September 11 reflection Published Sept. 7, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Adam C. Wright 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group SHINDAND, Afghanistan -- The day before I left for my deployment to Afghanistan, I spent time valuable time with my wife Megan and two daughters Abigail and Maleyna. We had a large barbeque that afternoon with close family and friends. Abigail was in her bathing suit running through the sprinkler with her cousins in the bright green grass that surrounds my brother and sister-in-law's house nestled warmly in the rolling hills of Vermont. The sky was an endless blue canvas stretching across the landscape with scattered white clouds. Maleyna was on the porch in her mother's arms safe and content. As the day came to a close and the fire flies began to make themselves known, we gathered around a warm fire and made s'mores. It was a perfect day and I tried to take as many sights and sounds into my memories as possible. Abigail seemed to understand that I was leaving and we went through the list of holidays and events that will pass while I am away to serve as tangible markers until my return. Although I was sad to leave my family behind, I reminded myself that for many families directly affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the road to feeling safe and secure in our way of life is still a long journey and I pray they will see it realized. All of our hearts weighed heavily after the attacks, the thought of it still turns my stomach. I seriously doubt there is an American left unaffected in some way. Thus began our decade long pursuit of justice that has led us half way around the world and through more than a dozen countries. Although the cost to our military families is great, it is the nature of our business and we are proud professionals; we stand ready to do our duty. My daughter's smile represents to me all that is good and true in our American way of life. I believe it necessary to contribute my efforts to the Afghan adviser mission so that my daughter's warm smiles stay genuine and uninterrupted. I am confident that one day soon our time invested here will secure a safer future for our children without fear. Until that day, I will keep my boots grounded firmly to the earth, eyes on the goal and adhere closely to the task at hand. Editor's Note - Wright is a U.S. Air Force air adviser responsible for training Afghans each day to stand up their own independent and operationally-capable Afghan air force.