What thoughts come to your mind when you see something 9/11 related?

2016-01-20T18:24:57-05:00

Is it strange that I get absolutely furious to this day? I was sleeping in my bed over at camp Colbern, Korea. My mother called, told me what happened and then the sirens went off at our unit. I can remember the anger I felt, watching what was happening.

I wanted revenge.

I felt great when the bombs were falling. Almost a sense of pride. I was glad that the POTUS avenged what had happened. I know it wasn't a popular war, but I felt Bush showed our strength. I was there in 2003 with 5th SF Group. Extended once and tried to again, but was told I needed to go.

Now I see what is happening. I'm ashamed of our Government. I feel spit on. I did two tours for what sincerely feels like nothing. Then I come upon a video regarding 9/11, the buildings, the people, the jumpers, and I feel I should've done more. Could we have done more?

I'm sorry. I guess I just needed to talk, in a sense.

Response by SGT Larry Prentice made Jan 20 at 2016 6:29 PM

2016-01-20T18:29:08-05:00

I get pissed off that this stuff happened here!! I feel great sadness for all involved. The Victims, Firemen, Police, rescuers, searchers and even the military members called to duty this day and the ones following. I also feel great pride in that we didnt let this crumble our nation, we perservered and kept moving forward.

Response by Cpl Shawn Hueter made Jan 20 at 2016 6:30 PM

2016-01-20T18:30:12-05:00

I agree with you. I get furious when I see anything related to 9/11. Even to this day, my blood turns when I see a Middle Eastern.

Response by SGT Chris McDaniel made Jan 20 at 2016 6:32 PM

2016-01-20T18:32:55-05:00

Usually, turn the channel quick. It's either bad memories or some jackass politician running their mouth with it or immediately following

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Jan 20 at 2016 7:01 PM

2016-01-20T19:01:12-05:00

The frustration you talk about is the new normal that we as Americans have been forced to endure. We all went to bed on 10SEP2001 with no thought of a terrorist attack, and awoke to a new day, where we felt what others around the world have faced for years on end. The real reason we are still angered to this day is that we thought (actually still do) that we are a special country, and that nobody would be foolish to attack us. Unfortunately, we were wrong on this count.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Jan 20 at 2016 7:10 PM

2016-01-20T19:10:27-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member This was painful to watch my brother was taking pictures locally as the towers collapsed. My family has ties to the NY area from before the Civil War.
Both my grandfathers were born in Manhattan. 2 great grandfather were NYPD and another a master craftsman did wood inlay during the construction of the Empire State Building.
Numerous family members were in FDNY including a former firemens union president
Several people that graduated from my high school in New Jersey died in the attack.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 8:14 PM

2016-01-20T20:14:28-05:00

I am right there with you. It is killing me to watch our government bullshit around now. We went and made a difference but the POTUS decided that despite the warnings of the generals, we should leave the country. Look what happened then, a new terrorist group moved in and all of the work we did and lives that were lost were for nothing. It is worse now than it ever was. I feel you on this. It makes me so angry. Sorry for the soapbox.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jan 20 at 2016 8:50 PM

2016-01-20T20:50:13-05:00

There is nothing wrong with saying how you feel. I feel like we didn't accomplish shit as a country. It put us in a war that we didn't win. No body paid the price except our citizens on those flights and our military. I know where you are coming from.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 9:51 PM

2016-01-20T21:51:50-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, My heart starts beating faster and I can feel the hate building up in me. I was asleep after working nights. A friend called me and my wife woke me up. He said "Have you seen this shit". I asked what shit. He told me to turn on the TV. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The first plane had already hit the tower. Then I saw the second plane, and my guts were in my throat. I'll never ever forget that day. I hate those scummy bastards and I'm glad Bush retaliated pronto. He didn't wait around to see if he could discuss it with the military or try to protect the terrorists reasons. He kicked ass, and I was proud of him. Regardless of not finding any WMD's, Sadam was a terrorist and needed to be neutralized, along with all of those wannabe troops of his. I was happy when Binladin was killed. I wish I could have killed him. You asked. I answered.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 9:59 PM

