story11099.xml

story11099.xml

born-digital

story

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2004-09-26

On 9/11/01, I was stationaed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for my Advance Individual Training for the ARMY. The day started just like any other day in our training environment. Up at 0500, PT at 0530-0630, Breakfast from 0700-0730, and than off to classes for the day. We were in class when our instructors were called out of the room. A few minutes later, they came back with a TV and turned it on to the news for us. We all saw the second plane hit the World Trade Center. We were immediately transported back to the barracks, and the post was on lock down. We were tasked with patrolling our Battalion area along with soldiers from the other Batteries in our complex. Security details and Military Police were out in force. Our Senior Drill Sergeant, First Sergeant, and Battery Commander sat us down in the bleachers on the Drill Floor and talked to us all about the possibilities of accelerating classes to ready us for deployment. I just remember the goose-bumps and the feelings of anger, pride, and patriotism. The terrorists attacks on September 11th, 2001 served to remind of why I became a soldier. My condolences go to the families/friends who lost loved ones on 9/11/01, and to the families/friends who have and will inevitably lose loved ones as we fight in the global war on terrorism.

CPL Marcus A. Benson
"Improvise, Adapt, Overcome"
79th Military Police Company (CS)
United States ARMY Reserves