I can remember exactly where I was on 9/11. I was on my annual training at FT. LeonardWood, MO. I am in the reserves and having to do my 2 week rotattion for the year. On that day, I was drawing equipment from the Equipment Consoladation Area. All of a sudden, I was listening to the radio when I heard that a plane hit the first tower. I was thinking to myself” NO WAY”, not in this country. Then the 2nd plane hit the other tower, and I knew right then that this was no way an accident. I do carry a cell phone and my wife was trying frantically to get a hold of me. At FLW, reception is not that good. I finally called her, where she is on the other side of the country and let her know I was alright.

Driving back from the Equipment Site, the post had already took action to secure the post and the people. Getting back to the Battalion area, I headed straight for the personnel affice where they had a TV, and sat down and was in disbelief at what had happened. I can’t explain how I felt at that time, but with a year later coming around, I know what I am feeling. And that feeling is “PRIDE”. I do and always will pray for the people who were lost, but the way this nation came together should make everyone proud. It’s to bad that it took a castrophe as this one to do it. I am very patriotic and yes I do fly a flag 24/7 in my front yard. I don’t put it at half-staff, for I feel that shows a weakness, even though it’s to remember the dead.