Remembering the Impact of 9/11
Team RWB Eagles at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, 2021.
On September 11, 2001, the world stood still as four coordinated terrorist attacks were executed on U.S. soil. These events changed our country forever and deeply affected our military and veteran community, launching the longest war our nation has ever faced and defining the service of many of our members.
“The events of 9/11 strengthened my resolve and dedication to our country. I spent the following years preparing for multiple deployments and volunteered for various anti-terrorism and security training activities to ensure that I would make a strong, positive impact when called upon. To this day, I always strive to be the best version of myself and to maintain a high state of readiness” said Mike Ochs, a National Guard member who deployed to Iraq after 9/11.
Our members believe it’s our duty to ensure moments in history like these are not forgotten. We will never forget the 2,977 lives lost or the heroism of our first responders. Much like service members who fought in the wars following, brave men and women rushed towards the danger, risking their own lives to save others, showing true courage and selflessness.
“I remember thinking that this is what the staging areas for D-Day or some of the other gigantic military offensives must have looked like. All with the huge plume of smoke in the background,” said Tom Garret, a Team RWB member who staged as a paramedic on 9/11.
To commemorate the bravery of first responders on 9/11 and pay tribute to those lost, Team RWB is hosting its September Monthly Mission, the 9/11 Stair Climb, presented by TD Bank.
Eagle Nation will climb 2,200 stairs—the same number that the brave first responders climbed on their way up the 110-story World Trade Center to rescue those trapped in the towers.
To gain a deeper appreciation for the strength of our first responders on that day, Team RWB challenges you to carry a 45 lbs ruck during the stair climb, symbolizing the average weight of the gear worn by the firefighters as they climbed up the towers.
“From the Fireman running up the stairs in one of the towers to the Grunt, E-4 who never made it back to his wife and kids. Freedom isn’t Free, someone has already paid the price – we can at least remember them for a moment and not forget. Real History is learning from the past,” said Mike Harkins, Army Reservist who deployed to Iraq after 9/11.
Join Eagle Nation as we commemorate the events of 9/11 and remember the impact that day had on all of us. Let’s ensure it remains ingrained in our collective memory so history will not repeat itself. Climb the stairs. Carry the weight. Honor the fallen.