OPERATION ENDURING SERVICE: STORIES FROM 9/11

While the work was challenging and, at times, frustrating, I went to work every day with the knowledge that I was making a difference and helping defend the US against future terrorist attacks.

Now many years later on this day America remembers, For the Home of the Brave was reborn from those embers

Later when they built the foot prints and museum at ground zero I was able to visit. A day I will never forget.

I tried to go to Operation Desert Storm in 1991, but I was in high school. I felt like I had to give something back for the freedoms we enjoy. Now was my chance.

I spent 15-plus months in Vietnam and never once did I feel as vulnerable as I did on 9/11.

It was bad for me ... I have been traumatized ever since and can no longer work on any high story buildings. I walked home from Wall St. to 110th St, and was terrified.

We watched in horrific shock as the fist aircraft was shown smoldering after it impacted the first tower. The shock slowly turned to anger as we watched the second.

[My wife], all her co-workers, and a good part of Manhattan had to walk across the 59th Street bridge, every one of them covered with dust. The roadway was covered with dust. I borrowed a company van and raced over as fast I could to the 59th Street bridge where thousands of people were walking across.

I was recalled November 16, 2001 - June 28, 2003. My duties consisted of boat security detail for our war ship on loading weapons to go fight in the war.

I had an appointment with a congressman to get an Active Guard Reserve position with the Pennsylvania Army Nation Guard ... I was watching live TV as the events of the attack took place. The congressman's office was prompt in notifying me that they had to cancel my appointment. I completely understood after seeing what was happening those very moments.

I remember looking at the TV when the plane was slamming into the Twin Towers. I thought it was a movie until I saw that it was live on the news. I spent the next several weeks activating hundreds of reservist.

Although I am now retired from my military and civil service positions, I am active in my community in spreading awareness while emphasizing that we as Americans are from all races and religions, and we as a nation are united in defending our principles.

Being a social studies teacher at the time, I helped to educate my students on what was going on in the Middle East and why we got attacked.

Not long after 9/11, special "survival kits" were put on the backs of our office chairs. They supposedly had enough to get us through two days without leaving the office.

I watched in horror as the second plane hit. Soon after the base went on FPCON Delta and I was stuck at Ramstein.

The way that the country came together to support our troops, our first responders and each other during a difficult time, it inspired me to continue to serve others.

Then I heard two jets coming in from the south in a fast attack mode. They were the two Air Force jets from Langley AFB in Hampton Roads coming in to intercept the jet but they were 5 minutes to late.

Three grandsons in uniform. One leaving for the navy in a week's time. All has been influenced by 9/11 and what is happening in the Middle East.

I was a Cryptologist stationed onboard the USS Carl Vinson in the Indian Ocean. We were one of the first Aircraft Carriers on station during the attack and was standing by for orders from President George Bush.

Since getting injured that day and watching so many perish, I take every day for what it’s worth because you never know when it could end in a second.

As I got older I learned how devastating those attacks were on our home turf and I knew I wanted to help.

9/11 had a bigger impact than I imagined, because for me it was another day at work. However, my path was defined by 9/11 without me knowing it.

Five mins into the news broadcast, the newscaster broke emerging news about the twin towers. As we watched in awe, my teacher ran to the office and the principal came over the intercom for the entire school to turn on cable news. We spent all day in every class watching the event unfold.

Despite the devastation these attacks caused to numerous individuals, families, and our nation as a whole, it has truly brought us closer together and enabled a renewed sense of patriotic stance.

I was working for Pitney Bowes Management Services as a mail room manager servicing AON Risk services at 2 World Trade Center on the 101st floor that morning. A few days later I was interviewed by Mr. Tom Brokaw of NBC news regarding my heroism of saving myself and the 12 workers that were with me that morning.

I was in advanced damage control class in the damage control workshop aboard USS Philippine Sea. We turned around, waited for the special warfare troops to arrive and fired tomahawks into Afghanistan.

I was then delivering the mail and hearing people’s tv’s on high volume describing what was taking place. My wife and I had been in NYC just 10 days before the attacks.

This time really solidified our determination to both serve out 20 years in the service.

I was holding my daughter, laying in a chair. We lived on a rural road and didn't have any internet or tv service. My father in law called me and told me I needed to get to his house to see the news. I ended up holding my daughter's on a chair all day while events unfolded.

I am excited to continue my service in a different capacity. I am honored to serve alongside many veterans with a shared mission - ensuring the veterans in our community are set up for success and thrive.

The fear and shock in those folks eyes haunt my dreams to this day.