Courtesy Photo | The Missing In Attack On Our Nation, or MIA-OON, flag flies over Forward Operating...... read more read more
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WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan — On Sept. 11, 2001, enemy forces attacked innocent Americans on their own soil. The impact was tremendous. Many lives were lost and many lives were changed due to the attack. As the citizens of New York and those who lost their loved ones began to put their lives back to together, American troops moved into Afghanistan to retaliate against those responsible for the devastation.
As Operation Enduring Freedom began to evolve into the complex fight it is today, Soldiers began to gear themselves for a fight that would last longer than a few years. As years have passed, the wounds of 9/11 have begun to heal, but have not been forgotten. For one Korean- era Marine veteran, it was pertinent to never forget the sacrifices made on that fateful day nor the sacrifices Soldiers continue to make in the name of their country's freedom.
Ronald James Sorenson, executive director of the United States Citizens Alliance and activist for Veteran causes, created the Missing In Attack On Our Nation, or MIA-OON, Flag in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in remembrance of those lost and missing.
"Beyond even the horror of that specific event, I recognized that a new symbol was needed to recognize the reality of warfare that confronts our men and women in the armed forces today and honors their heroism in battle combined with their dedication to the moral values we continue to uphold," stated Sorenson in an online interview.
Since the flag's creation, it has begun to circle the globe and is becoming established as a symbol of anti-terrorism and renewed patriotism. One unit to embrace the flag's symbolism is Task Force Spartan, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, currently serving their second tour in Afghanistan.
On July 16, the MIA-OON flag was flown over Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar province, Afghanistan, where headquarters for the unit is based. A small group was witness to the flag flying over the base. For those proud men and women, the flag's representation hit home as they stood on Afghan soil as part of a fight against the organization responsible for the attacks of 9/11. The flag was a reminder of how each felt on that day and how each are now an integer in our nation's and Afghanistan's resolve.
"Each year on 9/11 I remember how I felt on that fateful day," said Lt. Col. Eugene Shearer, commander for 710th Brigade Support Battalion, TF Spartan. "Much of the anguish and anger come flooding back and it's always emotional watching the memorial ceremonies. This year will be especially poignant as we remember 9/11 here in Afghanistan ... where it all began. For most of our Soldiers, 9/11 was a call to arms. Soldiers grow up hearing about the deeds and sacrifices of those who have come before and always ask themselves if they were alive would we make them proud? I hope that sometime in the future, other Soldiers will see that flag and include us in the long list of patriots that have served our great nation in combat."
"When I heard what the flag represented, I thought it was important that we make the connection of what happened on 9/11 and what we have been doing here since 2001," said Chief Warrant Officer Don White, chief mechanic for 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. "It helps to serve as a reminder of those we have lost as a nation, not only on 9/11 but during our fight over here as well. I am proud to be a member of this organization and everything it represents."
For many Americans, 9/11 was a wakeup call. Few Americans have ever experienced an attack on their native soil.
"I remember my grandfather telling me of the moment that he learned about the attack on Pearl Harbor. I never thought I might experience something similar," said Maj. George Corbari, plans officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, TF Spartan. "I have my memories of driving home from physical training at Fort Bliss, Texas, and hearing the news about a terrible accident ... then watching the news trying to make sense of it all as the second plane slammed into the second tower. Initially it only affected me in small ways; force protection was more acute when I would come on post to go to work. It was a mere inconvenience. Today, I am part of a substantial force sent here to change what we now know to be a very difficult problem."
Sorenson is aware of the "difficult problem" terrorism poses in the Middle East. His flag not only represents the memory of those lost but stands as a symbol against the unique enemy troops from all over the world are working to fight. Sorenson took it upon himself to find a new symbol, one that would represent the complexity of this new fight against global terrorism, would honor those lost on American soil due to this threat, the innocent who continue to be targeted and those who serve for the cause.
"In the twenty-first century, the terms of engagement have changed ... it seems for the worse," says Sorenson. "In the past, wars were fought exclusively between military combatants and the targets for either side were primarily members of the enemy military. In the past, civilians were sometimes caught in the crossfire of warring forces. Today, horribly, civilians are at the front line of battle. Along with our Soldiers, civilians are now primary targets for the evil terrorists around the globe who would destroy our very way of life."
The war on terror has most definitely put the civilian population in harm's way and uses them as leverage against those who work against global terrorism. As troops work to make the situation in the Middle East better by working with the local populace, terrorists undermine their work by instilling in the locals a sense of fear and insecurity.
"More than anything else, we are involved in a deadly struggle in the court of Afghan public opinion. Our enemies make the argument that we are occupiers and that we disrespect the Afghan culture the Afghan culture and Islam itself," said Shearer. "They tell the Afghan population that we do not care about them and all true believers should support the insurgency. But, in the same breath they threaten to harm them and their families if they do not support them, they use them to hide behind during combat and they target them with roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices."
The struggle against terrorism and an ever shifting and replenishing insurgency will be a long fight. Terrorism is a global threat and one Sorenson feels that we, as a nation and world, should not tolerate. The representation of his flag is one Soldiers and civilians alike can relate to. Especially those touched personally by this universal enemy.
The MIA-OON flag was first flown by the United States Army over Camp Arifjan in Kuwait on President's Day 2007. Since then, the flag has been flown over bases all along the east coast, over American Legions, over state capitals across the U.S., presented personally by Sorenson to the advisor to Israel's prime minister on Israel's 61st year of Independence and on Aug. 10, it was raised over the Freedom Tower at Ground Zero in New York City.
The flag was presented to the Soldiers of TF Spartan by Barbara Corbari, Maj. George Corbari's mother, who has known Sorenson for the last ten years through her work at the American Legion Headquarters in Albany, New York. When Barbara Corbari asked fellow legionaries to send packages to her son and his fellow Soldiers and colleagues, Sorenson felt a gift of the coveted MIA-OON Flag was the most distinctive way to honor TF Spartan's efforts.
"It was [TF Spartan's] base's embracing the MIA-OON flag that is the most exciting," said Sorenson. "We are honored for their support and for their service to our nation. This support has created a new wave of patriotism here amongst the MIA-OON flag's supporters. The people of the United States are proud of who they all are and what they do for our freedom."
For Corbari and his fellow Spartans, the flag and what it represents is also an honor. The fight against terrorism will be long, but Corbari, Shearer and the Soldiers of TF Spartan are proud to fight for the cause.
"I knew it was possible I would end up here," said Corbari. "In fact, I desperately wanted to be here to make a difference. I had no idea what it would be like to walk this ground, to experience the incredible dichotomy that is Afghanistan. I am proud to be here, proud to represent my country and proud to be contributing to a much larger effort in improving the lives of Afghans, their culture and their country."
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2009 05:27 |
| Story ID: | 38582 |
| Location: | WARDAK PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 771 |
| Downloads: | 740 |
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