Commander issues 9/11 message to deployed personnel at 380th AEW
Posted 9/11/2011
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Commentary by Capt. Gina McKeen
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
9/11/2011 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Lofgren, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, issued the following 9/11 message to the deployed warriors at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Warriors,
On this day, take a moment to reflect on that horrible day from which we draw strength and conviction to move forward in this fight against terrorism. Remember those who were lost on that day and send your heartfelt thoughts to their families and loved ones -- never forget.
On Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower of the World Trade Center, and we all wondered how such a mistake could happen. Then, at 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 struck the south tower and it all became clear. We were under attack.
After that, just a short distance from where I was at National War College, across the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., my classmates and I heard and then saw the smoke of American Airlines Flight 77 after it crashed into the Pentagon. The terrorists tried one more time to randomly kill Americans on United Airlines Flight 93, but brave Americans shouted out "Let's roll," and stopped that plane by sacrificing their lives for the lives of others. Lost in all the attacks were 2,997 men and women from America and 90-some countries.
As you reflect on where you were on 9/11 -- the moment you found out, the faces of those around you and the feelings you had then and now -- remember when you saw the flags flying from bridges and houses, the people gathering together for comfort and prayer. The spirit of America rose up, committed to never letting such a despicable act happen again; thus, the "9/11 Generation" was born.
I want to pay special tribute to you, the members of the 9/11 Generation, who represent more than two million warriors who have honorably served, deployed and fought for what you believe in -- freedom, liberty and justice. Let us bond together and go forth knowing what we do is just and right.
They may have attacked us, but all they did was make us stronger, more sure of our conviction and motivated to overcome this test. Just as prior American generations have overcome great tests so, too, shall we triumph.
You are the 9/11 Generation, dedicated professionals who have volunteered to protect America and our freedoms. You embody the cries of "let's roll" and "we will never forget" on that fateful day. We have, with the help of many nations around the world, taken on this fight against terrorism and we are winning. Make no mistake; we will finish this. To all of you, my teammates: One team, one fight -- Fight's on!
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