Northfielder Will Never Forget His Birthday in Iraq

Bill Murphy didn’t expect to celebrate his 22nd birthday in Iraq.

But on Sept. 12, 2003, that’s what he did—with 33 other soldiers, not his friends and family from Northfield, MN. That particular birthday came just two short years after the World Trade Center was attacked by al-Qaida, changing America and American lives, including Murphy’s, forever.

Already serving in the Minnesota Army National Guard, Murphy joined the United States Army on July 18, 2002. Shortly after arriving at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, Murphy learned that he would likely be deployed. Six months later, the order came and he was deployed with the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd Bridgade.

On March 3, 2003, Murphy boarded a flight to Kuwait. Two weeks later, President George Bush gave orders to attack Iraq. Murphy’s tour ended 11 months later and he returned to Northfield 15 months after that. He spent another three and a half years with the National Guard before returning to civilian life.

Murphy, now 29, is Post Commander of the , something only made possible by the tragedy 10 years ago.

“I will never forget the day that inevitably led me to becoming a United States veteran.”

Other Minnesota 9/11 stories:

Apple Valley:
Eagan: Eagan Resident Mike Ferber Hopes Memories of 9/11 Won’t Fade
Eagan: Incidental Soldier
Eagan: Eagan City Administrator Tom Hedges Reflects on 9/11
Edina: Retired Army Vet Spurred to Re-Enlist Following 9/11 Attacks
Fridley: Demand Soared for Speakers on Islam after 9/11
Golden Valley:
Hopkins: and
Inver Grove Heights: VFW Commander: Sept. 11 Changed the Country
Lake Minnetonka: Remembering Wayzata Native Gordy Aamoth
Lakeville: Lakeville VFW Post Manager's Wife Working at Pentagon on Sept. 11
Maple Grove: 9/11: A Day of Respect for Maple Grove Resident
Maple Grove: Maple Grove Fire Chief Shares Memories of 9/11
Maple Grove: United to Help Maple Grove Service Members
Minnetonka: 9/11 Memories From a Former New Yorker
Mendota Heights: Retired Mendota Heights Pilot Recalls ‘Paradigm Shift’
Northfield:
Northfield: Northfielder Will Never Forget His Birthday in Iraq
Oakdale: Terror and Joy Came Together for Oakdale Family
Oakdale: Post-9/11 World Meant Three Years Away From Family for Local Guardsman
Plymouth:
Richfield: 9/11 Aftermath: Richfield Couple Waits for Possible Deployment
Rosemount:
Roseville:
Roseville:
Roseville:
Shakopee:
Southwest Minneapolis:
St. Louis Park: 9/11 Attacks Made Being Muslim ‘More Difficult’
St. Michael:
St. Michael:
Stillwater:
Woodbury: Woodbury Resident, NYC Native Recalls 9/11