September 11th

Well even though today was like many other days it is still fairly significant in that 7 years ago America was attacked. I had started to write that the twin towers and the pentagon were attacked but I don't think that quite covered the scope.

For my generation this is our Kennedy assassination, we will all remember where we were when we first found out. I remember where I was very vividly. I was preparing for training that day in Albuquerque New Mexico. That days training had us responding to a WMD incident involving a dirty bomb. Instead we found ourselves prepping our equipment to be picked up by military airlift. We didn’t leave until the next day but when we did the pilot pointed to the radar scope and said, “see that?” I didn’t see anything on the radar, that was the point there were no other aircraft in the air within 250 miles.

So here I sit in Iraq on September 11th upset that I am away from my family but proud that I am able to serve my country. Many soldiers have given their lives and many fire fighters and police officers gave thiers on that day. Everyday our officers and firefighters are putting their lives on the line just the same as the soldiers here in Iraq. Of course I am a bit biased since my wife is a deputy, but it doesn’t change the fact that many of the first casualties of this war were the first responders who died that day trying to save so many others.

So today is like many others but yet it is different, and will never be the same.

Today my day started with a wake up from a soldier telling me his gator had been stolen. It is still gone and we have not been able to find it yet. I think that it may have found it’s way into a container and is on its way to Poland. I hope we find it lol. So after my wake up I got dressed and headed over to do my portion of the general’s brief. From time to time I am required to give a portion of the brief. After the brief the Polish then conducted a little ceremony in remembrance of 9-11. I thought this was quite thoughtful and in light of the Polish ceremony for our loss I came to the realization that although it was America that was attacked it was really felt the world around. I came to realize that this was an attack on all civilized nations and one of the reasons why we have so many allies in this war.

Well I think that is enough of my philosophy and insight for the day. The bottom line for me is I still believe in what we are doing!!

Later for now

Brent