air quality field at the time and was told to prepare to provide air sampling support.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2013 9:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 09:12:42 -0400

Hohenfels,Germany. 38th Eng. Didn't really know what to think. I felt sorry for the families.

Response by SSgt Charles Scantling made Sep 22 at 2013 9:49 AM

SSgt Charles Scantling — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 09:49:49 -0400

Yes.I was in the middle on the Mediterranean sea on a float with the Navy on the 24 MEU so i saw it on AFES TV.

Response by SSG Jose Colon made Sep 22 at 2013 3:26 PM

SSG Jose Colon — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 15:26:10 -0400

I was working in Miami Florida.

Response by SSG Luis Ortiz Rodriguez made Sep 23 at 2013 5:08 AM

SSG Luis Ortiz Rodriguez — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 05:08:05 -0400

I was just returning home from my morning PT, 1st Cav FT Hood TX. Turn the tv on and shock there the north tower after the first plane hit, got a quick shower and continue to wach when the second plane hit the South tower; a day I will nerver forget.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2013 4:44 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 16:44:32 -0400

I was just waking up and about to go to Middle School (6th Grade)...

Response by CPL Santiago Pabon made Sep 23 at 2013 8:54 PM

CPL Santiago Pabon — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 20:54:16 -0400

I was well into my second career , Historic Stone Restoration.First I would like to say that NYC is my hometown, born in Brooklyn; I was raised in an orphanage owned by the Kennedy family named St. Joesph's,in Peekskill( named after their first son that died in WW2) I remember the day nearly minute by minute... I...'we' lost so much that day . I was hanging on the exterior south wall of 135 LaSalle St.in Chicago between the 25 and 30th floor. I was setting up for a 400lb stone replacement when my supervisor got on the com and called for all workers to tie off the rigs at the nearest floor and rally at the break room; which was odd because we had just begun the workday. As I got to the break room I heard crying and screaming , not something you hear from a bunch of construction workers... the little tv was blaring so loud i could hardly make out what the announcer was saying... but the image was heart wrenching ... the second plane was shone over and over; hitting the second tower.
Now when I began as a Stone mason, it wasn't uncommon for us 'homies' ( from the orphanage - actual origin of the term)to help each other find work; Well I landed work with Nicholson and Galloway in '97 , restoring 11 Wall St. - NYSE and got many friends jobs throughout lower Manhattan... most at the WTC...I can't go on about watching friends and family die on tv as it happened ...that day I lost ALL of my childhood friends and one cousin. That was a tough year... when I did get to NY I was staying at my sisters house in Queens a few weeks later... a plane crashed two blocks away...I left the world for a few, taking care of business; but this is the first and probably last time I will publicly address that year...that day

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2013 7:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 19:51:22 -0400

My Grandpa's house in Orange-Rockland County, New York.

Response by COL David S. made Sep 25 at 2013 9:33 PM

COL David S. — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 21:33:26 -0400

I was at a meeting with the ACSIM of the Army. There were 15 people in the Army representing the MACOMS. We were about 2-3 people more that would fit in the new conference room in the 3rd corridor. They moved our meeting to the basement of the Doubletree across the street. MG VanAntwerp's office lost two secretaries and his XO was very badly burned. God was watching over us that day.

Response by MSgt Handel Stewart made Sep 26 at 2013 2:55 PM

MSgt Handel Stewart — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:55:45 -0400

I was stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB, getting ready to take my kids to school. I first heard the news on the radio. I rushed home and saw that the same show was on each station.

Response by SSG David Dickson made Sep 26 at 2013 7:34 PM

SSG David Dickson — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 19:34:43 -0400

I had been at work for about 2 hours in the operating room of Fort Leonard Wood. PT for us is 0445, we start work @ 0630. Gotta love the cushy hospital life...

Response by MSgt Daniel Moore made Sep 26 at 2013 9:48 PM

MSgt Daniel Moore — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 21:48:16 -0400

Was stationed at Osan AB, Korea. Got the phone call in the middle of the night, turned on the TV and there it was all unfolding. Very difficult to comprehend what was taking place especially at that time in the night/morning. Life changed as we know it from that moment on...

Response by Spc 1 J W. made Sep 28 at 2013 9:15 AM

Spc 1 J W. — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 09:15:13 -0400

I was in between going from a Traditional Air Guardsman to being an Air Reserve Technician. I was hired by my Reserve unit but hadn't started work yet. My brother was an electrician at Delphi and was transferring back to GM which included a move from New York State to Louisiana. I was at my house waiting for a phone call from him to meet him at the factory to help load up his tools. We spoke in between the the 2 planes hitting the towers and there was still confusion over what had happened. If you remember it was reported that a smaller commuter/regional type aircraft hit the first tower. My brother was was a little annoyed that I hadn't left yet to meet him. We hung up and a short time later the second aircraft hit. Of course we all knew at that point this was something much bigger.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2013 10:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 22:06:38 -0400

I was out in the woods at Fort Bragg doing Squad Lane Training as a (very) young Sergeant. The crusty Motor Pool E-7 rode out on the gator saying "the world is on fire, New York is burning; y'all get back to the company- we're going to war!" Holy crap that was a scary confusion. We crowded around 100 Soldiers into our tiny dayroom to watch the big screen in stunned disbelief. I called my (now ex) wife and told her to grab any video tape, rewind it and start recording until the tape ran out. "ok, which channel?" Doesn't matter; it's on all of them! I think I may still have that tape. I believe it was after the second plane hit but before the first collapse. Our Commander sent us to our shops to identify everything we thought we would need for a deployment and to submit a list of it. Then he held us until probably 9 or 10pm that night, expecting to get a call for rapid deployment to war. Finally he sent us home with instructions to pack our bags and kiss our spouses and kids because no one knew what would happen next. I think I slept maybe 10 minutes that night. In what turned out to be the smartest decision I made in months, I had my (again, now ex) wife drop me off outside the gate before 4am and walk the short distance in to work. Sure enough, while I napped inside my shop there turned out to be no PT Sep 12th because almost no one could get through the gate. The traffic down Bragg Blvd was all the way down well into Fayetteville. People were queued up for 6 hours or more on Bragg Blvd. Some people were even pulling off the road and parking on the grass to walk in. We didn't end up deploying at all then, and in fact I PCS'ed from that unit in Jan 03 and they still hadn't deployed. I didn't end up going until Feb 06, but I did a year in Ramadi then followed by 14&1/2 months in Baghdad and then to round it off, 10 months in Afghanistan. There are very few moments in life that you never forget where you were. I wasn't alive for WWII, D-Day/V-Day, the death of Elvis, MLK, JFK or anything like that. I do remember the Challenger explosion and I do remember 9/11. I just wish there was an  overwhelmingly positive news event that could cause a moment memory like that instead of always tragedies. That's life I guess.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2013 10:58 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 22:58:25 -0400

In my vehicle waiting to get on base at Beale AFB, hell of a morning...(48th IS)

Response by MAJ Jeff Coulter made Oct 2 at 2013 2:16 PM

MAJ Jeff Coulter — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:16:00 -0400

I was a SGT on recruiting duty at the Beaumont North Station in Beaumont, TX. I was pursuing my bachelors degree at the time and was sitting in a classroom at Lamar University when it happened.

Response by Capt Joseph Momier Jr made Oct 2 at 2013 3:42 PM

Capt Joseph Momier Jr — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:42:03 -0400

In Martinsville, WV preparing to go through a train-the-trainer course in "Law Enforcement Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction incidents. It was a refresher course for me, also a WMD trainer, and was being taught out of the federal consortium of universities (LSU) which had developed WMD training in response, response to Chemical and Biological, Explosives and Arson. Since the projector could not be initially configured, the class officially never got started, and pagers started going off ordering students back to their respective departments (mainly in the New York City and Washington DC areas).

Response by Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn made Oct 3 at 2013 3:54 PM

Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 15:54:41 -0400

I was a Marine reservist assigned to Alpha Battery, 1/14 in Aurora, CO. I was also a full-time undergraduate (junior) at the University of Northern Colorado, double majoring in history & philosophy. Because those tasks weren't enough, I had a pair of part-time jobs as a Supplemental Instruction Leader with the university and a retail clothing sales job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2013 4:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 16:07:53 -0400

I was mobilizing to deploy to Bosnia and Herzegovina at Fort Dix, NJ for a peace keeping mission (SFOR 10). It was a shocking, sad and frustrating day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2013 4:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 16:36:18 -0400

I was stationed in Geibelstadt Germany and I was walked into the DFAC to start my headcount duties. Everyone was crowded around the television and it was then that I saw the airplane hit the twin towers. We all stood there stunned in the dining facility, the post was immediately put on lock down. Because the post was locked down many Soldiers and civilians began coming into the DFAC and were permitted to eat for free. I walked back to my unit and assisted with contacting personnel by phone to return from local leave for accountability formations.

Response by Sgt Frank Martin made Oct 3 at 2013 8:29 PM

Sgt Frank Martin — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 20:29:41 -0400

I was in 1st Tank Battalion, 29 Palms California. I worked in the company office when the news came on. We all got quiet as can be, then we went home and prepared our gear for the possibility of deployment. I didn't deploy until September, 2002 and was stationed at 9th Comm Battalion, Camp Pendleton Ca.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2013 10:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 10:10:22 -0400

I was in Fort Riley, KS doing physical fitness with my battery. The sirens around post went off around 0730. The installation was locked down and those of us who remained were put on guard duty with maddox handles and kevlars. The tasking was for three days while the government sorted it out. During which only DOD ID card holders were allowed on the installation. 9/11 ended the days of open-post concept as it was prior to this day. I remember a guard free, enter as you please installation. I remember when the focus was purely on training and perfecting the crafts and knowledge instilled upon us. I remember the seven formations a day accountability. Now that is all gone from technology and terrorism... When my wife called me I was unaware of what happened. We were still training up for NTC rotation in end of September through end of October as well which we did complete. 9 months later I found myself in Kuwait working a ODS tour at Virginia Kabal watching servicemembers return from Afghanistan with combat patches and a little R and R at Camp Doha...

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Oct 14 at 2013 7:06 AM

SGT Leigh Barton — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 07:06:30 -0400

I was in Elsinore California looking after an older family member when the news came. I turned on the television just in time to see live footage of the second plane strike and wonder who missed a stroke that an attack of this magnitude could take place. To quote the book The Hunt for Red October, "there are too many people in government service whose sole skill is kissing ass". I remembered a missile sight that some troops could actually use to track footprints even after some hours, and knew the Air Force had something similar so I called and suggested NSA put a recon bird in the air for a domestic pass. I heard about the searchers being grounded for a flyover a little later. Ground too hot, no help there but it was worth a shot. Several of the NYFD KIA's were vets. Godspeed them all.

Response by Sgt John Henry made Oct 15 at 2013 2:25 PM

Sgt John Henry — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:25:17 -0400

I was gearing up for doing SRT (Special Response Team) training in Quantico near 8th & I Marine Barracks. Instead of heading over to Quantico, we sped over to the Pentagon to help out. We were geared up in full SRT attire and loaded up. We helped out the Pentagon Police best we could.

Response by CPL David Taylor made Oct 16 at 2013 8:53 AM

CPL David Taylor — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 08:53:08 -0400

Home, watching the end of Good Morning America, When it ended , GMA, NEWS BROKE, live and watched everything go down shocked but I new right away our nation was under attack and the world just changed for the worst forever!

Response by SSG Russell Wilson made Oct 16 at 2013 3:46 PM

SSG Russell Wilson — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 15:46:27 -0400

I was on PCS leave from Fort Lewis to Fort Carson. I was stuck in the middle so I missed a bunch of the stuff that some of the old timers had to go through. I remember waking up and turning the TV on and only half way paying attention to what the news was saying. I then started to make a pot of coffee thinking that the TV was talking about some move that somebody had made. I soon realized that it was real and I sat down and watched it for about thirty minutes before I woke my wife up and told her what was happening. At first she did not believe it either. By the time I got to Fort Carson most of the dust had settled and the post had a new way of doing things.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 16 at 2013 4:04 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 16:04:20 -0400

I was stationed at Camp Pendleton. I was at the Ammunition Supply Point, picking up Mortars for a range.

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Oct 17 at 2013 3:20 PM

SGT Leigh Barton — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 15:20:50 -0400

The
preservation of Liberty always resides with the few determined souls
that are strong enough to answer the call of duty, compassionate enough
to protect the weak and infirm, determined enough to make a difference
in the world around them, and in possession of a big enough set of balls
not to back down when shit gets real. "Life would be much simpler if we
could choose our duties and obligations, but we can't, or at least we
shouldn't" Major Charles Whittlesey 308th Infantry CMH. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2013 8:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 20:47:02 -0400

doing PT on an AFB, winks

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2013 5:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 17:06:35 -0400

I was stationed in Bamberg, Germany as a Specialist at the time. I was working at the 317th Maint Co. (SSA.) Everyone one whispering something had happened, so all the soldiers were told to go the barracks and watch the news for exact updates on what was happening.

Response by 1SG Jackie Pair made Oct 22 at 2013 5:17 PM

1SG Jackie Pair — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 17:17:05 -0400

I was working as a military advisor on a Washington State PSA when we were asked to halt production. I was unsure why, then I was asked to see a live news feed and it was a few minutes before the second plane hit the second tower, it was devastating! I and a few of my colleagues where summoned back to Ft Lewis, WA(Joint Base Lewis McChord now). It was definitely a moment I'll never, ever forget.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2013 6:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 18:39:47 -0400

I was deployed to kuwait desert on a 5 month tour

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2013 8:58 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 20:58:19 -0400

I had just started an AG/R tour with the CalGuard, and was just finishing my facility qualifications. I double-timed to the squadron, bypassing chow. We were all in disbelief that something like this could happen. I remember The Old Man pacing back and forth mumbling something about tactical nukes to retaliate. (it was right then, I knew not to screw with him) All non-essential personnel were sent home, so I went back to my quarters and called my wife to let her know it would be a few days before I got home to start our cross-country PCS, as I was scheduled to fly back east that night.

Response by SPC Samuel Matthews made Oct 22 at 2013 9:33 PM

SPC Samuel Matthews — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 21:33:03 -0400

I was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky that year and on that very day we heard the news on someone's radio after taking a PT Test at the Parade Field.

Response by TSgt Todd Richards made Oct 23 at 2013 11:39 AM

TSgt Todd Richards — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 11:39:43 -0400

I was stationed at Kirtland AFB, NM. I was teaching water survival that day. So I was up very early to get equipment to the pool and set up before students starting arriving. Class went off without a hitch. Took all the equipment outside and started the long drying out process. Got everything dried and packed away sometime during the early evening. So the truth of the whole thing, I didn't know anything had happened until it was late on the East Coast and most of the day was over. But, the next few week were crazy. I didn't see any part live. I still have some recording of what happened. Strangely I feel left out on a major historically event in US history.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2013 11:06 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 23:06:41 -0400

I was stationed in Cypress, CA as a detailed recruiter at the end of my three year tour. I had just been selected for Sergeant First Class and was looking forward to my impending PCS to Italy. On my way into work that morning (The East Coast was three hours behind the East Coast) I was listening to the local radio station when they interrupted the morning show to announce that a second airplane had hit the world trade center. I thought it was a joke and turned off the radio. When I got into the station our station commander (SFC) asked if we had all heard the news and then he turned on the TV and we tuned into CNN. To our amazement the reports were true. Needless to say we did very little work that morning and our company commander and 1SG came around to brief us on how this was going to change recruiting. We all speculated if the draft was going to return, if people were going to be afraid to join now, if they were going to replace us with civilian recruiters so we could support the coming war effort. It was emotional and almost unbelievable. I would compare it to when Pearl Harbor was attacked during WWII.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Oct 28 at 2013 11:55 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 11:55:01 -0400

On Sept 11th, I was already retired due to a back injury, and I was at home, contemplating "What do I do now?" When I got a call to turn on the TV, and I don't think I moved for the next five hours.The first thought, of course, was that I couldn't pass a PFT, but maybe there was still something I could do, because I had no doubt that this meant war, and I knew as well, what that meant.What I did, was what I could do... mailing off goodies for my old unit and my old friends, and lots and lots of praying. My husband who was also a retired Marine, signed up to be a Govt Contractor, and went back to the "Sandbox" working on Blackhawks for the Army.

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Oct 28 at 2013 3:07 PM

SFC Josh Watson — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:07:10 -0400

I was on PCS leave, enroute to Korea. I was watching the news and saw it happen. I called my losing unit to find out what was going to happen and if I needed to return and sign back in from leave. Nobody knew anything about what was going on and thought it was a prank call. I ended up in Korea on 17SEP01 and was on lock down for the first month. The following months were "high stress" with the North Korean Government moving a Division size element of tanks within 1 km of the DMZ, and then the riots that ensued after the incident that killed two LN school girls by a convoy of heavy engineer vehicles. Rough year.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2013 9:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 21:50:12 -0400

I was an E-1 at Ft. Meade, MD for AIT(MOS Training). I was walking down the hallway during a break in class and happened to glance up at one of the TV's, they had through out the school house, just in time to see the second plane make impact. At that moment, I knew nothing was going to be the same again.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2013 10:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 22:00:48 -0400

I was a part of MDW EN who when in to the Pentagon on 9/11

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2013 11:48 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 11:48:57 -0400

I was stationed at Spangdahlem AB Germany. It was near the end of our workday and we didn't have a TV or anything. We honestly thought it was a joke at first and then we were all in shock.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Oct 29 at 2013 2:55 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:55:57 -0400

I was at Camp Casey, Korea when the towers were attacked. Soon after that I was in Iraq attached to 24th TRANS CO out of Fort Riley, KS serving as a PLL/TAMMS clerk.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Oct 30 at 2013 12:55 AM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:55:38 -0400

Camp Humphreys, Korea

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 6:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 18:17:56 -0400

I was washing pots and pans on KP at Ft Eustis waiting to start AIT

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 6:53 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 18:53:05 -0400

I was my eight grade history class when the attacks happened. They put the entire school on lockdown.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 6:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 18:57:18 -0400

I was at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. I was in physical therapy for my ankle. The landing leg from a water buffalo collapsed and crushed my inner ankle.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2013 9:55 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 09:55:48 -0400

I was a health care conference that day.   I pretty my walked out of the conference and headed home to think of what I could do.   Sept 11th was my last day as a civilian.  Next day I met with a recruiter and joined Army Reserve at a ripe young age of 27.  

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2013 7:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 07:20:48 -0400

I was a PFC at my first duty station. Fort Stewart, GA. I had just got off duty the night before.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Nov 1 at 2013 1:51 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 13:51:18 -0400

I was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky and was in Air Assault School when the planes hit. They released early and I went back to the company just in time to watch the 2nd plane hit.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 1 at 2013 2:02 PM

CMC Robert Young — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 14:02:45 -0400

I had night watch that whole week so I was in the rack asleep. Caught it all on the six o'clock news right after waking up that evening. Last good sleep I had for weeks.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2013 8:07 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 20:07:52 -0400

I was a junior in high school. I was in French class and the teacher turned on the TV after an announcement over the intercom. It was one month before my 17th birthday. Once I turned 17, I joined the Army (USAR at that time) and never looked back.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2013 8:48 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 20:48:30 -0400

on board USS Constellation (CV-64) coming home from a 5th Fleet AOR deployment. We were between Hawaii and California that day, and we all wanted the CO to turn the ship around and head back to the Indian Ocean.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2013 2:40 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 14:40:11 -0400

On that tragic day, I was a member of the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron based in Okinawa, Japan. I remember the situation vividly…was pulling a 12 hour shift due to a typhoon. Finished the shift, went home, and crashed on the bed still in uniform with the TV on. I started having what I thought was a dream of a plane crashing into the World Trade Center. As I came to, I realized it wasn't a dream and called up my buddy and we watched in horror as the second tower was hit. Everything after that was a blur…...

Response by MCPO Dean Phelps made Nov 2 at 2013 6:50 PM

MCPO Dean Phelps — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 18:50:54 -0400

I was on my way to recruiting school in Pensacola FL form Seattle WA. I had stopped in Rock Springs Wyoming for the night and woke up to my wife calling me and telling me to turn on the news and that everything was blowing up. I actually watched the second tower fall. Crazy! I proceeded  to drive across country as quick as I could. It was amazing how fast gas station owners panicked and start raising gas prices across the whole country.  From I think  $1.99 to  over $5.00 a gallon over the course of the day.When I finally got to Pensacola I was placed in a building where all the rooms were occupied with Saudi Arabia Pilots, contractors and their families. It had become to dangerous for them to live out in town. I have to admit I was a little uneasy with their dress, rituals and hours they kept. I had eight weeks to work through those feelings.  I will never forget!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2013 8:05 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 08:05:05 -0500

I enlisted in the Army in June 2001. So, really joining up then wasn't about the war on terror. I remember I was only two weeks out from graduating AIT when they turned on the TVs for us to watch. Watching those planes crash into the towers really put a sense of realism into what I do as a profession.

Response by Sgt Troy Fischer made Nov 3 at 2013 2:25 PM

Sgt Troy Fischer — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 14:25:32 -0500

I did 8 year s in the Corps, and had been out since 15DEC97. I was working for the US Postal Service as a window clerk when 9/11 happened. We were one of the busiest Post Offices in a 3 state region, and I just remember as the day went on, how fewer and fewer people came in. by 2 or 3 in the afternoon, it was a ghost town.. and this was Heartland, Lincoln, NE....
found out later that night that Pres. Bush had flown in to Omaha (SAC HQ, of the old "Looking Glass" era...)
The recruiter's office passed on my offer to help, as I was already about a 250 pound fat 31 year old guy... bummer huh

Response by SFC Darwyn Williams made Nov 3 at 2013 4:29 PM

SFC Darwyn Williams — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 16:29:15 -0500

I was at home on leave and in fact I had just signed out at mid-night the night before. I was on a Drill Sergeant assignment at the time so once I woke up and saw what was on TV (took me a few minutes to get myself mentally in gear) and then finally realized what was going on I just kept wondering when the phone was going to ring and I was going to get called in off of leave....but the call never came. After that going back to work as a Drill Sergeant and dealing with trainees changed dramatically and went to a totally new level of seriousness.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2013 5:02 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 17:02:49 -0500

Command Post Minot AFB, ND; Just got a 14 hour mid working the Global Guardian Exercise; the last couple B-52s were due to be 'Cocked-On' that morning.  I was just getting to bed when I was called to report back immediately and spent the next 4 days coordinating the download of nukes and upload of conventional weapons, requesting fighter cover, sleeping in our training office.  It was a blur of activity, keeping track of the weapons progress, security, and reporting to MAJCOM.  The biggest thing I remember is how we all came together to work a team.  Not just the military, the local and state police provided off base security to the 4 hour long line of cars waiting to get on the base, we provided them with meals (MREs), NVGs for those assigned to protect vital facilities, and other logistics...A time I'll never forget.

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Nov 3 at 2013 5:23 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 17:23:36 -0500

I was in dispatch at the police department where I worked as an investigator. We were watching on TV when the second plane hit and the dispatcher said "Who would do such a thing." I said 'Osama Bin Laden.' We had a wanted poster up in the squad room for years with his picture on it. He had already tried to bring the Twin Towers down with a car bomb and he had the largest reward ever offered by the FBI on his head - $1 million dollars. I got a call telling me I was going to be recalled to active duty the next day.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Nov 4 at 2013 1:45 AM

SFC Charles S. — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 01:45:39 -0500

25th Infantry Division, Discom, Schofield Barracks, HI. I was in Bed, Hawaii was 6 hours behind the news, but we were woken up at 3am with the news.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 4 at 2013 11:55 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 23:55:01 -0500

I was brushing my teeth after doing morning physical fitness training and changing for work. My mother in law called to me saying, Sam, how or why would a airplane run into a building? I was thinking it was a little Cessna or something, she told me to come in the living room and I actually watched number two hit. So I was in Clarksville, TN about to report to Fort Campbell for work, I tried but never made it that day, the gates were locked down to us all.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2013 7:58 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 07:58:33 -0500

I was a captain, serving in Boise, Idaho as an active duty advisor to the 116th Cav Brigade, ID Army National Guard. We were in Post Falls, ID on a week long training conference and being on Pacific time were conducting unit PT downtown at a park starting at 0600. I heard something on the radio when I drove to PT about a plane hitting a building in NYC, but not until after PT, at 0700, did I hear more and of course when I returned to my hotel, my roommate and I quickly turned on the TV.

What makes this day most memorable is that I was married on 11 September 1999, so when I called my wife back home in Boise, she initiated our conversation with a very pleasant, "Happy Anniversary," which I of course repeated back to her before I told her to turn on the TV!

We split that Tuesday between trying to conduct our training conference and watching the news. We cut short our trip, and my battle buddy and I drove back to Boise on Wednesday, then figured out what we had to do in our advising role with the IDANG and their Noble Eagle mission in addition to their other missions.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2013 8:15 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 08:15:20 -0500

I was a young PFC sitting in drivers training class. We had just came in off a break when the instructor walked in a said a plane just crashed into the first tower. Not to long afterwards the post became on lock down.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Nov 5 at 2013 10:41 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 10:41:35 -0500

I was a Small Group Leader at the Ft. Stewart NCO Academy on the last day of a cycle break when the attacks occurred. I had just gotten out of bed and was sipping my first cup of coffee of the day when I turned on Fox news in time to learn of the first plane hitting the Twin Towers and then watching live as the second struck and KNOWING that this was not an accident but an attack. Needless to say I spent the day in shock watching over and over the planes striking the Towers and the Pentagon and then the collapse of both of the Towers. Needless to say my life and that of my brothers and sisters-in- arms changed forever that morning.

Response by SPC(P) Nathan Stewart made Nov 5 at 2013 9:17 PM

SPC(P) Nathan Stewart — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 21:17:02 -0500

I got a phone call letting me know that I was going to war but we didn't know where yet.

Response by PO1 John Shope made Nov 5 at 2013 11:54 PM

PO1 John Shope — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 23:54:59 -0500

I was stationed in Portland, Maine. I was over in Supply getting a medical TONO for someone going to Walter Reed, someone came out and said a plane went into the World Trade Center, I thought to myself I will watch the news later. I went back to my desk and someone came into he office and said a second plane crashed into the World Trade Center. I thought "what is going on" just then I looked out the window and saw a concrete block was being brought up to the gate and the Gunner's Mates had there M-16's in there hands following behind

Response by SGT Jamell Culbreath made Nov 6 at 2013 3:09 PM

SGT Jamell Culbreath — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 15:09:15 -0500

I was in the motor pool. The news was so surreal. Several soldiers starting saying, "We're going to war." Fast forward 12 years later and I was a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom I and III. I've been out of the military since 2006, but looking at the Air National Guard. Any suggestions?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2013 9:04 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:04:48 -0500

I was Security Forces and had PCS'd in to Guam from Korea just 10 days prior. I had just put away the newly issued kit I had just put together. I turned on the radio as I was going to bed and heard something wild going on and turned on CNN just in time to see the second plane hit. I immediately grabbed my gear and begged a ride from the other Security Forces members in the dorm parking lot. I tried to get a weapon from the armory to stand post, but I was so new, I hadn't been assigned a flight or been added to the arming rosters yet.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2013 9:15 PM

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 21:15:34 -0500

I was in my 5th Grade class when it happened. I got home from school that day, heard a huge plane flying over my house and looked outside. It was Air Force One with F-16's on its wings. I decided then that I wanted to be a fighter pilot. Then I heard Lt. Heather Penney's story, and no one was gonna change my mind.

I'm a youngin'

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 4:05 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:05:38 -0500

I was at home getting ready for school, barefoot sitting on the coffee table watching it happen live on the news. I was absent that day

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 9:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 21:27:10 -0500

I think its safe to say that everyone can recall with extreme clarity what they were doing on Sept. 11 2001. I remember I was just arriving late to 7th grade math class. I walked in and found it odd my teacher didn't say anything sarcastic about my tardiness. She didn't acknowledge me at all for that matter. I walk to my desk and sit down. I look around and find it even stranger that the tv is on and everyone was watching it. I never notice we had a tv in the classroom. First thing I saw was one of the towers and smoke rising from the planes impact. Never Forget...

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2013 10:10 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 22:10:10 -0500

Heck, I was sitting in 11th grade Marine Biology with no TV. I remember leaving class and hearing people talking about the two towers begin hit. In my next class, a current events class where only two weeks before we were talking about the lack of domestic terrorism, we were glued to to the TV and all the events unfolding. The teacher effectively threw out the syllabus and we started following current events. It definitely shaped my decision to enter the military.

Response by SGT Corey Franks made Nov 12 at 2013 9:51 AM

SGT Corey Franks — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 09:51:36 -0500

Sitting in a Whataburger in Houston on leave. I looked at my Mom and said, "guess my leave just got cut short, Love you Mom, lets go I need to get back to base ASAP!"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2013 1:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:38:00 -0500

I was working for the NY Army National Guard Counterdrug Program. Myself and fellow members of the team were in a training event on how to work more efficiently with youth on the Drug Demand Reduction side of the program. Within hours of the towers falling, we were up at the US/Canada border performing cargo and vehicle inspections side by side with US Customs for three weeks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2013 4:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 16:25:50 -0500

I was in my barracks room in Pusan, South Korea talking to my wife on the phone. She told me to turn on the news because an airplane just hit one of the towers. We thought it was just a freak accident until we saw the second plane hit. We sat there on the phone for about an hour trying to take it all in.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Nov 13 at 2013 8:52 PM

CPT Brandon Christensen — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 20:52:51 -0500

I wasn't in the service. I was in high school. 17 years old. I was in a school lead organization meeting, when it happened. The next day I told my parents I wanted to enlist and serve my country. They wouldn't sign the papers for me, so as soon as I turned 18, (a few days after) I enlisted.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2013 8:56 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 20:56:17 -0500

I was at the Air Force Academy - my sophomore year but I remember it like it was yesterday. They were very concerned at the time that the military academies would be a target and as such those bases became much more secure. When I first saw the coverage, I did not believe it. It finally sunk in when I tried to reach family from Brooklyn, NY and it took several days to hear from them.

Response by SFC Michael Patterson made Nov 14 at 2013 3:36 PM

SFC Michael Patterson — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:36:28 -0500

I was stationed at Fort Rucker, AL when this occurred. I had just drawn my patrol car for day shift and was entering a housing area when the Desk Sergeant called all patrols back to the MP Station after the first plane struck. I also received an SRT alert and was directed to report immediately to the SRT office for stand up in response to any possible terrorist actions/ threats made towards Fort Rucker.Definitely a day I will never forget.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 3:52 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:52:03 -0500

I was manning an ECP to the flightline at Whiteman AFB, MO. I remember getting a call to immediately stop all traffic in and out of the area. I asked for my area supervisor to come meet me since I had someone in the entrapment area and CSC told me not to let her out or in until she could be searched. The area supervisor told me to have her start removing clothing. I was a young A1C at the time so I didnt question it, we stopped her as she was getting ready to remove her shirt. After that I loaded up in the area supervisor's truck and we started to search and clear every building on the flightline. It was a VERY long shift.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 9:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:47:09 -0500

<---- young. I was walking into my Senior English class oblivious to what was going on. Everyone in class was crowded around the TV and all I could remember was walking up and seeing one of the planes crashing into the towers. I joined 9 months out of high school.

Response by SGT Steven Destael made Nov 15 at 2013 9:55 PM

SGT Steven Destael — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 21:55:05 -0500

I was at Ft. Lewis, WA giving APFT to my soldiers when the 1SG called the company into the building to watch it on the television. It was also my sons 5th birthday. My very next conversation was with my wife, "Babe, we're going to war".

Response by 1SG Frank Rocha made Nov 15 at 2013 10:11 PM

1SG Frank Rocha — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 22:11:24 -0500

I was on leave between assignments. I had fell asleep on my mothers couch the night before watching television. I was awakened by my mother turning on the television to show me one of the towers of the world trade center had been bombed or something. I was amazed to discover it was a plane that hit it. Initially I thought it was a plane on approach that lost control or something and crashed into the building only to watch in horror, on national television no less, as a second plane slammed into the side of the second tower. A terrorist attack of the worst kind had made its way onto American soil and perhaps my mother saw something I didn't that day, what was to come. That following evening she woke me up in the middle of the night crying on my chest because she knew I would have to go to war.

Response by SGT Jerokiah Darr made Nov 16 at 2013 8:53 AM

SGT Jerokiah Darr — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 08:53:11 -0500

I was finishing up MOUT training in Ft. Benning during OSUT when the first tower hit. They pulled us out of the field and plopped us in front of the Drill's TV to watch the news for a bit.

Response by SSG Timothy White made Nov 17 at 2013 8:29 AM

SSG Timothy White — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 08:29:05 -0500

I just left my IGR HQ and went to the Barbershop, I was sitting in the barber's chair when the news came on.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 10:50 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 10:50:05 -0500

I was a PFC stationed in Ft Lewis, WA. We were in the “back yard” on a field exercise. My PSG was listening to Howard Stern when we found out what was happening in the North East. At first we thought Howard Stern was joking but quickly realized he wasn’t. We continued our field problem until it was scheduled to be over. After returning home, I saw the video and quickly realized my military career was going to change. There is not a single person who I have ever ran into who does not remember what they were specifically doing on the morning of 9-11.

Response by CPT Gary Valencia made Nov 17 at 2013 1:51 PM

CPT Gary Valencia — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 13:51:49 -0500

I was receiving acupuncture treatment at the time. The doctor came in saying there was a freak accident. A jet liner just crashed into the World Trade Center. Moments later the doctor came in again saying another plane crashed and said I don't think it's an accident.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 17 at 2013 6:52 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 18:52:38 -0500

Shaving in the bathroom after PT, Clarksville, TN, stationed at Fort Campbell!

