09/13/2026
This one was very personal to me, and to countless others. First off, I want to extend my deep appreciation to Indiana University for allowing me to a part of your “Post 9-11” commemoration. I was truly touched and honored to be a part of memorializing such a significant tragedy that changed our country forever, and many lives…
That fateful day when the towers and pentagon were hit, Megan and I were coming off vacation and reporting to Fort Stewart, home of the 3rd Infantry Division; for the very first time! It was surreal making the drive south to GA. There wasn’t a single car on the road and we made it down in record time. Everything was weighing on me. I hadn’t even reported to my unit (2-7 Infantry), or better yet, met my platoon! Every day was “day to day”, with nothing but uncertainty! And here I was a young Lieutenant waiting to get to work! It was such a confusing time, and less than two years later I would be a young r***e platoon leader invading Iraq!
But here I stand today, hoping to illustrate the sacrifices of what so many others were willing to do to step up on that horrendous godawful day-and meet that enemy force head on, whether it be a firefighter, EMT, Veteran etc!!
Megan and I hold that day sacred, like many others; that are directly connected and deeply rooted in it!!
A day that our country came together and wasn’t divided!! 💪🇺🇸
I wish we could get back to coming together!!🇺🇸
