Remembering Sept. 11: St. Peters Resident Helps Rebuild Afghanistan

St. Peters resident Pat Shaw smiles with Afghanistan residents during a recent work trip to the country. 

Shaw found herself in Afghanistan the day it was announced Osama bin Laden had been killed. A civilian employee working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Shaw was taking part in her second tour in the war-torn country to help with the rebuilding process. Following the attacks of Sept. 11, the military went into Afghanistan to search for bin Laden and take down the Taliban regime. Shaw and her co-workers followed to help pick up the pieces after the violence and destruction. 

Shaw said all she heard from the news was stories of sadness and tragedy in the country. She wanted to help change that. 

Her job offered her a chance to go abroad and help with rebuilding the country. With her Corps of Engineer co-workers, Shaw helped manage rebuilding projects in the country. Ranging from schools to hospitals, Shaw spent two, six-month tours helping put Afghanistan back together. 

Shaw said the experience was something she'll never forget. The locals welcomed Shaw and her co-workers as they helped fix things. If given the chance, Shaw said she'd gladly return. 

For more on Shaw's experiences in Afghanistan, check back with St. Peters Patch later this week. 

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