Response by SFC James Baber made Nov 17 at 2013 7:49 PM

SFC James Baber — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 19:49:33 -0500

I was just heading to work @ BAMC PMO in Ft Sam when I heard about the 1st plane hitting as I pulled into the parking lot, by the time I got into the office, they were already replaying the 1st, then the 2nd plane hitting the tower. The entire base was on lock down within 30 minutes with no one leaving or coming in until higher orders and disaster plans went into effect. I remember the new checks that started taking place for the hospital gate because of the rumors that ambulances were being stolen to sneak bombs into military facilities.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 8:56 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:56:49 -0500

I was stationed at Nellis AFB as an A1C. The first plane hit as I was getting ready to head in to the shop. I wasn't at work for maybe a few minutes and the second plane hit... within minutes, we were in Delta, on lock down. We started preparing F-16s/F-15s for west coast patrol, and Rescue started gearing up to deploy. That night we had to have our deployment bags ready. We were not a deploying unit, but we were assigned to AEF's for Rescue support.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 1:11 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 01:11:29 -0500

I was on permissive TDY to Armstrong Atlantic State University. I had completed my Physics class and was in the cafeteria finishing up a my last few Calc problems before that class started. I was watching TV in the school's theater when the second plane impacted. I finished out the day of school (hearing about the pentagon and the PA crash from other students) and called my unit to see if we were going anywhere. Because we were mech infantry, we weren't equipped for Anaconda....so we didn't go anywhere right away and I was able to finish out the semester before I went back to work. I was planning on separating at the end of my first enlistment. I have now been in nearly 15 years and I am going nowhere any time soon.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 9:32 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:32:58 -0500

I was a civilian student, in
day 2 of my Medical Technology clinical rotation in a private Clinical Laboratory
in Carolina, Puerto Rico. The workflow
suddenly stopped and we all gathered in the waiting area, patients and staff,
to whiteness what latter unfolded as a terrorist attack. Everyone was disrupt but I vividly remember
this senior MT’s disbelieve reaction to what we where witnessing because she
had a close relative working in the towers back then. Later she was able to confirm that her
relative was safe and in good health.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 10:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 10:18:50 -0500

I was a SGT with the 101st ABN aviation battalion and we had just gotten back from doing night FARP operations. We worked during the morning to re-set the equipment and were expecting to be released early due to working all night.

Response by MSgt Brian Woodbury made Nov 19 at 2013 11:21 AM

MSgt Brian Woodbury — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 11:21:27 -0500

I was stationed at Andrews AFB, I was out shopping with the family when the news flash came across the TV. We were shocked and in disbelief when we saw the second plane hit the tower. I sent my family home and I went directly to work to see if there was anything I could do. I know when our unit asked who wanted to deploy to assist with the war effort my entire work center put their names in the hat.

Response by SFC Robert Putzer made Nov 19 at 2013 12:27 PM

SFC Robert Putzer — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 12:27:52 -0500

I was on the wash rack of Camp Garry Owen in Korea serving with C Troop, 4-7 CAV; Changing the Transmission on C-11 while the Rest of the Troop was conducting a presence patrol near the DMZ. I called the XO on the radio and told him to get his ass back to base ASAP. It was a weird, sad day. The whole Troop was amped up and ready to fight.

Response by PFC Norman Hanley made Nov 19 at 2013 5:24 PM

PFC Norman Hanley — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 17:24:04 -0500

I was out of the service at that time, however I did have indeed a unique perspective on the day. It was my "Day Off" as Production Director of 6 Radio stations. I awake to my roommate telling me to get downstairs NOW.

I was at first pissed cause I thought he was watching a movie. Once it hit of course I was in full gear on my way to work.

Upon arrival I found out that my Cousin was ... possibly in the 1st tower. (We did not hear from him for over 12 hours, but he was safe). So in a small radio market, bringing Live updates on air, with a personal connection.

Short version of a very long day. While my Cousin was safe, found out 1 week afterwards that I still lost 2 friends that day, both in the second tower.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 11:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:23:02 -0500

I was stationed at Ft. Hood, and 1 plt/410th MP CO was the ADVON for all of Operation Bright Star. We left Hood on Sep 10 and landed in Mubarak Military City by ourselves on Sep 11. The Air Force told us the plane behind us had been told to return to origin. We were all by our lonesome in an Egyptian military compound. We all thought it was part of the exercise, didn't know what actually happened for 2 days. Once we figured out it was legit, we commandeered a building and locked it down. We all thought it was a ForcePro part of the exercise......Well we were WAY WRONG!!

Response by SSG Matthew Thomas made Nov 20 at 2013 3:21 PM

SSG Matthew Thomas — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 15:21:45 -0500

A week prior I inquired about the Army, and 14Sept i signed the papers.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Nov 21 at 2013 10:03 PM

SSG Ed Mikus — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:03:33 -0500

I was pulling gate guard on Ft Meade.. that was a long day!

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Nov 21 at 2013 10:10 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:10:05 -0500

I was a Major in Foreign Air Command Staff College with the Venezuelan Air Force in Caracas Venezuela. I was the only American at the "Escuela Superior de Guerra Aerea" (Air University equivalent) and a student in a class of 36 (32 Venezuelans, 1 from Brazil, 1 from Peru, 1 from Dominican Republic and of course me). Several of my fellow classmates and I were in the breakroom when we saw the news on TV. The kind words of support and expressions of sympathy from faculty and students was very heart warming...although I was the only American in the whole school , I dd not feel alone.

Response by SFC Michael Boulanger made Nov 22 at 2013 3:03 PM

SFC Michael Boulanger — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 15:03:07 -0500

I was actually in a break in service between the active Army and the Army National Guard in Kansas. My wife and I had awoken and were getting ready to take our newborn son to the Childrens Hospital in Kansas City and we turned on the TV and were shocked to see what was going on. I was back in within a month.

Response by 1SG Christopher Turk made Nov 23 at 2013 12:41 PM

1SG Christopher Turk — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 12:41:29 -0500

I was a Drill Sergeant at Ft Jackson, SC. I was on CQ and caught Soldiers watching TV in the day room. I thought it was the news about the towers was a movie or something. It was a long night. My wife and I were dual military and my wife was about 8 months pregnant with our son. We were on PCS orders to Ft Campbell. Our life in the military as we knew it was about to change.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2013 12:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 12:46:39 -0500

I was working as a Union Bricklayer. I remember working on the side of Conowingo Dam in Port Deposit, Maryland. The only way we could find anything out was by fax. Once the second plane hit we were instructed to start setting the charges that line the dam. Being it was a Hydro Electric Power station they were prepared to blow the dam just in case. I remember driving back to NJ and seeing maybe 1 car on Rt 295 and I 95.

Response by CPL Hayward Johnson made Nov 23 at 2013 8:45 PM

CPL Hayward Johnson — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 20:45:59 -0500

On Sept 11,2001 I was on a plane on my way back from Korea to the States. We made an Emergency landing in Alaska not to far from Fort Wainwright.. Me being Infantry I called an asked should I report so that i can do my job

Response by PO2 Michael Dunning made Nov 23 at 2013 9:14 PM

PO2 Michael Dunning — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 21:14:15 -0500

I was on my way to a Safety Standown for my P3 squadron, I heard reports on the radio and it seemed like no one knew what was going on. When I got to the hall the standown was being held, all the TV's were on and everyone was watching the news. We were due to deploy in 3 months to Diego Garcia and we all knew that everything had changed. I spent the next few weeks numb as I learned a few days later that I lost a friend in Tower 1.

Response by SPC Helen Walls McCarty made Nov 24 at 2013 3:29 PM

SPC Helen Walls McCarty — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 15:29:19 -0500

I was in Dallas, TX waiting to get dispatched on a load

Response by MSG Tim Waychoff made Nov 24 at 2013 3:45 PM

MSG Tim Waychoff — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 15:45:44 -0500

MSGT, is that a Jimi Hendrix reference? ;)

I was on PCS leave, at home in Chicago. One week to the day before I had to fly to my new assignment in Korea. I had been up all night playing Madden with my younger brother, and we had just finished a game when my father called and said "We've been attacked, turn on the television." I did so and it was just about a full minute before the second tower was struck.

Almost immediately, I knew who was behind it. I knew that we were going to war, and I knew that the world was forever changed.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 4:23 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:23:20 -0500

I arrived at Osan AB as a newly-minted intel officer at the 51st FW in July 2001. I graduated from intel school at Goodfellow in June, as a newly-minted 1Lt, and Osan was my first intelligence assignment. For us, the attacks occurred during the evening - I had fallen asleep on the couch in my Q room, the phone rang, and my OIC told me, deadpan voice such that I'll never forget it, "You need to turn on your TV." I switched on my box just in time to see the second plane hit.

Response by SFC Andrew McClure made Nov 24 at 2013 4:38 PM

SFC Andrew McClure — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:38:06 -0500

I was stationed at Ft. Campbell with 1-101 AVN REGT however, we were in Ft. Hood attending Unit Fielding and Training Program. We were sitting in class waiting on the instructor that morning. We decided to turn on the television and CNN was playing everything in detail. If our instructor had been on time, we might not have found out until much later.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2013 4:41 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:41:31 -0500

I was in my 6th grade math class. My teacher put it on the TV. The entire classroom sat in silence and watched as the second tower was hit. I looked over and saw Mr. Wilson with tears falling down his face. At that moment I had the biggest since of fear come over me. I was scared but even as a child I was also angry.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 11:14 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 11:14:12 -0500

I was Stationed at FT Lewis in 1SFG (A), we had finished PT and I heard about the first plane, I got home to change and saw the second plane hit. The rest of the day was huddled around the TV watching the news.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 25 at 2013 11:20 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 11:20:26 -0500

I was stationed in Germany so the attacks started in the late afternoon for us. We were in the motor pool. We were already on orders to go to Kuwait in support of what was then Operation Southern Watch. We were briefed by the command group, pulled our weapons and ammo and went on guard and the post was locked down.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2013 11:28 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 11:28:15 -0500

My take was why are there aircraft over restricted space? It looked all wrong to me and I was in Tampa when this happened.

Response by SSgt Anthony McCauley made Nov 26 at 2013 11:16 AM

SSgt Anthony McCauley — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 11:16:29 -0500

The day the Marine Corps was forever changed.......I was the 4th Medical Battalion Motor Transport Maintenance Chief stationed with I&I Staff San Diego and was on my "comp" day after spending all weekend qualifying Navy and Marine reservist on the pistol and rifle range at Camp Pendleton. I was awakened by one of my Sergeants making an accountability call just in time to see the second plane crash into the towers. Shortly there after I reported to the reserve center to open the armory so we could set up a guard watch. Spent almost two months doing a rotating guard before going back to regular duties but security remained constant. PCS'ed 9 months later to Yuma AZ and deployed to Kuwait February 2003 for OIF.....

Response by MSgt Gregory Aderhold made Nov 26 at 2013 1:19 PM

MSgt Gregory Aderhold — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 13:19:07 -0500

I was teaching a M9 Pistol class to a large portion of the Base's senior officer corp. I told the class to turn off all pagers and cell phones prior to the class starting, but as usual, they kept them on anyways... Just prior to the class reaching it's first break all of the cell phones and pagers went off at the same time. All of the officers kind of laughed and said "oops". But then their faces kind of got serious so I sent them on a break early and turned the news on to see what the fuss was all about. I was only 20 days from starting my terminal leave that day. Stop Loss changed that real quick. 6 Months later with Stop Loss still in effect, I made the decision to re-enlist. Now here I am 2 weeks away from retirement.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2013 4:25 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 16:25:21 -0500

Thank you to all of you who served during that time! I was only a freshman in high school but after 9/11 and the invasion in Iraq myself and many of my peers had a deep desire to join! So we did as soon as possible. I have so much respect for those who were in at that time and even re-up because of 9/11. You all led the way for me!!!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 11:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 23:32:41 -0500

I was in my Senior year of college - on a Green-to-Gold scholarship. I went to my class and they ended up canceling class for the remainder of the week. Went home to get ready for work watched the news for an hour or so. I knew then - that the day I got commissioned, I would be going to deploy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 5:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 17:26:59 -0500

I was sitting in the chow hall in Miesau Germany. I thought we were watching some B-rated movie. then the alarms went off and I spent the next 96 hours walking the fence of the largest ammo depot outside the US.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Nov 28 at 2013 5:49 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 17:49:50 -0500

I was at 55 West 125th street, NYC at the Veterans Center, working on the Mangers computer. When he said "Oh S#%T" I turned around and saw what he saw, the WTC was hit, I witnessed the second hit and witnessed both trade centers clasped.

Shortly after that, every one was ordered to go home. Since at the time I lived at 122nd Street, all I could see was the news, I recall all I can hear out side were emergency vehicle's and Fire trucks alone with NYPD heading down town. NYC was locked down, no one can leave and no one can enter, there were a couple of Air Force fighters flying around NYC that whole day. All transportations came to halt and I recall people walking north towards the Bronx. I recall stores being broken into and allot of people stealing. Shortly news broke out of a down jet and another crash in the pentagon. What was interesting was that earlier that year there was a fixed wing aircraft that crashed in the WTC, but I knew this was war. One of my female friends was in the subway during the clasped of the trade center, she said that every one had to get out and walk in the tracks with out lights but hold hands to be able to get out. She then walked from down town all the way home.

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Nov 30 at 2013 2:27 AM

SSG Ronald Limbaugh — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 02:27:20 -0500

My son was born in June of that year. I had decided to leave Active Duty and return to the civilian life. I ETS'd on 25 Aug 2001. I was working in my civilian job as a truck driver/heavy equipment operator at a job site in Woodstock, GA. I was standing in the bed of the truck, hand-loading construction debris, when a fellow driver came by and asked if I had been listening to the radio. That's when I first heard about the first plane hitting the tower. My first thoughts went out to my brethren still at Ft. Campbell and how this was going to affect them. Two days later, my Reserve unit was calling me, telling me I needed to report in as soon as possible, two weeks before my first scheduled drill.

Response by SGT Michael McMahon made Dec 1 at 2013 12:23 AM

SGT Michael McMahon — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 00:23:27 -0500

I was the Incoming Staff Duty NCO for the 63d Signal BN at Fort Gordon. I was watching either CNN or Fox News, as they were the only channels authorized after 6 am, but When the news first broke about the first plane, I informed the CSM about what appeared to be a tragic accident, and went back to the Staff Duty Desk, which was just outside of my S-1 Office. When I watched and saw the second plane aim for and hit the South Tower, I ran down, and went directly into the BN Commanders Office, interrupting him in a meeting with some of the Company Commanders and I informed him that he needs to see what is going on, and I turned his TV on, and he saw what was happening, and he then ordered me to get all units on alert, full battle rattle and to recall everyone who was on leave. Then everything around Fort Gordon went crazy, as we were then ordered by the BN Commander to get our family members away from potential "soft targets", (I.e. schools or other places that the terrorists could target a plane to cause mass casualties.) and on post, for those of us who lived on post. Those who lived off post had things exponentially worse, as it took on average 6 to 8 hours to get on post. So being the first line supervisor in the S-1, I ended up having to do the work for those who lived off post, and it was not until the 14th before I got to go home for some time off, as we were in 24 hour operations. That lasted for about two weeks, as then we were informed our sister battalion was being deployed is support of the "new" NORTHCOM in D.C., PA and NYC. Talking to some of my friends who are WWII vets, that was exactly like Pearl Harbor was for them.

God Bless the Thousands who died or lost loved ones that day, and to the the thousands who died in OIF/OEF after that. And now we are getting ready to leave and turn the sandbox back over to those who supported Bin Laden, rather than annihilate them. Politicians need to get out of the business of losing wars for us, that we did not start, but we need to finish so to send the message to the next crackpot, that "If you mess with the best, prepare to die like the rest!"

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2013 7:16 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 07:16:37 -0500

I was stationed at Fort Bragg as a company commander of the hospital's Medical Hold/Student company. We watched the events unfold in the dayroom and everyone was speechless. The base was on lockdown with extremely long lines of people trying to get onto post on 12 Sep. I remember seeing the MP's driving around post and manning the gunner turret. They had a several block radius of the garrison HQ barricaded off. Definitely a surreal, numb feeling.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2013 8:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 20:24:31 -0500

I was in my last week of Military Police OBC. My Battle was a reserve officer he worked for the NYPD for his full time job. It shook him up big time.

Response by Sgt Daniel Dombrowski made Dec 1 at 2013 8:31 PM

Sgt Daniel Dombrowski — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 20:31:32 -0500

I was with Delta Company, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command Twentynine Palms, California. We were on the rifle range qualifying when the tower announced a cease fire and told us the news.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2013 2:00 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 02:00:36 -0500

Tech School @ Keesler AFB, MS. We didn't know what happened until 1600 that afternoon. All we knew was that we went into FPCON Delta.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2013 6:57 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 06:57:51 -0500

I was in the field in Graf. Germany. When it hit the news I
was replacing a starter in the mud. They locked us down out there so that when
the FTX was over we could not go back to base. Then we pulled guard duty with
no ammo. Fun times.

Response by PO1 B. Kieth Cooper made Dec 3 at 2013 8:22 AM

PO1 B. Kieth Cooper — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 08:22:34 -0500

Just returned from a 6 month deployment in a limited version of Drydock. Was suppose to attend a retirement that morning. Ended up manning a 50 cal for then next 3 days, was one of 5 people trained as a gun captain on the ship

Response by SSG Dan McIntosh made Dec 3 at 2013 12:23 PM

SSG Dan McIntosh — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 12:23:51 -0500

I was in my 2nd AIT, reclassed, at Ft. Eustis VA. I was 2 signatures away from clearing post, and we got the word that we were on lockdown. After forming up in our barracks' Day Room, its where we found out why we were on lockdown and watched, on tv, the second plane hitting the second tower, completely missed the first one, but thanks to the news, was able to watch the recap footage. As you have stated, something I think I will never forget where I was, what I was doing when this happened.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 12:28 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 12:28:13 -0500

I had gotten off shift at 0730 that morning (I was the night shift Security Forces Supervisor at my base), usually I would eat something then go to bed. That day for whatever reason I stayed up and was watching the TV with my dogs. I was flipping channels and stopped on CNN just before the 1st Tower got hit - after the second plane the 2nd Tower I got on the phone with the base. Not too long afterwards we went into FPCON DELTA.

Response by LTC Christopher Sands made Dec 3 at 2013 2:40 PM

LTC Christopher Sands — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 14:40:55 -0500

I was the 42nd Division Support Command (Discom) in the NJ Army National Guard. We were responsible for the northern part of the state. After getting a phone call from my wife telling me to put on the TV, something was happening, I saw the towers had been hit. I called in to my Boss who told me to be ready, but I was not needed yet. After trying to respond with just full timers for about 4 days, they realized they would have to call part timers in to help. We were called in on State Active Duty orders. We had a expando truck, for our Forward Command Post in Liberty State Park, next to the NJ State Police Command Post. In NJ the State Police have the lead in all emergency Ops, so we supported their effort.

With so many Americans donating supplies to help out, we called up the warehouse platoon in our Forward Support Battalion, The Military Ocean Terminal-Bayonne (MOTBY), a base that had been BRAC'ed out and was to be turned over to Bayonne on 1 Oct was used for storage. The base had 4 large warehouse buildings which were soon filled. They also had a warehouse facility in Connecticut, and we would unload and load trucks depending on the contents. We shipped some things to CT, we would also get orders for things needed for the first responders at Ground Zero.

Our Governor made us guard the bridges and tunnels into NYC for a year. Each brigade took 3 months. a battalion would take 30 days. We housed the troops in Armories in Teaneck, close to the GW Bridge, and Jersey City, Holland, Lincoln tunnels and the PATH train, plus the Goethals and Outerbridge going into Staten Island. I ran our Emergency Operations Center when it was our turn to be on duty.

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Dec 3 at 2013 6:48 PM

1SG Johnny Carter — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 18:48:23 -0500

I was a young SGT who just arrived to FT Campbell with my family. I was sitting in my office when my 1SG called and said formation 5 minutes hurry!

Response by SFC Rocky Gannon made Dec 3 at 2013 6:54 PM

SFC Rocky Gannon — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 18:54:51 -0500

I was the station commander of a recruiting station in Pekin il. I was having coffee getting ready when the first plane hit. Set and watch seeing the other rushed to the office where we watched all day people in and out of our office telling of gas prices going up food prices and we were just shocked

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2013 11:47 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 23:47:41 -0500

I
was stationed at FT Eustis, VA as a Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course
(BNCOC) Small Group Leader (SGL). When the first plane hit, I was writing 1059s
for my students who were soon to graduate. I remember all in my office were
discussing that it would be a great weapon to use against us. At that moment we
all believed the crash may have still been accidental. Then, we watched as the
2nd crashed into the towers. The post we
were on was locked down. I remember the
mass confusion that ensued from the Soldiers and family members on base. Parents trying to get to their children who
were schooled off base, but we were locked down. That is one day that has been burned into my
memory. That was the day that changed
the Armed Forces to what you see and know today.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 8:38 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 08:38:12 -0500

I was headed into work that morning, expecting a 2 day underway training exercise. That 2 day underway turned into a 3+ week event named Operation Noble Eagle.

Response by CPT Keith Steinhurst made Dec 4 at 2013 9:20 AM

CPT Keith Steinhurst — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 09:20:17 -0500

I was a medical student, post-call, on the Internal Medicine service at Darnall US Army Hospital, the post was placed on Delta, and we were directed to move our vehicles away from the hospital building.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Dec 4 at 2013 9:26 AM

LTJG Robert M. — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 09:26:53 -0500

I was retired, traveling to work on a commuter bus in Portland, OR. My next door neighbor was a pilot and was scheduled to fly that day, his flight got canceled, turned out it was Plane #5. he found that out about two weeks later.

Response by MSgt George Stengel made Dec 4 at 2013 11:58 AM

MSgt George Stengel — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 11:58:52 -0500

I was deployed to Al Jaber In Kuwait in support of Southern Watch at the time. We watched in horror the second plane fly into the Towers. The men and women I served with in the 822 SFS were great and we took the battle to the enemy in the days to follow

Response by SSG Bryan Bailey made Dec 4 at 2013 4:21 PM

SSG Bryan Bailey — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 16:21:14 -0500

I was a lowly PFC with the 1-187 INF. who hadn't been out of AIT very long. We got the call to get back to base ASAP and we started prepping for deployment that we knew was going to happen. A month and a half later, we were touching down in Kandahar, Afghanistan!

Response by CPO John Dupee made Dec 4 at 2013 5:36 PM

CPO John Dupee — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 17:36:10 -0500

I was Chief Pilot at NAVBASE Guantanamo Bay Port Operations. Was alerted to it all by an hysterical wife who was watching it unfold on tv. Office tv was quickly tuned to cable news and we watched it all unfold from there.

Base was LOCKED DOWN and FPCON D was set for at least 2 weeks, perhaps longer. It was a harrowing time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 8:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 20:27:04 -0500

I was stationed at Fort Riley, KS with the 82 Med Co (AA). At the time of the attacks we were currently deployed to Camp Doha Kuwait and I as a Flight Instructor was busy training the next crew to be sent. After the planes crashed into the towers I got a call telling me to get ready cause I was headed to Kuwait in less than 60 days. Turns out we were part of the support package in Kuwait helping to train up the forces headed to Afghanistan as part of OEF I.

Response by SSgt Michael D. made Dec 6 at 2013 7:19 AM

SSgt Michael D. — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 07:19:14 -0500

I'm one of the "Old Guys", but I was at my DLA desk in Columbus Ohio assuring that contracted material moved to our warfighters in a timely manner. Most of our workforce left after watching the news reports that day by noon, but I stayed. My director was at the Pentagon that morning and we had no idea what had happened to him. He had left the building about 30 minutes before the impact and was on his way to Ft. Belvoir. So yes, I'd say I'm experienced.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 9:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 09:14:38 -0500

In processing Ft. Campbell sitting in CIF getting briefed while the TV was on behind the briefer. He kept yelling at us to stop watching and pay attention to him.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made Dec 7 at 2013 11:16 PM

SPC Stephanie Oanes — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 23:16:35 -0500

I was a young kid in 8th grade, sick at home that day. My mom had the TV on and she was crying, and that's when I saw on the news that the towers were hit. I was too naive to know what was really happening!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2013 5:29 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 17:29:29 -0500

Sitting in a hospital with my newborn baby girl at that time. then got the phone call that my father are on a flight from New York to LA. I glad to hear that me father was ok but still had to call my mother to tell here that I had just join the Army, and she was a grandmother all in the same day.

Response by MSG Michael Graham made Dec 8 at 2013 8:33 PM

MSG Michael Graham — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 20:33:44 -0500

I had only been at Ft. Knox 2 weeks and had just returned home from Staff Duty. I showered, changed and sat down to catch the morning news with my wife when the first tower was hit. It took me 3 days until I was allowed to get back on base because the MP at the gate said I was not " mission essential" At the time I was a SSG in charge of wheeled vehicle maintenance for all the basic training units equipment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 5:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 05:19:07 -0500

I was dead tired from a night of staff duty. Anticipating being relieved when we saw the news. Needless to say we were all shocked when we saw what happened. Also we had to work the next staff duty shift due to the post being shut down. This started months of QRF, gate guard etc. But it was all worth it to ensure the saftey of the post.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 8:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 08:48:10 -0500

I was getting ready for school, my mom was pretty scared so she let us kids stay home. that's the day I decided to join the Army.

Response by CSM Stuart C. O'Black made Dec 10 at 2013 9:27 PM

CSM Stuart C. O'Black — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:27:33 -0500

I am an old guy as stated above so I will reserve my comments to say.

THANK YOU for all those who joined since 9-11. You joined during a time of war and knew what you may be getting into. So again I say thank you for your service regardless of branch or in the Reserves/National Guard. You have all proven you worth beyond any generation.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 10:01 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 10:01:49 -0500

I am going to make you feel very old. But I was in elementary school, but I do remember it. I mostly remember not understanding what was going on, but they didn't tell us anything at school until I came home.

My dad has been a firefighter for almost his whole life. I remember him sitting me down and trying to put in a kids terms. I just remember him saying that the fireman have a thing called a TPASS alarm, so when you stop moving it emits high beeps to alert people you haven't moved for like a minute. I just remember hearing those and even as a kid being shocked. I may have not understood but I wanted to help and join the army. Haven't looked back since.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 12:31 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:31:45 -0500

I was serving on my first ship. In the Navy, usually a young enlisted service member will report to his/her first ship, and then spend a few months working for the supply department in the galley serving mashed potatoes with an ice cream scoop, scrubbing pots/pans in the scullery, swabbing the deck on the mess decks, etc.

In my case, the Captain requested that I work in the Wardroom and serve the officers three meals a day.

As much as I wanted to be working on my guns and learning about armory, my job was to always ensure the Captain's coffee mug was full and the officers' living quarters were clean, so I treated the job as professionally as any other (with internal protest of course).

On 11 Sep 01, shortly after serving breakfast, we watched the events in real time from within that same Wardroom. My Captain said to me:

“Gunner, go get changed and head to the armory... ...looks like we’re going to be busy for a few years... ...I'll pour my own damn coffee from now on!”

Response by SSG Noah Grove made Dec 12 at 2013 12:55 AM

SSG Noah Grove — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:55:44 -0500

I was in JRTC training for a tour in Kosovo...I was in "guard" in a tower at the time and the SOG came by and told us to stop anyone without a "green card" from coming into the base. I pointed out we only had blanks...and was told that "they don't know that" lol

Response by SSG Noah Grove made Dec 12 at 2013 12:56 AM

SSG Noah Grove — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:56:17 -0500

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Dec 12 at 2013 5:21 AM

TSgt Phillip L. — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 05:21:23 -0500

On my last deployment of my first enlistment....getting ready to transition out having just gotten married a few days before I left. Stop loss had a play, but patriotism was high back then and I was young. I re-enlisted and stayed for another 12 years.

I still remember watching on AFN. You know the routine....12 hour shift turned 16 hour day...long night of getting broken airplanes ready for the morning. I had just walked in the door of my room at Sembach, cracked an 1878, and was taking off my boots getting ready for bed. 10 minutes later we were headed back into work with all our gear. LONG DAY! Seemed like a long deployment that followed, but by later standards it was a walk in the park.

Response by SGT John Lancaster made Dec 12 at 2013 11:48 AM

SGT John Lancaster — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 11:48:13 -0500

I was at work on my birthday working on equipment,heard it on the radio. I was in a reserve unit at the time also.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 7:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 19:06:12 -0500

3 am at the MPRC at Schofield Barracks, some nugget from the TOC told us what was going on, we pullled out of the field a couple hours later. Ate chow at the Company, cleaned out gear and were released at night. We were at FPCON Delta, but everybody came on post for PT, the lines were miles long and cars were parked everywhere outside the gates because the MPs were searching every car.

We were not prepared, DIV had no idea what to do. The other BDE was doing EIB and they were guarding the hospital and housing areas the night of the 11th.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 1:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 01:00:42 -0500

I had just pinned SGT 4 days before then and we had just pushed a piece of our unit to Bosnia on a 6 month deployment!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 11:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 11:52:50 -0500

I was six weeks into Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. I remember that the attacks were so abstract to my platoon since most of us saw no footage, only the daily posted newspapers. I remember being confused, and then totally pumped to "go to war".

Response by SGT Clyde Rhoads made Dec 13 at 2013 2:13 PM

SGT Clyde Rhoads — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 14:13:58 -0500

I was sitting in the MEPS station in St. Louis, MO with orders in hand to Fort Bragg for completion of training. Needless to say, I didn't fly that day. Little did I know, at 19 years old, my life for years to come would be completely changed by that moment.

Response by SGT Darren McCabe made Dec 13 at 2013 3:57 PM

SGT Darren McCabe — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:57:11 -0500

I was in Germany stationed in Vilseck working at the DFAC that day and was told what was happening and rushed out to see it on AFN. We then had to call over to the unit to let them know where we were at. Then we had to go over to the unit and sign in as they called an alert for everyone in the 94th Engineer Unit.

Response by SFC Robert Haxton made Dec 13 at 2013 8:17 PM

SFC Robert Haxton — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 20:17:40 -0500

I was actually stationed at Fort Bragg at the time but was home on leave after my divorce from my ex-wife. I remember getting some cash at the ATM in Adel, Iowa before going to the NAPA auto parts store to get some oil and oil filter for my truck before I made the trek back to Bragg. A guy at the ATM said, " hey did you hear about someone flew a plane into the World Trade Center?" I thought really very little of it thinking that it was probably just an accident involving a small plane that might have just scraped it or something like that. It didn't occur to me that we were under terrorist attack until I got to the store and was in the checkout line when I saw the second plane hit the second tower. I quickly went back home and watched the footage all day on Fox News. My parents and I went to church that night for a prayer service. I won't ever forget that tragic day when our Country changed forever.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 8:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 08:10:26 -0500

41st Signal Battalion Youngsan Korea!

Response by CPL Jay Strickland made Dec 15 at 2013 9:09 PM

CPL Jay Strickland — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 21:09:01 -0500

I was in Korea, I got woken up about a recall but no time or location was mention, I assumed the CQ made a mistake and called the wrong unit. Then my NCO called told me there was no formation until 0800 and I had better turn on the TV any channel.

Saw the towers collapse me and my roommate look at each other realize the shit was on now. We each drink one beer from the fridge knowing it would likely be our last chance for a month or two.

I walk down the block to buy a phone card in an attempt to call home. Got yelled at by an LT who thought the post was on lock down(it was not), bought the phone card was unable to get through to home.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 5:28 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 17:28:04 -0500

On terminal leave from the Navy. Ended up crossing over into the Air Force to serve another term.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 10:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:42:47 -0500

I was on KP during BCT at Fort Benning. Heard the old ladies in the DFAC talking about it but I didn't pay it any mind, then later on the commander held a formation and pulled up the action on the big screen. He gave a speech and whatnot about war and how real it was, etc etc. Then he said 'If you want to quit, step forward.' A whole string of dudes started lining up, but I figured I signed on the dotted line, time to man up and see it through.

Response by SFC James Rigdon made Dec 17 at 2013 3:48 PM

SFC James Rigdon — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:48:15 -0500

I was on my way to 3rd MP Battalion, Fort Stewart GA to work at the S1 when I was listening to the radio and the news came through about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center.

Later after the Pentagon was hit, I was preparing movement orders for one of the Companies to move to the Pentagon for Security. I remember the next day, was crazy as the day before. It took about 3 hours to get to post in the traffic. I ended up parking about 1/2 mile away and walking on. That was something that will never be forgotten. God Bless all who was involved in this sad event.

On another note, if you ever get a chance to go to the 911 memorial it is "breath-taking"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 10:41 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:41:32 -0500

I was on the hand-to-hand combat course during basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. I remember the good ole' days of serving in a peace-time Army (for about three weeks).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 1:34 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 01:34:22 -0500

I was in the reserves just about to make SGT and driving on my way to my morning college classes. Ten minutes later I got a call telling me to have all my bags packed and be ready to deploy as soon as the president gave the order. Although it never came it sticks in my memory and even all of these years later I still remember everything about that morning. Good question.

Response by SFC JosephWe Wesley made Dec 18 at 2013 4:11 AM

SFC JosephWe Wesley — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 04:11:13 -0500

I had just arrived in the U.S. from being in Germany for 14 years. I was stationed in California on Recruiting Duty.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 5:53 AM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 05:53:27 -0500

I was stationed at NAS Brunswick ME where I was the Ordnance Inventory Manager. We were preparing a shipment to one of the DDGs that was getting ready to leave Bath Iron Works after a recent overhall. When we returned from the magazines everyone was gathered around the TV. We all felt helpless and angry. Shortly afterwards we got the call to move all the ordnance to the ship that day.

