story4009.xml

story4009.xml

born-digital

story

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2002-09-11

This day started as most do for a soldier; with Physical Training on Ft. Bragg, NC. I was feeling sorry for myself; as I was going through a Divorce after 19 years of wonderful marriage to my college sweetheart Jackie E. Wooster. Jackie had an affair with a Puerto Rican guy Ed Nazario while I was deployed to Kosovo, and all I was feeling was a mixed bag of emotions for myself. This may sound like a typical Military Divorce story, but I took my job in Special Forces seriously - as I also took my Family in front of everything, except God. I missed my two boys Robert Jr. and Joseph then and now very badly. So today 11 September 2002, also comes with a heavy heart at the loss of my family and the Great people in our nation due to the attacks of 9/11/01. The horror of what I was to see on TV, and the sealing up and almost complete shutdown of Ft. Bragg, NC brought the reality home that we as a nation could be attacked at home. I, like a grand number of soldiers were immediately placed in specific areas about and surrounding the installation to provide security. I felt the deepest sense of grief, not at my loss for the moment; but for the people in the three areas that were attacked. My heart sunk as the reports of the attacks permeated the airwaves. Then as more reports came about, the Pentagon was hit, and it slapped the military in the face - that our very building with so much experienced leadership was hit also. I could almost see the "Details" being assigned to go notify families of their losses, and shuttered with the shocking reality of it all. Our Nation, the United States Of America had been attacked by a cowardly and dastardly group of faceless people. As I continue to do my volunteer work as a Fire Fighter and EMT for the Hope Mills Fire Department in Hope Mils, NC even to this day, and especially today. The Fire Fighters, Police, Emergency Medical Services, and Military all feel the pain at such a great loss to us all. SO, you say, so what - Well, I must now face myself and look myself in the mirror and say - "Rob, - you lost so little, while others have lost far more - Thank God for your blessings and Pray for those who lost so much - that were so close to their hearts". God Bless You, Each and Everyone; and hold your families ever so close as the days and years go by. For you don't realize that this very moment may be the last you see them or hear their sweet voices call your name.