Remembering 9/11: Airmen and Coalition partners stand together

Published Sept. 12, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Andrejcik
380th Air Expeditionary Wing

Southwest Asia -- On Sept. 11, 2001 a series of devastating terrorist attacks on U.S. soil claimed 2,977 lives. It was a tragic day, which ultimately brought American’s closer together and its anniversary has served as a symbolic reminder of the world’s fight to prevail over terrorism.

Here, in the wake of 9/11, Airmen stood shoulder-to-shoulder in formation with several Joint and Coalition partners to pay respect to the lives lost that day.

“We do not forget the innocent people who lost their lives and the heroes who rushed to help,” said Chief Charles Mills, command chief for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. “That day was the beginning of our struggle to better secure the world from these tragic events and threats.”

It was shortly after the events of 9/11, the president, then George W. Bush, declared a global war on terrorism, which was led by U.S. forces.

The declaration saw many young men and women decidedly change the course of their lives as they chose to enter the military with a desire to help root out terror across the world.

For, Staff Sgt. Kellie, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, the influential feelings from 9/11, which swept across the country, also resonated with her; those feelings eventually became a driving factor in her decision to enlist.

“9/11 is a part of why I serve and why I initially joined,” she said. “Those events impacted us all in some way. It was much larger than any one person and affected us all as an entire nation. That day made me feel as though I wanted to help prevent anything like that from ever happening again.”

Kellie has served since July 2008 and has deployed four times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and most recently Inherent Resolve; all campaigns focused on eradicating terrorism.

The attacks of 9/11 did more than just bring America closer together. Many countries, having experienced terrorist’s attacks in the past, elected to join forces in an effort to stop extremist organizations from gaining more momentum.

The international presence across the Middle East is now working toward utilizing each other’s strengths to optimize their capabilities, with an aim to end terrorism.

“That particular terrorist attack didn’t just affect our Nation,” said Mills. “It changed the world and our relationships with fellow peace-loving nations. Such attacks strengthen our resolve against an ideology of radical extremism.”

U.S. and Coalition forces unwavering devotion to erase terrorism is synonymous with what 9/11 has come to represent; it’s bringing countries together to strive toward a future free from terror.

On this day, as Airmen stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their brother’s and sister’s in arms they reflect on 9/11 and honor those who were lost.

Never forgotten, always remembered.

(Editor’s note: Due to safety and security reasons, some last names were removed.)