The Department of Defense is honoring the actions of dedication, valor, strength, service and resilience demonstrated by the American people and the Armed Forces throughout the last ten years after September 11th, 2001.

From www.myarmyreserve.dodlive.mil
From Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief Army Reserve

Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve and Commander of the United States Army Reserve

A decade has passed since our country was attacked on September 11th, 2001, yet many of us still vividly remember where we were at a moment that galvanized communities, cities, a nation and our military forces in support of our country, our allies, and our core beliefs.

The tenth anniversary of 9-11 is a time to keep faith with the Families of those who lost their lives that day, including nine of our own “Warrior Citizens,” many of whom were civilian first-responders killed during rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. It’s also a time to reflect on the continued sacrifices of the men and women of the U.S. Army Reserve and their Families who’ve given so much during this era of persistent conflict, honoring the legacy of those lost on September 11th.

That we have been an Army at war for a decade is something you and your Families are intimately aware of- Families such as NYPD Detective and Army Reserve Command Sergeant Major Christopher Whitford (See his story at “Whatever is Required of Me”) and his wife Gloria. On September 11th, Police Detective Whitford was a first responder, working to do whatever it took to save lives in the aftermath of the collapse of the Trade Centers. Tragically, he learned that he lost his younger brother, Army Reserve Capt. Mark Whitford that day; Mark was an NYC firefighter who selflessly gave his life to save others.

Whitford knew his and his Family’s life was forever changed that day, personally and professionally. Less than two-months later he was a mobilized Army Reserve Soldier and was ultimately deployed to Afghanistan. His commitment is emblematic of tens of thousands of Soldiers who have stepped forward to meet the needs of our nation, transforming what was once a strategic reserve into a seamless element of the operational force, ready to serve at a moment’s notice.

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