Response by SSgt Kevin Albeck made Dec 18 at 2013 10:10 AM

SSgt Kevin Albeck — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 10:10:50 -0500

On Sept 11, 2001 I was at Fort Drum NY with the 20th ASOS.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 2:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:53:53 -0500

I was a SSG stationed in Baumholder, GE. We were prepping for a live fire at Graf and everyone was running around the BN area loading equipment when the Staff Duty runner came out and said that a plane had just flown into one of the twin towers. We all assumed it was a horrible accident at first and ran to the nearest TV . . . just in time to see the second jet hit. Recalling it still gives me chills and, for us "Old Guys/Gals", our lives were changed forever.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 9:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:41:14 -0500

TASK FORCE FALCON...Camp Able Sentry...woke up from afternoon nap just in time to see the second tower come down...when I got the call that the towers fell...my response was (pardon the expression) "quit bullshittin that is not funny...those buildings are designed to take a beating from the weather" so imagine my shock to come to coherence turn the tv on just in time to see the second tower give way and come crashing down....I still remember it like it was yesterday

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2013 4:40 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 04:40:17 -0500

I was on my way to school. However, this event changed my life and I have decided to do something meaningful with my life.

Response by SSG John Mendyka made Dec 21 at 2013 3:22 AM

SSG John Mendyka — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 03:22:09 -0500

I was paying my insurance in Kitzingen Germany. The owner had the door locked so I knocked and he came in and was talking about watching planes fly into buildings in NY. I thought he was watching some kind of movie.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 3:38 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 03:38:48 -0500

I was on my way to class, it was my first day of high school, and I just saw parents, in their pajamas, coming in to get their children. In the principle's office they had just rolled out the tv, when the second plane hit, and everyone in the hallway, and room went dead silent. I remember that my bedroom window faced due west, and I was able to see the smoke from the towers every time I looked outside from my room. We lived 50ish miles away from Manhattan at the time.

Response by PFC Ian Smith made Dec 21 at 2013 10:57 AM

PFC Ian Smith — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 10:57:12 -0500

I was a PFC at Ft. Hood, with the 544th Maint. Battalion, I was in the middle of doing PMCS on an LMTV. I will never forget when CWO came out and said " y'all need to come inside their is something you need to see."

Response by SPC Matt Sullivan made Dec 21 at 2013 8:55 PM

SPC Matt Sullivan — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 20:55:01 -0500

I was on leave staying with my mother-in-law and on the way to visiting Ft. Bliss when the bus driver told me I had to get off before the gate because the site was closed for the first time in a long while. While I walked to my old unit there there was no one left that I remembered so I went back to mother-in-laws house and watched the news there. I caught some of the coverage of the Twin towers burning and called up my platoon sergeant to find out what this was all about and to leave my number in case I needed to catch a flight back to Campbell. He gave me the news that it was an attack and that it wasn't just the towers but the Pentagon as well. While I got to finish my leave in El Paso the rest of time at Campbell was spent on alert until I eventually ets'd in February.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 5:20 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 17:20:59 -0500

On that day I was in NYC, assigned to a USAR unit in Long Island. By the end of the day we were mobilized for security operations around New York.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 1:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 01:24:04 -0500

i was shooting bradley table 8 gunnery in ft benning ga....before i went up to fire the XO told us to pack up everything to head back to main post....all he told us was the US was under attack, so as a young SPC im thinking the whole ride back we just got bombed by china or russia and WW3 was about to kick off.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2013 9:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 09:46:50 -0500

Mannheim GE waiting for my wife to get out of the promotion board with her soldier, in time for end of day formation. The next six months were a blur. 12 on 12 off!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2013 1:04 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 01:04:17 -0500

I was on my way into CTK at Pope AFB, when all of a sudden someone came running by me to turn the TV on. We had no idea what was going on.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2013 11:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 11:58:52 -0500

I was a boot on Staff Duty at Ft Wainwright. Having no clue what the hell threat con DELTA was when the BDE Staff Duty called telling me to lock things down. It was like 4 a.m so I was a little less than on point. Then got yelled at by my CSM for having the TV on, lol.

Response by MSgt Gary Best made Dec 27 at 2013 10:20 PM

MSgt Gary Best — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 22:20:24 -0500

Andrews AFB, MD at the Pentagon two days later handing out fuel to the workers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2013 7:04 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 07:04:20 -0500

HHC 1-229th AVN REGT at FT Bragg had the morning off. We were coming in in the afternoon to do a convoy live fire range. We had a formation in are motorpool at 11 am or so. During this formation are commander told us we had been attacked and by July we were in Afghanistan.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Dec 28 at 2013 8:31 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 08:31:44 -0500

Sitting at my duty station next to my Gunny who was a survivor of the Beirut bombing.

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Dec 28 at 2013 6:46 PM

SFC Steven Harvey — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 18:46:26 -0500

I was a PFC back then when the Company Commander called an immediate formation in the motorpool. He said there had been a plane crash into the World Trade Center and the first thing I thought was "What is the WTC and why is this important". Most all of us thought it was just a prop plane or something. He released us to go call family so we knew it was something outside the norm. So we went into the chow hall on CFK in Darmstadt, Germany and the cooks had it on the TV.

No one got food (I can't remember if it was lunch or after 1300 I believe it was after), no one was sitting down. We watched the second plane hit and after a few minutes a MSG came in and said GTFO and report to your companies for ammo draw.

If you were in Germany during this time you had to pull a lot of patrols and security because all family housing and facilities off posts (there were dozens in Darmstadt alone) had no fences, blockades, etc. So the whole Battalion for awhile was pulling guard duty until we could secure those locations. A company was called up to go to Afghanistan and later iirc we left 2 months prior to OIF kicking off.

Response by SPC Andrew Craig made Dec 28 at 2013 10:16 PM

SPC Andrew Craig — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 22:16:30 -0500

i was on my third day of hometown recruiting-no one showed up and i spent 2 hours waiting for the recruiter to get there, finally i got fed up and went home to my wife, an hour later my buddy from ait called me and said to turn on the tv.thats how i found out. my recruiter called a while later and told me to stay home,don't wear anything military.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2013 9:41 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 21:41:36 -0500

I was in my physics class for nuclear power school in South Carolina. I still had a few more months before being sent to prototype in New York.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2013 10:07 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 22:07:09 -0500

I was participating in a war fighting exercise that morning in Germany. We had the TVs on like any other day and the rest is now history. I worked in a Division ACE at the time. Once we determined what happened we spent the next 72 hours working.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 10:53 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 10:53:39 -0500

I was knee deep in C-130 propeller maintenance with the 314th MXS at Little Rock AFB when it happened. Shop all but shut down as we watched it unfold and waited for orders.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 2:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 14:40:58 -0500

Back then PFC Jennings. I was on the night shit that month, so I just woke up. Did my wake up regiment of turning on the TV while I start my day. By the time I turned on the TV the first plane had already crash. I was half sleep and didn't pay any mind at first. I thought it was a commercial or preview for a movie. After two minute of coverage I realized otherwise. That's when the second plane hit. I immediately stared at my phone for missed calls and started inventorying and repacking my A and B bag. AH-64D Apache Battalion 1-227 Fort Hood Texas

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 5:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:55:45 -0500

I was a SSG stationed in Hohenfels, Germany with the 1-4 Infantry (OPFOR). We had just finished repairing the companies vehicles from their after ops PMCSs and were headed back to the office when the Team Chief met us about half way (which of course never happened unless something was up). We got the news and were sent home. We spent most of the night watching the news and videos. Coming in the next morning the line was backed up for a couple of miles. I was very surprised by all of the work that was done overnight to create vehicle inspection areas. The Army and the world have never been same. "Never Forget".

Response by SSG Craig Lawrence made Dec 30 at 2013 10:13 PM

SSG Craig Lawrence — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:13:45 -0500

I was on my way to basic training

Response by SSgt Nolan Hernandez made Dec 30 at 2013 10:42 PM

SSgt Nolan Hernandez — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:42:53 -0500

I was attending a Base In-Processing brief at Ramstein AB, held at the old E-Club, when I saw the news unfolded on one of the TVs. Shortly afterwards, I was re-assigned to base security forces as a Readiness Augmentee for the next few months. I was one of the few non-security NCOs assigned to Ramstein's busiest gates. It all felt surreal but participating in various training exercises in Korea months prior really paid off. It kept me sharp and vigilant on the job.

Response by LT Stephen Amiaga made Dec 30 at 2013 11:59 PM

LT Stephen Amiaga — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 23:59:30 -0500

I was out already, (working with my office in mid-town Manhattan) but I can tell you that I received my discharge (DD-214) shortly before then, from the IRR (non-drilling) reserves, and I was upset that I'd been "retired" for "failure to promote" 3 years in a row. Not to mention that I hadn't done anything that would have RATED a promotion to LCDR. After 9/11/01, a lot of IRR guys got "upped" to SelRes or ADSW. Shortly after then, I had a wife, a mortgage, and my first kid on the way, so the discharge was actually a benefit. Of course, I'm proud of everyone who continued to serve, and if the Canadian hoardes come over the border, I'll help push them back north, but otherwise, I'm done. I spent 9/11 with LT Chris King, my best friend from the ship, the best guy to go through a crisis with. Our wives couldn't have been safer than being with us on that day.

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 7:02 AM

CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 07:02:03 -0500

I was in my 4th week of recruit training at TRACEN Cape May, NJ.

One of our squad bay leaders was a NY City cop and his wife worked in the second tower. She escaped before the towers fell.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 4:42 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 16:42:06 -0500

I had just learned a few days before that I had been selected for SSgt. I was on the Pistol Range just outside Camp Margarita at Camp Pendleton while assigned to the 1st Marine Division; MajGen Conway was the CG, LtGen Hagee was the I MEF CG and BG Mattis was his Deputy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2013 10:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 22:40:23 -0500

I like this question. I was actually listening to music with a buddy of mine in his his truck, parked on old iron sides on Fort Hood, waiting for our battalion motorpool formation...wow, back in the 13th SIG BN, 1ST CAV days.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2014 1:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 01:52:35 -0500

I was a Wildland Firefighter in California just finishing up the season out there and getting ready to head home for the season when it happened. I was at the station when it happened and we had just finished training for the day. Suddenly, we were notified what was going on and we were put on alert as we were not sure what was going to happen. We were not sure if we were going to have to flex into Sacramento if they were going to be targeted etc. At the end of the shift, I was able to check on my family and ensure that they were ok, my daughter was very young at the time, however she knew that things were wrong. My wife told me later that she wanted to know why people were crashing planes into our buildings. I waited a while to see how things flushed out and then I joined the Navy Reserves, because I was still trying to get picked up full time out in CA as a wildland firefighter. I could not get deployed though, then Iraq kicked off so we were in two wars and I bunred out on being an EMT and decided it would be more fun to try and take lives than save them so I got released from the Navy Reserves, went AD Army as a Tanker with the full intention of deploying to combat as soon as possible. It was off from there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2014 7:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 07:21:06 -0500

I was in what was called BNCOC at the time at Fort Knox, KY. We all thought the SGL's were playing a joke. When they put it on the TV we knew it wasn't.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2014 10:18 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 10:18:39 -0500

I was at my first base, McChord AFB, just 6 months when 9/11 happened, it was the longest most terrifying day ever.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2014 5:40 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jan 2014 17:40:13 -0500

I was in flight on my way back to McGuire on a C-141B following an air refueling over Main. We where descending over Road Island when we received the call from New York center. We proceeded to McGuire direct to the sea-isle approach. You could see the smoke from tower 1 for miles.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jan 2 at 2014 4:26 AM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 04:26:04 -0500

I was standing in the door of my barracks room at OMC Co, on Pulgas; then the radio started squawking.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2014 4:33 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 04:33:13 -0500

I was just about to go to the final formation of the day in Bamberg, Germany when someone came out with the news. We were all told to stay near phones (before the smartphone days) and be alert. I lived in stairwell housing and a lot of folks were out on their balconies blasting patriotic songs and waving flags. Remember that flag spirit? One thing I will never forget was the line of traffic to get on the post the next day. It took me almost nine hours.

Response by MSgt Dan Hurley made Jan 2 at 2014 1:22 PM

MSgt Dan Hurley — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 13:22:51 -0500

I remember it very well setting in my office going over hotel billings for the base when I received a call from my Chief who was in the hospital watching TV and from that time on everyone's life changed.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 7:27 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 19:27:05 -0500

fort stewart... in the motor pool

Response by CW4 John Beebe, BS, DML made Jan 3 at 2014 7:55 PM

CW4 John Beebe, BS, DML — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 19:55:25 -0500

I was on my way to work. I nearly hit the front door and heard it taking place on the radio. After stopping to turn on the TV and watch the first tower burning, I watched the second plane hit. Being in what was the Army's only Airborne MP Battalion, I took off to work as I knew we were going to be called up for this one. Upon arrival to work, I found out the Pentagon was hit, too. 5 days later we were on our way to the Pentagon to provide security for then next 9 months.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Jan 3 at 2014 9:51 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 21:51:37 -0500

I was 11 years old, in the 6th grade, in middle school eating lunch. Being right next to DC, we were released from school early.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2014 4:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 16:13:34 -0500

I was at the CJSOTF-Sarajevo, on radio watch. I had CNN on, saw the second plane hit the towers, then ran into the 2 shop saying '"You may want to turn on the news!" We were locked down for 5 days with most of the other commas guys out and about, and unable to get back. By the time everyone made it back, I was a zombie, basically living in front of the radios the whole time.

Response by SFC Erich Pyles made Jan 4 at 2014 9:22 PM

SFC Erich Pyles — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 21:22:42 -0500

I was an E-5 stationed at Ft. Irwin, CA, HHT 2/11 CAV- My self and the CSM was getting ready to go on a run when the Staff Duty runner came out side and told us that the World Trade Center had just been hit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 8:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 08:31:49 -0500

I was sitting in a class for automotive technology. I was in the Michigan National Guard at the time. Still remember gas prices going up over 11 dollars a gallon at the gas station across the street.

Response by CAPT Gary Foster made Jan 5 at 2014 8:38 PM

CAPT Gary Foster — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 20:38:59 -0500

I was deployed during an annual nuclear command and control exercise. It had been moved to an earlier time frame in the year instead of the usual time in October. We had five of our aircraft airborne on alert when it went down. My staff had to talk the FAA out of landing our aircraft at any airport, due to security concerns with our comsec onboard. It is the only time I have seen an actual DEFCON Three declaration, followed by ESCAT and SCATANA, two programs designed to limit air traffic over the US during an Air Defense Emergency. Quite the historic timeframe. I have never been more proud of the men and women I served with that day.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jan 5 at 2014 9:14 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 21:14:11 -0500

I was stationed at Eglin AFB, FL, 46th TW, 46th MXS E&E Backshop, when we were attacked on Sept 11, 2001. It seemed like a normal day until the radio station said the World Trade Center was hit. Not knowing what was going on. We listened as the 2nd Trade center was hit, then we heard the Pentagon was hit. We went to Delta right afterwards. Then the order for all non-essential personnel were told to go home. That included us in the TW. I will tell you, that was the most nail biting experience I have been thru.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 9:05 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 09:05:10 -0500

I was on the way to Korea, I didn't know what was going on until we landed and saw the security level increased at all the installations. When I got to my unit I heard what happened and was locked down for the first two months I was there.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jan 7 at 2014 2:06 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 14:06:43 -0500

I was working as a registered nurse at a hospital here in Northeastern PA about 30 minutes by air from NYC. After the first plane hit, we thought it was a terrible accident. I turned on the TV for our patients to see it just as the second plane hit. Within an hour they called for disaster alert for our hospital to start taking patients from NYC. My unit was never really figured into the hospitals disaster plans so I formed my own immediately, called administration & got their okay. I transferred all of our patients out to other places & we waited for the incoming patients. The facility only took about 2 patients from NYC. There just weren't anymore.

Response by SFC John Brooks made Jan 7 at 2014 3:04 PM

SFC John Brooks — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 15:04:19 -0500

I was a SPC, in the Army for 2 years helping start up the first Stryker Brigade. I'd gotten a call before I left my apartment to come in early and go to sick call and check on a squadmate. I walked into the building, made sure my battle was OK, and saw the news on my way out. I called my NCO and told him what was going on, he told me to go home to my family until work call and come back in. Then next month we were informed of our pending deployment and that we needed to prepare the Army's newest Brigade for combat qualification.

Response by PFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 10:54 PM

PFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 22:54:50 -0500

I was sitting in my 1st grade classroom. I pretty much knew my destiny as those towers fell-- here I am today.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 4:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 16:51:40 -0500

I was in Basic Combat Training. I joined 22 August 2001.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 8:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 20:14:35 -0500

I was on a job interview in Queens, NYC. My wife was working at an office in Midtown, about 20 blocks north of Ground Zero. I walked over the 59th Street bridge into Manhattan against the tides of people trying to leave. The cell phone network was completely overloaded so no calls were getting through; I finally made it to her office and we all huddled in her boss's office watching the news until about 9pm when they finally opened the subways so we could get back to our apartment in Brooklyn. Even there you could smell the burning steel and plastic for weeks. Just last week we had to have one of our safes cut into and the smell of the burnt metal took me right back to that day.

A couple of weeks later I was in the recruiter's office.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 1:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 13:12:46 -0500

Respond to original question…I was in day 3 of an AEE (annual External Evaluation) of my unit and although it happened on a Tuesday, we didnt leave the field until that Friday. To further show my age, we had to roll our sleeves down and prepare for around the clock patrol. Ft. Sill, OK 1/17 FA (Diamond Brigade, Copperhead Medic)

Response by 1SG Alan Bailey made Jan 9 at 2014 3:17 PM

1SG Alan Bailey — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 15:17:45 -0500

I was a Drill Sergeant at Ft. Sill, OK had Soldiers gettting ready to step off to training. Realized I was the DS ready to go, walked into the training room to see everyone watching TV, asked what the hell, we should be at training. Then watched as the second plan crashed into the tower. We had to roll a TV out for all the trainies to watch and than let them try and contact families that livied or worked in New York.

The one thing that happened the Soldiers motiavation to really learn and train went sky high.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 3:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 15:33:59 -0500

I was a SPC at Fort Meade, MD. I remember some one saying that one of the towers was hit. Many of us went an watched the news when we saw the towers fall. Shortly later we were all told to leave the building and go home. That was a .. day I will never forget.

Response by GySgt Lawrence Banks made Jan 10 at 2014 7:50 PM

GySgt Lawrence Banks — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 19:50:19 -0500

After 21 years in the Marine Corps I was headed out the door to chemistry class.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 12:54 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 00:54:06 -0500

This was my third week of BRM AT Ft Benning. Our DS halted operations to pull us off the range and set us up in the bleachers. They told us what happened, then said for all you privates that joined for the college money "you're all F*****d. You're about to actually earn it". Then sent us back out to the range. I shot expert that day.

Response by SFC Aaron Finley made Jan 11 at 2014 1:04 PM

SFC Aaron Finley — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 13:04:32 -0500

I was stationed at Fort Drum but was currently at JRTC (Fort Polk) conducting a field training exercise. I remember a civilian driving his POV into the middle of the camp opening all the doors to his vehicle, turning up his radio as far as he could, as we all surrounded his vehicle and listened in on what was taking place in New York. We all where in disbelief as we surrounded the vehicle we all joined hands and hoped for the best (a very powerful moment). The command automatically put the FTX in a PauseX so we all could get back to main post to a phone to call back to New York to see if our families where okay. I very scary moment for all.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2014 3:27 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 15:27:54 -0500

I was going to a police check on a prospective recruit while on recruiting duty in Wisconsin. I got a call from my 1SG to go back to the RS and turn the TV on. We had no idea phow much our lives changed after that fateful day.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Jan 11 at 2014 9:06 PM

MSgt John Taylor — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:06:50 -0500

I was an APG Flt chief at RAF Lakenheath, UK, knee deep in EPRs

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Jan 11 at 2014 9:07 PM

MSgt John Taylor — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:07:51 -0500

I was an APG flt chief at RAF Lakenheath, UK. Knee deep in EPRs

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 11 at 2014 10:08 PM

SFC James Baber — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:08:00 -0500

I think this is a good thread for those we are trying to get to join can see the substance of some things we discuss between us as current and former military, soft spoken as well as informational and mentoring types of postings.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 7:57 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 19:57:59 -0500

I was in the field shooting artillery in Fort Bragg when we heard the news through FM radio. We all thought someone was playing a joke. Once they confirmed it was true I was shocked and in awe. I am from NY and went to H.S. a couple of blocks away from the World Trade Center.

Response by SCPO Douglas Stewart made Jan 14 at 2014 1:34 PM

SCPO Douglas Stewart — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 13:34:05 -0500

I was stationed with an unit at Fort Meade, Md. It was a strange and scary day. My wife worked downtown, close to the Pentagon. Didn't hear from her for several hours.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2014 6:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 18:14:31 -0500

I was in Yokota, Japan and it was about 10p at night getting ready for bed when my neighbor rushed over and asked if my wife and I were seeing what was going on. We went to his house astonished at what was developing with the second plane hitting the towers - live! That was encouragement to finish my degree and attend OCS.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2014 8:46 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 20:46:12 -0500

I had just came back from Basic. I went between me junior and senior year of High School in the DEP Program. I was walking into my JROTC class where our LT had the TV turned to the news.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2014 9:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 21:02:49 -0500

i was in reception at fort Jackson South Carolina i remember like it was yesterday.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2014 4:54 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 04:54:00 -0500

I was 16 years old and a senior in high school sitting in my homeroom class on 9/11. As soon as we walked in the class the teacher had the TV on and we watched as the 1st tower burned and shortly after we watched as the 2nd plane crashed into the towers. We were all in tears and couldn't believe what was happening. I joined the military directly after my 17th birthday in 2002.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 5:43 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 05:43:33 -0500

I was Stationed on the USS Tarawa out of San Diego California. I was in the second day of EMT School and we had just finished taking our first test that I actually passed. The professor turned on the TV and it was the plane crashing into the first tower. Being Military Police, I immediately called my command and I was recalled to the ship for Port and Report(Starboard). We went into delta immediately and since we were in Dry dock we were the only ship to not get underway. I was living on a berthing barge at the end of the pier. After that they put a Stop loss on my rate and no MA's could get out of the Navy. I reenlisted shortly after for 6 years and here I am at 17 now. Long time ago but I remember that day very clearly. I never did get to go back for EMT School. I do miss being on a Ship though!!!!

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Jan 17 at 2014 9:04 AM

CWO2 Shelby DuBois — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 09:04:39 -0500

I had been retired since 95, but called HQ Marine Corps and offered to go back on active duty. Even be a recruiter if it would help free up Marines to flesh out manpower. Was told that they were not going to call back retired, at that point anyway, but thanks anyway. One of the few times in my Marine life when I was truly pissed at the Corps.

Response by PO2 Ian Anderson made Jan 17 at 2014 12:19 PM

PO2 Ian Anderson — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 12:19:21 -0500

I was at the Veterans Administration in Washington DC. We were evacuated to Lafayette Park and release after an hour and ordered to go home. I lived in Baltimore at the time, it took 9 hours to get home that day.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2014 8:41 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 20:41:18 -0500

I was in Camp Eagle, Korea. I had walked down to work to call HRC to discuss my next duty assignment. I was explaining to my branch manager that Fort Campbell was a better decision instead of the planned Fort Bragg. He put me on hold then came back 10 minutes later and told me something important was happening and he had to go. I was sooooooo mad that he cut me off and wouldn't talk about other options. I got back to my room and my roommate told me to sit down and watch the TV.

I saw the first tower on fire and saw the second plane hot the 2nd tower. I found out about the pentagon getting hit and immediately felt like an ass for thinking my branch manager was blowing me off.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2014 10:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 22:27:05 -0500

My best friend and I were in second grade, when the invasion happened we both swore to join the Army, fast forward ten years and we did.

Response by CW3 Michael Danberry made Jan 18 at 2014 10:35 PM

CW3 Michael Danberry — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 22:35:49 -0500

I was stationed in Des Moines, IA and was attending a class on some STAMIS computer. Our building went on lock down, and we started having gate guards at our Reserve Center. My unit did not deploy until January 2003.

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Jan 18 at 2014 10:52 PM

SSG Jason Neumann — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 22:52:29 -0500

I was stationed at Fort Campbell and coming back from the DFAC. I saw numerous personnel run, yelling and telling us to head back to companies. We then started to turn on the radio's and listen to what was going on. Once SHTF, we started prepping our gear and waiting for orders to come on down to load up. We were about to head to JRTC. We spent the next few days on lockdown conducting patrols on the base, then got released by platoons to get the rest of our gear. If you left post, you were not coming back on post that day. Once everyone got their A/B bag's we left for JRTC, I think we were in the box for 10 days, total time down there I do believe around three weeks. We then got back and continued to conduct patrols on foot and D Co ( WPN Company) did mounted patrols in the Housing Areas. It was crazy since .50 cal, M240's were mounted and the other companies laid in fighting positions at intersections. Craziness....... but it was interesting and an experience I or WE will never forget.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 19 at 2014 7:14 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 19:14:02 -0500

Working my civilian job as a training manager for Hertz Car Rental near O'Hare. We were sent over to the airport to help assist customers who could not fly anymore. It was eery seeing one of the world's busiest airports so quiet. In the early afternoon, one single plane took off probably headed to NYC or Washington with government investigators on board.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 8:40 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 20:40:20 -0500

I was in Staten Island in the guard. I have already did my initial enlistment on active duty from Fort Bragg 96-99. I was working for my brother installing hardwood floors. One of the guys working with us was a firefighter who was stationed in midtown Manhattan. He lost most of his company. I reenlisted back on active duty status 1 mon later.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 2:38 AM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 02:38:21 -0500

I was stationed onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) and was walking out of the reactor spaces when the XO came across the 1MC and announced the attacks and that we were on lock down and immediate orders to possibly deploy. We were locked down for 3 days and ended up deploying to the North Arabian Sea on 19 Nov 2001. Spent the next 159 days at sea launching aircraft and dropping a ton of ordnance.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 22 at 2014 4:01 PM

SFC James Baber — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 16:01:46 -0500

Chief, That is funny because I had a few friends that were already retired or had gotten out in the previous year (2001) that were either called back to duty since there was still contract obligations or were offered the opportunity to come back in based on specialty and shortages. I myself was already at my 18 year mark at the time of the attacks and had considered medical retirement about a year earlier due to some previous injuries but had had another surgery to do further repairs to be able to stay in.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Jan 22 at 2014 4:03 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 16:03:38 -0500

Traveling on a commuter bus to my Job, retired 5 years at that point, will never forget that day.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 22 at 2014 6:38 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:38:25 -0500

Chief; I was a Major in Foreign Air Command Staff College with the Venezuelan Air Force in Caracas Venezuela. I was the only American at the "Escuela Superior de Guerra Aerea" (Air University equivalent) and a student in a class of 36 (32 Venezuelans, 1 from Brazil, 1 from Peru, 1 from Dominican Republic and of course me). Several of my fellow classmates and I were in the breakroom when we saw the news on TV. The kind words of support and expressions of sympathy from faculty and students was very heart warming...although I was the only American in the whole school , I did not feel alone.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 7:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 19:31:29 -0500

I was working as a marine electronics technician down at the former MOTB (Military Ocean Terminal, Bayonne (NJ) installing a new dredge control system on a barge. The former MOTB was about 4.5 miles from the Towers.

I remember the drive into work: it was a very beautiful morning; watching the sun rise up above the Twin Towers.

Around 8:50 that morning, I was told that one of the towers was on fire. When I walked down onto the dock, I just couldn't believe my eyes. Unfortunately the worse was yet to come.

Approximately 12 minutes, I saw a passenger airplane flying low and fast right above me. I knew that was not good. somehow, I knew that it was the second plane, but I didn't know where it was heading to until I saw the bright flash when United flight 175 hit the South Tower. 20 seconds later was when I heard the explosion.

You stand there helpless while both towers are on fire. One could only feel for the lives that were lost at that moment, still not knowing that more would perish.

Less than an hour later was when I saw the first tower come down. It collapsed in silence, but only to hear the sound of the collapsing tower about 20 seconds later. I could not comprehend what that sound was until I saw the second tower collapse. It sounded like a runaway train erupting from Hell.

After that second tower collapsed, I was in pure and utter disbelief. After the Pentagon was hit, the barge crew members got to their rental cars and just drove back home to be with their families down South. I drove back to my place a couple of hours later, just in complete shock.

Several weeks earlier, I had just signed up as a volunteer firefighter. That afternoon on 9/11, I was sitting in the fire house watching the news with the other volunteer fire fighters. Our department was not called for the recovery efforts.

I will always remember 9/11. My heart still goes out to those innocent souls who had perished and to their families.

NEVER FORGET

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 8:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 20:06:10 -0500

Im not sure if you have noticed Chief, but such question has been raised already "

Are you experienced? Where were you during 11 Sept 2001? " but , no problem. I happened to be mobilizing at Fort Dix, NJ. I was going to Bosnia and Herzegovina as a Ammunition Specialist.

Are you experienced? Where were you during 11 Sept 2001?

This question is geared toward those who were in the service when this happened, (Old Guy/Gals I know...)however all responses are welcome.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 8:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 20:44:03 -0500

Chief, funny you ask that question, I was in 7th grade in Spanish class. They had stopped class and turned on the news and we watched the news the rest of the day.

Response by PO1 Thomas B. made Jan 22 at 2014 8:50 PM

PO1 Thomas B. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 20:50:46 -0500

I was at work in a Wayne County (Michigan) building, listening to the radio as it unfolded. Word was quickly passed around for everyone to go home just in case the attacks became more widespread.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 8:51 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 20:51:17 -0500

I was in 5th grade computer class. A teacher came in, and asked if anyone had relatives working in the towers, a few of is raised our hands, and a few minutes later we were taken from class and our parents came to get us. In the mean time we asked why she was wondering, and our teacher said "maybe they're planning a field trip" which looking back is kind of funny. My dad was working on the 103rd floor of the north tower as an electrician at the time with local union #3. By the time I got home both towers had fallen, and I couldn't get in touch with him. Turns out he was off that day getting knee surgery in NJ that's the main reason I joined the Army. Thank god for my dad's bad knees haha.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 9:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 21:24:43 -0500

I was in Baumholder Germany working on my "Hum-V" changing it from a 2 door to a 4 door and we were just about to hold COB. They put us on lock down and we were "lucky" to watch all the idiot reporters back home blowing smoke out their butts having no clue what they were talking about,nor have they ever since. My favorite was the dummy who said, "All U.S. forces in Europe are standing guard with full gear and weapons". While I was standing there in my barracks room in pajamas and slippers sippin on some chocolate... smh.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 9:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 21:57:39 -0500

I was walking out of my room, bag in hand, ready to head out to MEPS. I looked at the TV, which my step-mother was watching, just in time to see the second tower get hit. I immediately dropped my bag and sat on the couch. I was supposed to report to MEPS on the 12th. I didn't start my contract until the 17th due to the lack of transportation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 11:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 23:47:14 -0500

I was a SGT working in the J2 of AFSOUTH in Southern Italy. It was afternoon for us, but we always had a CNN feed running on a B&W TV in the office. After the second plane came into view behind the anchor's head, I knew. Then the Pentagon, and I prayed for my friends there. I had my wife recording the news feed at home on a VCR. I told her I didn't care what was on the tape, to tape over it. At the time our focus was on the Balkans. I was sent home, and was approached by Italian media several times as I sat in line waiting to enter my housing complex. The next day at work, the stodgy old British Colonel I worked for took the map of the Balkans off the wall and replaced it with Afghanistan. I began reading everything I could about the British and Soviet experience in Afghanistan, and the lessons learned have proven to be true in most cases. Life for America and for the American Soldier changed as we knew it that day.

Response by LCDR Tj Oman made Jan 23 at 2014 12:50 AM

LCDR Tj Oman — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 00:50:55 -0500

I was on a flight... headed to the Pentagon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 5:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 05:39:02 -0500

I was at NTC in the begining of the rotation when that horrible attack happened I found out when I was on adetail and heard the radio talking about it and then My PLTSGT escorting me to a phone Because my father was in the Pentgon and we needed to find out if was ok. luckly He made it out but unfourtnly he lost alot of his colleages.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 3:11 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 03:11:58 -0500

I was at MCRD San Diego, Hotel Company PLT 2093, working in the Chow Hall on the line wondering why I hadnt heard any planes take off or land in a while.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jan 25 at 2014 5:03 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 05:03:59 -0500

I was deployed in Hungary in support of SFOR-8 and SFOR-9.

Response by SFC Phillip Barks made Jan 25 at 2014 5:24 AM

SFC Phillip Barks — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 05:24:53 -0500

I was a SPC new to the Active Army stationed at Fort Hood. The unit I was in was moving to the field that morning. We had just arrived at the FTX site and started setting up when the 1SG came through telling us to pack it all up, we were going back to garrison.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 25 at 2014 5:27 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 05:27:32 -0500

I (SSG Davis-then) was at Fort Lewis, Washington on Range 39 at the Defensive Livefire, Range conducting a Squad Live Fire Exercise. I was the Battalion Ammunition Land Manager for the 57th Transportation Battalion. I was going back to take some residue and put it in the motorpool. It was about 630 in the morning. I saw a lot of traffic backed up on I-5, I asked somebody in traffic, and turned the radio on and it was on every radio station. I was devastated and in shock, the chain of command had a talk with us and let us know about the terrorist attack, training was postpone. The post was in paranoia, we had to show IDs to get in the company areas, and put up barriers in the work parking lots(trailers). It was weird, but that was the state of mind everybody was in. I have since been to Iraq 3 times, Kuwait 1 time and Afghanistan. Yes I have put my time in to make a difference and contribute to freedom/democracy. I would do it all over also in the last 13 years, it was a honor.

