COMMENTARY: September 11, 2001 - the day doing business changed

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Aretha Chandler,
  • 349th Force Support Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but cannot touch the foundation of America.  These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve." -- Former President George W. Bush

September 11, 2001 was one of the darkest days in American history. I remember it like it was only yesterday.  I was getting ready for work, and paused to watch the Today show broadcast live images of what they thought, was a small aircraft hitting one of the towers of the World Trade Center. Out of nowhere another plane, a Boeing 767, later known to be United Airlines Flight 175, streaked across the screen and slammed into the second tower. All I could think was, the United States is under attack on its own soil.  I stayed glued to the television in disbelieve. Next, it was announced the nerve center of the U.S. military, the Pentagon, was hit by a third plane. Later, a fourth plane headed towards California, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. We later found out its passengers and flight attendants overcame their hijackers and grounded their plane.  I remembered my parents were supposed to be on a plane from the East coast heading to Seattle, Washington.  I quickly dialed their number to ask my sister had she heard from them.  My heart jumped into my throat when my father answered, "Hello?"  Through tears of joy I asked, "Weren't you supposed to be on a plane today?'   His response, "Yes, but your mother wanted to leave a day earlier."

The horror continued as the South tower began to crumble from the sky, creating a massive cloud of dust and smoke. Some 30 minutes later, the North tower dissolved out of thin air to the ground.  According to published reports 3,000 people died in the World Trade Center, including 340 firefighters and emergency medical people, 23 New York City police officers, and 37 Port Authority officers.  In all, 125 military personnel and civilians were killed in the Pentagon, along with 64 aboard the plane that crashed into the mighty walls.   The 9/11 attacks triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism. The War on Terror began with Operation Enduring Freedom on October 7, 2001, when U.S. Armed Forces invaded Afghanistan and began combat action against Al Qaeda terrorists and their Taliban supporters.  September 11, 2001 the world as we knew it, for Americans and others around the world, changed forever.

The establishment of the Homeland Security Advisory System with its nationwide alert system caused us to be more vigilant of our surroundings.  We go through security check points prior to getting on flights, trains, and entering buildings.  Our Air Force bases have had a major facelift, increasing the security to protect those of us that serve this country and our families. After 9/11, there was a significant increase of young people joining our nation's military to fight the war on terrorism. Air Force has become a Total Force team with regular Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Airmen working together as one.  As a Citizen Airman for 28 years, I've seen our reservists become true combat-ready Airmen, performing daily and combat operations seamlessly within our branch, and alongside our sister services.

Today the role of women in the military is continually changing.  West Point announced that the first female, 1st Lt Penny O'Keefe, graduated Army Ranger school in 2014.  A friend's daughter joined the Marines earlier this year.  She's going to be one of the first women in Infantry Training Battalion. As of this year, women have never been allowed in the infantry as a job.  In 2016, women will be provided with the opportunity to be in the infantry.

In the words of Rudolph W. Giuliani, "the attacks of September 11 were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom."   Thank you to those of you that served before me, and along with me, for your loyal service to our country.