Remembering 9/11
(September 11, 2009) |
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| BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan 9/11/2009 - (AFNS) -- Where were
you on 9/11?
I am sure many of us can answer this question without hesitation. It was Sept.
11, 2001, the day America was attacked. Some of us lost friends and family, some
of us witnessed it with our own eyes, and many others, like me, sat in shock,
staring at the television news broadcasts as the horrifying images unfolded.
My family and I, along with others on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, were
barricaded inside our quarters riding out Typhoon Nari. This rather unusual
typhoon passed near Okinawa on Sept. 10th but suddenly veered away from the
island. After the "all clear" was given, it mysteriously backtracked and
returned to within 50 kilometers of Okinawa, intensifying overhead on Sept.
11th.
As gale-force winds lashed outside late into the night, I found it difficult to
sleep so I tried to find something interesting to watch on television. I stopped
on CNN, watching as thick smoke bellowed from the North Tower of the World Trade
Center. Reporters were just beginning their media coverage, still trying to make
sense of what we were seeing, when suddenly a passenger airliner smacked into
the South Tower. People suddenly realized that it was evident that a coordinated
attack on America was now in progress.
Sept. 11, 2009, marks the 8th anniversary of that day as a day of remembrance.
Americans, as well as those around the free world, remember this day by
organizing memorial services and other events to honor and remember the victims
of those attacks. As members of the Armed Forces, remembering 9/11 is a constant
in our lives and for many of us becomes the answer to another question, "Why do
you serve?"
At Bagram Airfield, we begin our day of remembrance with the Patriot's Day 9.11
Kilometer Run. Several hundred participants representing the international
community here will come together in the early morning of Sept. 11, and push
themselves physically and mentally during this organized running event. Waiting
for the race to start, we will remember where we were on that fateful day and
how it changed us. Some of us will look inward and find strength in our service,
and we will honor the fallen.
I grew up in Shelbyville, Ind., and have been an avid runner since high school.
During my early years as an Airman, physical fitness was not a big part of who
we were. So as a runner, I was elated when our Air Force leaders recognized the
importance of physical fitness and began introducing fitness into our culture.
As an explosive ordnance disposal chief, I can say with some authority that the
physical challenges of EOD can be intense, especially when performing dismounted
operations to locate and destroy enemy weapons hidden within the high altitudes
and mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. Proper diet combined with physical
training -- weights, running and core strength routines -- build muscle,
improving strength and endurance.
Today, all services within our Armed Forces have adopted this "culture of
fitness." These organized races, such as the Patriot's Day 9.11Km Run, further
promote and validate this culture, and everyone I meet has his or her own story.
I've met cancer survivors, those who have struggled with obesity, those who
strive to improve their fitness level and even those who remain active despite
loss of limb. Each story is one of varying degrees of personal courage, triumph
and perseverance, and I'll surround myself with people like that every chance I
can.
Throughout my 26 years of service in the Air Force, I've participated in
numerous organized 5Ks, 10Ks, biathlons and base perimeter runs. It's a great
opportunity to promote running, meet other fitness-minded people or raise
awareness on particular issues. Staying focused on our commitment to service,
remembering our fallen heroes and their loved ones who have sacrificed so much,
and by demonstrating a commitment to fitness, improves readiness and serves an
example for others.
We have a solemn obligation to remember 9/11. And as we move on to tomorrow, by
staying mentally, spiritually and physically ready we continue to honor our
fallen by our service in defense of our freedom. | |
By USAF CMSgt. Jerry S. Shelton Jr.
755th Air Expeditionary Group
Copyright 2009
Reprinted from
Air Force News Service
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