September 11th Ten Years Past

Today there will be many News articles, blog posts, and TV features commemorating this 10-year anniversary. They’ll all have their own angle and point of view. Many will relive the events of that day, some will examine the religion of the attackers, and some will highlight the events since the attack. In my brief post I want to focus on remembrance and thanks.

9/11 is the defining event of a generation, like JFK’s assassination and Pearl Harbor before it. So many things changed that day, especially for those who lost loved ones and friends. The ops tempo of our military went through the roof, bringing the fight to the enemy on many fronts.

Remembering our brothers and sisters

While every death that day was a horrible tragedy, some struck our military community closer to home. At 9:37 AM five of the hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon, ending the lives of One hundred and twenty-five Pentagon personnel.

One death that day struck even closer to home for me. At the time I was a full-time Air Force Reserve aircrew member and many of the other reservists that I worked with flew for the airlines for their civilian jobs. That day I was home on leave working on one of our cars. After the attacks began I, like most of America was glued to my TV. I was dreading hearing the names of the airline crews and as they were released I discovered that one of my former squadron mates was flying that day as the co-pilot on United Flight 93, which crashed into the field in Shanksville, PA.

Major LeRoy Homer was one of the nicest men that I’ve known. I’d flown with him several times over the years and always enjoyed his company. I still remember the last time I saw him, I was on my lunch-time PT run and he passed me from the other direction in his car, heading to the squadron. I can still see him giving me a big smile and a wave as he passed me.

Today, take a few moments to remember the members or our DoD family who gave their lives that day ten years ago. Also, if you’re inclined, visit the website of the LeRoy W. Homer Jr Foundation, learn a little more about LeRoy and the mission of the Foundation which is, to encourage and support young adults who wish to pursue careers as professional pilots. In addition, The Foundation promotes awareness about aviation careers to disadvantaged youth.

Thanks to those who fight on

Since 9/11 our military has been maxed out, not only carrying out normal operations, but waging the war on terror on many fronts. I’ll also be reflecting today on those who continue to sacrifice so much, time away from home and family on numerous deployments.

The men and women of the United States Military truly are heroes, I am amazed every day at all they continue to do and humbled to be a part of the same military.

I know I have many deployed readers, to all of you Thanks and Stay safe!

And for all my readers at home, many planning an awesome Disney vacation upon your loved ones return, my thanks to you too. We military members couldn’t do what we do without your support!

Let’s hope and pray for an uneventful day today!

Steve

On a side note: I ran across this post earlier this week on What Was It Like at Walt Disney World on 9/11. As both a military member and former Disney castmember I found it quite interesting. I shared this link on facebook earlier in the week and commented how thoughtful and classy I thought Disney’s handling of that day was.

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