2016-01-20T21:59:54-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, Did you see my post about the memorial to 9/11 in Jerusalem? Its awesome. I'll share a couple of pictures. It has all of the names of those who died that day. It is used in ceremonies to remember.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 20 at 2016 11:06 PM

2016-01-20T23:06:59-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Honestly, for at least 10 years, it literally made me cry.... By 2001 I had been a Soldier for over 20 years... and I could not fathom why anyone would do such us thing to us; we help everyone... perhaps too many... Even those who hate us, call us when they need something... It made no sense to me.

I was in a SCIF in Germany, and after plane 2, I went to tell my boss to turn his TV on, as this was no accident.

This photo is from my sisters house in Jersey City... I was at ground zero soon after... and in 2009 I was part of study about the first responders in NYC... Now, if makes me cry, and pissed me off to say the least.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 11:53 PM

2016-01-20T23:53:06-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member most here, can relate to your feelings. The events on those days are what motivated most to join the service, I could count myself as one of them at the time.

You did your bid, and did it well, we actually did it pretty well. Iraq by the time we were forced out politically, was on the way to civilization. It took lazy and cozy pro islamic policies to make it implode again with the infamous "arab spring", where our blind and demagogue policy makers made the wrong turns that placed every single piece of this game to square one.

Most already forgot that day happened, some, even think it was a conspiracy from the Jewish, or with the wisdom pearl that Iron does not melt or weakens when exposed with ignited jet fuel for hours or something like that.

In the end, they never had to sacrifice anything different but to keep living their lives in a way it hardly suffered any major inconvenience, the actual sacrifice came from people, like you, and those ones around here in this very site, that left their lives in suspense, family and all, and committed to this sense of duty, honor and commitment.

I know the demons you fight these days, let me assure you, you are not alone, we still need to look out, I'll be here if you need an ear, but also keep preparing for war.

Godspeed, blessings, and hope you can cope with it all.

Your brother in arms.

Response by CMDCM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 12:42 AM

2016-01-21T00:42:13-05:00

It's not strange at all the feel this way but a constant reminder to me never to take for granted the freedoms and liberties we fight for dearly each day with each passing sacrifice! I get appreciation accolades from former and police officers that thank me for my service but in turn I think them for the daily sacrifices they choose to make for us! We can set here and continue to get upset about our government but we still have the power to vote them in or out! I pray each day for a leadership in our government that will not bow down but take a stand! Great post thanks for sharing!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 6:04 AM

2016-01-21T06:04:04-05:00

I get pissed off, just as you all may get. Right now, I got a ever growing case of it, coming to me.
My wife (who happens to be a german local) keeps me in check, when she is around. She knows what this did to me. I am in Germany... but, at the time, I was at Ft Carson, CO. I was taking my ass to the range... when I got there, I was the first one to light up the targets, with the M249. Then, I got back to the barracks, and drove around, for hours... I was sooo pissed off, that if I saw anyone that looked and smelled like a camel... they would have gotten the snot kicked off their face, with a side of teeth and blood. Yes, we could have done more... But, the pansies at Capitol Hill, deemed it not to pursue it a y further, and now, they are closing more and MORE US bases, worldwide.

Now... I apologize, if I hurt someone... but... I had to vent...

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Jan 21 at 2016 6:41 AM

2016-01-21T06:41:27-05:00

I too can relate to all of my brothers answer sisters in arms. Thank you for your service, and welcome home. I too get angry, mad, and rage from this damn war. I too am ashamed of this administration of how they handle issues. It is a joke. When I was there in 2003, I witnessed how the people there in Iraq treated the women and children. That was the fuel for my anger. As a matter of fact, my anger kept me going during the combat. Now, having high blood pressure, diabetes, ptsd,depression, it will take its toll on the body. I have learned how to relax, know my triggers, turn the switch down, and enjoy life.

