Ali Base honors 9/11 first responders

Published Sept. 15, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Scott Saldukas
407 AEG Public Affairs

ALI BASE, Iraq -- Sept. 11, 2001, is a day no American will ever forget. Servicemembers serving at Ali Base, Iraq, took time this Patriots Day to demonstrate that they will never forget what happened eight years ago.

More than 200 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and DOD civilians joined together to participate in a 10K Battle Rattle march here September 11th. Patriot Day was signed into law in 2001 as a day to remember those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and this was the way in which Ali Base intended to do so.

Although servicemembers had different reasons for participating in the march the focus was on the same thing, remembering those that lost their lives eight years ago.

"Volunteering to come out and show my support for those who lost their lives and were injured during the 9/11 terrorist attacks is just a small part I can do," said Senior Airman Charles Martin, a Transmission Technician with the 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron.

Pay homage to the fallen Americans isn't a job but it's an honor, said Army Pfc. Louis Houck, 54th Mortuary Affairs Specialist.

"It was such a tragedy to watch the events unravel in 2001," he said. "I feel like it's my duty to participate in the event, not only because I am in the Army but because I am and American."

Though the memory of that tragic day may still be fresh in servicemembers minds honoring those while in a deployed environment was that much more meaningful.

"Knowing that you're here and involved in making a difference is an overwhelming feeling," said Pfc. Houck.

Honoring Patriot Day while deployed makes you realize that you're not on your own, we stick together as a country, said Airman Martin who is deployed from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

While seven anniversaries have passed every year is a reminder of the pain and suffering that was brought on the nation but it also brought us together.

"When it happened reality hit," said Master Sgt. William Mills, a Master Craftsman with the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. "Every year I think about the families and friends of those involved and get angry. It was cowardly harming innocent people and I can't help but get mad."

Knowing that people would have strong feelings about this year's anniversary Tech. Sgt. Kalvix Thorton, Assistant Convoy commander with the 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Tactical Security Element, and Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Lash decided to do something about it. They came up with the idea to do a 10K ruck march in full body armor.

"When we arrived here in April we started doing the gear walks to get our bodies conditioned for the 'outside the wire' missions," said Sergeant Thorton. "We thought it would have been a good idea to have a 10K Battle Rattle march on 9/11 to honor the sacrifice of the first responders on that tragic day."

Sergeant Thorton noted that the march allowed him the personal opportunity to be able to pay respect to all military personnel that have perished since those catastrophic events on 9/11. It also reminded him to be thankful for each day that God gave him and to not take the days for granted.

Patriot Day on Ali Base began by honoring those who have fallen with a prayer and the 10K Memorial Battle Rattle march. Following the march, servicemembers gathered together at the retreat grounds in Bedrock for a special retreat ceremony. Air Force Honor Guard members performed perfectly executed drills while displaying true American patriotism by treating the flag with honor and respect.

Closing out the Patriot Day events were closing words to servicemembers from Col. Glen Apgar, 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander.

"We witnessed something eight years ago that was distinct...ordinary citizens rising to the occasion and responding with extra ordinary acts of courage," said the commander. "This was also the day that gave way to what most Americas call the next great generation, and that is you."