Personal Reflections of a Military Wife in a Civilian World [SAM]
Document Type
Personal Reflection
What were you doing on 9/11? (Or, What was your interviewee doing on 9/11?)
I was at work at the time in my office when someone came through saying one of the twin towers was hit by an aircraft carrying passengers. They were going to hook up a TV to see what happened. Our offices were co-located in a bank and we all gathered into a small meeting room to watch the coverage. As the reporter was talking, we watched another airliner hit the other tower. I remember one of the bank tellers saying "Oh my gosh, what a coincidence." I clearly remember my response to her was "This is not a coincidence and it isn't over, more is going to happen." We all stared in disbelief as one building collapsed then the other...as we were watching debris and people... Many of us cried and had tears, I remember becoming sad and mad at the same time. I felt the need to leave and gather my family as soon as I could. Don't know why maybe the uncertainty...
We continued to leave the coverage on, Pennsylvania, the Pentagon...what was next. We were all anxious. I don't think any of us went back to our offices to work but to call loved ones and friends.
My co-worker's husband was flying from Paris to the US at the same time the attacks were going on. She could not get any information from the airline and with the rumors that there were more terrorists on other flights, we were beside ourselves... The next day we found out that halfway across the Atlantic, they were told that the U.S. airspace was closed and to return to Paris immediately. No explanation. He had no other explanation to provide to his passengers except that the U.S. airspace was closed...fear and confusion hit the passengers and crew. Upon landing they were met with police vehicles and escorted off. He said they didn't know what was happening or if they were safe. They were briefed on what happened and sent to hotels where he was finally able to contact his wife.
I checked on friends who I knew worked in the Pentagon...one whose office was partially destroyed survived but lost several colleagues. One had just left, one was in a different part of the building... I got a group together and we made a giant banner and invited the community to sign-it in support of our soldiers and mailed it to him where he made sure it was displayed for all to see...they were not alone and our thoughts and prayers were with them.
What was I doing on 9/11? Praying....
How did 9/11 affect you personally and or professionally?
It affected me on several levels; as a military wife, a military vet, as part of the military community, as a friend to those affected whether military or civilian, and as a mom.
I think, for me, there was a period of time everything felt surreal...almost like I wasn't living in this crazy world but experiencing it. It was a very strange feeling. I also felt very protective of what we hold dear: family, freedom, rights, religion, basically our way of life, choice... I was angry, I was sad, I was reflective...I dug my heels in even more as a patriot and wanting to protect this great country I live in.
As a military wife, I worried if my husband would go to war and what would that war look like? As a mom, I worried for my daughter's future above all. If this can happen here to this magnitude, what else is out there? What is her future? Of course, this translates to anyone with children but I am focused on mine for this piece. Years later my daughter would commission in the U.S. Army and serve in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She and her husband both serve to this day.
I also remember, when all flights were canceled, looking up between some clouds and seeing an F-15 flying overhead. When I saw that I felt a bit peaceful knowing that our men and women in uniform were working to keep us safe. And, that surreal feeling flooded over me again. When there were no other flights in America, our military was crossing the skies protecting those below.
I think as a result, I will never take our freedom for granted. I realize that, in the blink of an eye, all we know and love can change in an instant. I also believe that regardless of our background, religious beliefs, cultural upbringing, or political leanings, we will always walk a fine line trying to balance freedom and trust because of 9/11.
What do you want future generations of professionals, particularly those going into your field, to know about 9/11?
Freedom is not free. Freedom is worth defending for ourselves and others who desire to live free but not everyone holds those same values.
Though politics may take freedoms away and set a course for those it governs (whether with a soft or hard stick), the average person in any country just wants to live in peace, take care of their own, have food on the table, and be free to live free and not live in fear. I believe this to be a common denominator amongst us.
Finally, don't let fear stop you from doing what is right, don't let fear control your life, and don't let fear take away your freedom.
On 9/11, what sector were you (OR your interviewee) in?
Other (please specify)
If you selected Other, enter here:
Military Spouse and working for a NFP
On 9/11 what was your (OR your interviewee’s) occupation? (optional)
Business Director
Event Location
Personal Reflections of a Military Wife in a Civilian World [SAM]
It affected me on several levels; as a military wife, a military vet, as part of the military community, as a friend to those affected whether military or civilian, and as a mom.
I think, for me, there was a period of time everything felt surreal...almost like I wasn't living in this crazy world but experiencing it. It was a very strange feeling. I also felt very protective of what we hold dear: family, freedom, rights, religion, basically our way of life, choice... I was angry, I was sad, I was reflective...I dug my heels in even more as a patriot and wanting to protect this great country I live in.
As a military wife, I worried if my husband would go to war and what would that war look like? As a mom, I worried for my daughter's future above all. If this can happen here to this magnitude, what else is out there? What is her future? Of course, this translates to anyone with children but I am focused on mine for this piece. Years later my daughter would commission in the U.S. Army and serve in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She and her husband both serve to this day.
I also remember, when all flights were canceled, looking up between some clouds and seeing an F-15 flying overhead. When I saw that I felt a bit peaceful knowing that our men and women in uniform were working to keep us safe. And, that surreal feeling flooded over me again. When there were no other flights in America, our military was crossing the skies protecting those below.
I think as a result, I will never take our freedom for granted. I realize that, in the blink of an eye, all we know and love can change in an instant. I also believe that regardless of our background, religious beliefs, cultural upbringing, or political leanings, we will always walk a fine line trying to balance freedom and trust because of 9/11.
