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

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

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...

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

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