It was a typical fall day as I drove to work with my husband when we heard the tragic news on the radio. I had this overwhelming desire to re-enlist after that. Not only was it my birthday but I am originally from the East Coast. I had family that survived Sept. 11. I had a step sister that decided to go on vacation at the last minute and her apartment was right near the twin towers. My step dad had a cousin who worked in the twin towers but called in sick that day. I knew that as an LPN I could be of some good in the Army, so I finally joined. I was assigned to the 396th Combat support hospital at Fort Vancouver barracks in Vancouver, Washington. January 2003 was my first drill and we were told that day that we will not be here by next drill and we were not. I was activated for up to two years for the fight on terrorism. I felt a sense of pride of wearing the uniform and standing in the gap for my family and friends and those that could not go. We mobilized in 72 hours but our mission to deploy to Iraq never happened due to Northern Turkey not opening its borders. We were broken up in teams and distributed all over the world. I was deployed to the East Coast to Fort Dix, N.J. I worked there in my specialty as an LPN. We worked 14 to 16-hour days. My brother's unit was also activated for Sept. 11 and he had to come through our base to be mobilized. It was very surreal seeing your own brother being sent to fight the war on terrorism. We both know what it means to put our uniforms on. The pride we feel and the honor we get to do it. I was mobilized twice before I transferred into the Air Force in 2005. Each UTA I get to put my uniform on and get to help fight the war on terrorism as a medical technician/LPN. I am proud to serve my country and walk side by side with my fellow Airmen. (Courtesy photo)
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