12 years ago, I was enjoying my last few days of “Hometown Recruiting” before heading to Ft. Bragg. Fresh out of Basic Training and AIT, I stood at my father’s side in his bedroom watching the events of 9/11 unfold on national TV. I knew that something monumental was occurring right before my eyes…something that would change our lives as Americans forever. The days following those horrific attacks brought our nation together in a patriotic way. I was overwhelmed with pride at the sight of all those American Flags that seemed to emerge overnight…and then again later, when the yellow ribbons became a national symbol. At that point, I had no clue where my travels would take me, but looking at the 3 most important patches on my uniform- the American Flag, the U.S. ARMY tape (over my heart) and my brand new 3rd Special Forces Group patch, I knew I would be involved one way or another, and I welcomed that whole-heartedly. Little did I know that the next 7 years of my life would be devoted to operations in the desert? During the course of my military career, I was privileged enough to serve in one of the most elite units in the U.S. Army. When we weren’t serving in Afghanistan, we were on U.S. soil training for Afghanistan in the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona and on the drop-zones surrounding Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. I made lifelong friendships with some of the greatest patriots to ever wear the uniform. Our commitments to the cause and to the country will bond us forever. So, on this day and every 11th of September, I reflect on my life and how it has changed since that morning in 2001. It was at a turning point in my life. Although I had yet to accomplish anything truly worthy of self-pride… I was on the right track, but my commitments hadn’t been galvanized until a handful of terrorist boarded those American planes. I am proud of my service in the military and I will cherish the friendships and brotherhood that came from it. It was an honor to serve with all of you..James Lloyd, Tj Clay, Javier Perez, Mike Jenae Hebb, Mike Charge, Mike Mccullough, Rafael Corella, Jeramy Ray Cassell, Lucien R Pimentel, Matt Benefield, Joe Krysak, John Allen Davis, Jamie Long, Freddy Taveras, Shawn Gibson, Kris Mroc, Jason Skrobacz, Franklyn Crump, Ben Hatcher, Robert Joseph Johnson Jr, Keith Goulette, Nathan Riordan, Derek Derosier, Fred Girigger, Ron Blancaflor, Rob Hughey, Bruce Hale
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 17:17:42 +0000
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