Response by CPO Rob Schrader made Jan 25 at 2014 7:42 AM

CPO Rob Schrader — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 07:42:13 -0500

I was at work with the NJDEP Emergency Response Team. By the end of the day I was order ,with the Atlantic Strike team., By Thursday morning I was at ground zero

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 25 at 2014 10:04 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 10:04:17 -0500

For the next thirty days, I was assisting as part of an ad-hoc DoD Casualty Assistance Center set up in Crystal City, VA. All of the families of the victims of the Pentagon attacks were brought in. I remember sitting in on briefings that were held twice a day to give updates to the family members on the progress being made in recovery efforts. I remember listening as remains were recovered, some remains as small as the tip of a finger, DNA matches were made and familes were notified. It was our mission to assist in taking the families through all of the steps with regards to filing claims, death benefits, burial coordination, etc. As a SSG(P), it was my introduction to the duties of a Casualty Assistance Officer. However during this time, there were five of us who handled all of the familes from the victims who were members of the Army. Each branch of service had their own representatives. It was a duty that I remember vividly as one of the longest 30 day periods of my life and also one of the most fulfilling. We helped the families, made a difference and I am exrtrmely proud of that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 12:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 12:09:57 -0500

RTSing at my first unit after I returned from combat medic school. 1 year before I went AGR.

Response by MSgt Ryan Tanner made Jan 25 at 2014 1:59 PM

MSgt Ryan Tanner — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 13:59:41 -0500

Figure I should add mine, since I asked the question....

I was a young SSgt Security Forces member stationed at Andrews AFB, MD, assigned to Presidential Support. I had just got home and it had been a long week, much less a long year of constantly being away for much of 2001. The night of 10 Sep 2001 was very odd to say the least as there were many things going on in the way of National level emergency preparedness. After I'd arrived at the house after a nightshift, I hit the bed and my wife woke me up for the first plane. I watched it and said "Well the NSTB is gonna be busy this week", and I drifted off again. My wife woke me up for the second plane, and I got up and told her we were under attack and it was likely Bin Laden, whom I'd had intimate knowledge of since 1995. I rolled back into work but had to cut through Washington D.C. due to traffic issues and that's when I saw the Pentagon. After living in D.C. for a couple years, I'd always assumed that if any major emergency event happened, folks would turn on each other like drowning rats. However this day people bonded together and stood side by side to help each other, truly amazing. I finally arrived at the main gate at Andrews AFB, and noticed a small U.S. Flag laying in the street, it was one of those small door window type flags, but I stopped my vehicle anyway, got out and picked it up off the street. After that it was approximately 70 days straight that we worked in FPCON Delta and was pretty much a blur...but this day will always be fused into my mind.

Response by SGT(P) Kenneth Jones made Jan 26 at 2014 1:52 AM

SGT(P) Kenneth Jones — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 01:52:19 -0500

i had just got shot down by the marines after completing the dep program and passing it again. i also was lead maintence tech on 2nd shift for wabash national trailer company in lafayette indiana.

Response by SSG Bill Sier made Jan 26 at 2014 8:18 AM

SSG Bill Sier — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 08:18:29 -0500

I was an Army contractor, workig at the Digital Training Facility on Ft. Riley. We had a class of officers and DA civilians in one of the rooms, so I left them to whatever they were learning. Shortly one of them came to me and said "A plane just flew into the World Trade Center." I said "A small plane?" and he said "No, an airliner." Whomever was doing the class had switched from class content to the CNN live feed. We watched in silence until the 2nd plane hit. That seemed to break the spell, so they all got up and left. Eventually they declared all training cancelled so I went home.

I well remember the next morning a well. I drove from Manhattan through Ogden to get to work. Riley had been an open Post, with no gates or guards, but when I crested the hill above Ogden, There was a solid line of vehicles out the East Gate, through town Wand to just below the crest of the hill. As you came onto post, there was a HMMWV with an M2 HB mounted, surrounded by a squad of soldiers whom the day before had had no concerns except possibly going to NTC or whether their significant other was pregnant or an imgending IG inspection. FOrtunately, I had just gotten my vehicle registered and I had my Reserve I.D. Card, so I got through easily once I waited through the line.

Response by SGT Shawn Meredith made Jan 26 at 2014 9:33 PM

SGT Shawn Meredith — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 21:33:50 -0500

i was in boot camp at paris Island

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 1:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 01:44:53 -0500

I was a freshman in high school sitting in english class. with no other thought than vengence!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 9:26 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:26:42 -0500

I was a Specialist in 17th SWignal Battalion stationed on Larson Barracks, Kitzingen Germany. I was walking the line as we were preparing to rail load our trucks the next day for a field exercise in Poland. As I walked towards the MP gate, SGT Brown walked in, told us his wife just called him and said the Tower had a plane fly into it. We ran into the team room, turned on the tv and minutes later saw the second plane go into the second tower. we sat that for a moment analyzing what just happened, then we grabbed our stuff and headed for the arms room cause we knew we were going to be put into THREATCON Delta. Sure enough, we are sitting outside the arms room when 1SG walks up, looks at us and asks what we are doing, we told him waiting on our next set of orders cause we figured we would be on guard duty. he told us we were right and he had just gotten the call from the BN CSM to get a guard roster started. Post was locked down and we were the first ones on the gate.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 10:30 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 10:30:56 -0500

I am in the National Guard.
My civilian employer had the district manager come see me to explain
that I was taking too much time off for the National Guard. I worked security
on the weekends back then and a drill required me to have to have someone fill
my time on the weekends. Sometime very hard to get done but it was drill so
they had to let me off for it. I
explained how I could not be fired for my service in the National Guard but the
district manager said that he could only give overtime and some of the better
locations to those he could count on.

The next month September 11 happened. I couldn’t believe it, no one really could. I
showed up for work and they asked why I had come in. They had expected me to have been alerted. I
simply said “I was not among the ones who got called up to go to ground zero.”

I never heard another word about issues with working for the
National Guard. That district manager
soon left the company and I ended up staying with them until 2004.

For those who did not serve
before 9/11 it really was a different world; especially in the National
Guard. This was before all the new
equipment or the great training we received on the numerous deployments that
have occurred. Before 9/11 the concept
of the plug and play units between the active Army, National Guard and Reserves
really didn’t work that well. However today I would put the units in the
National Guard against any from the other components. That would be the biggest
change I have seen since 9/11.

Response by SMSgt Don Hemphill made Jan 28 at 2014 11:05 AM

SMSgt Don Hemphill — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 11:05:37 -0500

I was stationed at Suwon AB, Korea, when the attacks happened. My family was living in base housing at Barksdale, my prior assignment. We were on lockdown for a long period of time, and when we ventured out weeks later to Osan AB, it took hours in line to get through the only gate operating. Every single vehicle had to be manually inspected. Missed a few appointments that way, but a small price for security.

After the attacks, our security was much increased and we were much more cautious off-base and when flying. We ended up sending lots of support materials and vehicles to one of our bases to support a 'show of force' exercise. Those deployments continue today.

Heady times...

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Jan 28 at 2014 11:26 AM

1SG Shane Hansen — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 11:26:35 -0500

I was stationed in Sinai, Egypt as a SGT(P). I was on top of UH-1 Huey, helicopter, and we were putting the rotor blades back on. My 1SG came running through the hangar and gathered all of us up to come watch the news.

One week later, our camp was flooded with green berets arrived from the states waiting to get to Afghanistan.

Response by SGT Timothy Sowers made Jan 28 at 2014 11:31 AM

SGT Timothy Sowers — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 11:31:12 -0500

I was in the National Guard at that time with 38th signal bat. I was on my way to work in Indianapolis Indiana when I heard about the first plane. I called into work and told them that I may be getting a call. Not 30 seconds after I had hung up with them I got a call. The phone tree had been activated. I just turned around and headed home to get my gear. It was more for training I think seeing how we didn't go any where. we all showed up and got all of our gear together. Not long after that I went to the reserves with 3/411. then went active with 3/411 down in Camp Atterbury Indiana. We built 3 F.O.B.s and were in charge of vehicle training and much more for the troops leaving for over seas. And just let me tell you, I have major respect for those in charge of training. It hit me hard when I trained some more than once, and some didn't come back. I seen a change in some of them that was scary. On a lighter note during training, I did kick 2 captains out of my vehicle onto the side of the road during the night driving training because they decided to think that because their pay grade was higher than mine they were in charge and could do what ever they wanted. So they lit up a couple of smokes. So I kicked them out of the vehicle and drove away with an E-3. I went back and got them after we were done. Yes they were very mad and talked to my Col. I thought for sure he was going to have my butt. But instead he got my back. all that I heard was him going off on them. and then they had to retake training. With me as the trainer again. Not a word was said the whole time. (besides training Q&A). That felt good.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jan 28 at 2014 8:31 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 20:31:03 -0500

I was sitting in my room at the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, Korea, getting ready to DEROS back to the States the next morning (Seoul is 13hrs ahead of EST). Yeah....that didn't happen....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 12:01 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:01:33 -0500

On The Morning of Sept. 11 , I Was watching T.V. While Doing Push Ups, I got Up an Thought new Movie Started; Bad Surprise It was in every Chanel. Finally Enlisted 2002. Hoooaaa....

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 29 at 2014 11:53 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 23:53:27 -0500

I was headed to law class as a firstie (senior) at West Point. I ran into my roommate and he told me had happened. I thought he was joking. When I got to class, the TV was on showing what happened. In Robinson Auditorium they put it on the huge screen. After class we went by and just as I walked in, one of the towers went down. We realized that we would be one of the first classes to know that we would be in combat right after graduation since the Vietnam War.

Response by SPC Andrew Craig made Jan 30 at 2014 9:49 PM

SPC Andrew Craig — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 21:49:10 -0500

i was on day 3 of home town recruiting at the parma ohio recruiting office, none of the recruiters showed up,and i waited outside the office for 3 hours before giving up and going home to my wife. i got a phone call from a buddy from bct telling me to turn onthe tv, shortly there after ssg webster(recruiter) called and told me to stay home and wait for him to call.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 9:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 21:58:26 -0500

I was a PFC at Fort Bliss. Just finished PT for the morning. A morning just the same as nearly every single morning before. I can remember the cries of "We're going to war!" and hushed whispers of disbelief and horror as we watched the second plane hit in NYC on live TV.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 4:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 04:46:17 -0500

I was on the 2/4 MEU out in the Med 2nd BN 8th Marines Special Operations Capable 0311 Saw Gunner. we were doing peace keeping operations in Kosovo near the Macedonia border. It was funny because the Navy guys kept telling us the USS Kearsarge is a cursed ship and that everytime it goes on float something happens. that day, we were on another peace keeping op when the radio came to life and proclaimed "Radio Silence" 3 times which was SOP that commo has been compromised. I remember thinking "Holy Shit" what's going on. 5 minutes later the TOC ordered all patrols back to Seminole (COP Marines the Army built for us). Running...we got back to Seminole and the Marine on ECP claimed the twin towers, the white house and the pentagon was hit in a terrorist attack. Never believing what one Marine says we were like "Bullshit"!!! Than after hearing it from officers also it was true to us. Immediately our CO ordered roving patrols inside the perimeter of Seminole and he pieced together a small radio that broadcasted news. I remember feeling like WTF are we doing in Kosovo...we have to go NOW!!!. 2 hours later the CO informs us that we will be the tip of the spear for America's strike and that we had 24 hours to be back on the USS Kearsarge. Immediately a CH-47 landed took us back to Camp Bondsteel...off to Sardigna and back on the Kearsarge. I remember we had a formation on the flight deck where the ship's Captain officially raised the war flag. Proudest moment of my military career was when the chants of USA USA USA was coming from New York on AFN and we were the ones to get that revenge!!!!!
That's where I was on Sept 11 2001.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 5:22 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 05:22:22 -0500

I was in middle school. An announcement came over the intercom that I was being picked up early. I was excited and thought I was getting picked up to go to the movies which my dad did sometimes. I got just outside of the school with my dad when the principal came over the loudspeaker that the school was on lockdown until parents arrived. He took us home and we sat and watched the news. From that day on, I knew I was going to join the military as soon as I was old enough. I turned 17 a few years later and shipped off to basic.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 12:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 12:38:17 -0500

I was on patrol in Bosnia. The TOC came over the net saying to put on our body armor (which was only carried as a part of riot gear and stored in a tac box in the back of the HMMWV) and return to base immediately. We had no clue why. When we got to the barracks, a Soldier that stayed back was watching TV and we asked what the hell was going on to be told to put vests on. All he could do was point at the TV. Shortly after, we heard troops would go to Afghanistan. Although we were about a month from redeploying, we unanimously decided screw that, put us on a plane to Afghanistan. Of course that didn't happen, but we were all for it....

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Feb 1 at 2014 3:40 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 15:40:38 -0500

USS Carl Vinson, deployed

Response by SFC Alexander Vicente made Feb 2 at 2014 7:32 AM

SFC Alexander Vicente — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 07:32:16 -0500

I was sitting in the Falcon DFAC in Fort Bragg when I watched the second aircraft strike the twin towers. The day prior we had assumed DRB 1 so I knew for certain we were gonna get the call to deploy forward. We never got the call in the days and weeks that followed 9-11 but we were ready to respond had they call on us.

Response by SSgt Jason Goodman made Feb 4 at 2014 8:13 AM

SSgt Jason Goodman — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 08:13:22 -0500

621st AMOS, McGuire AFB, NJ. We had just gotten to our building from morning PT and started our daily routine of checking, rechecking, rerechecking our equipment and testing new equipment. Our commander came out to the warehouse wheeling a TV and called us all over to watch. He had seen coverage of the first plane hitting and we all saw the second plane hit live. At that moment he told us we had 48 hours to have all teams prepped and on planes headed for undisclosed locations. Unfortunately for one of our teams they were on the tail end of an exercise in North Africa and got a call that their trip was being extended.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 4:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 16:20:36 -0500

Had just completed morning PT while in the Marines.

Response by SMSgt Christopher W. made Feb 5 at 2014 2:42 AM

SMSgt Christopher W. — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 02:42:13 -0500

3rd week of Basic Training

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 2:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 14:05:53 -0500

I was in the high school. 10th grade social studies I think. After the first tower hit, they turned on the tv in our classroom and we watched the news for the rest of class. I remember getting goosebumps over my whole body as I watched the second tower get hit. It was a weird feeling. A mixture of shock and anger like I had never felt before. While I didn't know at that moment decide that I was going to join the Army, I do think that that was the moment when I decided that I wanted bad things to happen to bad people.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 9:55 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 21:55:35 -0500

I had just came off a rotation at JRTC and recovered our vehicles from Ft. Drum on 10 Sep, on the way home one of the M988 blew a head gasket and I stayed back trying to recover it. It was a long way back to my Unit near West Point and having no doors on any vehicles recovered from the rail-head operations it was colder than the heater on that thing could keep up with even with the hose stuck into the uniform.

I got terrible sick and woke up the next morning to see tower one on fire, changed the channel because I didnt find it funny. When I realized all the channels were showing the same feed I called up my Unit and reported in. We took all high axels we had and picked up coordinated supplies to be dropped for future rescue operations that followed for a long time.

On our way down to NYC we could see and smell the smoke of the rubble from the Tappan zee bridge and reality set in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 2:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 14:14:07 -0500

On the rooftop of a 15 story building in Jersey City watching one building burn as another plane struck Tower 2. Life changing moment, military service came in short order.

Response by SFC Charles Kolker made Feb 6 at 2014 3:34 PM

SFC Charles Kolker — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 15:34:50 -0500

I was a PFC stationed at Schofield Barracks that day. My sister called me up and woke me up in the middle of the night telling me to turn the news on and asking if I had spoken to some friends and family that lived/worked near there. I saw the second building hit live just a few minutes after turning the tv on. One friend was at his girlfriends uptown and not around the corner from it where he lived. My father had a meeting that was canceled in building 2 at 9:30. And another friend of mine was going to tower 7 for his first day and was running late, luckily. I was able to also get hold of my mother who was preparing for a huge influx of survivors that never showed at NYU Med Center.

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 7 at 2014 1:50 AM

SSgt George Brown — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 01:50:37 -0500

I had been out for almost 9 years at the time. I was working for a company doing sales service. I was in the at a strip mall in Green Bay Wisconsin. I can remember only a few other events as to where I was at that exact moment, and that was in a hospital corridor where I worked while still in High School, and that was when Reagan was shot. And at my kitchen table when the 111's took off from RAF Lakenheath England to bomb Tripoli in response to Flight 103 over Lockerbie.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2014 6:28 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 06:28:26 -0500

I was the 25th ID(L) G3 Air Drop Zone Safety Officer at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. My faher who lives outside of Tucson woke me up with a phone call.

Response by MSgt Timothy Bridgham made Feb 7 at 2014 9:52 AM

MSgt Timothy Bridgham — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 09:52:11 -0500

I was the Wing Intelligence NOCIC for a AMC wing at Scott AFB, 10 minutes after the first impact I was in the Crisis Action Team meeting working out what we needed to do, I was there for the rest of the day and late into the night. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 7 at 2014 5:41 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 17:41:32 -0500

I was doing telephone triage at the Primay Care Clinic at Scott AFB. One of the patients calling in told me "a plane just hit the twin towers"....I was thinking a single engine Cessna or something.....went to the TV and saw the mayham....called the wife and told her to stay home (she was getting ready to leave base with our infant daughter). Good think I caught her.... in 15 minutes we went from FP Normal to FP Delta.....and didn't come out of that for 3-4 days. Was a MESS getting on/off base for a few weeks!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 1:03 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 01:03:00 -0500

I was in JRTC conducting a Mission Readiness Exercise with 1/32 IN. We were prepping for an upcoming Kosovo rotation. Our commander put us on perimeter guard with no ammunition and blank adapters. We then moved into the tent of our "FOB" and watched the second tower get hit. We thought we were heading to war somewhere since our equipment was already packed and on the way to Kosovo. My last thought was this is a helluva 1 year anniversary in the Army!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 5:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 17:21:07 -0500

I was already out of the Army by then, but still married to a Soldier. He was at Camp Casey, Korea. I was on vacation with our son, my mom and sister, and some family friends at the Outer Banks. We only turned on the tv because one of the kids wanted to watch a videotape. When her mom turned on the tv, it was just after the first tower had been hit. Needless to say, the tone of the vacation changed and we did nothing for the rest of the week other than watch tv.

I'd been an Arabic linguist, so I was thinking about the possibility of being recalled. If so, since my husband was stationed in Korea, who would take care of our son? It was stressful for so many reasons.

I still remember the feel of the silent tears running down my face as the second tower fell.

Response by MSgt Bobby Hamilton made Feb 8 at 2014 9:25 PM

MSgt Bobby Hamilton — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 21:25:11 -0500

I worked at NORAD/USNORTHCOM...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 9:58 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 09:58:11 -0500

I was sitting in my college dorm room. I was a National Guard SMP Cadet trying to decide between a career as a MEDEVAC Pilot or an Infantry Officer. As soon as I watched the event unfolding on my television I knew that my military carerr had changed inexplicably. To this day I am resolute in my opinion that I am a better Officer, Soldier and Person due to the experience I have gained in three overseas combat deployments and months of training and preparation resulting from that sad and terrifying day in September.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 1:47 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 13:47:02 -0500

I was in Williamsburg, VA, just starting a rating (MOS/AFSC) review to determine where my career field was going to be going in the next four years. As we started a break, my phone rang and my wife told me what was going on as I looked down off of a balcony at the different versions of every flag the Continental Army and the US has ever used.

Needless to say, my career field focus REALLY changed that day.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 8:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:46:50 -0500

I was assigned to A co 8/101st Discom. I was attached to B co 7/101Avn Regt deployed to Kosovo getting a coin from the infantry Colonel. I walked into the chow hall and watched the replays on the TV. Still to this day I can't believe it happened. I was able to perform the fly over at this year's super bowl and got to go on a tour of the memorial where the two towers once stood. It is truly amazing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 7:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 07:57:03 -0500

Standing in line for a Company urinalysis! Saw it on the news at the Staff Duty desk.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 7:59 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 07:59:50 -0500

Just got my dinner. I was in korea

Response by SPC Daniel Basden made Feb 10 at 2014 11:48 AM

SPC Daniel Basden — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 11:48:26 -0500

I was stationed at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. I had just returned from leave and had not even signed back in yet. What a day to return to work.

Response by COL Richard Bassett made Feb 10 at 2014 12:23 PM

COL Richard Bassett — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:23:57 -0500

I was commanding TF 2-87 (2d Bde, 10th Mountain Division), a battalion-size task force, at South Camp, Sharm el-Sheikh, Sinai, Egypt. We were about 3 months into a 6 month peacekeeping rotation with the Multinational Forces and Observers (MFO). I was sitting in my office, when one of my ops NCOs told me a plane hit the World Trade Center. He didn't know the details yet. A little while later, he told me a second plane hit the towers. We both said at the same time that it was a terrorist attack. We went from peacekeepers to potential warfighters immediately. We redeployed to Ft Drum in Jan 02, and immediately began to prepare for Afghanistan.

Response by SGT Mitch McKinley made Feb 10 at 2014 4:53 PM

SGT Mitch McKinley — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:53:05 -0500

I was stationed at Fort Polk, LA. I was on my way to the office, where I was a training NCO. I heard it all on the radio. When I walked in, I told the 1SG and CO, they flipped on the TV. Myself and the other NCO's in the room stood up and started walking out. The CO hollered at us to come back. She asked where we were going.

With a sincere, yet grave response, I said, "we're going to pack ma'am."

She simply smiled and sounded off with our company motto, "Rock Steady!"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 11:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 23:11:32 -0500

I was a PVT in Basic Training at FT. Leanardwood Missouri, we were on the last day of our FTX and were supposed to be conducting PLT wars on each other. Next thing we know the DS are calling for a mass formation at the assembly area and they are briefing us on what happened. We spent the rest of the day in the field and then instead of doing the standard 15k ruck to the night infiltration course we did over 22k that night. I remember the DS getting all the people that were from any of the affected areas together and put them on the truck to go call their families from the company area. The next morning 3 of our DS were gone and we didn't see them again till the day before Graduation. Since then I have been to Kuwait in support of Iraq 2 times, in Iraq 3 times and now I am finishing up a round in Afghanistan, and don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

Response by PO1 David Waeschle made Feb 11 at 2014 10:48 AM

PO1 David Waeschle — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 10:48:35 -0500

I was a PO1 in the Coast Guard stationed in Hawaii. I had already been in active duty service for 13 years and I happen to be home with my daughter who at the time was 3 or 4 and she had pink eye and could not go to the Ft. Shafter or AMR family service center that day. My wife who worked as a nurse at one of the hospitals in downtown Honolulu called me and said have you seen the TV? I said no why, she said just turn it on. From what I remember the second plane had not yet hit. I remember it was like yesterday watching the TV thinking WTF!?

Response by MSG Bo Lathrop made Feb 12 at 2014 10:27 PM

MSG Bo Lathrop — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 22:27:32 -0500

I was in 30th AG at Fort Benning, Ga. Awaiting the drill sergeant to come and ruin my day...

Response by LtCol David Gran made Feb 13 at 2014 10:16 AM

LtCol David Gran — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 10:16:48 -0500

I was in the Navy Annex to the Pentagon (up the hill). We had learned about the World Trade Center and turned on CNN. Shortly after that we heard the jet go over the annex. It was too loud to be heading for Reagan National Airport. I expected to hear an explosion, but what we heard was silence. Like someone just turned the jet engines off. Most ran outside to see what happened. When it was clear that the Pentagon was hit, many from that Annex just started running toward the Pentagon to help. Someone in the annex started to evacuate the annex due to some intel of another plane. So some were directed into Arlington National Cemetery to get away from the building. Some stayed in the annex to start building situational awareness and augment the watch center. I had a meeting the next morning in the Pentagon with a Rosemary Chapa from DIA. Rosemary and her office did not survive the attack. The evening of the attack, we were still trying to findout where one of our young Marines that ran down the hill to the Pentagon was. We were a little pissed that we could not find him. Apparently when he got down near the Pentagon a random Major put him on guard to keep people out of the impact area. He was there all night. He was completely sun burn from the heat of the fire.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2014 11:18 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 11:18:22 -0500

I was getting ready for work.

Response by LTC Jim Nepute made Feb 13 at 2014 2:28 PM

LTC Jim Nepute — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 14:28:48 -0500

I was stationed in Korea, and was working on my Masters. I had just got home from an evening class (about 11 PM) when a neighbor called me and asked if I was watching TV. I said no, I was studying. He said, well, you better come over and see this because you won't believe what just happened. I got to his room and watched TV for a few minutes. I was stunned. I told him I better get home and get to bed because I knew we would be on alert the next day. Sure enough, we went to Threatcon Delta and stayed there for several weeks, working 13 to 15 hour shifts in the bunker on Camp Henry.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2014 9:14 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 09:14:55 -0500

I was in the KCI Airport about to fly out with my unit to Egypt... My wife was pregnant with our daughter and went to stay with her family in downtown Manhattan the week before. I was horrified when I remembered she was going to City Hall to get a copy of our marriage certificate... Spent hours trying to get through to her not knowing what happened to her, my son and my unborn daughter. Thankfully she was alright and had been running late. We wound up not seeing each other until I got back from Egypt months later... I still remember what it was like to just drive onto bases unimpeded... what a crazy time

Response by SFC Jeremy Boyd made Feb 16 at 2014 8:50 AM

SFC Jeremy Boyd — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 08:50:32 -0500

I was stationed at Fort Hood, and my Combat Engineer company was about to go on a two week field problem. We didn't actually SP until the next day due to all of the confusion and implementation of FPCON on post. That was an intense day. I was a young SPC with three years of service, and could never have imagined such a thing at that particular point in my life.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 12:58 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 12:58:32 -0500

I was at Andrews AFB, MD. Two weeks later I joined the 1st Helicopter squadron, who on that day were flying supplies in and evacuating others out of the Pentagon.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 9:54 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:54:15 -0500

I was part of Task Force Courage. 2-22 Infantry from 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division. We actually deployed our Battalion on 11 Sep 01. We were somewhere over Europe when all that took place. I remember when we landed (us having no clue) that some guy got on and broke the news. We obviously thought he was joking with us, by dropping a punch line about the types of stuff we could see in Bosnia. It wasn't until they started pulling all the Soldiers with family in NYC off the plane to call home that we realized they were not joking. For 7 months we were patrolling, seeing replay after replay on news still didn't actually sink in that it was for real. I took returning to Drum with all the security issues and changes before it sunk in. It was just a surreal feeling the entire deployment.

Response by MSgt Randolph Kent made Feb 16 at 2014 10:25 PM

MSgt Randolph Kent — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:25:18 -0500

I was at the hospital walking between the recovery room and the nursery. I was 1 year out of active duty and 4 years later I returned to the reserves. It has always been a day of truly mixed emotions for me.

Response by PO3 Jason Konopka made Feb 16 at 2014 10:57 PM

PO3 Jason Konopka — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:57:57 -0500

I was at my first duty station, Yokota AB. It started out a normal night on the Comms floor. I had the volume muted on television. I was doing CBT's, wanting to get some certifications done. Decided to take a break from CBT's and happened to glance up at the TV and caught sight of Tower 1 on fire but before I could unmute it to listen the phone rang and co-worker asked if I am watching the tv. Not long after, the 'crap' hit the fan; and the base went to Delta. After that everything kind of blurred together for the next few days.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2014 10:35 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 22:35:56 -0500

I was stationed onboard USS Tarawa and we were one of about four ships that were unable to get underway...

Response by SGT Michael Little made Feb 17 at 2014 10:43 PM

SGT Michael Little — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 22:43:14 -0500

11 September 2001 I was conducting a National Guard recruiting event at the Madisonville North High School in Madisonville, KY. I have the rock wall and other events there and heard the students in a classroom yelling about it. I attempted to keep the kids, and myself for that matter, occupied with the event to no avail. I do remember the surreal feeling I had looking up and no contrails in the sky. Not a single plane where I was. Still makes me feel strange.

Response by LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 8:55 AM

LtCol Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 08:55:34 -0500

I was a Pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines I was overnighting in Grand Rapids Michigan I had returned from a run, turned on the television to see the second plane hit the towers. Three weeks later I was recalled and found myself back at Cherry Point NC.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 10:47 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 10:47:31 -0500

I was a SSG stationed a Ft. Eustis as an AIT instructor. I was on leave on that day getting ready for my first date with the woman who is now my wife.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 10:47 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 10:47:32 -0500

I was a SSG stationed a Ft. Eustis as an AIT instructor. I was on leave on that day getting ready for my first date with the woman who is now my wife.

Response by SFC Charles Weaver made Feb 18 at 2014 10:56 AM

SFC Charles Weaver — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 10:56:05 -0500

I was the Command Group NCOIC for the 2ND BDE, 3ID. I remember everyone getting real quiet and then getting really pissed. I remember the look that COL Weber got on his face, they immediately started planning a mechanized package to deploy iso the 10th Mountain. It was amazing how fast the base locked down and how quickly the we were mounting a response. First time I has ever seen Machine guns mounted on top of buildings on a stateside base ready to fire on a threat.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 11:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 11:52:17 -0500

I was at Fort Leonard Wood, just got done with a 12k ruck. Just arrived at the range and we were all changing our socks, of course sitting in a formation on our rucks. I had to utilize the latrine( porter potty). As I was walking back from unloading. I couldn't help to notice my D SGT listening to a radio. I stooped behind his HUMVEE, I haven't heard music or an outside source of news in a cpl months. He saw me in his mirror and chased me off with the appropriate language. I caught a few words like attacked, casualties, & airplanes. I didn't know what to make of it but I knew something wasn't right. I didn't tell my battles. Just as I got back to my squad I see a dust cloud turning onto the range. Chaplain, First SGT, & commander. Rare to see all of them together. Def know something is up know. We were ordered to get into the bleachers. That's when First SGT hit us with it. Privates the United States of America has been attacked. That's it? No details! Chaplain prayed w us. Back in garrison we were allowed 5 mins of tv time to get caught up with the facts. It was crazy. I was on suicide watch (guard) for the duration of my time there. Many soon to be soldiers snapped. They didn't want to go to war. Me I couldn't want it more than anything. 8 months after AIT graduation I am deployed. I even ran across my Drill Sgt in the middle of the desert. He said I told you so. Ran into him at my third mob sight in 08. He couldn't believe the National Guard is deploying that much.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 11:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 11:52:18 -0500

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 5:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:44:19 -0500

We had just moved from the reception barracks to our basic training barracks under the guidance of some Army Reserve component drill sergeants. My BCT cycle officially started September 12, 2001. It was kind of weird that they wouldn't let the cooks on post, so my first MRE was for breakfast on my first day of basic training.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 5:51 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:51:24 -0500

In the Basic Combat Skills phase of Rotary Wing Qualification (Flight School). I was in the desert fighting 2 years later and have been back many times since.

Response by MSgt Thomas Gallagher made Feb 19 at 2014 10:07 PM

MSgt Thomas Gallagher — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:07:46 -0500

I was assigned to the Air Force ROTC unit in Morgantown, WV. I had taken a Cadet up to Pittsburgh that morning for his physical at the MEPS in the Federal Building, then all hell broke loose. They evacuated the building and I couldn't find the cadet. I couldn't leave because I didn't know where he was and downtown Pittsburgh became a ghost town I about 3 hours. Late that afternoon the Cadet finally contacted the Detachment and told them the MEPS put him in a Taxi and sent him back to Morgantown. Long day!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2014 10:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:38:16 -0500

I was a brand new team leader in the 82nd

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 3:37 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 03:37:22 -0500

Tuttle TMC Hunter Army Airfield GA. I was a SPC with 1-3 AVN

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 4:51 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 16:51:40 -0500

Well On that unforgettable day, I got up at 3AM to run Palm Circle on Ft. Shafter. I tied up my shoes watched Archie Bunker before I left, when I came home from my run, my Husband asked me if I say the TV, my only reply was no. He already had the news on, we watched the images over and over. At that time I worked for the Schofield Dental Clinic, I called our staff duty to brief him, then the phone calls started to flood in. We spent the next several weeks in fear that Hawaii was going to be the next target. It was a sad and yet scary day, filled with so much grief and uncertainty.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Feb 21 at 2014 5:05 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 17:05:06 -0500

On deployment in Europe. That was my third overseas pump.

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 10:43 PM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 22:43:59 -0500

I was 16, waiting for the school bus watching the news when it all happened. I didn't think it was real at first. I wasn't really exposed to the world having grown up in a small town ( Graduating class of 18.. ) So far out that recruiters never came to our neck of the woods. I remember wondering what was happening, and all the "Pearl Harbor" dialogue for the next few days. I didn't join as soon as I could, honestly thought I had another calling and wasn't until I matured that I joined when OIF was said and mostly done.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 2:11 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 14:11:45 -0500

I was in Georgia sleeping before I had to go in for my shift. My Army buddy called and woke me up telling me to turn on the TV. I watched and immediately started calling home to check on my family. Got an email the next day from them letting me know everyone was okay.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 1:10 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 01:10:53 -0500

I wasn't in yet, but that horrible day started me on the path to join. Here is an email that I sent to my wife on 9/11/2009 while deployed in Afghanistan:

9/11/2009

    September 11th, 2001. . . The most infamous date of our generation. The one day that every single one of us can remember with exactitude where we were, with whom, and what we were doing when we got the news. I was at my old apartment on Baseline Rd when my brother called me and told me to turn on the news. "What channel?" I asked. "Any channel," he said, "it doesn't matter." I remember tuning in just in time to watch the second tower get blown to pieces. I couldn't cry like I did that day at my father's funeral. Ain't that some shit. . . It still took me five years, but I knew that day that I would sign up sooner or later.

    A lot of good came out of such destruction that day, though. I could actually thank Bin Laden, believe or not. You see, every time it seems that our country is going down the tubes, there's always some douchebag like him that has a genius idea of administering the 'coup de grace' to our society and, as painful and horrific as the immediate impact might be, all they achieve in the long run is a stronger and prouder and more united America. Our parents know what I'm talking about: they had Kennedy. And their folks had Pearl Harbor, and so on and so forth. 3000 people might have died needlessly, but most definitely not in vain.

    Those are the places my thoughts went this morning when I was suddenly awakened by out-going mortar rounds from our FOB seeking some early-rising taliban in the nearby mountains. Just another day in paradise, I guess. . ..

