Duke Airmen reflect on 9/11 anniversary

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Samuel King Jr.
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  Throughout the Air Force, active-duty and reserve Airmen at all levels took time to reflect on the 10th anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

"This tragic event altered our view of the world and sparked a global effort to combat terrorism and the conditions that give rise to extremism," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.

For the Air Force reserve, many acknowledged the day in uniform and active in their local wings and squadrons during their unit training assembly weekend.

Here, 96th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters commemorated the day by taking part in the first 9/11 memorial stair climb held at Duke Field. Airmen and civilian firemen climbed the five flights of the Duke tower continuously in full gear to simulate the 110 flight-climb to the top of World Trade Center tower. Along the way, they hung flag streamers with the names of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives that day.

"Across the nation, tribute climbs are done and I wanted the Duke Field fire station to be a part of that tradition," said Staff Sgt. James Hickman, a 96th CES firefighter.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the 919th Security Forces Squadron was the first reserve unit activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"We were activated, but my mind was set to volunteer for the activation," said Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Lawrence, of the 919th SFS. "After watching the incident on television and seeing the devastation that occurred, I was ready willing and able to defend what we train for."

By 2003, nearly 700 Duke Field reservists were mobilized to support the response to the attacks.

The men and women of the 919th tallied almost 2,000 combat sorties and 5,000 combat hours.

"As we reflect on the horrific day that marked the beginning of our struggle to better secure the world from these threats, we honor the tremendous selfless service that today still distinguishes American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, comprising the most dedicated, professional and powerful military force in the world. We also recognize that the need for sacrifice is not over," Schwartz said.