Taking Time to Remember
(September 11, 2009) |
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| WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2009 – The terrorist attacks of
Sept. 11, 2001, have become this generation's Pearl Harbor – both were tragedies
that shook our nation to its core. It's become common to ask, “Where were you
that day?” and I've never seen anyone lacking in a response.
The haunting images of that day – grieving family members, soot-covered rescue
workers, caved-in buildings, crashed aircraft -- are etched in my memory
forever.
Eight years ago, I was a few months pregnant with my daughter and had decided to
separate from the Air Force after four years of service. My airman husband and I
were concerned about the dual-military impact on our future family. So, while
using up my left-over leave, I started a new job as a writer for the San Antonio
district court in early September 2001.
I have to admit, I was pretty miserable on the job. I was writing brochures and
fact sheets rather than the feature stories highlighting servicemembers that I
loved to do. But my bosses and co-workers were kind and I tried to adjust to a
civilian lifestyle.
On Sept. 11, I was sitting at my desk fiddling with a brochure when my husband
called. He was at home that day after having his vision corrected and was
trying, against doctor's orders and with blurry vision, to see the news about a
plane crashing into the World Trade Center. Like most people, I figured it was a
pilot of a small plane and the resultant damage would be minimal. Of course, as
the events unfolded, we discovered it to be a horrific terrorist attack that
resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people.
My bosses evacuated the building. I remember driving through San Antonio crying
over the losses and not wanting to go home – I wanted to help. At that moment I
knew I had chosen the wrong path.
The next day, I walked into my supervisor's office and quit. I told him I
couldn't stay and do nothing; I had to reenlist if the Air Force would take me
back. If not, I'd find another service that would take me. The response was
shocking. My boss offered me complete support, thanked me for my dedication and
service and asked me to stay in touch. I was floored by that unselfish support,
but have since seen it repeated countless times toward military members.
That same day, I walked into my Air Force office and asked for my job back.
Turns out, since I was technically still on leave, I wasn't officially separated
yet. I put on my uniform and reported for duty the next day.
I never looked back and served for four more years in the active duty before
becoming a Defense Department civilian.
It's been nearly a decade, but I'll never forget how Sept. 11 shook me to my
core and changed my course forever. I can't even begin to imagine how much it
changed the lives of the people who were in the Twin Towers or in the Pentagon,
along with their families' lives.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Brian Birdwell, a former Army
lieutenant colonel who had been severely burned in the Pentagon attack. He had
been just 20 feet away from the impact point, and was burned on more than 60
percent of his body.
He was in San Antonio, not to seek care, but to offer comfort and hope to
patients recovering in the amputee-care center and burn unit at Brooke Army
Medical Center.
I was amazed that someone who had suffered so much could be so selfless, and, in
meeting him, I felt connected to the tragedy in some small way.
Birdwell was one of many who were able to turn such a horrific event into
something meaningful and positive.
The attacks changed the fabric of this nation, but for the better. We
strengthened our resolve to preserve America's hard-earned freedoms, and our
determination to help people of other nations find theirs.
I hope none of us ever forgets where we were that day, never forget the pain and
anguish, the loss of precious lives. The memory is too important for our nation
and for the troops who continue to combat terrorism and selflessly serve today. | |
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009
(Elaine Wilson can be reached for comment
at elaine.wilson@dma.mil)
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