Response by SGT(P) Karen Lonn made Feb 23 at 2014 6:24 AM

SGT(P) Karen Lonn — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 06:24:44 -0500

I was getting ready to go to school (high school) when my dad called me downstairs to show me what was on the news.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 12:52 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 12:52:07 -0500

I was watching the events unfold on a television in my seventh grade drama classroom. Today I'm leading troops in Afghanistan. Proud to be here to wrap this thing up.

Response by SCPO William C. made Feb 23 at 2014 3:44 PM

SCPO William C. — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 15:44:55 -0500

I was the Leading Chief Petty Officer in charge of the Navy's Intelligence Specialist class "A" school on that day. I remember catching glimpses of the first reports that a plane had crashed into one of the WTC towers. Then I remember seeing the 2nd plane hit. It was at that time that I walked down to the OIC's office and recommended a complete scrub of the student and staff rosters to see who might have family in New York City/New Jersey. When the Pentagon was hit, that was when things changed quickly. We mustered the students in the auditorium after pulling one or two students out to ask about family members that may be in the areas. We told them what we knew; turned on the TV's in the building; and when given the order, directed them to march back to the barracks and call family members to let them know they were okay. The next day, the look in the eyes of those students was motivating. No slackers noted; everyone wanted to get done with training so that they could get "out there" and get those people back that did this to us.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2014 4:29 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 16:29:07 -0500

I Joined in 1995, but on that day I was performing my Flying Crew Chief duties aboard and AF C-17 on may way into a base in Saudi Arabia when the attacks occurred. We had no idea until we landed and were immediately surrounded by chem gear clad security forces personnel who informed us of what they knew at the time. They took us to our rooms and I wasn't even allowed to accomplish my post flight inspection of the aircraft. Anyway, we were locked down in our rooms for a few days. Once cleared to fly again; we were tasked with returning an F-16 Air Guard unit back to NY, I was later told that we were one of the only flights in US airspace that day. True or not, I'm glad I had a part in seeing those guys home during that difficult time. I have always been proud to be an aircraft maintainer, that day just underscored the importance of why I chose to serve my country. My next trip was picking up and delivering personnel from Ft. Campbell Kentucky to kick a little ass, much love and respect to my fellow branches of service...Heroes and Patriots!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 1:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 01:53:29 -0500

It was my 2nd year AGR, driving to the office listening to the radio when the station broke in and said some aircraft just hit one of the WTC towers. I got up to the security gate, still early enough, I asked the MP at the gate if he new what was going on. He pointed to the TV monitor as I got out of my vehicle to take a look I saw the 2nd plane hitting the other tower. I raced(safely) to get to my building, got into the office and everyone was totally oblivious. I turned the tv on and told everyone to come to the main part of the office. My NCOIC was bewildered and she looked at me like whats going on, I told her the WTC towers were just hit by several passenger jets, it was deathly quiet.then we heard the Pentagon got hit.

Response by SGT Robert Holt made Feb 24 at 2014 10:58 AM

SGT Robert Holt — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 10:58:05 -0500

MSgt, I was a newly minted Army Specialist, only ten days in fact, on 9-11. I was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany, and had returned that morning before lunch from a month long training rotation in Grafenwoehr. I was in the chow hall when it happened, getting ready to sit down to a dinner of spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread, and a couple glasses of cold milk. I had just sat myself down, and had my first bite half way to my mouth, when I heard someone exclaim, "Holy S***, look at that!" I looked up to the television, in time to see the second airplane hit the other tower, on live television. I froze, and thought to myself, "God, I hope that's a movie."

We all know it wasn't.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 3:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 15:54:43 -0500

I enlisted July 01; the summer before my Senior year of High School. I was taking my SAT's the morning of 9/11.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 8:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 20:20:03 -0500

I was attending Air Assault school at Fort Campbell. The school
commander came into the classroom and told us what happen, we were all sent back to our units. I made it back just in time to see the second tower hit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 10:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 22:55:25 -0500

I returned from leave to Ft. Campbell, KY visiting my dad down in Dallas. It was a few days before I was supposed to sign in, so I took the time shaking off the road. I was taking a nap on the couch in the nasty little trailer a friend and I were renting out in Oak Grove, KY when he came in. I asked him why he was taking an early lunch to which he replied, "You don't know yet?" And turned on the TV. I have never been angrier or sadder in my entire life to watch those planes crash into the towers... And I knew what was coming next.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 9:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 09:44:00 -0500

We had just come out of a 2 week field problem at Peason Ridge at Ft. Polk. I had to go in the next day (11 SEP 01) to find a MOPMS box left out in the field. It was pretty crazy. Concertina wire was strung up everywhere. We couldn't park close to buildings. Plus that was the day the whole post started wearing the beret.

Response by LTC Michael Kelly made Feb 25 at 2014 12:33 PM

LTC Michael Kelly — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 12:33:08 -0500

Our flight from Huntsville to DC had been delayed about 30 minutes or we would have been right in the thick of things. We were on approach to Reagan National Airport when the pilot announced that there had been a "terrorist incident" in NYC and that our aircraft was being diverted to Raleigh-Durham. I looked out my window and noticed that we were being escorted by an F-16. When we landed at Raleigh, I looked up and, as far as the eye could see, there were landing lights. It was at that point that total chaos reigned as several hundred passengers began scouring the airport for luggage and rental cars. It wasn't until we were in a 10-passenegr van for the 10-hour trip back to Huntsville that the full impact of what happened sunk in....and the skies were eerily silent.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 10:54 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 10:54:19 -0500

I was stationed at Ft. Irwin, CA. I was in the Dinning Facility eating breakfast as I had just finished conducting PT. I was eating my cereal and I happened to look up at the TV and noticed that the news was on and was zoomed in on the burning towers. At the time I thought they were televising about Los Angeles since it has a reputation of it's own. So my thoughts were "Another burning building in LA". As the Camera zoomed out, I noticed that it was the Twin Towers. I was just shocked. I finished my meal and headed to work to find out what the plan of action would be. We were in full battle rattle and the post was on lock down. ID was required to enter ALL buildings.

Response by PO2 Craig Combs made Feb 26 at 2014 2:36 PM

PO2 Craig Combs — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 14:36:35 -0500

I was in 9th grade (Freshmen in High School) and I was in class at the time and they turned on all the TV's and we all sat and watched the news in shock and awe...

Response by SFC Cary Jeffery made Feb 27 at 2014 10:43 PM

SFC Cary Jeffery — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 22:43:02 -0500

I stood on last day of the military service at Fort Sam Houston. I saw news at home along with family. Of course, I became officially retired on July 31. I was not recalled to duty. I talked to some people at old unit. But they stayed in place at XVIII ABC, HQS, Fort Bragg, NC.

Response by SSG Dave Rogers made Feb 28 at 2014 2:48 AM

SSG Dave Rogers — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 02:48:23 -0500

I was with the 1-69th Infantry NYARNG and a First Responder at the World Trade Center. I was injured on Sept 13th 2001, Had surgery on my neck on Jan 2nd 2002, was removed from service due to injury on May 26th 2003. Still fighting for benefits for those injuries.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 3:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 03:17:21 -0500

I was a young PFC at Fort Drum when it happened. I had just gotten out of the shower when my buddy's wife called us to tell us that one tower had fallen and to turn on the tv. It was a surreal moment, and one that still has not faded one bit from my memory. As a troop with the 10th Mountain Division, rumors were flying that day, and we expected to be on a plane within days if not weeks. Little did we know what the next ten plus years would hold for us.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 10:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 10:28:27 -0500

I was sitting in the Day Room in AIT at Fort Bliss, TX when everyone started up "OMG, look at the news"

Response by CMSgt Charles Elliott made Feb 28 at 2014 10:47 AM

CMSgt Charles Elliott — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 10:47:55 -0500

I was in my office, an E-8 at the time, dressing for my PT test. Somebody came running from the break room saying a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. I though to myself, damn what a horrible accident...then the second plane crashed. I called and canceled my PT test and put my uniform back on. My unit was tasked with arming up our F-16s and flying combat missions over the southwest portion of the country.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 28 at 2014 10:55 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 10:55:24 -0500

Was in the KY ANG. Infantry team leadr With Bco 1-149th (m). At the time I was working for 84 Lumber and was off loading a 1-ton dump bed of 12" drywall into a new construction home. Went to turn the truck around to off load the opposite side and turned the radio on as the 2nd plane hit the second plane hit the second tower.

4 months later was in Belgium pulling force protection duties in Chevries, Belgium. SACEUR airbase.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 1:05 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 13:05:30 -0500

I was with the 82nd Airborne Divison and our Brigade was the Division Ready Brigade. The unit was testing for EIB when everything happened. Then we sat in our rooms the next few days waitng for the word on whether or not we would be deployed any where. Rucksacks packed, equipment ready. It was a very interesting time in my life as I'm sure it was with many people.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 2:48 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 02:48:50 -0500

In my printing/graphic design class. There was a t.v. in the corner near my work area. I remember thinking that it didn't seem right, what could cause a plane to fly into a building? A few minutes later I watched the second plane do just that. I went home and tried to rationalize it. To be honest I was pretty scared about what might happen next.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 7:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 19:35:39 -0500

I was a SPC on leave from Hawaii. I was in North Carolina leaving out the house to go to the airport to return to Hawaii. As we were leaving the house the first plane hit the tower. I told my wife " we probably won't make it back to sign in". I call my commander and wake her up as it was around 0200 in Hawaii and said "ma'am, I don't think I'll be able to make it back on time". I told her to turn on the tv. I ended up getting an extra five days of leave and when we finally flew back to Hawaii, there were only five people on the plane.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 7:54 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 19:54:51 -0500

In 2001 I was in 3rd grade. Sitting in a circle doing show and tell when a my teacher came in and said we were all going home early.

Response by 1SG Jeffery Bertram made Mar 1 at 2014 8:56 PM

1SG Jeffery Bertram — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 20:56:24 -0500

I was in my office at the prison, Lorain Correctional Institution. The Chief of Security burst into my office and ordered me up the Warden's office immediately. On the way up he told me a plane had the world trade center. I got there soon enough to see some replays then the 2nd plane hit. I looked at the Warden and told him we just went to war with whoever just did this. 5 years later I was back in boots on my way to Afghanistan.

Response by 1SG Jeffery Bertram made Mar 1 at 2014 8:56 PM

1SG Jeffery Bertram — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 20:56:30 -0500

Response by 1SG Jeffery Bertram made Mar 1 at 2014 8:56 PM

1SG Jeffery Bertram — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 20:56:36 -0500

Response by CPT Thomas Day made Mar 2 at 2014 11:30 AM

CPT Thomas Day — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 11:30:34 -0500

Not in the military at the time, but still very tied to the events of that day.

I live in Northern Virginia and work in Washington DC. I was running late that morning and as always listening to the radio on the way to work. I heard the news of the first plane into WTC and new something was very wrong. I grew up and worked in NY; I knew a commercial jet was not supposed to be anywhwere near WTC and that it was an exceptionally clear day on the east coast. Also I worked in NYC in 1993 and had teh stark memory of the cloud of smoke coming from WTC from the parking garage bombing. Got word of the 2nd plane into WTC just as I drove by the Pentagon. At that point clearly new we were under attack.

Got into work and went straight into a meeting on the 11th floor of our HQ building. Standing in the back of the room looking out windows directly towards National Airport and the Pentagon. Saw the streak of the plane coming in and then the large fireball and black smoke cloud that erupted on the far side of the Pentagon. A few seconds later the shock from the blast rattled the building and windows.

The rest of the day was a blur; just getting everyone out and implementing are COOP at the alternate location. A month later i was in the middle of the Antrax attack and led the response / cleanup effort for the following two years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 12:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 12:51:08 -0500

Week Two of OSUT training( I was training to become a 54B at the time) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. I enlisted 31 May 2001!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 5:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 17:19:06 -0500

I was honorably discharged from the Army as of 4 September 2001. I was so pissed off that I went to a recruiter. It took me about two months, but I went to MEPS, took the ASVAB again (same exact score), and joined the Reserves. After I was mobilized in support of OEF, I ended up in the AGR program, where I still am now.

Response by SGM Jerry Finin made Mar 3 at 2014 1:29 AM

SGM Jerry Finin — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 01:29:47 -0500

Yes I am experienced, I was stationed at Fort Drum NY in 710th MSB. I was a 1SG and I was on my way back to work after personal hygiene from PT. I remember vividly tuning into the TV at the unit watching for hours of what had transpired that morning everybody was in shock and dis belief. That is a day I will always remember and never forget for as long as I live.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 5:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:09:21 -0500

I just got home from PT at Ft. Drum, NY and saw the news. While I was watching the second plane hit the tower. I knew my life would be changed forever. In a few short months we were boots on the groung in AFG.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Mar 3 at 2014 5:32 PM

LTC Jason Strickland — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:32:19 -0500

I was stationed at US Central Command when 9/11 occurred. Needless to say, that combatant command went from a quiet 4-star HQ to the center of attention overnight. I was on the command briefing team as a young captain.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2014 1:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 13:38:00 -0500

On the EIB site, test week at Ft. Bragg, one of my soldiers was on his cell phone at an unauthorized time looking three shades lighter than his Latino complexion should have allowed, he couldn't answer when I asked him what was wrong, he just put his mother on speaker phone (he was from NY) & we all gathered around him until the order was given moments later to move to the company area. The 82nd totally got snubbed on that, hanging out on 2 hour recalls, visits to the PHA, didn't move past green ramp for almost a year. That still burns.

Response by SFC Leonard Burnett made Mar 5 at 2014 7:24 PM

SFC Leonard Burnett — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:24:18 -0500

Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 8:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 08:11:42 -0500

I was at Range Controll Grafenwoehr Ger. The firing desk had the news on when the first plane hit.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 9:27 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 09:27:40 -0500

I was a junior in high school waiting on the D.E.P. to join the air force going around the school just handing all the teachers the absentee list for all the kids that were not in school that day when i saw the first plane hit the towers. i thought that it was just a video until i realized that it was all happening.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 11:03 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:03:09 -0500

I had just gotten home from the night shift at Robins AFB, where I was the E/E supervisor. Turned the lights off, closed the blinds, and had been sleep for what seemed like only a few minutes when I got a call from work. I was thinking we had missed something in our shift turnover, but the day shift supervisor told me to turn on the television. When I asked what channel, he said "it doesn't matter," and I immediately knew something was wrong. After watching a few minutes of the coverage, including the second tower being hit, I told my counterpart I was on the way back in. He mentioned that I should bring my mobility bag, as we would likely be on the move shortly. Definitely a day that I will never forget.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 11:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:13:12 -0500

I was in high school in Algebra I when it happened. Saw the tower burning on the TV and then I walked to my English class and when I got there is when the second plane hit the tower. After that my teacher turned off the TV and told us all to pray for the people in the Twin towers, it was one of the reasons why I joined up 3 years later.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 11:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:37:50 -0500

I was in the my sixth grade homeroom. When I came to school, our teacher Ms. Davenport was watching her mini tv on the corner of her desk, gasping, her hands over her mouth. I didn't understand what was going on, seeking out answers from whispers in the hallway with my classmates. I went home and watched the burning towers over and over again, trying to understand why. I enlisted 6 years later.

Response by Sgt Matthew O'Donnell made Mar 6 at 2014 12:13 PM

Sgt Matthew O'Donnell — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 12:13:26 -0500

I was a Senior in high school, I walked into study hall for seniors as the reports came in about the first plane. We watched the news for a while longer and saw the second plane hit. Classes were in session the rest of the day but with no schedule. Left after school to talk with the Marines. Shipped out July 2002.

Response by CPT Starrett Dinwiddie made Mar 6 at 2014 3:17 PM

CPT Starrett Dinwiddie — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 15:17:16 -0500

In the 82d Airborne Division, 2nd BCT, Fort Bragg NC. Getting ready to assume mission cycle. Just finished PT when I heard about it on the radio. I will never forget!!!

Response by SFC Stephen Flores made Mar 6 at 2014 6:31 PM

SFC Stephen Flores — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 18:31:37 -0500

I was a Drill Sergeant at Fort Knox E Co 1-46 Inf with a brand new cycle at equipment issue when it happened. We didn't really know had bad it was until we saw the news on the television when we got back.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 12:16 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 00:16:39 -0500

I was in basic training, it was my 12th day of training in Fort Jackson, SC.

Response by SMSgt Gerald Goertz made Mar 7 at 2014 9:23 AM

SMSgt Gerald Goertz — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:23:18 -0500

I was working at Fairchild AFB, WA in the 141st (ANG) Vehicle Maintenance shop when we heard about what happen. Turned the TV on and watched in shock.

Response by SGT Robert Fellner made Mar 7 at 2014 7:32 PM

SGT Robert Fellner — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 19:32:06 -0500

At home sleeping. Had just got off duty. Wife came in the room yelling "they attacked us!"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 11:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 23:12:23 -0500

I was a PFC on emergency leave in New York City and it was a crazy day. I was stationed in the 82nd and my unit was on DRB at the time. The CSM was hesitant to even let me go on leave due to our DRB status and having to be ready to go in 18hrs or less. CSM let me go anyway and when it happened, my first thoughts were with my battle buddies back at Bragg and what do I do? My business for emergency leave was hard and this incident put my mind right back in the fight. It took me 2 whole days to get out of New York City and back to Bragg where me and my guys were ready and waiting for the call.

Response by SGT James Eastling made Mar 8 at 2014 8:22 PM

SGT James Eastling — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 20:22:57 -0500

I was in Ft. Lewis, WA, with 1st SF. We were preparing for an air-op later that morning. Being a few timezones behind, we were getting news of everything during pt/first formation. When I came back down from my barracks room for final pre-jump and transport to the airfield, we were told everything was cancelled, and that pretty much the entire country had been grounded.

*It was odd for me because the night before, my future (current and only) wife and I were in a semi-private chat room with some online friends with a virtual hand-fasting (something like a Wiccan/Pagan wedding). The reason we did the online event on the 10th was because I had an uneasy feeling about the 11th with the jump, and that concern originally was a thought of as an injury on the jump, and that the festivities would be missed... Interesting how intuition isn't always far from the truth.*

I heard later that, if we had been actively jumping at the time, there was some technicality that would have given every one of us a certified combat jump - but this part may have just been rumor-milled... Would have been an odd exchange later on with guys who jumped into other cz's about where my mustard stain was jumped from, and I'm not quite sure how I might answer. All speculation to that end at this point...

Response by SFC Miguel Ortiz Mercado made Mar 9 at 2014 1:51 PM

SFC Miguel Ortiz Mercado — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 13:51:06 -0400

I was a Squad Leader in The Old Guard. I participated in the recovery efforts of the Pentagon, immediately after the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. DC was a mad house, our company was located across the Potomac and traffic was moving no where. We were the QRF for the National Capital Region, we ran through the streets to reach our company and gear up, everyone cheered as we ran by. Once we reached the Pentagon it was a horrible site, the destruction was immense. As we cleared rubble, and recovered service members remains, Fire department shored up the structure as we moved deeper into the structure. I will never forget that day and the wax like bodies of those the attack took far to early from this world. The picture is of my platoon folding the flag that hung on the Pentagon, I am the one on the lower right.

Response by SGT Richard Blue made Mar 10 at 2014 12:49 AM

SGT Richard Blue — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:49:44 -0400

Fort Gordon battle lab...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2014 11:12 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:12:37 -0400

I was just a PFC at the time and just hitting my one year anniversary in the Army. I was conducting training with some combat engineers at Fort Bragg, NC learning how to breach wire obstacles. My dad called my cell phone during the training to ask if I was alright, with no explanation as to why (my dad rarely calls and never asks if I'm alright as the first sentence out of his mouth). I told him I was fine and asked why. He told me that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers. At first, I just thought that it was an accident and was still perplexed as to why he was asking if I was alright. I just kind of shrugged off the first call until he called a few minutes later to say that a second plane at hit the second tower. At that point, I think the shock of the information was preventing me from piecing together what was happening. I got off the phone and told everyone with me what my dad had said. They all looked as dumbfounded as me and then the SGT that was in charge of training got a phone call. After he hung up, he said that training was cancelled and we all needed to report back to our units ASAP. We got to the unit and waited in the dayroom with the tv on while we waited for everyone else to show up so we could get 100% accountability. We were told to call our loved ones to let them know we were safe and may not be in contact with them for awhile and then we were told to turn off our phones and not use them. The following months were pure chaos as I was assigned to a team that was responsible for inspecting all equipment and vehicles that deploying units were taking with them as the units on Fort Bragg prepped for the call to go downrange. At the same time, we were also tasked with manning the newly established access control points 24/7 and morning PT formations for the following weeks almost never had anybody from off post at them since it took several hours to get on base until the threat level was reduced.

Response by 2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2014 11:27 AM

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:27:27 -0400

I was in elementary school, 3rd grade. We were in the cafeteria when the planes hit and we went into lockdown - they pulled us out into the hall and has us sit under some tables. I had no idea what was happening because they hid it from us. I found out when I went home but never understood the full impact until a few years later when Discovery Channel had an "Inside the Twin Towers" program.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2014 4:28 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:28:29 -0400

Dyess AFB was in the middle of a Phase 1/Phase 2 Exercise. Immediately ENDEX and went back to our duty sections and began ramping up to deploy our forces.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2014 7:17 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 19:17:38 -0400

Being a bit of a youngin, I was on my way to the bus stop to head to school. No one knew what was going on just that there was an attack. Spent all day at school talking with teachers and staff about what was happening (albeit an abridged version, seeing how we are a bit young to FULLY grasp what was happening and why). There were quite a few kids gone from school that day because their parents had pulled them out for the day to be with them. Mom was in DC for a work thing and we hadn't heard from her all day, very worrying of course but ended up getting the greatest phone call to this day when she was able to call later that night and tell us she was fine.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 7:41 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 07:41:45 -0400

I was the full-time Adminsitrative Officer/S-1 for my MA ARNG Infantry battalion. The TV was on in the staff area and we were all discusssing upcoming issues/projects/etc. We watched the events start to unfold (plane hitting the first tower, reports of missing planes). Within minutes of the plane hitting the second tower our phones started to ring, it was our Soldiers (the M-day "part-timers") calling in asking if they needed to report in. These guys were ready to drop everything to come into the armory to do whatever needed to be done. An oustanding response from a unit that traces its lineage to the First Muster in 1636.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 8:32 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 20:32:27 -0400

I was in NYC on Staten Island. It was a rough day. Lost some really good friends. But my son was born that December.

Response by SGT Jason Chapell made Mar 12 at 2014 9:00 AM

SGT Jason Chapell — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 09:00:48 -0400

I was an Instructor for the Army 14R MOS at Fort Bliss, TX. As the towers were hit, I was in the shower after a good PT session. I will never forget the phone call I got after getting out of the shower. My then Mother-In-Law called to ask if I was going to war, not knowing what she was talking about, I turned on the news as the second tower was hit, immediately hung up the phone and hauled a$$ to base.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 10:59 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 10:59:04 -0400

I was a Sergeant working at Weapons/Field training Battalion teaching recruits basic infantry skills and shooting techniques. I remember as I found out right before teaching a class to about 250 recruits.

Response by SSG Yvelisse Orona made Mar 13 at 2014 11:14 AM

SSG Yvelisse Orona — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 11:14:13 -0400

I was on my way to the Pentagon and Fort Myers it was a beautiful day and I was 5 month pregnant. As I was driving there was horrible traffic and I got stuck on M street right before the ramp. Suddenly police arrive and start making traffic go back in U turn so I went back to Bolling AFB when I arrived at the office I found out what happened.

Response by SrA Lee G. made Mar 13 at 2014 11:18 AM

SrA Lee G. — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 11:18:12 -0400

I know this post said its gear to the old timers, but also open to anyone. I was a Sophomore and just woke up to my mom watching the TV. I asked her what was going on and she told me there was afire in one of the towers in NY. So i sat down and watched it with her. THEN thats when the second plane struck the second tower and then that was when it hit hard that it was a terrorist attack. I was glued, but mom forced me to get ready for school. The whole day at school we were watching the news. It will never forget the chills of every emotion that went through my whole body that day and that was the day I swore I would join the military when I graduate.

Response by SCPO Albert Lee Smith made Mar 13 at 2014 1:02 PM

SCPO Albert Lee Smith — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 13:02:00 -0400

I was stationed at VPU-2, MCB Kaneohe, Hi. I was at my house, and received a phone call at 4am (Hawaii time) from my ex-wife. I turned on the TV just before the 2nd plane struck.

Response by SCPO Albert Lee Smith made Mar 13 at 2014 1:06 PM

SCPO Albert Lee Smith — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 13:06:19 -0400

I was stationed at VPU-2, MCB Kaneohe, Hi. I was at my house, and received a phone call at 4am (Hawaii time) from my ex-wife. I turned on the TV just before the 2nd plane struck.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 1:20 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 13:20:20 -0400

It was a perfect Tuesday morning...

That’s when they attacked. Yes, I’m talking about September 11, 2001.
September 11th happened just two weeks after I called it quits from 10 years as
an infantryman. I first served on active duty and then the Army National Guard
where I finished as an infantry squad leader.

Paul and I met in the mid-nineties when he volunteered from another
battalion to join my company for our deployment to Bosnia. Within minutes Paul
and I became inseparable. He, a former Marine infantryman, the same age, and
similar mindset; people often mistook us for each other although we looked
nothing alike. Halfway through our deployment the platoon sergeant, a veteran
Ranger from Operation Urgent Fury, had to separate us due to the shenanigans we
often got ourselves into. We were the guys he loved to hate. Always on point
and ready for action, but when boredom set in, we were busy getting into
trouble. As an example, I had Ron Jon Surf Shop from Cocoa Beach Florida send
me hundreds of stickers. Soon, every Yugo in Srpski Brod Bosnia had a sticker
on the back bumper. Paul stayed in first platoon and I went over to the quick
reaction force (QRF). Even then, they couldn't keep us apart.

On December 15th of that year, a few Serbs hijacked a NATO tanker
truck and held two men hostage. The bell sounded so we donned our battle rattle
and took off in a sprint to surround the building. It was on the intra-squad
radio that I said “keep your head down around Zucker”, his squad leader (my
former) who didn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. That line came from
one of our favorite movies, Heartbreak Ridge starring Clint Eastwood. Zucker
had given me my first and only counseling statement of my career. You see, some
of us learned from the Rangers’ experience in Somalia in 1993; who went out on
a daytime raid leaving their night vision behind, yet found themselves in an 18
hour firefight that took the lives of 18 special operations soldiers. Paul and
I didn't need another Somalia to learn from their mistake and carried our night
vision goggles (NVGs) in our butt-pack 24/7. Fearing that we would lose or
damage them, Zucker demanded that we keep them in the padded cases for
accountability and to ensure nothing happened to them, but we didn’t listen. It
was the night of December 15th that our insubordination paid off. Out of his
entire squad and the QRF response element, Paul and I were the only two with
NVGs.

After Bosnia, in 1998, Paul moved up to Northern Virginia where we
shared a house, attended college together and I got him a job with me where we
worked as contractors for the US Government. It was a cool gig that was both
flexible and paid well. Not to mention we learned some trade-craft that you
just can’t acquire anywhere else. It was Sunday, September 9th, 2001, a
gorgeous afternoon when Paul and I were headed back home to Virginia from
Maryland where we had spent the weekend camping. I had been out of the Guard
for just two weeks and he still had some time left on his enlistment, but he
was planning on getting out, too. We were chatting about how complacent our
country had gotten as far as its security and the global threat of terrorism.
We agreed that it was just a matter of time before something happened on
American soil and one of us; neither of us remember who, said “what this country
needs is a wake-up call, something to happen in the United States, before
anyone really gets it.”

Tuesday morning, Paul and I were just starting a training evolution
with a couple of surveillance teams where some "new hires" for the
organization we worked for were about to get their final skills evaluation at
the end of their 11 week hostile environment trade-craft course before heading
overseas to their assignments. During our morning briefing we learned that a
plane had hit one of the Twin Towers in New York. I don’t recall if we had
found out about a plane hitting the second tower before leaving, but as we
exited the building to the top level of a parking garage in Arlington Virginia
at around 9:30 am a colleague said “damn, that plane is pretty low”, even
though it was common to see low flying aircraft in the area due to our
proximity to Reagan National and Dulles. Although we were close, we didn't know
to stick around to see the plane hit the Pentagon, not that we could have seen
it from where we stood anyway. A few minutes later, in Rosslyn Virginia, we
noticed a sea of people evacuating high rise buildings and suddenly, we notice
the plume of smoke coming from the Pentagon, less than a mile from where we sat
in our car, adjacent to the Iwo Jima Memorial. A call came over our radios to
RTB, return to base, and turn in our equipment. We did so, and within minutes
found ourselves stuck in traffic on I-66 trying to head west towards Fairfax.

Paul and I were in separate vehicles and couldn't reach each other by
cell phone, but we were both thinking the same thing. We met back at the house,
collected our gear and loaded our weapons. At that point, we didn't know what
exactly was happening, but we knew America was under attack and we just saw the
Pentagon on fire with our own eyes. We staged our gear in our trucks and stood
by the TV as everything unfolded. We remained awake and glued to the TV for the
next few days as we weren't allowed to return to work. We were both finishing
up an EMT course (for fun) and had the final test that Thursday, but other than
that, we were just waiting around. He got called from his unit and was placed
on active duty to augment security at a local military base for a few months. I
had recently been hired by the World Bank to work on the President’s protection
detail and had an October 1st start date. That was my reason for leaving the
Guard, because I would be traveling extensively with the new job and the Guard
wasn't excited about me missing drills, otherwise I would have stayed.

By early 2002 Paul had left the Guard and I was working for the Bank. We
hated not being a part of the war effort so we decided to join the Navy as
corpsman and try out for the Special Boat Teams. We swore in and I quit my job.
We were to leave June of 2002. Both of us lost rank and had to go in as E-3s,
but there was a $30,000 bonus involved so we weren’t too torn up about it. Two
weeks before we were to ship out we got a call from the recruiter saying the
bonus wasn't guaranteed, nor was SWCC School, the school boat team guys have to
attend before getting picked up by a team. I called the Bank and they were
willing to take me back. Paul took the risk and went anyway. Turned out he got
the bonus and the school, but I don’t regret my decision. I only regret not
being there for Paul. I spent the next five years living one dream while Paul
lived another. I visited more than 50 countries, got deputized by the Marshal
Service, flew everywhere in first class, and carried an issued Sig Sauer P229
and a badge everywhere I went, even on commercial flights. Something was
missing though; I missed wearing a uniform. I talked to a friend from the Army
who had joined the Air National Guard and explained that they were much more
flexible than the Army Guard as far as missing drill weekends. A week later I
was in as an Air Crew Life Support technician. Not a tip of the spear job, but
I got to play with survival equipment and managed to get myself a slot in SERE
school. After five years of living the dream, I moved home where my wife and I
started a family. I became a police officer and joined the Air National Guard a
couple of hours away, but this time as Security Forces, the Air Force’s version
of military police.

Today, three days before the twelfth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks,
I found myself leading roll call for the day shift with the men and women,
Airmen and contract security, who protect the base. I reflected on that Tuesday
morning in 2001 and how I remember that it was a perfect Tuesday. No one
suspected a thing; we were just living life and enjoying our freedoms when a
group of terrorists caught us off guard. I reminded the team that today is no
different than September 11, 2001, in that today, or any day, it can happen.
Whether it be a gun wielding drug dealer, or an Islamic extremist who decided
to move to our rather insignificant city and pay back the infidels who bombed
his homeland by driving his car through the gate of our small National Guard
base, it’s not a matter of “if”, but “when”.

Twelve years later Paul and I are E-7s, he a Chief and I a Master
Sergeant; I've been to Afghanistan and while he has been all over the world in
his Navy career, he is just now headed to the fight in Afghanistan for the
first time in a few months. This goes to show, that no matter your career
field, duty station, or life choices, you truly never know where life will take
you, or when. It is our duty, regardless of our status, to maintain a high
level of vigilance and fight the natural urge to become complacent because “nothing
ever happens here”.

I continue to stress this mantra because all too often I hear my fellow
Defenders complain about our duties of simply standing post. Sometimes there is
an identity crisis as to whether we are “cops” or “grunts”. Are we law enforcement
or air base defenders? Should we train for deployments to war zones or prepare
ourselves to write tickets on base? The fact is, we do both, and we should be
proficient in both, to an extent. Realistically, I think it’s too difficult for
part-time Defenders to master any one skill, but the one thing we must maintain
is our sense of duty and our ability to remain flexible enough, and passionate
enough, to learn all we can about our responsibilities as Security Forces
Airmen. Regardless of our label, cops or grunts, at the end of the day we are
the Defenders of the Force. We protect people, assets, and resources. Whether
on patrol at home station or patrolling outside the wire in a war zone, our
mission is the same, to remain vigilant and keep our Air Force protected from
those who wish to do us harm.

September 11th was just another Tuesday in 2001, or so we thought.
Which day will have us waking up to the next attack? Will it be tomorrow or two
years from now? For any American who has served in uniform, there hasn't been a
period of 10 years that the United States hasn't been involved in combat in
centuries. Spanning over anyone’s military experience over the past 40 years,
there have been a number of combat actions since I've been alive or serving in
uniform: Vietnam up to 1975, Grenada in 1983, Panama in 1989, Iraq in 1991,
Somalia in 1993, and 12 years of war since 2001. If you enlist and think you’ll
simply get a bonus and some college money, you may want to reconsider. There
will likely be another “perfect Tuesday morning” in your lifetime.

