9/11 Changed My Life

On Sept. 11, 2001 I was on business in California. I woke up early to see the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. As an Army reservist with a background in fighting terrorists in the Middle East, I knew my life was about to change.

By the end of September I had orders to report to Ft. Bragg, NC.  I had one week to get my personal affairs in order, transition my business (included closing an office and laying off an employee), and saying goodbye to my wife and three school-aged children.

By mid-October 2001, I was on the ground with my Army Special Forces unit close to Afghanistan. We did our jobs – except for catching Osama bin Laden. I was happy to recently see that remedied. Since then I have been gone almost two more years in Iraq.

The years away from my family were incredibly challenging for me and my family.  For three years I largely missed seeing my children grow. However, I always knew I was blessed by God to have the opportunity to serve my Country. 

I have been disappointed that we seem to be a military at war and not a nation at war. Our society is not asked to sacrifice the way we have in other wars. We have made no attempt to pay for the wars. There has been a lack of leadership in our country at many levels.

We still have several hundred thousand men and women in harms way. We owe them our support – and more than a bumper sticker. Here are the links for several local Gwinnett organizations that are trying to help our effort.  Please pick one to support. Sentinels of Freedom Gwinnett, www.sofgwinnett.org; Operation One Voice, www.operationonevoice.org; Hugs for Soldiers, www.hugsforsoldiers.org.