Response by SPC James Dollins made Jan 21 at 2016 7:57 AM

2016-01-21T07:57:04-05:00

I totally agree w/ you 100%!! I feel the same way!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 8:32 AM

2016-01-21T08:32:18-05:00

sadness and anger that it was allowed to happen by our former Commander in chief.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Jan 21 at 2016 10:03 AM

2016-01-21T10:03:28-05:00

I am longer pissed off but humbled and try to remain vigilant as well as prayerful that this doesn't happen to us again.

Response by PFC Colin Cooper made Jan 21 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-01-21T11:38:23-05:00

Unfortunately I was only a freshman in high school when the attack happened. I still remember my dad calling the house and telling us to turn on the news. I couldn't believe that this was happening, and let alone to us. Like many people, my patriotism grew that day, and in the days/weeks/months/years after. That attack was one of my primary reasons for joining the Army while I was only 17, and a junior in high school. I knew that I wanted to serve my country, and do my part.

Luckily, I got stationed with the 101st Airborne (AASLT) "Screaming Eagles" and I got my chance to deploy right after AIT. I was filled with pride that I would be going overseas, and be part of only 1% of our population, who made that decision freely.

To this day, when ever I hear someone talk about the attacks or about the decisions that POTUS made following them in a negative way, I don't just sit back, and take that. I'm proud of what we did, to have done nothing, would have been a devastation to this country, and her people.

Response by SFC Anthony Franke made Jan 21 at 2016 12:23 PM

2016-01-21T12:23:06-05:00

It makes me think of where I was when I heard about it. Then it makes me think of deployments, lost friends, and more. I try not to think too deeply about it.

Response by SSG Rafael Rodriguez made Jan 21 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-01-21T12:29:26-05:00

To this day I still get angered at the fact that there are people that want to kill in the name of Allah and feel that they’re doing the right thing. I’ve been told that there’s nowhere in the Koran that it is ok to kill another human being because their religion preferences, I may never know truly what guides these individuals but I can tell you that it will not end here

Fifteen years later, it’s still unbelievable to think of the thousands of men and women who kissed their loved ones good-bye on that morning, who never returned home from their offices at the WTC or the Pentagon. Or the firefighters, waiting around enjoying a cup of coffee expecting a routine day, but would die in a matter of hours as heroes.

But, it didn’t begin that day. The WTC was bombed in 1993, and although seven people were killed and thousands were injured and NYC was shaken, the WTC remained standing and life went on for most of us unaltered.

Since then, thousands of our servicemen and -women have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Numerous terrorist plots against the United States have been foiled. Yet, in May 2009, Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad killed a U.S.soldier and wounded another at a military recruiting center in Little Rock, Arkansas. In November 2009, Nidal Malik Hasan murdered 13 and injured dozens of others at Fort Hood, Texas. Five years ago, Faisal Shahzad, failed to detonate a car bomb in Times Square – but the intent and potential to kill was there. And, of course, there was the Christmas Day underwear bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who was, fortunately, stopped in mid-air, and so on…

Even though there are some bad people in the world, most people are good at heart
and want to do good deeds. When you hear about 9/11, be sure to think about all the brave people who rushed to help those in need. Firefighters, police officers, everyday people and even small children were being helpful and kind. In fact, brave and caring people go to work every day to help keep us safe and well.

Fifteen years after the attack, we may never know the entire story – but we will always remember and honor the people we lost on that tragic day.

Response by SSG James Arlington made Jan 21 at 2016 5:27 PM

2016-01-21T17:27:04-05:00

Many Americans have short-term, self-centered memories. Look at the surveys showing how Americans don't know their history or governmental components. One recent survey exposed how many thought Judge Judy is a Supreme Court Justice. Oye!

