09/11/2025
24 years ago today, I was sitting in class as a Junior in High School. We had gotten word that a plane hit the World Trade Center. Me being from Northwest Wisconsin, I couldnt understand the significance right away! They rolled in the TV, put on the news, just in time for us to watch the second plane hit the towers. I may not have known what the towers even were, but I knew that it was not a coincidence. And it was an act of terrorism and an act of war, that lead us to almost immediate war. We began to invade Afghanistan Oct 7 2001. I felt such a strong feeling of duty to my country, I signed my early enlistment papers on October 25, with a permission slip from my Father who also served. This is almost the same story for thousands and thousands of OEF and OIF Veterans. The war extended into Iraq, and both Campaigns spanned nearly 2 decades. My heart goes out to those that lost their life in the planes, towers, police, ems, firefighters, bystanders, at the sight, and especially those that volunteered to join the Armed Forces after that day, knowing you would be deployed to a war zone, away from your friends, family, and loved ones, thousands of miles away, giving your best youthful years, to defending your country, and your freedom; as well as freedom for other countries. Not knowing the life you'd have otherwise lived. The mental and physical toll you would eventually take, how life would be so different upon returning from combat. For your sacrifices America is a better place and I want to say thank you! You do matter! If you need any help reach out to someone! ANYONE! 1B is here if you need us!
