Where were you on September 11th, 2001? It’s one of those moments etched into the collective memory of an entire generation. The world as we knew it shifted instantly, but for those of us in the military, that day carried a weight we wouldn’t fully understand until years later. This 9/11 Veteran Reflection provides a deep insight into those emotions.
I was in Egypt that day, serving in North Camp, North Sinai, as part of the Multinational Force and Observers. It was just another day—hot, exhausting, and routine. I had just finished a long work day and returned to my hooch, eager to unwind. As I flipped on the television, I was met with a sight that stopped me: a building in New York City with smoke billowing out of it. At that moment, I didn’t even recognize what building it was, having only traveled as far as Montgomery and Bond County in Illinois before joining the military.
Confused, I called over my buddy, Jesus Palacios, who worked across the hall. He immediately recognized the World Trade Center. As we stood there in disbelief, we watched in horror as a second plane crashed into the Twin Towers. More soldiers began to gather in my tiny 8×8 room, eyes glued to the screen, as reports poured in—another plane hit the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed in Pennsylvania.
We stood there, breathless. Tears filled the eyes of some of my fellow soldiers as we realized that life as we knew it was over. We were the pre-9/11 soldiers, and we had just become the post-9/11 soldiers. We didn’t fully understand what was to come at that moment, but we knew that the world—and our lives—had changed forever. Our first 9/11 Veteran Reflection was filled with uncertainty and fear of what was to come.
A New Era of Service and Sacrifice
None of us knew on that day how this event would shape the next 21 years of our military careers. We would go on to fight a war on terror that stretched across two fronts, losing countless friends along the way. Some would never return, and those who did were forever changed, myself included.
Before 9/11, life in the military felt different. I remember driving on and off Fort Riley with complete freedom—no ID checks, gate guards, or fences. But after that day, when we eventually returned home from our tours overseas, the America we knew had changed. Freedom, as we had known it, was gone. The world had become a darker place, one that demanded constant vigilance.
I went from serving in Egypt to later serving with the 3rd US Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard. After the attacks, this unit responded to the Pentagon to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. As I walked the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, I couldn’t help but notice the rows of white tombstones. Over the years, they seemed to have doubled. Each represented a life cut short, a sacrifice to serve our country. A profound 9/11 Veteran Reflection on each visit to those hallowed grounds, thinking about those lost lives and families.
Life After Service: The Invisible Battle
Combat doesn’t end when we leave the battlefield or hang up our uniforms. For many veterans, myself included, the mental battle begins the moment we step off the plane and return to “normal” life. It’s a battle that often goes unseen by the world, but it’s as accurate as any fight we face overseas.
As I listened to the recent presidential debates, I couldn’t help but reflect on all the anniversaries and combat events that flood my memory. I remember the names and faces of those we lost. I’ve seen movies made about people I knew personally, and every reminder brings with it the moral wounds so many of us carry. Each reflection is a part of our larger 9/11 Veteran Reflection, never ending but always evolving.
We are reminded of the cost of war—not just in lives lost but in the sacrifices made by those who returned. Our burden isn’t always visible to the world, but it’s there. The white tombstones of Arlington, the silent prayers whispered for fallen comrades—these are the markers of a generation shaped by 9/11.
The Offer: Staying Connected and Fighting for Those Who Served
In the years following 9/11, I’ve seen many of my fellow veterans disconnect. Some have struggled to find their place in a world that no longer feels familiar. I’ve been there, too—wondering where I fit in after leaving the military, searching for meaning and purpose in civilian life.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that family isn’t just blood. It’s the brothers and sisters we served with, the ones we locked arms within the hardest of times. It’s easy to disconnect, to go at it alone, but the truth is, we’re stronger together. Whether it’s the VFW, DAV, or American Legion, staying connected to our veteran community is crucial. The fight isn’t over—not for us, nor for the next generation of soldiers who will one day fill our boots. This continues to be an essential part of our 9/11 Veteran Reflection.
And that’s where I come in. As someone who has walked this path, I’m here to remind you of the benefits and resources available to veterans—resources that our brothers and sisters fought to secure. Whether you’re transitioning out of service or you’ve been out for years, it’s essential to know what’s available to you and to stay plugged into the community that understands your journey.
So, to every veteran reading this: stay connected. Don’t isolate. People and organizations are fighting for you, and I encourage you to join the fight—not just for yourself but for those who will come after you.
God bless you all, and Godspeed.
Call to Action:
If you’re a veteran or know someone who is, take a moment today to reach out. Whether reconnecting with an old friend from your unit or joining a veterans’ organization, stay connected. And if you’re unsure where to start, feel free to contact me—I’m here to help you navigate the benefits and resources available. Together, we can continue to fight for the freedoms we’ve sacrificed so much to protect.