Response by SPC David Glines made Jan 21 at 2016 6:40 PM

2016-01-21T18:40:32-05:00

I was in Germany we were helping the Medics set up for EFMB then we had someone from Battalion come out in a 5 ton and call for all the QRF to jump in we were being called to the Batt. we got there still didn't know what the hell was going on after about 4 hours the Battalion Commander came and told us then put us in lock-down for a month then off to predeployment center we had a month to get our sh*t in gear before predeployment center we were not allowed to watch TV the day after the 11th so it wouldn't cloud our minds or some crap our phone calls to the states were monitored if we said anything about what was going on or what we were doing the call would drop for a sec. or two

Response by SSG John Caples made Jan 21 at 2016 7:18 PM

2016-01-21T19:18:16-05:00

I was coming from Wall-mart , wife was in the hospital on post to have surgery ,(female thing) , when I started to get( close to the main gate at FT. Campbell,( traffic was backed up for 2 mils) just to get on post, I didn't know what was going on, as I got closer and managed to finangel my way in the gate. I ran across one of the people I know, he said "They bombed the Twin tower's in New York ", I am like WTF. I got to my wife just in time to see her and tell her what had happened , she was so doped up she didn't understand , after they rolled her in their , I just went into the waiting room,they just started playing it over and over seemed like. I knew at that time we would go to get our revenge on them Ragheads. My Co called me personally and asked about my wife to make sure she was ok and to tell me what was going on and that the Company was put on 24hr recall. To this day I can't stand them people they make blood boil, they are ravenous, murderous, low down people that mean no good to the American people ..........And the President making the draw down of the military, I fell the same way as you do, it was a slap in the face, this happened to all of the ones that were there from 03 like I was to when they pulled out

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 10:11 PM

2016-01-21T22:11:24-05:00

Drop the hammer on those bastards!

Response by SSG Nick Tramontano made Jan 21 at 2016 11:10 PM

2016-01-21T23:10:28-05:00

It makes me sad. I was watching Good Morning America when a report of a fire. Moments later it was reported that a plane hit one of the towers and there was a video feed playing what just happened. I was on my way to an appointment that morning. I immediately picked up the phone and called my detachment commander and advised I was available if any emergency contingency operation was going to be implemented.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Jan 21 at 2016 11:33 PM

2016-01-21T23:33:02-05:00

You have every right and reason to feel the way you do! I was in Hawaii and watched the second plane hit live on TV. It felt like the gates of hell had raised up against America. It felt like Hawaii was next due to our past experiences at Pearl Harbor and all so I immediately prayed but had mixed feelings and lots of questions. Why us God? And Lord help us destroy our enemies, etc...

I served in Iraq and Afghanistan and other Middle East countries and quite honestly really felt like we were doing our part at avenging the 9/11 attack and fighting evil! But here is the problem after 3k plus American KIAs, what has changed in that region? Yes Sadaam and Bin Laden are gone but there's always an extreme freak to replace the last one. And there's always a new Jihadist cause.

Let's be very selective in who gets in our country, deport all those with any hint of a link to extreme groups and get busy policing up America and let the people of the Middle East come up with a solution to their own madness! So no I don't think we could or should've done more. I think we did plenty!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 9:50 AM

2016-01-22T09:50:43-05:00

That day is forever forged in our mind. Nothing will ever change that. Actions were taken in response of that event. As I look at the world today, we are not closer to stop a similar event nor are we better off. I think we should evaluate what we do every day in order to change what we can around us and hope for the best for the world. I honestly think we should focus in building the United States and take a break from saving the world for now. I have always learned to take care of home front.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 11:43 AM

2016-01-22T11:43:31-05:00

Our government is an inefficient system for wartime action. In a democracy, where the average citizen has the most power of any form of government, the decisiveness that is sometimes needed to save lives on the battlefield in the long run is lagging like a Commodore 64 trying to run Windows 10.

The flip side to this is that it makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for our government to turn its military might on its own citizens in tyranny.

Individually, as service members, I know of very few that I served with that could have done more for their country. I know several that gave all they had, up to and including their lives.
Collectively, it can be easy to be ashamed of our government, and even our fellow citizens who think they know what we are really fighting for or have zero desire to learn about what brought about our need to be involved and, instead, feed off the sensationalized images of war like a school of piranha swimming next to an open wound.

