A Day that I will never forget.

I originally posted this on my LinkedIn as an article on 9/11/25.

Today, as I write this, is September 11th, 2025.

This day for many is a tragic and sad day. Twenty-four years ago September 11th was a beautiful day. The sky was clear and the world was calm, or at least as calm as it ever gets.

I was a young Sailor, a Third Class Petty Officer, pregnant with my first child and working my way through my normal morning duties alongside my equally pregnant Shipmate. Office duty was supposed to be a low-stress assignment for us both while we were bringing healthy babies into the world.

The world was far less connected then than it is now.

There weren't smart phones. And the office space I was working in didn't have a radio or a television. I did not have a cellphone yet because there just wasn't a need.

I don't remember any commotion. I was just doing my job. But, there was a change in the atmosphere of the command. There was a bit more traffic in and out of the Maintenance Officer's office, but not enough to make me nervous.

And then it all changed.

One of our Officers came in, one of the few female officers we had in the Maintenance Department, and she was ashen. I remember she looked at us, took a breath to steal herself, and as gently as possible told us exactly what was happening. That the World Trade Center towers had been attacked and that our base, Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, VA was being placed on lockdown and the highest level of alert the military had.

That day was the first day that the reality of being an active duty service member in the United States military became painfully sharp. I remember not being panicked or afraid. Not really. I was irritated and anxious. I was trained and ready to jump into action, even if I was medically unable to do as much as I was willing to do.

I was not allowed to jump in and help because of my pregnancy. But I was willing. It made the day even longer being disallowed on the flight line to help. By the time we were released to go home late into the night I was exhausted and frustrated and angry at those who would cause so much harm to others.

The next few days were a blur as we all adjusted to our new reality.

The heightened security. The recalls and activations and emergency deployments.

Over time I was able to ensure all of my family were safe, including those who lived in the Washington, D.C. area.

I adjusted and was supported as much as was possible by my command and my Shipmates and friends and family as the reality of being a service member took a high priority in my life. The only priority that was higher at the time was my baby.

On September 11th, I take time to remember those who were lost and those who ran towards the danger when thousands were running away. That day changed us all. Never take for granted what tomorrow might bring.