Note:
“Paul” and “Zucker” are pseudonyms.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Mar 13 at 2014 3:29 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 15:29:48 -0400

Unfortunately, I wasn't in the military at the time. I was hit hard like many when I saw it. I was at work and they brought in a tv used for training employees. As an assistant department head, I sat down with the store manager and almost every department head there. Anyway, I didn't enlist until 2 years later. I live(d) in TN at the time and was too far away to help. I did get the MOS (68W) I wanted when I enlisted. I wanted to help in so many ways. I enjoyed being a medic the entire time I was in.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 4:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 16:58:33 -0400

I was two days from graduating basic training at Fort Leonardwood. We had just turned in weapons at the unit armory after our final weapon inspeciton. The drill sergeants took us into a huge classroom and had at least 4 TVs turned to the news. after about an hour or two we were all told to call our families and let them know that we were ok. That is when a good portion of us found out that some of their family members had been in the towers. I truely felt for the Soldier's whose families had been and even more for the people that were there. All I remember thinking was "well, here we go, this is what I signed up for". 18 years old and clueless as to exactly what was going to happen and scared, but even more scared to admit it at the time.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 5:48 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 17:48:06 -0400

I had just gotten to our aviation support facility where I had been hired on as a Technician and walked into the breakroom as the second plane struck the WTC. A group of my fellow Techs were already watching it on the TV in the breakroom and initially I thought they were watching a movie. It wasn't until someone mentioned WTC plane crash and live video footage from NYC that it hit me. It was an emotional moment for everyone in the room.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Mar 15 at 2014 4:18 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 04:18:10 -0400

just got of 3rd shift, laid down for a bit and saw the towers in smoke on TV.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 12:56 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 12:56:53 -0400

Riding the bus out to BNCOC FTX.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 1:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 13:11:23 -0400

I was sleeping. My dad woke me up and said the Twin Tower was hit with a plane. Idc I thought. My parents were making a big deal out of it. I woke up, half awake, sat down in the living room, listening to the anchors say a plane had hit the tower, but there was no confirmation. Right then the second plane hit. I had immediate goosebumps. My parents were hysterical. It's definitely a terrorist attack. 6 months later, I enlisted in the Army.

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Mar 16 at 2014 2:33 PM

MSG Jose Colon — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 14:33:41 -0400

I was part of the 91st Div in Fort Carson. After Pt, I went home for hygiene, and my wife brought me my uniform and told me to get ready, life was about to get serious.

After coming back from Korea, in 2002, 45 days later, I was Iraq with the 3d ACR (Brave Rifles).

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 12:36 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 12:36:20 -0400

I was stationed at ASTC Norfolk, VA and I had been in the US Navy for almost 5 years.
It happened between command physical training and getting ready for Tactical Fixed Wing Refresher Naval Aviation Water Survival Training (the old guys/gals remember it as RP1\R1) when the planes started to hit the towers. We completed the training and as the student were getting ready to check out that is when the phone started to ring and the students were being recalled back to their commands.
After all the students had been dismissed we were called by the OIC and informed of the base situation. The base was on lock-down to further notice. Only essential personnel need to report to base.

Response by LCDR Doug Nordman made Mar 19 at 2014 4:11 PM

LCDR Doug Nordman — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:11:06 -0400

I had woken up early on 9/11. I turned on the TV to program a VCR and happened to be on CNN just as the first live images were broadcast. I ended up watching the whole thing from the first video feed until both towers collapsed, and then I just couldn't take any more.
A decade later I was at a USAA conference for their 9/11 memorial ceremony. Several of their current employees had been on active duty in the Pentagon during the attack, and they talked about their lives since then. One of USAA's call center staff was reunited on stage with a woman who'd escaped from the first tower just in time-- for some reason she phoned USAA, and the call center had notified her parents that she'd survived. While these stories were being told, there was not a dry eye in the house.

These days I can't even watch the documentaries.

Response by Maj Richard Tutko made Mar 20 at 2014 11:15 AM

Maj Richard Tutko — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 11:15:46 -0400

I was stationed at the Misawa Cryptologic Operations Center, Misawa AB Japan. Over there it was late evening, and a typhoon was coming up the eastern coast of the island, with a lot of thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain. Not wanting to get any of my electronics fried, I shut it all down and went to bed. Got a call from the unit (NOT a regular recall, so I didn't know the caller), asking me what I was doing. At 2 in the morning. Told them I was asleep, and then they said the magic words "We are at THREATCON Delta," which of course brought me immediately wide awake. I asked them to repeat that, and they did, told me the US had been attacked, and to come in to the unit ASAP. I dressed and made it to the base from my off base house, and then was nearly turned around in trying to get to my unit because earlier in the evening the road to my unit was covered in water and the base security forces had closed that road. Lucky for me it was opened again, and I arrived at my duty location around 3 am. We basically didn't do much of anything that day except watch tv and make sure the regular business of the day was completed. The intel guys were chomping at the bit to do something, but since nothing would be in our AOR we were just sitting and waiting for the call. Not too exciting, but being overseas when all this happened really brought it home for us.

On a personal note, I have a cousin who worked in the South Tower. She made it out before the collapse and it took us most of the day to hear from her and that she was safe.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 12:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 12:03:23 -0400

I was a SSG assigned to 58th MP CO in Hawaii. I was getting ready for work that morning when it came on the news. Shock, disbelief and just overall amazement that something like this could happen on US soil.

Response by 1SG Jason Fitzpatrick made Mar 20 at 2014 1:11 PM

1SG Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:11:33 -0400

That is the day that I re-enlisted indefinitely in the United States Army. It was already planned, so it wasn't a spur of the moment decision. I was sitting on my couch getting my starched uniform on and putting on my spit shined jump boots...turned on the tube and saw the second plane hit... I sat there for what seemed like an eternity...maybe 10 seconds... and hobbled upstairs and got my comfy uniform and boots on and went to work. Called the retension NCO, made a B line to the location of the re-enlistment. Raised my right hand and repeated the oath of enlistment for the last time. Closed the post, redirected all traffic and watched as the country prepared for war.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 20 at 2014 6:28 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:28:13 -0400

I was stationed at Fort Drum, attached to HHC 4th BN 31st Infantry Regiment. At the time I was sitting in my supply room watching the newest reports about what was happening. I watched the second plane fly into the second of the World Trade Center buildings.

Response by PO1 Billy Williams made Mar 21 at 2014 12:35 PM

PO1 Billy Williams — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:35:43 -0400

On 9/11, I was working overtime at Dalton Corporation, a Foundry in Warsaw, Indiana. I was fabricating and building cylinder racks to store our Hydraulic and Pneumatic Cylinders. My wife called me and left a message for me to call her. At my first break at approximately 0830, I called her from our break room. She told me the Twin Towers and the Pentagon Had been hit and a fourth or maybe fifth plane maybe involved and before I was done with the conversation, The first tower fell. This affected me personally because My father was an Electrician who worked in the construction of the World Trade Center.

Response by PO1 Billy Williams made Mar 21 at 2014 12:40 PM

PO1 Billy Williams — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:40:11 -0400

I was employed By Dalton Corporation in Warsaw, Indiana as a Maintenance Mechanic Journeyman in the Foundry. I was doing overtime Fabricating and welding Cylinder racks when I got a call over the radio to call my wife. That's when I learned. My father had been one of the Construction Electricians when the World Trade Center was built.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 21 at 2014 1:05 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 13:05:48 -0400

Pickup up mortars for a range for SOCEX.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 21 at 2014 1:31 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 13:31:19 -0400

Unloading Dry wall at a customers house as I was working for 84 Lumber at the time. Was an team leader CPL at the time. Got activated 4 months later.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 21 at 2014 3:10 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:10:33 -0400

I was on the last day of my cycle-break while an SGL at Ft. Stewart's PLDC and had just poured my first cup of coffee when I turned on the tv to see the first reports of the first plane hitting...I was kinda like wow that must have been a really lost pilot, and then when the 2nd one hit I knew immediately that we were under attack and I just sat there in disbelief for a good hour and then also learning of the plane hitting the Pentagon I knew my world had changed. Life in and around 3rd ID changed immediately, roads blocked off, we even rotated students as guards at a checkpoint set up on the road into the Academy as we were 17 miles from main post. I just kept thinking about when and where I would be taking a tank into battle because I knew as soon as I could I was going to request going back to a line unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 3:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:51:09 -0400

I was AGR in the CT Guard and was on duty, then it all turned into calling the members of my S1 to report for duty immediately in preparation to providing support to the troops that would get into NYC and assist.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 4:32 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 16:32:56 -0400

I was a 1Lt working as a family practice nurse at Pope AFB. The commander's secretary came to our office and told us what happened. I didn't believe her at first, then she said "come watch on the TV in the commander's office". We all went in and were shocked to witness the second plane hit. The next day it took me 8 hours to drive 5 miles to get on base to being on alert Delta. They were inspecting every vehicle going on base. Definitely a day I will never forget!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 5:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 17:39:49 -0400

I was at Ft. Myer, VA rehearsing a ceremony in C-Hall (you know it if you have been stationed there). It was close enough to the pentagon that we heard and felt the explosion.

By that time, it was mass confusion. News reports were saying everything form the Pentagon, to the Capital Building, to the White House were attacked by rockets, car bombs, planes, etc. My company made our way back to our barracks building on Ft. McNair in D.C. by bus, but with the gridlock traffic we ended up running through the streets of D.C. to get back. Luckily we were all in our PT uniform.

When we got back to the barracks, we locked down and started guarding the building. What blew my mind was that we were guarding with full battle rattle, but instead of a weapon we had a riot shield and baton. I asked my Squad Leader what I was supposed to do with a plastic shield and baton if a plane comes at the building, which earned me a few push-ups ;-) The next day we started doing 12-hr rotations at the Pentagon, going in to search for survivors, remains, evidence, etc.

Sept 11th is a day that I will never be able to forget, nor the weeks following. The sights, sounds, and smells will be forever burned into my memory.

Response by 1SG Mark Colomb made Mar 22 at 2014 6:00 PM

1SG Mark Colomb — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 18:00:22 -0400

I was the Senior Enlisted Advisor to National Guard and Reserve MP units (Bde, Bn and Co level) in TN and KY. I was at 304th MP Bn in Nashville conducting a premobilization file review. Basically checking to see if their "plan" for deployment was solid. They had a TV in the office and when the news flashed to the twin towers my first thought was some Air Traffic Controller was about to loose his job. Them the second plan rammed the building I knew we had been attacked. I told the S3 of that battalion to get his bags packed. The Bn was deployed within six months.

Response by CPT Catherine R. made Mar 22 at 2014 10:01 PM

CPT Catherine R. — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 22:01:33 -0400

Old? I'm not old!

However, I was at (then) Fort Lewis in formation waiting on our BDE CSM to do a Class A inspection. He came in and told us what happened. It was a long day and I'll forever be grateful for my in home daycare provider who kept my son for a week to help my spouse and I out (both Active duty) while we worked crazy, unpredictable hours!

Response by SFC Don J. made Mar 23 at 2014 9:25 AM

SFC Don J. — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 09:25:13 -0400

I was driving old M818 5 ton tractor. I picked it up from direct support maintenance and was taking it back to the motorpool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tackmgZpkAI‎

My m818 in the pit

Camping and wheeling ar Rausch Creek 10/24-10/25. It was cold and wet but a hell of a good time! Im running re-caps and had crappy traction but still had fun...

Response by SPC Steven M. made Mar 23 at 2014 9:42 AM

SPC Steven M. — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 09:42:40 -0400

i was in the 5th grade... gym class at that time and didnt really understand what was going on besides somethng terrible is happening ... 10 years later i served in afghanistan

Response by SFC Andrew Kretz made Mar 23 at 2014 6:10 PM

SFC Andrew Kretz — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 18:10:58 -0400

I was a Drill Sergeant with D Co 2-28; we were in white phase (Marksmanship) and were conducting the LOMAH range. The Soldiers in Training were stunned, when they realized that they now would be heading to war after their training. Many Drill Sergeants attempted to get taken off of duty and sent back to the line. I only met one that succeeded. He was Special Forces, so that was a no brainer. The rest of us would just have to wait until our time. Then for most of us, our time came, and came again, and for so many, it came many times. God bless those of you have been deployed for OEF and OIF more than two times.

Response by Cpl Jacob Walker made Mar 23 at 2014 7:01 PM

Cpl Jacob Walker — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 19:01:41 -0400

I was with BLT 3/6 attached to the 26th MEU on pre-deployment leave. Got a call that day to come back to base early and we deployed soon after that to the Med, and then met the 15th MEU in Afghanistan in November, 2001.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 7:09 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 19:09:02 -0400

I was in Ms. William's 10th grade History Class in upstate NY. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and there were screams and cries from other rooms in the school. Crazy day...

Response by SFC Bob Bennett made Mar 23 at 2014 11:56 PM

SFC Bob Bennett — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 23:56:11 -0400

I was in ANCOC at APG. I remember going into the break room to make copies of something for class when one of our classmates told us that a plan had flown into one of the world trade towers.

Response by SFC Bob Bennett made Mar 23 at 2014 11:59 PM

SFC Bob Bennett — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 23:59:37 -0400

I was in ANCOC at APG during 9/11. It was the day before our field exercise. I had to go to the break room to make a copy of something for class when one of our classmates told us that a plan had flown into one of the world trade towers.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 1:16 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 01:16:58 -0400

I was a Drill Sergeant at Fort Sill Oklahoma, I was sitting in my office going over graduation packets when my Battle Buddy DS Cryer called me and told me to find a TV. About a month after 9-11 all the DSs were informed that we had all been locked in for a 3 year tour as a DS. It was interesting to note the change in attitudes of the PVTs, we transitioned from I joined the Army for college money to I joined the Army cause I want to kick some ass. Another dose of reality came when we found out one of our Trainees was KIA about 6 months after graduating BCT. After sharing that news with the Trainees a majority of them started taking the training alot more seriously.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 11:22 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 11:22:59 -0400

I was sitting in my 10th grade trigonometry class, the day before my 14th birthday. I never would have imagined I would join the army 5 years later.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 24 at 2014 2:08 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:08:56 -0400

I was conducting an interview with a potential candidate for the AF with her and her mother in Galion, OH. We watched what happened on the TV. I looked over to her and asked how she felt about going to war. She did not enlist but my other two appts that day did. My FC called me that morning and told me to get out of my GOV and Uniform and go home - I told him NO and went on with my day...Received a LOC later that week for not stopping.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2014 4:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 16:30:14 -0400

I was stationed in Schweinfurt Germany at the time. Given the time difference I was off work already. At the time I did not speak much German at all. I was in a German shoe store downtown buying a pair of shoes. The guy there didn't speak much English either but was trying to tell me (I figured out later) what had happened. I headed back towards post and ended up waiting in the traffic for about 4 hours to get back on post because they were tearing cars apart and were only letting service members back on. Had some of the guys in my platoon that stayed in my barracks room with me for a few days and we were all on guard shifts for the following months.

Response by SSG Rodney Farrar made Mar 25 at 2014 12:49 AM

SSG Rodney Farrar — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 00:49:36 -0400

I was in the gym running on the treadmill watching the news about the first plane hitting and watched the second one hit. I stopped the treadmill and got the attention of my whole squad and they all came over to the tv we watched for about 5 minutes then got are stuff together and walked into work and got some more official info from the commander.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 1:06 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 01:06:05 -0400

I was at Fort Knox, KY, C 5-15 Cav conducting land mine training. I was in the very last sandbox on the lane probing for anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. They cancelled training for the rest of the day was cancelled and we were shuttled into our day room to watch the news and stay updated.

Response by SSG Daniel Griffith made Mar 25 at 2014 10:30 PM

SSG Daniel Griffith — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 22:30:31 -0400

I was stationed at 2-34 Armor, Ft Riley KS. Between PT and Work Call and as I walked in front of the TV I was trying to figure out where in the world the feed was coming from, never did I think it was in our country. As I sat down to read the tele-prompter, I couldn't imagen how a plane could hit the Trade Center. As I sat there watching the second plane came into view and hit the second tower, our world changed that day... I got phone calls from senior and subordinates alike trying to get a grip on what this meant. The word LOCKDOWN was on everyone's lips, I told my guys not to become overly concerned until they start moving Tanks to the front gates...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 6:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 06:58:29 -0400

I was a SSG stationed at Ft Sill, OK

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 4:42 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 16:42:22 -0400

Master Sergeant . I was in the inactive ready reserve. Driving down the road. I felt like our Country was under attack and I wanted to be called back to Active duty to Defend The US, although that never happened in my case.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 4:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 04:06:24 -0400

I was on the flight line getting ready to go fly. One of my pilots came in an told me we were cancelled. I looked up at the beautiful sky, and then asked why? It was beautiful out. He said he didn't know, but all flights were cancelled. As I helped tow an aircraft in the hangar, one of the other Crew Chiefs came in and started telling us what had happened. I asked what movie this was in, and he said, it isn't a movie, it just happened for real. That's when we found a TV and started watching the news. When C5s started landing at Ft Campbell, people started jumping off of helicopters yelling, "We're going to War!!!" It was nuts.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 1:46 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:46:49 -0400

I had just retired three weeks earlier with 21 years of Air National Guard service. I had been the NCOIC of the Command Post and had not been replaced or even missed a Drill weekend. We were a part-time shop that cranked up on a Drill weekend Saturday morning, powered everything up and operated for two 8 hour days before shutting everything down and heading home.

On the morning of 9-11, I was sleeping and my 4 year-old son brought me the phone. It was my husband telling me to turn on the TV. As so many others heard that day when they asked what channel, he replied "it doesn't matter." I turned on the TV and saw the chaotic news reports. I saw the second tower hit, the coverage of the Pentagon and the towers collapse. I knew we were at war. I received a call from one of my former folks who lived quite a distance from the base asking my advice as to whether she should start driving down. I said yes. I also told her I fully expected a call myself. It came a few minutes later. I found someone to take care of my son and drove out to the base. The first thing I was asked by the Crisis Action Team was the meaning of SCATANA. For the first 13 years of my career I had worked in an Air Sovereignty Command Post. Luckily I remembered that this was the process for landing air traffic. I worked about 12 hours that day, interpreting message traffic, sending reports, helping to establish a 24/7 Command Post function, creating checklists and so forth, all in civvies.

I had just been hired at a book store chain and was scheduled to start on the 13th. My old military boss asked if I'd be willing to come to work as a straight Title 5 civilian. I gave two weeks notice at the book store. During those two weeks, our store sold out of every Nostradamus or prophecy related book we had!

I came to work as a civilian, doing the job I'd trained for for 21 years for REAL for the first time. After one year, I was asked if I would be willing to get back in. It took 9 months of paperwork going all the way to the Chief of Staff, but I got back in and am still serving today. Our aircraft have changed, our missions have changed, but we are still in the fight.

Response by SGT Sarah Maxwell made Mar 28 at 2014 10:40 AM

SGT Sarah Maxwell — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 10:40:54 -0400

I was in Land Navigation in Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. When the Drill Sergeant came in to tell us, at first we thought it was a training exercise. We were allowed to watch the news when we got back to the company area and to call home to reassure at least one family member.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 3:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:53:27 -0400

Some powerful stories here for sure, its nice seeing soldiers with a strong sense of patriotism. As for me, I was in 3rd grade. We were told by the teacher something terrible had happened, and even at that young age we were able to sense the tension in the air. I went home, and my parents explained to me what had happened. I have always wanted to be in the Army since I can remember, and that day solidified that future plan. And here I am today.

Response by SSG Marvin Vick made Mar 29 at 2014 1:49 AM

SSG Marvin Vick — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 01:49:39 -0400

at that time I was a platoon leader for the nc prison emergency response team, we were on a training mission en route to a prison unit, stopped off at a diner to get a bite to eat and saw the news flash played over and over again on a tv they had at the diner. needless to say, I returned to my unit, received orders and BAM! OUR LIVES HAVE SINCE BEEN CHANGED FOREVER regarding the way we do things.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2014 4:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 16:10:19 -0400

I was aboard the U.S.S. Boxer while serving in the Marine Corps. We had just left Hawaii and were on our way back to our home port in San Diego after a 6 month deployment.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2014 4:27 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 16:27:08 -0400

I was actually in 88H class at Ft. Rustics when this occurred also. We were in the middle of training and our instructors rolled up and told us class had been cancelled. We were all confused because nobody told us why. When we realized what had taken place we were all shocked. It was one of the most somber days I can remember on a military base.

Response by SPC(P) Roger Brown made Mar 29 at 2014 8:22 PM

SPC(P) Roger Brown — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 20:22:46 -0400

I was working at Circuit City Service 0079 in Charlotte, NC. We all saw the News Breaks on TV when they started coming on.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 11:15 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 11:15:35 -0400

I was doing demolitions training at I believe Story Range up by the DMZ in South Korea. It was odd hearing the propaganda music the north played, my phone started vibrating like crazy. My Commander hopped in his HMMWV and took off. We had no clue what was happening. After another day we went to camp....ended up being on lock down for a few weeks. Couldn't even get out of uniform. Weren't sure who was responsible and if there were additional terrorist acts to follow.......It was quite the experience.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 1:45 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 13:45:06 -0400

I was just getting back from swing shift PT in my last month of AIT. The formation had just executed a left face outside the barracks when one of the Drill Sergeants ran out of the building and told all of us to get inside the day room. We all got to witness the second tower coming down. Later that day I was guarding the BN headquarters with a loaded M-16. Less than six months later I found myself at GTMO providing communications.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2014 3:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 15:05:37 -0400

I was in college, and was walking from my first of three classes to my second. They were back to back so I had to hustle. I remember walking in about a minute before class started and seeing everyone gathered around a tv. I walked in just in time to see the second plane hit. I knew my mother was flying back from a business trip to CO, so I immediately called her to check on her. Afterward school closed and I went to see a recruiter two days later who actually turned me away , saying they weren't able to manage all of the applicants at once. He told me to be smart and finish college. I didn't get it.
It was 6 more years before I joined.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 4:03 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 16:03:13 -0400

Having retired in '99 I was working as a volunteer as a Level I Log Officer with the American Red Cross in Tampa, FL. We were briefing a planned large-scale exercise when suddenly everyone of us with a pager had an alert tone - each having the same phone number. One of the mental health workers took the call outside while the brief continued. When the mental health worker came in she interrupted the brief to insist the TV on the wall be turned to the news. We watched the first tower burn and then the 2nd plane hit. I stood up, put all the briefing papers in my folders ... the briefer demanded to know what I was doing since the brief was not over. My reply was: "This exercise is over, the U.S. is under attack, POTUS is only a few miles south of here. We will never be allowed to start this exercise. We're done here."

I spent the next 6-7 months working the NJ recovery side - supporting the thousands of case workers assisting the families of those lost in NYC.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 1 at 2014 5:49 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 17:49:31 -0400

5 years retired as a CTO1 USN (Inactive Reserve). Working as a Senior Network Operations Specialist for Sprint, Just got home from working the Night Shift turned on the TV to that awful nightmare.

Response by Cpl James O'Rawe made Apr 2 at 2014 2:06 PM

Cpl James O'Rawe — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:06:37 -0400

I was out of the Military when this happened, however i was employed by the US Govt. with the Old INS(as a DEO), Currently ICE/ERO. We were at the Range doing our Pistol and Shotgun Qual when we got the word to report back to our Office.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 12:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 12:23:55 -0400

I was a a 19 yro PFC with NJARNG, I was working at a Harley Davidson Dealership in South Jersey, when the news cam across about a plane hitting the Tower. Then we watched the 2nd plane hit the 2nd Tower, I knew immdediately that it was no accident. I turned to my manager and said "Gotta Go" I reported to my Guard Unit and after a few hours were pushing 'Push Packages" up t NYC to aid first responders. Come January 2002 my Guard Unit was pulling secruity around Holland and Lincoln Tunnels assisting the Port Authority.

Response by SSG Jason Deters made Apr 4 at 2014 1:26 AM

SSG Jason Deters — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 01:26:17 -0400

I was an E4 in the National Guard working as a cable TV installer as my civilian occupation. I had just finished installing service to a customer and turned on the TV to program everything when I saw what was happening. I stood there in the customer's home as the woman literally fell into my arms in disbelief. After ensuring she was OK, I gathered up my tools, called my dispatcher and told them I was reporting to my unit. I was the 2nd soldier to arrive and was immediately put to work preparing for what was to come. Within 24 hours I was ordered to active duty for force protection. I spent the next 72 days in various roles from gate guard to QRF to key leader protection detail.

Response by CMSgt William Galvan made Apr 4 at 2014 12:43 PM

CMSgt William Galvan — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 12:43:46 -0400

I was assigned to the Regional SATCOM Support Center for EUCOM enroute from Hqs. USAFE, Ramstein AFB, Germany to Hqs. USAREUR Campbell Barracks with senior members of US Army Space Command. Listening to AFN Europe radio a flash announcement told of one of the towers being crashed into by what was thought to be a small private airplane. This was startling to say the least. When the newscaster announced that the second tower was hit by another airplane, one would have had to been unconscious to not suspect that America was being attacked.

World War I was declared as a result of an action that paled in comparison.

The following actions to this day have served to remind us of the level of competence in all arenas possessed by our countries leadership. Still, that leadership continues to deploy troops to geographic areas that have been at war with each other for Thousands of years with one another. Have you ever heard of going into battle without a winning strategy. Well, we are receiving lesson after lesson from activities that were going on since we WON the World War II.

What have we won since? We do know what we LOST.........many lives, much of our heritage and prestige.

Have you looked at the labels indicating where the articles that we purchase were made? If not, please do. That would be lesson 1 in Economics 101. Do you really believe that the "real" unemployment rate is less than 7%? Would you believe that the "real" unemployment rate for veterans exceeds 14%.

What will you do today to make a difference? The ball is in your court now.

Response by CPO Rob Schrader made Apr 5 at 2014 7:00 AM

CPO Rob Schrader — Sat, 05 Apr 2014 07:00:58 -0400

I was with my Haz-Mat team at the ferry docks in Atlantic Highlands deconning people coming from the towers. The next day I was at ground zero with the USCG Atlantic Strike Team. I was there for a total of 16 weeks working at ground zero.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2014 2:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 14:12:51 -0400

I had been in the US army from 1983 until 1992. I had been working at an electronics company for about a year. In June 2001, I was in the process of returning to the US Army, but waiting on waivers and the usual papwerwork to come back. The morning of 11 Sept 2001, I was at home sleeping and got a phone call from a friend. He told me to quickly turn on the TV. I could not believe my eyes. It was like a bad dream. My wife had just returned home from dropping our kids off at school and she was in shock. I was already determined to return to military duty no matter what. I remember going to work that day and hearing civilians complaining that the goverment was not doing enough. My question is what were these people willing to do? Not much of an answer from them. I knew and was glad that my wife and I made the decision to return to military service. It is one of the best decision I have made.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Apr 7 at 2014 2:54 AM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 02:54:51 -0400

I was in barracks room watching CNN waiting on first formation then flash it happened. All I could do is just watch in horror for those people in those tower and think 1 thing in the back of my mind. We are going to war over this in a minute. Then checked my battle rattle and made sure it was good to go.

Response by PO3 Candace Gracik made Apr 7 at 2014 10:15 PM

PO3 Candace Gracik — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 22:15:09 -0400

My Father was an E-9 scheduled to have a briefing at the Pentagon that morning but the meeting was pushed back. I was in Springfield Maryland right outside of DC were my father was stationed at Coast Guard Head quarters. I woke up to the sounds of ambulances and the phone ringing my aunt asked if I heard from my father. The cell phones were down in the DC area all day. Transportation was difficult everyone was trying to reach there loved ones. This day is remembered in the civilian sector in regards to the twin towers but I have always focused on the remembrance of those lost at the Pentagon. Some of my friends lost there mother and father at the Pentagon. I am thankful that my father's meeting was delayed. This event was one of many reasons I enlisted.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 8 at 2014 1:03 PM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 13:03:30 -0400

I was working at INSCOM HQ at the time (Fort Belvoir). I was in the post office (Off post) and waiting in a fairly long line. Shortly after I got there, someone from the back came out and told their coworkers that a plane had crashed into one of the WTC towers. The news was fuzzy at the time and they thought it was a single-engine prop plane. A little while later, I was still in line and the same person came out and said a second plane had hit the other tower.

At that point, I knew it was a terrorist attack and I immediately proceeded to get to the Willard Hotel, which is right next to the White House. My wife worked there at the time and she took public transportation so I wanted to get her out of D.C. As I was driving the long way around to avoid traffic, I passed the Pentagon as it was hit. It was the loudest explosion I have ever heard before and since. I pulled over and called into work via a pay phone (Yes, we used pay phones back then) but the office was already aware.

I wasn't able to get to the Pentagon or to D.C. since everything was spiraling out of control so I called the office again and asked if they needed me to come in. They didn't so I spent the rest of the day (I worked a mid shift) freaking out over the TV news... like pretty much everyone else.

On the 12th of September, I went to a gas station on my way to work to but some coffee. While I was in line to pay, a woman approached me and asked "Are we going to get them?" I told her yes. We were going to get them. And we did.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 9:44 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 21:44:08 -0400

After 5 years of Regular Army in the Signal Corps, I reenlisted into the Iowa Air National Guard as a medic. I was still waiting for my tech school orders, but I had a civilian job. I worked a midday shift at Qwest Communications and woke up after the attack but before the Towers fell. I turned on the TV to catch the news just in time to see the South Tower fall. My first thought as I watched the footage was this was Bin Laden, because I was familiar with his previous work. I knew at some point in the future we would be going to war, I just didn't realize it would be in Iraq.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Apr 9 at 2014 3:04 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 15:04:22 -0400

Attending, and instructing, SOF Medical Sustainment Refresher Training on Ft Bragg, NC at the time... We were doing hands on practicals and everything stopped as 2 TV's were wheeled in... We initially thought it was a movie for dealing with urban MasCas until the second plane hit... All training was accelerated and everyone pushed to home bases as soon as possible (no flights)... Still seems so surreal just thinking about it...

Response by SPC Michael Stanko made Apr 10 at 2014 8:18 AM

SPC Michael Stanko — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 08:18:32 -0400

I was on the firing range durning basic training when this happened. We all thought that the platoon SGT was messing with us tring to get us to perform better on the range then when we got back to the barrarks the Platoon LT explained to us what happened.

Response by PO3 Edward Jones made Apr 11 at 2014 1:48 AM

PO3 Edward Jones — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 01:48:28 -0400

I worked for Lockheed Martin at the Submarine School...I was out 11 years.. but my son was on leave. Fireman Apprentice on thr USS Detroit. I fielded a Robo call that was sent to all military on leave an immediate recall from leave then a call from his Chief. I spent you phone tree in my son back home...the we drove all the around NYC to Naval Weps Station Earle to get him heloed to his ship on patrol outside New York harbor. Then they were off to Bahrain.... of course I had worked that morning and We were ordered off of Subase NLON..... then it was locked down after the Pentagon got hit...

Response by SGT Joshua Owen made Apr 11 at 2014 4:38 PM

SGT Joshua Owen — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 16:38:05 -0400

I was on PCS leave from Ft Hood heading towards "Relaxin'" Jackson. I had just sat down to read the paper and my aunt called me and told me to turn on the TV. I asked her what channel and she replied "It doesn't matter."

Response by PO2 Will Enfinger made Apr 11 at 2014 5:51 PM

PO2 Will Enfinger — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 17:51:29 -0400

National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD . . . and the Pentagon.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Apr 11 at 2014 7:32 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 19:32:58 -0400

I was at home - my wife was dropping my daughter off at pre-school, and my wife's ex-husband called at about 8:50 and told me to tell my wife that he was fine. I did not know what was happening at the time, so I thought he was having a good touchy-feely moment, so I told him hey, we're all good. He then told me what happened and I flipped on the TV. I saw the second plane come in and hit, and asked him what security told them to do. He said to stay put, that they were safe. I told him to get out now and take his staff. He got out just as the building collapsed across the street.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2014 11:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 23:15:29 -0400

I had started a new job the night before as a janitor at a middle school. Having worked until 3 a.m. I was surprised to be awoken at 10 am CST by the sound my roommates watching the aftermath of the events that had happened just hours earlier on the morning of Sept 11, 2001. I remember watching the news everyday for 2 weeks after that.

I joined the Army in Nov 2003. The rest is history.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2014 4:08 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 04:08:28 -0400

I was on terminal leave after just hitting my 8 year mark and got called back and stop lossed for so long I decided to stay in. I hit 21 this year.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 3:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 15:38:39 -0400

I was 8 years old but I remember it clearly! I got up for school and my mom seen it on the computer that one of the towers was struck by a plane. We went to my grandparent to watch the news and a few min later. I watched as the second plane hit the tower live and watched the news till almost midnight. When they said it was a terrorist attack I knew then at 8 years old I was going to join the army!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Apr 13 at 2014 3:39 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 15:39:51 -0400

I was taking a HAZMAT transportation and storage class in Fort Campbell, KY's educations center. It came into good use a few months later in Kandahar.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 11:28 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 23:28:50 -0400

Just graduated Airborne School. I was in Norfolk, Virginia Recruiting office on my first day of Hometown recruiting. I asked to be release and took a greyhound bus to Fort Bragg, NC and signed into the 82nd. ATW!!!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 15 at 2014 1:42 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:42:40 -0400

I was long out of the military, but worked for the State of California DOT, Caltrans. We were alerted to potential targets of importance, such as the state Capitol, LA and SF buildings, or the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. I also worked in the California veteran affairs building and we were told to telework for two days as it was across from the Capitol.

Made me want to re-enlist, but I was already too old.

Response by SFC Christopher Walker, MAOM, DSL made Apr 16 at 2014 8:03 AM

SFC Christopher Walker, MAOM, DSL — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 08:03:14 -0400

I was in my 10th grade Alegbra class. At that time, the principle annonced to all teachers to turn their televisions to CNN. When the tv came on, It caught me off guard. A few minutes later the first tower went down. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a Soldier. After going to college for one year on a full scholarship, I felt that I needed to do something more productive. I decided to drop out and join the Army. So here I am today; still fighting for my country.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 10:45 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 22:45:28 -0400

I was a young Security Forces E5 SSgt on leave at home getting ready to start terminal with just under 10 years time in service. I went back to work, deployed multiple times and am currently planning my retirement ceremony now.