But, I'm not mad. I see the struggles of the average citizen fearing they will get laid off, living at poverty level, struggling to feed their kids (and mostly failing), inundated by marketing campaigns aimed at convincing them that having the latest smart phone is a necessity, and their education comes from YouTube. The powerful know human nature and twist it to serve them with all the resources they can fathom to enhance their capabilities. The benevolent and philanthropic are few and far between and, seemingly, are more concerned with appearances than actual changes so they throw money at the symptoms with no education on the need that lies beneath and, when treated, could actually affect long lasting, generational change.

It all ties into what feeds the war machine, but this should not discourage the warrior. Since the beginning of time we have deployed to combat with the ideals that what we do is honorable and brave. And it is. Unfortunately, in the grand scheme, it is always tainted, to varying degrees, by the cowardly and self serving politicians that send others in their stead.

Response by SGT Christopher Premore made Jan 22 at 2016 4:26 PM

2016-01-22T16:26:29-05:00

I think about the current state the country is in. Everything was pretty calm in 2001 and 9-11 happened so I just feel like if I see something on TV about it now I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Jan 23 at 2016 11:27 PM

2016-01-23T23:27:16-05:00

To make them pay so bad they regret even being born.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2016 11:50 PM

2016-01-23T23:50:42-05:00

My heart rate increases, fists ball up and I force myself to watch. Muttering things that shouldn't be said under my breath.

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made Jan 24 at 2016 10:24 AM

2016-01-24T10:24:27-05:00

9/11 was the first time I had a gun pointed at me. I was turning in paperwork at my base. It has a key pad entry the gate opened I was not in uniform as I was on medical stand by a full bird pulled his side arm as I dove in asked for my ID and where was I headed we had just been attacked. He let me go I got to the administration office saw everyone running around I looked at our admin Sargent handed him my paperwork and asked what I could do to help. As a Army Cav scout I am not trained to do admin stuff but he said answer the phones if it's media it's no comment hang up if it's a soldier asking if they should come in tell them to stay where they are if we need them they will get a call. We don't need a bunch of idiots running around causing car crashes and flooding the base. And get a damn uniform on. I called my wife asked to bring me a uniform she asked why I told her what I could. She said no and to get my ass home as I am not supposed to be on duty. This was the first sign her and I where headed for a devorice my the Sargent got his spare uniform and that was my 9/11 start. I have little care on what palatics are played I wend in 03 04 did my job lost a few of my closest friends and to see the way that country is now an isis running things it was only a matter of time not one person thought it would be a 30 plus year job to strighten that country out. But we needed to start in schools teaching them the truth also setting up adult education centers teaching talerance for one anouther. There's a whole list of wrongs and fuck ups that we will never be able to hold one person responsible for. Look at bingozy

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2016 6:55 PM

2016-01-24T18:55:09-05:00

Honestly, being on Recruiting duty, I find myself lost many days. If I see something like that, it does trigger something as simple as the anger I felt as to as much as flashbacks. I don't fight it though. Because it reminds me that I wont be here forever. I will be back to the line eventually, where I need to be. Back on the line in combat arms, for my last few years waiting to go down range again if something else happens. I HAVE to remind myself, that I have that purpose while I am out here. Because otherwise, I am simply in robot mode, trudging through my day surviving until I am away from this misery.

Response by SSgt Henry Phillips made Jan 24 at 2016 11:24 PM

2016-01-24T23:24:21-05:00

There's nothing wrong with how you feel. Never apologize for reaching out and sharing your feelings. There is nothing you could have done. Guilt is one of the hardest things we deal with as veterans. Doubts plague us all even if we don't admit it even to ourselves. What do you want your time over there to mean? What we can do now is take care of each other and work to improve our government through our responsibilities as citizens. Improving ourselves, building our community bonds and upholding the principles of what being an American is the opportunities those past events have given us. And if need be turn to your fellow veterans and veterans organizations. We are her for you and everyone else who are still searching for answers.

