09/11/2024
Where were you when the world stopped turning.
I’ll never forget. Ever 🖤
🇺🇸😢❤️🤍💙
I was driving on Rt. 22 and my Mom called me. She told me that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Immediately after I hung up with her. My Senior Chief called and told me the same thing.
I was driving to Pittsburgh, headed to the Federal Building. I had just returned home to serve shore duty as a Navy Recruiter after serving over 3 years in San Diego on a Guided Missile Destroyer. I had deployed 3 times to the Middle East onboard this amazing ship. When my Senior Chief called, he told me that they had locked down the Federal Building and that I couldn't go into the city. He told me to get out of my uniform as soon as possible because no one knew what else was going to happen or who they were targeting. My first reaction was a pure adrenaline rush. I could not believe what has happening
I got off of the highway at the Burgettstown exit and went to a friends house. I watched the events unfold on her TV. We couldn't believe what we were watching. We were under attack. I spent the rest of the day just watching the devastation on the news.
My feelings were all over the place. I had just left San Diego two months prior. I was stationed on board the USS Benfold DDG 65. I had deployed to the Middle East 3 times. I couldn't believe I was stuck in Weirton WV, on shore duty. I wanted to go back to sea. I wanted to go and defend my country and deploy with my ship. I couldn't believe that this happened 2 months after I left my ship. I was sick over it. My training and experience was at sea!!!! My mom was scared to death that they would call me back and I was hoping and praying that they would.
I was angry. I’m still angry. I woke up angry. I woke up angry because of the state this Country is in. Knowing that our administration is allowing thousands of unknowns into our country makes my stomach turn. What’s going to happen because of it? When is it going to happen? We were supposed to learn from it! We were supposed to remain vigilant and not be complacent! Always be on guard! This country comes first! It needs to be secure! We are supposed to protect our people! It can happen and it will happen if we don't protect ourselves. Right now, we are not protected and I hope and pray the consequences aren’t as severe as they were then🙏 God Bless the USA and never forget 🇺🇸