Response by TSgt Jim Bowers made Apr 19 at 2014 11:06 AM

TSgt Jim Bowers — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 11:06:29 -0400

Just finishing up my shift and cleaning up my mess from going through our mobilty gear at MHAFB ID. I was assigned to the 34th BS. Two days later I lived at the squadron packing gear and loading pallets headed downrange. We went from training and everyday ops to full blown wartime mission. We were the first bomber unit in theater dropping ordinance. Loved watching everything come together into a well formed machine.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 7:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 19:48:05 -0400

I had just finished my first weekend Battle Assembly in which I had just returned to the military. I was at work with a customer at the front counter and I saw a replay of the first plane hitting the towers. The customer saw my face and we were in shock. The boss came in from the shop and said something and I pointed at the TV as the second plane hit. All day long everytime the phone rang I thought it was the call. I will never forget that day. That is engrained into my memory as other events in history are in my parents memories. I was proud I had already returned to the military. Had I not up to that point it would have been an early lunch and probably a late lunch.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 11:47 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 23:47:49 -0400

I was stationed at Camp Lejune NC, my unit was out in the field training in force on force tactics.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 2:32 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 02:32:06 -0400

I wasn't in, however, I was volunteering as a medic in the hospital on base for the past 6 months. It was one of the 2 days in 2 years I skipped college class because something just felt off. I turned on the TV and didn't go anywhere that day.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2014 8:51 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 08:51:02 -0400

I was stationed at FT Bliss at the time. We were actually out in the field for a week long FTX. My wife (also in the Army at the time) called me and told me that we had been attacked. No one could believe it! It was rough being out there and not being able to come back in. When we finally did return to base, EVERYTHING was different....concrete barriers and concertina wire surrounded everything....

The most shocking moment was actually watching the news and seeing the video of the towers falling....even though we all knew what had happened....NOTHING can prepare you for actually seeing it...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 6:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 18:18:03 -0400

Epidimeology class at SCSU

Response by SSgt Jason McClaren made Apr 22 at 2014 8:29 PM

SSgt Jason McClaren — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 20:29:55 -0400

I had been in the Air Force just over a year. Had just got off night shift and was about to go to bed and saw it pop up on my computer.

Response by SFC David Lauzon made Apr 23 at 2014 4:05 AM

SFC David Lauzon — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 04:05:09 -0400

I was on a live fire range in Ft Lewis Washington, WA. with a group from the Ranger Bat on Ft Lewis. They brought everyone out of the field and put them on post security and made us QRF for I Corps. They left us in the field training with our own security.

Response by PO2 Kristofer Pearson made Apr 23 at 2014 5:31 PM

PO2 Kristofer Pearson — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:31:21 -0400

Putting the seawater system back together in shaft alley on the USS Peterson DD969. We were scheduled the very next week. We went straight into operation enduring freedom.

Response by Sgt David Holmes made Apr 23 at 2014 7:30 PM

Sgt David Holmes — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 19:30:40 -0400

I was at the Rifle range near MCAS New River and Camp Lejeune, NC and had just finished qualifying. I was recently promoted to Corporal on the first and was enjoying smoking and joking with the other NCO's at the gut truck (and not having to work butts or go to the target factory) when we heard the news come across the radio. It was surreal, after the second plane hit (or right before) they called a cease fire on the range, we all got into formation, they took a makeshift platoon to patrol and perform guard duty and we stayed on site until later that day when they bused us back to MCAS.

Everything got real serious real quick.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 6:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:02:36 -0400

I was in the middle of writing an award for a Soldier from my Maint Plt.

Response by SFC Myra Fishburn made Apr 24 at 2014 6:33 PM

SFC Myra Fishburn — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 18:33:55 -0400

My unit was TDY in England when it happened. I was part of the 76th Army Band, and we were starting a concert tour in England that day. After we heard the news, we took a vote and decided to play our first concert that night. As far as I know, we were the only military band to perform on that date.

Response by SPC Kara Sport made Apr 26 at 2014 1:07 PM

SPC Kara Sport — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 13:07:14 -0400

I was stationed at Fort Leavenworth and remember just how quiet it was as I walked to work. Everyone was glued to the TV in our office and I ended up walking outside to get some fresh air. Eventually, soldiers started walking from the barracks with "full battle rattle" and weapons and started to patrol the base. My mom called that afternoon concerned not only for me but for my brother that was almost finished with Air Force training for Security Forces. I told her this is why we signed up and I wasn't sure what could happen the next few days but we would be okay. A few days later I found out an NCO I worked with in Korea was killed in the attack on the Pentagon and left behind her then three year old daughter.

Response by MSgt Andrew Dwight made Apr 26 at 2014 7:35 PM

MSgt Andrew Dwight — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 19:35:16 -0400

On alert and at 35K feet orbiting Washington D.C. with F-16's as escorts. We took over for the Pentagon after it lost its communications capability.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxUvBWoHgBs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meIuEVhyROQ

9/11 Mystery plane

A mysteries plane spotted in the air above Washington on September 11 2001. Looks like Air Force One....

Response by TSgt Duane Tewinkel made Apr 26 at 2014 8:14 PM

TSgt Duane Tewinkel — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 20:14:46 -0400

ALREADY RETIRED BY THEN. I WAS BABYSITTING MY 2 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER WHEN MY DAUGHTER CALLED AND TOLD ME TO TURN ON THE TV. BROUGHT BACK BAD MEMORIES.

Response by LtCol Brent Norquist made Apr 28 at 2014 3:15 PM

LtCol Brent Norquist — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 15:15:23 -0400

I was in class at USMC Command and Staff College. A young Marine came in, interrupted the LtCol speaking, and told us to turn on the TV. We watched as the second plane hit the second tower. Then we knew we were at war. Everything changed from that moment forward. The next day I wrote a quote from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar on the whiteboard in our classroom
"...And Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war..."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 8:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:11:24 -0400

I was 12 in the seventh grade. All the classrooms had their TVs on watching it happen. I joined five years later.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 8:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 08:12:22 -0400

I was a TPU Reservist that was coming home from working 3rd shift when the announcement came over the radio. I got back up to my apartment just in time to see the 2nd plane hit. My first phone call was to my reserve unit at Ft Knox and told to just stand by for further instructions as everything was chaos.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 2:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 14:55:02 -0400

Watch that "old" business. The "wise" are advising on current solutions. 9/11 I was doing the same thing I did on April 19, 1995 in Oklahoma City.

"(Old Guy/Gals I know...)?" I doubt that very seriously.

1. Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building 1995.
2. The Pentagon 2001.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Apr 30 at 2014 3:17 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 15:17:16 -0400

I had watched the news that morning and then headed to the recruiting office where I worked to read up on what just happened in NY. My station commander called and asked if I had seen the news. I replied with yes. Then he asked what I was wearing, which then I replied with the Class B uniform. He told me to go back and change into civilian attire. So I did and all three of us there just sat in the office answering calls from veterans to come back in to people outraged with the event. Only a few people stopped in our office to say how angry and sad they were about 9/11. None however, mentioned they didn't ever want to join, yet they wanted someone else to go overseas to do the work.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Apr 30 at 2014 11:57 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:57:48 -0400

I was at Fort Lewis, WA. in the process of jumping our TOC when the Chaplain came in and said a plane had crashed into the WTC. I got on the phone to my wife to see what was going on and readied the HMMWV for my Maj. and I to go to BDE TOC for briefings and figure out what we were to do. Once there we huddled around a small TV and watched the second plane crash and saw the rest of the stories. I was then tasked with contingency plans to get the BDE back in from the field if needed. Spent a lot of time on my cellphone coordinating with Corps HQ to get us in and to get our Bradley's positioned around the base.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 1:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 01:59:01 -0400

I was in 5th grade in the middle of roll call and on that day Is the day I decided to join the military.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 12:47 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:47:39 -0400

I was a senior in high school. I was in government ironically. We went to the media center after the first plane had hit the first tower and the one plane had hit the Pentagon. We got there just as the second plane hit the second tower. It was them that I knew we were going to war. I decided to join the military right then and enlisted a few months later.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 2:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 14:35:05 -0400

Stationed at Ft. Bliss, just finished a road march. Made it back to the barracks in time to see the 2nd plane hit. That was a crazy.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 1 at 2014 5:23 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 01 May 2014 17:23:51 -0400

I remember watching Fox and Friends as I was getting ready to head into the office and the second plane hit the WTC 2. Got to the office as was given the strangest directions I think I ever had while in the Army,

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 6:03 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 18:03:50 -0400

I was in between enlistments, (I got out in 7/99-12/01) and I was working at the Supermax prison in Nevada. I got up to go to work and had no idea what was happening until I was told by inmates. I reupped that December, and reported to my unit in January.

Response by CPT Marc Serrá made May 2 at 2014 3:36 AM

CPT Marc Serrá — Fri, 02 May 2014 03:36:56 -0400

Was between stints in uniform...starting my last year of university before gaining my commission. Was helping my dad build his deck when the news came on. Thought about going back in enlisted, but decided to finish up and commission.

Response by PO2 Michael (DoC DiG) DiGaetano made May 2 at 2014 4:11 AM

PO2 Michael (DoC DiG) DiGaetano — Fri, 02 May 2014 04:11:02 -0400

I was at home asleep. My mother called me and woke me up and told me to turn on the tv.

Response by SR Ken Corrigan made May 2 at 2014 2:00 PM

SR Ken Corrigan — Fri, 02 May 2014 14:00:17 -0400

I was at WTC that morning with my fire company. I had been off duty that day and heard what had happened. I drove down there not knowing what I was getting into. Before anyone knew what was going on, the towers started to collapse. My guys were on one side and I was on the other. Got buried in the NJ PATH train station under the North tower. Was taken to St Vincents Hospital after being removed from the rubble

Response by Capt Tj Feeley made May 4 at 2014 12:04 PM

Capt Tj Feeley — Sun, 04 May 2014 12:04:26 -0400

I was an E-5 at the time in te Air National Guard. It was TDY to Fort Dix and it was day 1 of OPFOR school ironically. I was learning how to be a bad guy, a terrorist. In the background of the class, the news was in and we all saw the first plane hit and my school instructor immediately said, we are under attack. Pilots just don't fly into buildings. We then watched in horror as the second plane hit. I was in class with a bunch I people who worked at the Pentagon and I felt horrible at the time
Knowing they had loved ones who worked there also. I had a hard time calling my wife because everyone was using up the cell towers and the landlines. She knew I was in Jersey but thought that Ft Dix had been attacked also. They cancelled the school and sent us home. Driving home, we could see the smoke an dust from the highway. A couple weeks later, I was deployed.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 12:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 12:15:09 -0400

Doing PT in MCAS Miramar. Came back to the barracks and switched on the TV in time to see the second plane hit.

Response by TSgt Roland Bombase made May 5 at 2014 6:29 PM

TSgt Roland Bombase — Mon, 05 May 2014 18:29:24 -0400

I was in RAF Lakenheath. Within minutes, Base CE we moving the 10-foot concrete barrier walls and establishing a single-point of entry. Double ID's upon entry to the base and must in civilian attire upon arrival to the bases. And then we were doing combat air patrols with one fighter squadron. The other units were gearing up to deploy! Pallets and cargo containers were all packed within 12 hours, awaiting for the "GO" orders.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 8:28 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 08:28:40 -0400

I was prepping the #2 and #3 waste heat boiler systems to have some of the valves re-installed on USS PETERSON DD 969. I remember I was standing on the catwalk over the Main Reduction Gear when I first heard that a plane hit the WTC. I was down in Engineering Berthing to use the head when the first tower fell.

We were scheduled to deploy the very next week.

Response by TSgt Jaclyn Brittain made May 6 at 2014 11:10 AM

TSgt Jaclyn Brittain — Tue, 06 May 2014 11:10:06 -0400

At Ellsworth dispatching the barriers to be put up and pregnant and was in hospital next week

Response by PO1 Joseph Feldhaus made May 6 at 2014 9:53 PM

PO1 Joseph Feldhaus — Tue, 06 May 2014 21:53:45 -0400

I was on call with the Naval Station Great Lakes Auxiliary Security Force. Needless to say my pager went off, and it was 6 months before I went back to my regular unit. I spent the first day at condition delta watching the front gate of the Recruit Training Command. After that was 6 months of training reservists to man up a full security force. A lot of our procures and policies went through a major overhaul.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 9:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 21:25:34 -0400

Camp vitina, Kosovo with 2/502 inf, 101st. Sad sad day. One that will never be forgotten.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 11:08 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 May 2014 11:08:45 -0400

I was stationed at Whiteman AFB, MO, which was my first base. I was a SrA and just getting off mid-shift and getting ready to take a nap when my roommates called me out to the living room. It was the first plane strike of the towers. Less than 30 seconds later I was being recalled back to work where I was there for another 12 hours launching jets. Made me feel so alive to know that we sent aircraft to blow the living daylights out of something.

Response by PO1 Clyde Fauria made May 10 at 2014 4:09 PM

PO1 Clyde Fauria — Sat, 10 May 2014 16:09:53 -0400

Sept 11, I was on Det in Keflavik,Iceland.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 7:08 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 May 2014 07:08:43 -0400

I was on Staff Duty in Alaska. I was called by a NCO asking if we had been put on Alert because of the Twin Towers. I asked him if he was joking. We were not allowed to have a TV on Staff Duty. He said no so we went and got one and turned it on. About 30 min later all hell broke loose with the phone calls and the lock downs.

Response by SPC Jessica Stewart made May 11 at 2014 7:30 PM

SPC Jessica Stewart — Sun, 11 May 2014 19:30:48 -0400

I will never forget this particular moment. I was driving into work at Ft. Bliss (El Paso), Texas listening to my favorite morning talk show. They started talking about planes flying into the Pentagon and Twin Towers and I honestly thought it was a joke. I did not take them seriously, it was such a far fetched idea to me at the time that anyone would do that. I continued into work and I made it through the gates before they shut the base down. I walked into our orderly room and was told to go home because it wasn't a joke and if I didn't leave right then I would be stuck on base. My mother was visiting at the time, I was 9 months pregnant, and she was at my home so I immediately went home. She had no idea what was happening so I turned on the news so she could catch up. Immediately phoned my husband and my father and just watched in fear/sympathy/sadness/confusion, all kinds of emotions running through me.

Response by SFC Arthur Barker made May 12 at 2014 6:33 PM

SFC Arthur Barker — Mon, 12 May 2014 18:33:34 -0400

I was in a hotel in Manila while on leave from Fort Gordon. I had the volume down on the TV, but I had CNN on. I saw the World Trade Center and the smoke when I initially looked at the screen, but I assumed it was old footage from the original WTC bombing. I didn't see the crawler or the planes or anything else that would have indicated it was anything different. I went a few more hours without knowing until I got a call from family asking me if I was alright. The biggest change was when I returned to the States. I went out on 8 September 2001, and got back on 22 September 2001. Going out there was almost no security at the airport, and anyone could have gone to the terminal, ticket or no. Coming back, I got off the plane from the Philippines and had to go through three checkpoints before I even got to the Customs desk. A lot changed in that week-and-a-half.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made May 12 at 2014 6:34 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Mon, 12 May 2014 18:34:54 -0400

Well, I was officially discharged Sept 1, 2001, inactive since 98. I was driving to work and I heard a plane flew into the WTC. I remembered the old private prop driven jobbie that flew in to the Empire State Building and thought it was like that. They never said it was a commercial airliner at first. I kinda laughed and said "dumb private pilots". Later at work, the radio said another plane flew into the WTC. I thought "another" yea, common news, whats the odds, get your story straight. The bosses called us in to the meeting room later and turned on the news. When we saw what really happened, my mouth dropped and every head in the room turned towards me. "i'm not in anymore." Part of me still wished I was in, part of me was glad I was out. Then I remembered the briefings and intel I was privy to about Osama while I was in. Damn, he did it.
In any case, I am glad we had a president with the guts to do something about it! Not a fan of prior or since.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 10:15 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 10:15:45 -0400

I was 3 months away from graduating from Eastern Michigan University (SWOOP)!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 12:19 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 12:19:05 -0400

I was getting a 7-11 Icy and asked the clerk, "what movie are you watching?" He replied, "this isn't a movie, it is live from NYC!" I said, " HOLY $%" and headed home. Next thing I new I was in Pre-MOBE Training at Ft. Sill on my way to OEF!!! I was looking forward to another AT trip to Germany!!!

Response by SFC Walter Mack made May 13 at 2014 6:35 PM

SFC Walter Mack — Tue, 13 May 2014 18:35:19 -0400

I was at my promotion board for SGT at Ft. Jackson. I was slightly distracted throughout the board.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 13 at 2014 7:39 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 13 May 2014 19:39:00 -0400

I was at my full time civilian job when someone announced that a plane had hit one of the world trade center towers. Most of us thought a plane accidentally hit the tower, something innocent like that. Someone had turned on the TV in the conference room and came running out when a second plane had hit. 1's a coincidence, 2's a conspiracy went through my head as I headed for the conference room. We all sat in disbelief for the next 2 hours unable to grasp what we were seeing. That afternoon I received a "raging bull" call from my other office to assemble the "head shed". By the end of that night the unit leadership knew this was the No Sh!t, real deal as we started planning for anything and everything possible.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made May 14 at 2014 10:15 AM

MAJ Dallas D. — Wed, 14 May 2014 10:15:50 -0400

I was inside the Gas Chamber at Ft. Benning, GA. I was one of the NCOs at Brittan Range and we were in charge of training all the 11B's in CBRN tasks as well as run them thru the Gas Chamber. I will never forget getting pulled out and putting 300 privates in the stands to hear what had happened. We had 3 who had relatives in the WTC and they were taken back to the barracks but the rest of us spent the day training. Very tough day to keep on doing Army training, I got home about 7 PM that night and watched the highlights on the news.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2014 12:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 May 2014 12:45:44 -0400

I was just getting into my homeroom class in the 10th grade...to be honest I didn't understand it then but it quickly got to me and my path was set towards the military.

Response by SFC Robert Allen made May 14 at 2014 7:21 PM

SFC Robert Allen — Wed, 14 May 2014 19:21:01 -0400

I was assigned on an AC/RC assignment in California, had just finished my run and come inside to cool down for a sec before getting in the shower. TV was on and the wife was in shock. I didn't see the first hit except in replays, but was watching when the second one struck.

Response by SPC Rebecca Lovie made May 16 at 2014 2:02 PM

SPC Rebecca Lovie — Fri, 16 May 2014 14:02:02 -0400

25 FAD, Schofield Barracks, HI. My 21st Birthday.... A day full of sadness,confusion and guard duty lol

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 17 at 2014 12:30 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Sat, 17 May 2014 00:30:33 -0400

I was at Sgt PT. SSgt Cox decided that we would have more of a PME leadership class than go for a run. After we finished our talk we all got back into our cars to head to the shop. Most of us had Howard Stern on and they were talking about the situation and they didn't really know what was going on. Right about that time was when the second plane crashed into the second tower.

Once we got back to the shop Sgt Brown and a few of us started setting up an antenna that we could use to bring into a TV that we had downstairs so we could watch the coverage and get up to speed on everything.

Response by PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner made May 17 at 2014 12:12 PM

PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner — Sat, 17 May 2014 12:12:10 -0400

Where was I 9/11 I was living at Sub Base Bangor Washington. My Husband was aboard the USS Kamehameha and was to pull in to the sub base that evening to unload weapons then head to Bremerton Naval Ship Yard to be Decomed. Due to the attack his arrival was delayed so was his retirement. He terminated shore duty to go back to the Kamehameha so he could take it to Decom and retire. Due to 9/11 they froze all early retirements and he ended up spending 2 more years in the Navy waiting for his EOAS before he could retire.

Response by CPO Frank Oliveras made May 17 at 2014 3:03 PM

CPO Frank Oliveras — Sat, 17 May 2014 15:03:34 -0400

I had been in Bahrain for just over 2 months. I was the Medical Officer for NSA Bahrain's Emergency Response Team (ERT) responsible for all CBRNE and disaster response for the base as well as initial CBRNE response in the AOR. We had only been training for a month when it all went down. Training at Zero Dark Thirty in MOPP Level 4 for hours on end to ensure readiness in over 110 degree weather... Being on alert to go "anywhere" on a moments notice"...Sleeping under desks, racket ball courts, dog kennels, medical exam tables, under vehicles and anywhere else where we thought being safe sucked... Had to provide CBRNE training to dependents, civilians and initial forces heading to A'stan and provide decedent affairs for initial casualties... Funny how I would do it all over again... Thank you MSGT Bob Massey, USMC. Semper Fi!

Response by Sgt Michael Mc Evoy made May 18 at 2014 12:14 AM

Sgt Michael Mc Evoy — Sun, 18 May 2014 00:14:00 -0400

On that day I was working in the Store for Firestone in Marietta, GA when the Plane hit the first tower I only had one customer in the store at that time he was From Iran and I was in the process of repairing his vehicle. Once the plane hit the second tower I knew that we were under attack. I could then see the fear in my customer based on the fact that they are Muslims, not practicing but Muslims just the same and possible a target of a hostile crowd. So I finished tier car as fast as I could and told the to go home because the it is really going to hit the fan. Since they are repeat customers I knew that they were no harm, but it was also the last time that I saw them.

Response by LTC Jonathan Howell, CSEP, PMP made May 19 at 2014 3:01 PM

LTC Jonathan Howell, CSEP, PMP — Mon, 19 May 2014 15:01:19 -0400

I was at Camp Howze in the Western Corridor of Korea. I called the Brigade and Battalion Staff Duty desks to notify senior leadership. I remember thinking it was an attack right away. With the impact of the second jet any doubt was eliminated. When the third jet crashed into the Pentagon and then the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania I wondered how much more was to come.

JDH

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 12:09 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:09:49 -0400

Shipton Kaserne, Ansbach, Germany.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 7:48 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 May 2014 19:48:46 -0400

MSgt Tanner, those of us who served will always remember where they were on 9/11, myself, I was making up a drill that I had missed the weekend before. I had just walked into the office when the 2nd plane hit the WTC. There were a couple of others watching the events on the news which at first I thought was a movie. My MOS at the time was MP, and by the end of the day I was on emergency call up orders. on 9/12 I was directing traffic at one of the busiest intersections of Ft Bragg. The base had never been shut down like that before. I got the worst Beret sunburn in the history of mankind that day. Overnight I went from being an IT guy full time (civilian world) to being in Law Enforcement. I volunteered to extend for a total of four years, and that experience is what led me to pursing a Warrant Officer career. This has become the greatest career decision I have ever made.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 23 at 2014 8:58 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Fri, 23 May 2014 08:58:19 -0400

Whenever I see your question I think of Jimi Hendrix. Speaking of Hendrix, does Lakehurst have any memorials to the first jump school there? (Hendrix was with the 101st Airborne and had 26 jumps).

Response by Sgt Randy Hill made May 23 at 2014 9:19 AM

Sgt Randy Hill — Fri, 23 May 2014 09:19:40 -0400

With all sincerity I was working on the back deck for Buck's furniture when I heard over the radio a plane had hit one of the towers. My initial reaction was oh an accident. Then the second plane hit. My opinion quickly changed to terrorism.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made May 23 at 2014 8:27 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Fri, 23 May 2014 20:27:49 -0400

I was a Long Range Surveillance Team Leader in the National Guard when 9-11-2001 came around. On that particular day, a Tuesday I was working my other job as a Firefighter. We had just lit an 8th floor training fire in a soon-to-be demolished hotel when we got word that a plane had flown into the WTC. No sooner had we got the word when we had to respond to a REAL high-rise fire in an occupied apartment building at the opposite end of the City. Busy day. I knew when I watched those towers fall (replay) that the world was about to take a right turn.

Response by PO3 Jeffrey Martin made May 24 at 2014 9:05 PM

PO3 Jeffrey Martin — Sat, 24 May 2014 21:05:49 -0400

32nd street San Diego aboard the USS Stethem DDG-63. We were about to get underway for our quals when we saw the first tower get hit. After that we were told the base had gone to threat con Delta and that we were to be ready for anything because we were locked and loaded since our quals ended up being bypassed. I am sorry for all who lost loved ones during that time and you have my condolences; as far as my experience especially at the time it was hard to believe that it had actually happened and thus realizing the extreme responsibility and secret nature that I had to maintain since I was an IC and ran the site system on the ship; I still remember that week following the attack and the year following while we were on extra alert during our watches. It puts a toll on you and your loved ones during that time and especially now when I have flashbacks of that day and that year and I hope that anyone that had to go through something so traumatic like that is able to get help and have loved ones to help you get through your flashbacks like I do now.

Response by PO2 Christi Ballard made May 26 at 2014 12:21 AM

PO2 Christi Ballard — Mon, 26 May 2014 00:21:25 -0400

I was in the Gulf, stationed onboard the USS Nicholson, conducting MIO ops to enforce UN sanctions. We were waiting to search the next batch of boats. I was hanging out in the ET repair shop watching movies when the captain came on the 1MC and told us simply that New York had been bombed. Almost en masse, the crew met on the smoke deck to deal with what wee had just heard. Of course, we sought out those crew members we knew had family in NYC (never forget you Frary). Things got hairy immediately. We couldn't find out anything immediately, and we couldn't let our families know we were alright. We knew we were safe, we just wanted to find out about everyone back home. My mama was working at the VA hospital at the time, and we were all worried about further attacks. Nobody slept for days, until we got the call. Then we really didn't sleep. We didn't see, much less walk on, dry land for over 80 days. I think that homecoming was the most bittersweet of them all. Glad to be home, but we still wanted to be back there, doing what we had trained for, doing what we do best.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 11:57 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 11:57:36 -0400

So I am a young buck. I didn't come in until January 2006. I will never forget where I was when it happened though. I was sitting in geography class. One of the other teachers came in and told the coach who taught geography to turn on the radio. He turns it on, we all sit there listening in shock. After the radio host discussed the events, he said, "Let's have a moment of silence for all those who have fallen during this tragic event." And I swear not even a full second later, "And now for the sports..." I was like, WTF? That wasn't even a moment. Are you serious? I really wish I knew who it was that was talking. I want to give them a piece of my mind. I was already devastated at what happened, but then he does that, and it all just turned to anger. That's when I decided that I was for sure joining the military after graduation.

Response by MAJ Dennis Malone made May 28 at 2014 3:46 PM

MAJ Dennis Malone — Wed, 28 May 2014 15:46:46 -0400

I had just returned from the National Training Center the night before. The cable guy was at my hooch at Fort Hood to fix my satellite. He got it online and I saw the first plane go in...I told him to hurry up and finish the job because I knew I had a job to do. So, after 30+ days at NTC, I showered watched the few updates as the second plane hit and the other one "landed" in a field, and went in to work while all of Fort Hood stood on lock down. I was in command at that time and half of my battery was still at NTC, I had families that needed answers to how their husbands and sons were going to get home. I got those folks home and all of my battery did what they needed to do...honorably, to the last man.

Response by TSgt Duane Tewinkel made May 29 at 2014 7:53 PM

TSgt Duane Tewinkel — Thu, 29 May 2014 19:53:52 -0400

Had been retired from the AF for nearly 8 years at that time. I was at home babysitting my granddaughter.

Response by PO1 Sarah Brock made May 29 at 2014 10:53 PM

PO1 Sarah Brock — Thu, 29 May 2014 22:53:50 -0400

I was working at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune's Same Day surgery as a HM3. I was checking the pre-op patients in for the day when two of our patients said to turn on the news that the first plane hit the tower. I went out to our Nurses station and turned on the news where everyone saw the second plane hit. I didn't realize at the time it would change how business would be conducted for the rest of my service.

Response by SSG Ron Douglass made May 31 at 2014 11:26 PM

SSG Ron Douglass — Sat, 31 May 2014 23:26:25 -0400

I was at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 11:01 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 23:01:11 -0400

I watched it in my room before PT at Schofoeld Barracks, HI. I was a PFC and we we just returned from the Sinai tour in Egypt in July. 2 months later 9/11. The crappy part was, we were relieved over there by 10th MTN New York. They were pissed, they got put on lock down the whole time. I felt bad for them. But, they got thier chance to make up for it. So did 25th Division!! Tropic Lightning!

Response by SSgt Tim Ricci made Jun 2 at 2014 1:41 PM

SSgt Tim Ricci — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 13:41:06 -0400

I was in the service well, sort of. Terminal Leave before retirement! I was in the Mountains of Montana with some High School Buddies doing a camping trip. That morning we came out of the Mountains Loaded op the Canoes and camping gear in the Pickups, turned on the Radio, aand low and behold "SHIT"!!!!!!! I had my friend drive me to the National Guard base to a DSN line and called back to my unit to see if I was recalled. Didn't get recalled but didn't get back for and extra week or so because of the flying situation!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 3:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 15:53:12 -0400

I remember; I was in my motorpool on Kleber Kaserne in Germany. A buddy of mine came and told me that his sister called him and told him a plane had flew into the WTC tower. My first reaction was what an idiot. It wasn't until a short while later that our Company Commander came down and held a formation to explain to us what had happened.

Response by SGT T Leno made Jun 4 at 2014 1:45 PM

SGT T Leno — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 13:45:02 -0400

I was rewiring the engine of a pickup truck that morning. I said, to the 17 year old son of my friend, that this was his generations' Viet Nam. Meaning that it would become another quagmire, a bottomless pit for cash and an endless stream of casualties.
Sometimes I hate that I'm right so often.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 12:04 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 00:04:24 -0400

I was working in a Warehouse in Denver Colorado

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2014 7:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 19:15:37 -0400

I joined the ARMY six months prior to 9/11. Due to AIT for my MOS (25S formally 31S satellite communications) being nine months long, I was half way through AIT at the time.

It is funny when I hear a SGM or some high brass say that we knew what we were getting into when we joined during a time of war when I joined before hand. Granted I have since re-enlisted three times and knew what I was getting into when I did but that is not joining, that is re-enlisting.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 12:59 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 00:59:29 -0400

I was in Northern Kuwait deployed under Intrinsic Action.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 5:53 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 17:53:42 -0400

Although I was not in the service when 9/11 happened, it forever changed my life. This event made me realize how truly great our country really is with all the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and the people who want to tear all of that down. So not only am I proud to serve, but also proud to be an American.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 4:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 16:49:03 -0400

I was teaching a classroom full of second graders. That was enough to get me to quit teaching.

Response by PO1 Kevin Blood made Jun 9 at 2014 6:52 PM

PO1 Kevin Blood — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 18:52:10 -0400

Taclet South Miami Florida.

Response by SPC Randall Davis made Jun 10 at 2014 9:37 AM

SPC Randall Davis — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 09:37:48 -0400

I hadn't joined the Military yet. I had been a Law Enforcement Officer for 6 years in Virginia and had moved to Colorado in 2000. In Sept. 2001 I was just days away from starting a new Police job as a Federal Officer. I was driving an Armored Car for Loomis that fateful morning. My Messenger came in from a delivery and told me a plane had just hit the World Trade Center. I was in a media blackout for the next 10 hours and got the play by play throughout the day from my messenger as he went in to different buisinesses. I got home and was able to see the carnage finally. It was a powerless feeling being a trained First Responder but being a thousand miles away and not able to help my Brothers and Sisters in Blue that were ultimately going to perish when the Towers fell. I'm a Native Virginian and was equally pissed when the Pentagon was struck. I dedicated myself to my Federal law enforcement job but ultimately that job didn't work out after falling victim to dark Federal office politics(ie. incompetent management.). This ultimately led me to joining the Army Reserves by wanting to do something else with almost 10 years of uniform service. While the job transitions were going on though, I've been working on a 9/11 Memorial car I'm building out of my 1977 Firebird. I call it the Freedom Firebird Project. It's not complete but I haven't given up on my dream either. I've posted a snipet here on RallyPoint about it but if you just Google,"Freedom Firebird Project," I've got numerous online postings and pictures including on Facebook and GoFundMe.com.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 11:21 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 11:21:08 -0400

It was during my break in service. I was home in Up State NY. I reported to my employer around 1400 to await any mobilization of Fire Departments and Ambulances to back fill down along the Hudson Valley. Responded twice with our County EMS Task Force to Ground Zero as a Medic. I will never forget my time there. I re-affiliated in December 2001. The next time I was was anywhere near Ground Zero was while in NYC for the commissioning of LPD 21 the USS NEW YORK. We were given a tour of the Ground Zero construction, the entrance we used was right by the quarters of Engine 10 and Ladder 10 and they have a bronze relief mural all along the side of the fire station which depicts the events of 11 September. It was at that point that I knelt down with my hand on the mural and released all the pain and anger that I had held in for the previous 8 years. I had the opportunity last year to go to the WTC Memorial which was another very moving time.

Response by LTC Christopher Sands made Jun 10 at 2014 12:38 PM

LTC Christopher Sands — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 12:38:01 -0400

I was a Major in the New Jersey Army National Guard. I was in the S-3 section of the Division Support Command, a brigade level headquarters with all the support units. My wife called and aid something bad was happening. She audits hospitals and there had been an alert to all the hospitals in the area. I turned on the TV to see both towers burning.
I called my Supervisor to ask if they needed me, was told be ready, not yet. The NJ State Police are the lead element in all NJ emergencies, the NJARNG support their efforts. I was called up on State Active Duty to help run an EOC in Liberty State Park, directly across from Ground Zero. I worked the night shift. The State Police had an EOC there and we were next to it. We had an expando truck.
The Military Ocean Terminal-Bayonne was supposed to be turned over to the city of Bayonne on 1 Oct, it had been bracked out. They had 4 million square foot warehouses there. When the donations of items from Americans began flowing in, we called up a warehouse platoon form our Forward Support Battalion and ran the warehouses for the next few months. I pulled a few days as OIC there.
Our Governor had the NJARNG guard the bridges and tunnels going from NJ into NY for almost 1 year. We had Soldiers stationed in Armories in Jersey City and Teaneck. The Jersey City units guarded the PATH station, both Lincoln and Holland Tunnels and the 2 bridges going into Staten Island. Teaneck covered The GW Bridge with units at the base and up on top at the toll area. I was on duty for 90 days helping to run the DISCOM EOC overseeing our 3 subordinate battalions as they rotated through the above mission, on 30 day rotations. NJ also had Soldiers on duty at Newark and Atlantic City Airports.