Response by PO2 Sam Tkach made Jan 25 at 2016 5:59 PM

2016-01-25T17:59:43-05:00

I think about my high school buddy named Paul and my exgirlfriend named Marina, one of the people who perished there, even though I personally feel that their deaths needed to be avenged, I'm not so sure if starting wars against Afghanistan and Iraq was justified. Probably not.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Jan 26 at 2016 9:27 AM

2016-01-26T09:27:10-05:00

HonestlY... I don't mind seeing it... Just helps me get through my day by staying vigilant

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2016 9:05 PM

2016-01-26T21:05:37-05:00

Anger for sure sad for all that passed due to this act of terror its always a reminder when it plays.

Response by PO2 Randall Knight made Jan 26 at 2016 9:44 PM

2016-01-26T21:44:14-05:00

Why I went back on active duty

Response by SFC James Young made Jan 27 at 2016 2:47 AM

2016-01-27T02:47:42-05:00

How soon we forget. That is the American way.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Jan 27 at 2016 9:08 PM

2016-01-27T21:08:36-05:00

Opened my closest graves the battle rattle and said here we go

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-01-28T15:42:55-05:00

Anger, remorse, betryal. The difference for me between Iraq and Viet Nam was anger. I sometimes have to look back on my career and ask, "for what?". But ours is not to question why but do or die........true in many respects. We aren't the policy makers or strategists, we serve. We can only hope and pray that what we are told to do is the right thing to do.

Response by CPL Glynnda White made Jan 29 at 2016 9:36 AM

2016-01-29T09:36:40-05:00

I remember every detail of that day, who could forget it. When I see stuff related to 9/11 today it pisses me off. We have completely dishonored those who died, those who ran in instead of running away, and the incredible valorous men and women who went to fight to keep terrorists out of our nation.
I cannot believe how quickly politicians turned the whole event into a political ping pong ball. How dare they take this huge loss and turn it into something cheap? Yet many of those same shameless and gutless assholes still remain in office. I believe W. did the right thing and before 9/11 became politicized our military was kicking some serious ass..... the problem? It became another congressional war rather than a war we were fighting to win because there are people throughout our government in bureaucracies and the halls of congress that are invested in us losing.
How in the hell is it that our nation has allowed this to happen in every conflict since Vietnam? We have to get Congress out of war and out of military affairs for the most part. They are turning military leaders into scared little weenies who will do whatever they are told rather than lose their damned pensions. We have to get these sniveling lib and rino pansies out of the Pentagon.
I hate to see this happening....but unfortunately it is our citizens (yeah-that includes us, fellow vets) who allow it by keeping anti-military people in office. We bear the responsibility for 9/11, we bear the responsibility for it taking 14 years to re-build the tower, we bear responsibility for the entire thing being politicized, we bear the responsibility for what is happening to our once-great military leadership.....why? Because we sit on our asses and allow the same people and bureaucracies to remain just as they are.....corrupt, stinking pond scum who will sell their souls for more money and to keep their seats.......statistics say that nationwide, only 25% of veterans register and vote. Every time I think about that stat....my blood boils....
In 50 weeks a new commander in chief will walk into the doors of the White House. Who that person is, the man he is, his character, his sense of honor and his willingness to make needed changes in this nation, the military and veterans issues will be up to us. If the unthinkable happens and the Hillmonster gets elected, our nation and especially our military is in serious trouble. She has taken millions and millions of dollars from the same people we are fighting today, she is a dirty traitorous criminal and corrupt as the day is long.
I urge everyone who reads this and cares about our active military and vets to get involved, get registered if you are not and VOTE for the person who most fits your values.....DO NOT NEGLECT THIS MOST IMPORTANT DUTY OF EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN. This is what we joined the military to defend and personally I am not going to allow my nation to sink without a serious fight.....for anyone who has not gotten seriously involved, I encourage you to do so. We are not done fighting for our nation just because we leave the military and become veterans.