Forward Operating Base Kalsu service members remember Sept. 11

Photo By Spc. Justin Snyder | A patriotic Maltese Cross, the symbol of protection that serves as a badge for firefighters around the world, is painted just outside of the Forward Operating Base Kalsu Fire Dept. A total of 2,947 people, 343 of them New York City firefighters, died on Sept. 11, 2001, as a result of the terrorist attacks.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

09.12.2008

Story by Spc. Justin Snyder 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Spc. Justin Snyder
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq- A group of service members walked into the Morale, Welfare and Recreation center on Forward Operating Base Kalsu looking for something to do Sept. 9, 2008.

The sounds of screams and sirens came from the speakers of the television playing "World Trade Center" as people walked into the room – a painful reminder near the eve of the seven-year anniversary of Sept. 11.

Air Force Maj. Brock Nolan, 732nd Expeditionary Support Squadron, remembers the attacks very vividly.

"I was working in a hospital in Dayton, Ohio, when the patients started informing us what was going on," said Nolan, a native of Indianapolis. "Basically all productive work stopped and we all just watched. There were doctors, nurses and patients all together just watching. It was amazing to see all these different people together for one thing."

Senior Airman Carth Yohn, 2nd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment weather forecaster, heard about the attacks over the radio. He remembers how it looked unreal to him.

"After hearing on the radio, I turned on the television, and what I saw was unbelievable," said Yohn, a native of Tacoma, Wash. "Seeing those planes hit looked almost like a movie. I had no idea what kind of impact it was going to have on our country."

Later that day, two other planes were hijacked. One crashed into the Pentagon building in Arlington, Va., and another crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pa., when passengers took over the plane upon learning of the unfolding events.

After all the events, 2,947 people would lose their lives on that tragic day.

Nolan knew his time in the military was about to change drastically.

"I had been inactive Air Force for four years while I was in medial school, and had only been active for three months because I was doing my psychiatrist residency," said Nolan. "I had at least eight years left to serve and knew something would happen. I was ready for whatever I was called to do."

He did get called to Iraq in 2008, where he currently works at the Combat Stress Control Clinic on FOB Kalsu.

He said he is very happy to be serving his country and doing his part in the global war on terrorism.

"The reasons we are here come directly from the Sept. 11 attacks, and I'm proud to be here," said Nolan. "There are men and women over here who are serving their country just like me. It makes me feel good to know I'm here as a doctor and might be able to provide them help."

Yohn, who joined the Air Force following the Sept. 11 attacks and is on his first deployment to Iraq, said his eyes were opened that day.

"I can't say that I joined directly because of the attacks, but my life is better now," said Yohn. "There were a lot of Soldiers who were ready to deploy and fight for our country right after the attacks. I have gained an all new respect for the men and women who serve our country."

The movie ended after about two hours, but the effects of the attacks still linger.

Toward the end of the film, John McLoughlin, the Port Authority officer played in the film by Cage, said, "Sept. 11 showed us what human beings are capable of. The evil, yeah, sure. But it also brought out the goodness we forgot could exist. People taking care of each other for no other reason than it was the right thing to do. 'Cause I saw all of it that day."

Just as McLoughlin said, Yohn believes it is important to remember the attacks and pay homage to those who lost and risked their lives.

"It's important for us to remember why we are here in Iraq. That day woke a lot of us up and woke our country up. It showed a lot of people what is really important in life, and we should never forget that."

• Date Taken: 09.12.2008
• Date Posted: 09.12.2008 02:23
• Story ID: 23544
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