Response by SFC Scott O. made Jun 12 at 2014 1:02 AM

SFC Scott O. — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 01:02:01 -0400

I was at lunch junior year of high school. This was my driving force for joining.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 2:04 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 02:04:03 -0400

I was an ET3 (E-4) stationed in Okinawa, Japan when September 11th attacks occurred. It was night time for us, and we were visiting friends next door when his wife called us into the living room for "...something weird going on on the TV!" We walked in 30 seconds before the second plane struck. We knew even then that things would never be the same....

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Bergeron made Jun 13 at 2014 12:23 PM

1SG Jeffrey Bergeron — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 12:23:03 -0400

I was setting at my desk as a US Army Recruiter, and my wife called me. She said have you seen the news a plane crashed in to one of the towers in New York. I said damn, well maybe it was a plane malfunction. At that time another plane hit. Then I knew it was no accident. Work was done for that day, I went over to the Navy office , they had a tv, and we all just watch in disbelief. I felt bad I couldn't deploy with the first wave of troops.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 9:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 21:22:54 -0400

SFOR 9 in Bosnia.

Response by Sgt Donovan Miller made Jun 18 at 2014 9:46 AM

Sgt Donovan Miller — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 09:46:19 -0400

I was in Quantico, Va TBS H&S Co. in the S-4 Office when the first one hit a fellow Sgt who was looking at CNN on the the computer let us all know. I then had to head over to the Company Office for a meeting with the 1stSgt due to a couple of PFC's getting in trouble the prior weekend. I took them in the Company Office and the 1stSgt took me in his office and chewed my ass because they were all F@#%ed up. He told me to leave and send them in, so I went outside the Company Office I went down the hall to the guard shack since I was going to be SOG for October. I walked in and was getting information from the duty SOG when the second one hit and the TV was on CNN....I knew it was no accident so I hurried back to the Company Office gathered up the PFC's and hoofed it back to the S-4 office....Chaos ensued people were running around no one knew where the planes were going to hit next...it felt very scary and we felt very vulnerable....strangely enough earlier that year in July I believe, the 1stSgt mentioned in a company formation something about Osama Bin Laden and the rest of the terrorists out there looking to kill any American service member

Response by SSG David Hollingshead made Jun 18 at 2014 7:30 PM

SSG David Hollingshead — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 19:30:13 -0400

one day i will never forget. Walked out of a briefing of the 2 star on our FTX ans saw the second plane hit the tower on TV. for a bit i stared wondering what film that was untill i realised it was on CNN. same 2 star kicked me out of a briefing at the start of the support element for the 2002 winter olympics. he just didnt want to jinx the operation :)

Response by SSG Thomas Lovins made Jun 19 at 2014 1:39 PM

SSG Thomas Lovins — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 13:39:11 -0400

I was in AIT at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. We had marched to the classroom and were waiting for our instructors. As an hour passed and no one showed up, we started getting a little nervous. It wasn't until our drill instructors showed up, marched us back to the barracks, and put us in the day room that we knew what was going on. We were allowed to use the phones only later on in the day to call our families, the phone lines were jammed with people all over the east coast trying to contact loved ones in D.C. and New York. It was then that I decided to join active duty. I had originally enlisted in the guard but I wanted payback for what had happened to us. I didn't get my active duty orders until 2003 but I never regretted my decision.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 7:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:36:55 -0400

I was stationed at FT Drum with 2/22 IN at home eating a bowl of cereal after PT. Got the call from my unit to get in. I had already reenlisted to go to FT Bragg so I did not get out the door with 10th Mountain.

Response by PO1 Brian Turpen made Jun 20 at 2014 9:48 AM

PO1 Brian Turpen — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 09:48:26 -0400

I was stationed at fort meade maryland. Was very busy

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 12:34 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 12:34:29 -0400

I was stationed in Alaska, and I'd worked two weeks in a row just before 11 Sep. I'd been given a CTO, so I was at home on asleep when I recieved a call from work telling me not to try entering the base and that I was being put on standby. I had no idea what was going on, so my Section Chief told me to turn on the news and gave me a quick brief. He told me about the two planes hitting the towers. As I was watching TV they start to announce that an aircraft hit the pentagon. I told my Section Chief and he cursed and told me he needed to go so he could continue the recall.

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 21 at 2014 5:16 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 17:16:38 -0400

I was a PFC at Fort Sam Houston.
Had a terrible case of laryngitis.
I had broken down and went to the TMC that morning and was put on 2 days quarters.
When I checked back in with the orderly I was barely with it. He told me "a place hit one of the towers."
I had no idea what he was talking about. I was thinking small plane, local radio tower.
I said whatever and retreated to my room.
I was awakened a few hours later by an NCO.
He yelled "America is under attack, we need you at the gate," and tossed a rifle on my bed.
I was groggy as I made my way out of my room, down the hall, wondering if I was going to have to dodge bullets on my way to the gate.
No one knew what the hell was going on. We were standing guard by a gate on lockdown...a gate that was ALWAYS open, leading to BAMC at Fort Sam Houston.
I turned away ambulances and senior personnel wanting to get on base.
I tried to put the pieces together but the facts were hidden amongst rumor and hyperbole.
Finally, I was able to sneak off post after 12 hours at the gate in the Texas heat. I grabbed a copy of the local paper at a Denny's and learned what had happened.
"A New Day of Infamy" it said.
I saw Bin Laden, a face I knew from classified briefings at 97B school.
I knew shit had just gotten real.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2014 8:59 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 20:59:49 -0400

I was eating chow in the DFAC at the great place, Fort Hood, Tx

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2014 5:06 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 17:06:13 -0400

I was TDY at what was to become a hornet's nest of activity. I was TDY for a school with my PSG at MacDill AFB. I woke up sick with a mild case of food poisoning and had fallen back asleep. My wife called me and told me to turn on CNN. I saw the second tower get hit, told her I loved her, and headed to the classroom. Class got cancelled, and we spent the next few hours asking every MI person we saw how we could help. We got moved into downtown Tampa later that day. We spent the next 2 days trying to get someone to let us help since all air travel had been grounded/restricted. We ended up renting a car and driving back to Fort Bragg on that Friday.

Response by Capt Jeff Quinn made Jun 24 at 2014 4:58 PM

Capt Jeff Quinn — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:58:36 -0400

I had been out of the Corps for a little under a year and had flown back in from Detroit, MI the night before after a factory audit for my civilian job. I was just starting up the day in my home office when I turned on the TV and heard the news. Earlier that summer, I had contacted my old AT (TOW) reserve unit in Broken Arrow, OK and interviewed for an open platoon commander position- needless to say up until the attacks, I had put the decision on hold -partly due to my hectic civilian job tempo and extensive travel and weighing the balance of adding the reserves into this equation while raising a young family. As a result of the attacks, I ended up putting the uniform on one last time for 6 months with the local reserve unit in April 2002 in Wichita (after getting back in shape and getting my paperwork turned back in). I have never regretted the decision to go back in-only wish I had been able to re-join the summer before with my old unit. S/F- Jeff

Response by Capt Jeremiah Diboll made Jun 25 at 2014 6:02 AM

Capt Jeremiah Diboll — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 06:02:17 -0400

I was a brand new SSgt and was an FTAC Team Leader at Offutt AFB, NE. We had a field trip scheduled to go see th military working dogs. The first plane hit and I ended up watching it in the next room while they occupied themselves before we were supposed to leave. I watched as the second plane hit. That's when we got a call that the field trip was cancelled as all the working dogs were called to the airports to do screening. I pulled an old rabbit-ear tv out of our storage closet and set it up so they could watch the coverage. That's when the Airmen were asking to call family since many had family that worked in the towers. I ended up loaning my cellphone to them. Thankfully, none of their family members were affected. Shortly after the Pentagon was hit all of the Security Forces members were called to arm up. This included my other team leader. We also had POTUS coming shortly after as well. Our base was closed up tight and it was long day. I finally got to go home very late that day after all the Airmen were taken care of.

Response by MSgt Mark Graves made Jun 25 at 2014 11:48 AM

MSgt Mark Graves — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 11:48:36 -0400

I was an Officer Accessions (Health Professions) recruiter in the 344th RS Headquarters, stationed in Arlington, TX. I was on the road to Sheppard AFB, TX with a Medical Service Corps (MSC/Hospital Administrator) candidate for his interview with the Hospital Commander. We were still about 90 min. away. He was studying up on potential interview questions about the program when I noticed that there wasn't any music on the car radio. Something just seemed weird, so I interrupted him and turned up the radio. That's when I heard about the first plane and shortly after that we heard about the second. Upon arrival at Sheppard, and being a former SP Sgt, I got out of my Government car and assisted the SP Gate Guards with traffic control. I called the Base Hospital and found out our interview was indeed cancelled and rescheduled for the following month. We were locked down on the base for about 5 hours, before we were able to leave and head back to Arlington. My Flight chief was at work celebrating her birthday and mine was the next day.

Response by Sgt Wayne White made Jun 25 at 2014 4:20 PM

Sgt Wayne White — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 16:20:48 -0400

I was in the shower at my home in Denver, Colorado when the rock station I had on said there had been an explosion in NY. That station never interrupts its programming, so I thought it was important. When I got out of the shower, I turned on the TV and saw the first and second towers collapse, and saw news of the Pentagon crash and explosion. It sounds overly dramatic now, but not knowing how far the attacks would go, I prepared for the worst (suitcase nukes). How many know that Denver becomes the capitol if Washington DC is destroyed? I threw my camping gear into the car and took $500 out of an ATM. I went to my law office in Wheat Ridge, in a building where I officed with many other attorneys and CPAs. Everyone else showed up at work, but we all watched TV throughout the day. I was prepared to head for the hills, but fortunately I didn't have to. I connect with other Wayne Whites on LinkedIn and occasionally Google myself, and sadly one of my Wayne White brothers was killed in a twin tower collapse. After reading many of the responses above, my thanks to all active duty military and first responders who went on alert and responded to the attacks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 5:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 17:17:23 -0400

I had barely had enough time to get over jet-lag after deploying to Saudi Arabia on April 9th 2001. I was sitting in the Arms room watching how the flights collided with the twin towers. It seem so surreal, so many delays back home getting on post. It was taking three to four hours to get on Ft. Carson Colorado. I felt like every other patriotic American I am sure. I felt helpless, kind of useless because I was there and there was nothing I could do.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 25 at 2014 10:00 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 22:00:39 -0400

Had just got in the rack after a 15 hour shift at RAF Feltwell. Was almost asleep when the phone rang and my CO ordered all members back to the compound.

Response by SFC Jerry Humphries made Jun 25 at 2014 11:18 PM

SFC Jerry Humphries — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:18:57 -0400

I was in Denver getting my initial VA appointment afte retiring. To tell the truth I was expecting to get recalled back to service, but that never happened. My daughter was in Basic Training and I sure that she and her comrades took their training a lot more seriously after that.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 6:50 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 06:50:36 -0400

I was on-board the USS Carl Vinson, a couple of days out from enter the gulf. I had just come off of watch and got down to the berthing and everybody was watching the news. That was just before the second tower was hit and reports of other planes going down were coming across. After that, we all knew that we were on a path to something else and this was not going to be a normal deployment.

Response by SPC Brandon Bare made Jun 27 at 2014 12:46 PM

SPC Brandon Bare — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:46:45 -0400

I just wrapped up a PT test, (orders for Sept 9, 2001 for scheduled deployment to Kuwait) when I walked into the Armory TV's on and everyone who was faster than I, surrounding the television in total shock. A few minutes later the Police pulled into the parking lot and we received the order to post sentry guards and we locked everything down. I remember the stillness.

Response by SPC Ksejdi Duraj made Jun 28 at 2014 12:51 PM

SPC Ksejdi Duraj — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 12:51:42 -0400

I was in School haha. I was young. And I went home and my father was very upset after seeing the news. Being a foreigner and all, he does love America very much. But was too old for enlistment.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 1:40 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 01:40:29 -0400

Gettin' ready to hop on the bus to 3rd grade! :D

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2014 4:42 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 04:42:54 -0400

I was assigned to the patrol division of my police dept. Very sad. We are across the Hudson and had ocean avenue shut down to all traffic for ambulances to run people to our hospital in the city after coming off the ferry. Sad thing was there were no ambulances cause not that many were injured... Most had died.... I worked 20 hours that day. The train parking lot was full at midnight. That was not the norm. People either killed or stranded or injured, it was their vehicles... I could see the smoke from the trade centers blowing across that parking lot (about 20 miles from there as the crow flies) it was surreal. I had a lot of family up there assisting (FDNY and NYPD) no one heard from them at that point... I was wondering if they were ok. I will never forget!!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 5:50 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 05:50:19 -0400

As the HHC XO, I was opening the Day room for my Soldiers at 2-8 IN, 2nd BCT, 4ID, Fort Hood, TX. I turned the TV on as the story about the first plane was being a reported.

Response by SPC Ryan Bouchard made Jul 2 at 2014 11:44 PM

SPC Ryan Bouchard — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 23:44:10 -0400

I was in the motor pool at Ft. Knox KY. I was maybe in my fifth or so week of OSUT basic training to become a tanker. I had joined the Army during peacetime for only two years to get some money for college and get out of town for awhile. I'd never imagined that many of the fast friends I had made in basic would be laid to rest with an American flag draped over their coffins in the following years. What started out as a personal, short term expedition, turned into something that has shaped and will forever effect my life. It stems from the morning in Kentucky when I learned that planes were being crashed and Americans killed.

Response by SSgt Trisha Braga made Jul 4 at 2014 7:24 PM

SSgt Trisha Braga — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 19:24:12 -0400

I had only been in 3 years at that point and was stationed at McConnell AFB working in Retirements and Separations. I walked into Customer Service to pull a members record and saw what was happening on the tv. By the time I got back to my office my supervisor was telling me to get to SF to gear up for the flight line....loved being an augeedawg. Had to go home and change first since I was in my blues at the time.

Response by SGM Mark Magnussen made Jul 7 at 2014 1:53 PM

SGM Mark Magnussen — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 13:53:15 -0400

OCAR (Office of the Chief, Army Reserve) RTD (Retention and Transition Division), Ft McPherson, GA. I was supposed to be in DC working incentive issues, but end of FY budget issues cancelled the trip. My wive called, and asked why a 737 would fly into the WTC. As she watched the second plane hit. I told her I'd call her back and went into my bosses office and told him to turn on CNN, we were under attack. When the Pentagon was hit, we started the scramble to find the OCAR staff.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2014 9:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 09:48:45 -0400

As a traditional Guardsman at the time, I was on the phone with my unit asking when/where to report.

Response by PO1 Lawrence Silk made Jul 11 at 2014 7:22 PM

PO1 Lawrence Silk — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 19:22:22 -0400

I was home in bed on convalescent leave at Submarine Base Bangor, WA, having just had surgery 3 days earlier. My wife came running into the bedroom and turned on the television, just in time for me to see the second plane crash into the other tower. A horrible day indeed for our entire country.

Response by PO1 Floyd Clark made Jul 12 at 2014 1:01 PM

PO1 Floyd Clark — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:01:54 -0400

Oddly enough I was waiting for a city bus to go to Jury Duty. I saw that there was one hell of a line of vehicles trying to get into base (a lot longer than usual), I did not know what was going on at this time. Someone eventually stopped and gave me a ride where I found out what happened. The Judge came out to talk to everyone that showed up and sent everyone home for the day without the need to come back.

Response by PO1 Sharon Walters made Jul 15 at 2014 12:53 PM

PO1 Sharon Walters — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:53:49 -0400

I was at Military Sealift Headquarters, Norfolk, VA where my ships crew was TAD (ship was in dry dock for maintenance with a skeleton crew in Baltimore) I didn't go with the ship because I was transferring to my next station before the ship got back. We were watching everything unfold on TV after hearing multiple different stories about what was happening (the first story we heard was there was a real bad fire in the trade center and all the subsequent stories gradually got worse and worse til we finally said let's get a TV an find out what is actually happening). We turned the TV on just in time to see the 2nd plane hit the towers - I personally just slid down the wall and sat on the floor staring, in a dumbfounded haze - until the announcement came over the intercom that the base was going to Delta and a full evacuation of non-essential personnel was ordered. We were in a building 2 blocks from the front gate (takes maybe 2 minutes to get off base from there)....as I was driving out the gate I saw the serpentine blockades going up and the gate close 1 car behind me. 2 days later we found out that one of our shipmates that had transferred a few months prior was one of those lost in the Pentagon.
- 3 weeks later, after returning to Norfolk from my instructor school (part of my transfer orders to my new shore duty station) I was back on board my ship seeing her and my friends off (the ship had been pulled from maintenance and they were being re-deployed to the Gulf (we had only been home from a 7 month deployment for 2 months)).....and begging my CO to op-hold me(cancel my orders to shore duty) so I could come back and deploy with them, with only the clothes on my back and my purse. - the ship was already at sea & anchor detail and the only reason I was still on board was because I was former crew(recently transferred) - all "civilians" and non-crew personnel had been sent ashore already.

Response by MSgt Terrell Gamble made Jul 15 at 2014 2:53 PM

MSgt Terrell Gamble — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 14:53:49 -0400

I was working as a Network Administrator for the 2d Ops Group at Barksdale AFB. I remember watching the events unfold on the TV in the mobility office. Then some fighters buzzed the base and shortly after that Air Force One landed. I volunteered to deploy but since I was performing duties outside of my career field I was basically undeployable. So I got to plan the Ops Groups network response and configure the kit that was sent with our folks that did deploy. Our kit remained at the FOL until well after most of our people had returned. By the time it came back it all went straight to DRMO.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 9:22 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 21:22:30 -0400

BNCOC - Fort Sam Houston, TX

Response by Capt Douglas A. made Jul 16 at 2014 12:41 PM

Capt Douglas A. — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:41:21 -0400

Plane 1, we all assumed Cessna...then plane two hit, then the Pentagon...then lock-down duty with my pocket knife. HQ AFMC, OSI was trying to enter HQ to gain access to the 4-star, which per protocol I refused entry....boy, they were pissed!!! Eventually, we escorted the team in. I can still see there faces, priceless.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 11:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:27:10 -0400

I was just short of a year out of my first enlistment in the Army. I was living with my Aunt at the time and she ran upstairs and dragged me out of bed. I got to the bottom of the stairs just in time to see the second plane hit. I sat in silence watching everything unfold and then when word started getting out that the Pentagon was hit I looked at my Aunt and said "Someone's getting f****d up."

Response by SFC Michael Hunter made Jul 17 at 2014 11:57 AM

SFC Michael Hunter — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 11:57:53 -0400

I was getting ready to fly to Korea with 1-2 AVN to take the Apache Longbow over there. We were actually suposed to board the plane later that day. I was staying at a friends house and we had gone to get coffee. When we got back the news was on and the first plane had already hit. We thought it was a preview for a new movie then realized what we were looking at as the second one hit. We went to the hotel where everyone was staying and everyone was talking about it. On the way the Pentagon was hit and we told them as we got out of the car. Nobody had heard about that yet. They thought we were making it up. Everyone ran to the lobby to watch TV and it was just coming on. Our flights were grounded and we waited another two weeks to go. All of us wanted to go help with the recovery especially those that were from those areas but weren't allowed.

Response by Cpl Roberto Rodriguez made Jul 18 at 2014 11:31 AM

Cpl Roberto Rodriguez — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 11:31:26 -0400

I was visiting my parents on leave and happened to be putting up a Flag pole at their house. It was a crazy day of getting calls from my command and figuring out how to get back to Camp Pendleton from South Texas as soon as possible.

Response by TSgt Wendi Drusch made Jul 19 at 2014 4:09 PM

TSgt Wendi Drusch — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 16:09:32 -0400

I was driving my husband who was suppose to deploy to Saudi Arabia that day....needless to say he didn't go and we were recalled back to the base. Shaw AFB SC control tower on 9/11

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 5:52 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 17:52:58 -0400

I was in the Washington Air National Guard. Was just getting ready for my civilian job, as the first plane hit the tower. I watched like the rest of the nation as the second plane went in. I just went numb, for the first time in my life I was lost. I didn't know where I was, time just slowed down and I became depressed. How could this happen to America. Do they not know who we are? My wife had never seen me like this before and was very concerned about me. It took me a couple months to finely comprehend the magnitude of what we as a nation where going through. Then I was pissed and wanted revenge. Somebody had to pay for this cowardly act. I backed the actions of the President and still do today. But we have not went far enough. We will never again be at peace until these devils of mankind are destroyed for good. God Bless America the greatest nation on earth.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 6:34 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 18:34:16 -0400

I was in my dorm room at Eglin AFB.
I remember first seeing it on TV and thinking it was a trailer for a new movie that was about to come out. It looked so real but my mind couldn't quite grasp that it was real live news!

Got a phone call a few minutes later to have my bags packed and ready to go just in case.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 19 at 2014 7:17 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 19:17:58 -0400

I was not in the military when 9-11 happened. But I was getting ready for work. I came upstairs and turned on the TV. Only to see the second plane hit live on TV. I could not believe my eyes! I was in shock and horror. That whole day I was not myself. I could not believe what had happened.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2014 2:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 02:52:17 -0400

Had just graduated ANCOC at Fort Lee on 10 Sep 11. I drove by the Pentagon on my way home to WV.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2014 5:04 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 05:04:57 -0400

I was in high school chemistry class.

Response by SPC Michael Kissell made Jul 20 at 2014 11:40 PM

SPC Michael Kissell — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 23:40:47 -0400

I was stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA. 12th AVN BN (Davidson Army Airfield) (VIP for the Pentagon). A number of us from my unit were at Fort AP Hill doing weapons qual. when the cells started ringing. It wasn't long after until we cleared the range and back on the bus to Post.

After we returned to Post it was a quick trip to the ARMS Room for racks of weapons and more ammo in addition to what we already had. We then returned to the airfield and locked it down and had roving armed patrols around the perimeter fencing. Of course we also had the Government ALPHABET Soup there as well.

It was a very long day that day! 18 hours on duty if I remember correctly. All the following days were long and varied.

I do not wish to discuss or disclose anything else related to this time frame.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2014 10:09 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 22:09:54 -0400

Working civilian job in DC. I was an Ensign and my active command was at the Pentagon. That office was damaged in the aftermath of the attack. Cell phones would not work because of the comms overload. Once reunited with my wife in Virginia, unfortunately learned someone we knew who was traveling for her first time overseas was on the plane that hit the building.

Response by SP6 Aj Holloway made Jul 22 at 2014 7:49 AM

SP6 Aj Holloway — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 07:49:03 -0400

I was sleep after working all night, and my GF ran in the bedroom all crazy like half the house just blew up, jumped on me and told me to get up immediately. I was like girl this better be worth it!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 12:16 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 12:16:27 -0400

I was on board the U.S.S. Carl Vinson rounding the tip of India deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch. The ship went suddenly quiet when word got around what was happening. Needless to say, we all became more focused on the mission ahead and our air wing flew every sortie we were assigned. The crew came together like I have never seen before, or after, and set the bar high for all other carriers.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Aug 8 at 2014 2:16 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 02:16:52 -0400

I was newly MOSQ 92Y in the WAARNG on my way to my civilian job as a teacher. I stopped at the local Shell station for some coffee and spotted something about a plane crash on the TV. It wasn't until I got to school that I realize the full import.

School was cancelled, most kids went home, some stayed at school to process. Most of them were worried I was going to have to "go somewhere" because of it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2014 11:11 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 11:11:48 -0400

I was a SGT in the Marines at that time, I distinctly remember that day, I was on the flight deck of the USS Cleveland, just off the coast of San Diego, returning from a six month deployment. Having a cup of coffee and a cigarette, watching the cars roll up and down I-5, being thankful that I was finally going to be back on Camp Pendleton that day. When I went inside to the mess deck for a refill, I saw the events unfolding on CNN. Needless to say, the morning became very hectic, and the events that would happen later that day were unknown to all of us aboard.

Response by MSgt Guillermo Ybarra III (HVAC Recruiter) made Sep 9 at 2014 5:21 PM

MSgt Guillermo Ybarra III (HVAC Recruiter) — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:21:44 -0400

I was at my first duty station "Ft Hood, Texas". It was a day that I will never forget.

Response by PO2 Tony Casler made Sep 9 at 2014 5:49 PM

PO2 Tony Casler — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:49:19 -0400

I was in "A" school in Monterey, CA. Had no idea anything was going on until I went to morning muster, none of us had out TVs on that morning. I was about a month shy of my first anniversary in service.

Response by PO1 David Hoppe made Sep 10 at 2014 9:55 AM

PO1 David Hoppe — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 09:55:28 -0400

I was at work, what was NSGA(Naval Security Group Activity) Norfolk, VA. I was a CTT2 at the time, due to deploy as a direct support team member on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. We were scheduled to deploy on the 18th. When everything happened we were told to go home, pack our sea bags and stand by. It was a very sad time for everyone, but at the same time, a little bit exciting. For the first time in my then 8 year career, I felt like I was finally going to make a difference! I was now headed off on my deployment with a purpose! To seek justice for those that suffered on that tragic morning. To do my duty to my country and to defend those who needed it. To be a real sailor (besides all the tattoos and drinking, I had already done plenty of both). So what that my deployment that was supposed to be routine and have some pretty sweet port calls along the way was now completely changed. I would not trade my 159 days straight at sea and 3 beer days for anything!! The feeling of worth that deployment gave me, was priceless.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 10 at 2014 9:42 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:42:18 -0400

Active duty with 3rd ACR at Fort Carson, CO. I had the honor of deploying with them the first time. I served along the finest people the military ever produced. We lost 2 from out Air Cav Troop. I met the family of one of the fallen at the 10 yr anniversary of the tragedy at graveside and we all hugged and cried. It was the best healing experience to date. Great question CWO4 Maria Pettus . Very appropriate.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 9:48 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:48:00 -0400

It was my first day of High school, and I was sitting in the main office, trying to get the combination to my locker, when floods of parents starting coming into to sign their children out of school. Then the Assistant principal rolled out a tv into the main office and turned it on, just as the second tower was hit, and the whole room went silent. I remember crying, and wondering what happened. We lived 50 miles east of NYC, and my room faced due east, and every day when I was in there I could see the smoke from the towers, and just remember feeling trapped, because we couldn't leave Long Island for the first few days, and then after that, We had military air patrols over our heads all the time. The sights and sounds that I'm used to now, it just felt like we would never know peace again.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 10 at 2014 9:52 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:52:10 -0400

I was on a jobsite. I first heard it happening on a radio station (KLBJ Austin, TX) who played a lot of pranks. At first, that's what I thought it was. As it developed, and I figured out it was the real deal, I left work and went home early to get in front of a TV. I became a serious news junkie after that.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 9:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:54:41 -0400

I was in my dorm room for first day of class and only got one channel. I did not have the tv on, but on my way to class the common area I saw about 50 guys watching a small tv and I was wondering what movie was so captivating. I went downstairs and in the common area there I saw over 150 people so I asked what was going on. I stayed a little bit then went to class where we had my first class of college before the college shut down all classes for the day. After talking to my loved ones I jumped into the little bus that the college had with a few of my buddies and went to the local blood bank and we donated blood.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Sep 10 at 2014 11:00 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 23:00:45 -0400

Driving to work at my first teaching assignment. I was a barely-MOSQ 92Y SPC in the ARNG.

After I got to school, everyone wanted to know if I was going to have to "go somewhere" because of the attacks. Little did we know back then.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 11 at 2014 7:24 AM

LTC Hillary Luton — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 07:24:18 -0400

I had just taken command of an MPAD from Wichita, KS about 3 weeks prior. 11 of my Soldiers and I were in Minneapolis getting ready to fly home. I hadn't been watching the news that morning. My training NCO and I were going to meet in the lobby, go fuel up the vehicles and come back to pick everyone else up to go to the airport. As I was walking towards the lobby, I walked past the bar and saw a few people standing in there watching the TV. All I heard was that there had been an explosion in the Pentagon. My ears perked up, but I kept walking to meet my NCO.

When I got to the lobby, my NCO tells me that his son had just called and said a plane flew into the World Trade Center. I looked around the lobby and I looked at him and I said, "We are under attack. We aren't flying anywhere today." Naturally, he tried to tell me that I had didn't know what was going on, but when his son called again and a second plane flew into the world trade center, I repeated my first statement. About 20 minutes later an announcement was made in the lobby that all planes had been grounded and no planes were flying.

We ended up getting home that day, but it meant driving the rental vehicles home. I suddenly knew that day what it meant to be terrified inside and knowing as the commander, you have to push that fear aside, remain calm, and show strength and compassion for your soldiers as they try to deal with the situation. It was one of the most challenging days of my career.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Sep 11 at 2014 1:00 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:00:30 -0400

I was due to make some meetings there, but cancelled them the day before. I was going to meet one of my clients at the Merc and take him to another one of my client's fashion show during Fashion Week, but that did not happen.

My wife's ex-husband called to tell me to tell my wife that he was OK. I thought he was having a touchy-feely moment, so I told him we're all good. Then he told me what happened, so I turned on the TV. I asked him what security told him to do (he was managing director), and they said to stay put and they were safe. I told him to unass the building immediately, as the towers were built to sustain a hit with a 707, not a 757. I talked him into telling his staff to leave, and just as they were leaving everything else cut loose with the second plane. How many people were hurt because security told everyone to stay put?

125 families in my community lost a family member. It had a major impact for a long time.

Although, and I will only say this on Rally Point for obvious reasons, a lot of families got paid a lot of compensation for losing a family member - far more than our deceased soldiers' families get. That was and is a sore point for me, but for obvious reasons would not be a point well-received in NY.

The smoke and smell hung over Long Island for several days. FEMA put out a bunch of monitors so they could assure everyone down there the air was OK. Hmmm, they put a lot of them on the Hudson River with a fresh sea breeze, and not as many around the rest of the downtown area so the averages were somewhat stilted.

Also, the Arab street vendors normally ubiquitous to the area were strangely non-existent that morning. One of the problems the Muslim community had was attributed to the fact that these folks knew in advance and did not let anyone know.

Strange how more stuff happens when stuff happens...

RIP everyone.

Response by COL Bowman Olds made Sep 12 at 2014 12:58 PM

COL Bowman Olds — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:58:11 -0400

In chronological sequence: My son was in New York with a meeting scheduled in the Twin Towers which had been cancelled at the last minute. My daughter had an appointment in the Pentagon on 9/11 and she got sick the night before and stayed home. I was in the Dulles International airport on the morning of 9/11 getting ready to board a UAL flight with my final destination being Salt Lake City where I was working on the preparations for the
Winter Olympics. We departed that morning not knowing we were behind AA #77 which soon thereafter crashed into the Pentagon. My UAL flight had just taken off and within minutes the pilot advised us that there was a “national emergency” with no further details and said we have been diverted
to Pittsburgh. Recall in those days, even for those who had cell phones, you didn’t dare use them while in flight. As we continued on our redirected flight to Pittsburgh, we did not know at that time that all flights were being grounded by the FAA because of this national emergency. My family watching these events unfold on TV called UAL to get my flight status and they were told that my flight had been rerouted to Pittsburgh. Moments later my family watched as the networks reported that a UAL flight had crashed outside of
Pittsburgh. My family was devastated thinking that was my flight. With that fourth airline crash just outside of Pittsburgh, our pilot received another notification from the FAA. He then told us that our flight had now been diverted to Indianapolis. Again, no details on what was happening in the world around us and again we made no attempt to use our cell phones to call to find out what was going on. It wasn't until two hours later after we landed did we know what had happened in the world around us. For all intents purposes, we were two hours behind the rest of the world.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2014 1:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:15:17 -0400

PFC Gorman was doing physical fitness with 4-1FA at Fort Riley, KS preparing for NTC at Fort Irwin. Went home wife said did you see what happened I said what happened? Holy crap four hours to get back on post barracks guard duty with maddox handles and gurad motorpool prior to NTC transport with M1A1 outside previously open post gates...Junction City in uproar for limited access.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 9:00 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:00:39 -0400

Mannheim, Germany, on active duty, in my office at Turley Barracks.

Response by SPC Richard White made Oct 4 at 2014 4:57 AM

SPC Richard White — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 04:57:25 -0400

When the first tower fell I was at home getting ready to go to work.When the second tower fell I was at work.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 3:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 15:36:01 -0400

I was at Camp Howze Korea watching a football game on the one AFN channel we had when the cut out live to show the second plane hit the towers.

Response by LTC Maureen Barthen made Feb 1 at 2015 5:55 PM

LTC Maureen Barthen — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 17:55:49 -0500

It was 2am on the 12th of September, and we received a call from a sister-in-law. We had just moved to Guam (a month and a half earlier) for my husbands civilian job, and I was working on transferring from the 75th Div in Houston to the Reserve unit under 196th in Agana.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 1 at 2015 5:18 AM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 05:18:29 -0400

I was in USAREC. A station commander in TX. My wife called me and I got a radio just in time to hear the announcement of the 2nd tower falling.

Response by SPC Steven Byrd made Jul 17 at 2015 7:32 PM

SPC Steven Byrd — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 19:32:56 -0400

Enroute to Nebraska for a funeral detail. Most of the people on the van were asleep due to having to leave so early to get there on time. I was awake because I was polishing and glueing the rounds together. The driver and I heard the news of the first plane hitting the towers while listening to a morning comedy show. We just thought it was a bad joke so we changed the channel and heard it on another station. We found a road side coffee shop and ran inside to see it was real. We called back to base and was told "you are in Kansas, the armpit of America and there was nothing to do but finish our detail and get back home." It was a long, scary, and quite ride back to Fort Riley to be greeted with armed guards at the main gate. It took us 4 hours to get on base which normally took about 5 to 10 depending on traffic.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2018 3:09 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:09:37 -0500

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in the fourth grade, and I remember my mother taking me out of school early in the morning. Then I remember watching the second plane hit the second tower on TV - I was young enough to know that planes flying into buildings was not good. It was scary. My father came home and called his brother, my uncle, who worked in NYC near the towers, and said that he was okay.