On September 11, 2001 I was a sophomore at Illinois Institute of Technology on the south side of Chicago.  That morning, like so many others, I woke up, crawled out of bed, and checked my email before getting ready for class.   The phone rang.  Since it was still very early for a college life, I expected it was either a prank call or a wrong number.  I answered somewhat grumpily.  It was my mother in a panic telling me horrible things were happening and to turn on the news.

This day would not be the same as so many others.  This day would change the world forever.

I remember saying to my roommate, “We’re under; the US is under attack.”  He jumped out of bed even though he’d been mostly asleep a second before.  I turned on the TV and found the news.  Broadcasters were in a panic as they tried to tell people what information they had about planes flying into the Twin Towers.

I told my mom I’d be safe but that I had to go.

I remember feeling very shocked.  My roommate and I did what most students would have done; we got on our computers to find out more about what was going on.  I looked over my email quickly again and noticed one I’d missed in my earlier sleepy state.  Back then, I was a Air Force ROTC cadet; the email was from an upperclassmen instructing all cadets to stay out of uniform until further notice.  With a lack of information there was a concern that individuals in military uniforms could be at personal risk.

For whatever reason, classes weren’t cancelled.  As I walked north on State street I was able to see the Sears tower was still standing.  Whatever evil had visited other parts of the country didn’t appear to be targeting Chicago.

In the coming hours, I watched the news with friends almost nonstop.  Some of the images that were played I wish I could forget but never will.  As the hours turned into days the media started to share more examples of unparalleled heroism.  Brave men and women who responded at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and over the skies of Pennsylvania brought patriotism out in people in ways I’d never seen before.

Nine long days later I was given a chance to be a part of that patriotism.  On September 18, 2001 the Chicago White Sox hosted the New York Yankees.  This was to be the Yankees first game in the aftermath.  Air Force ROTC Detachment 195 was asked to provide a Color Guard and I was asked to command it.

It was an experience I will remember until the day I die.    A couple hours before the game, our detail drove the couple of blocks from IIT to Comiskey Park (now U.S. Cellular Field).  We checked in with the business management and were quickly taken to the belly of the stadium where we were given instructions on what would happen and when.  In an effort to calm our nerves we did some last minute practicing.

About 5-10 minutes before the opening ceremonies we were led onto the field and positioned just outside of 3rd base.  The teams stood along their respective baselines.  Stretched between the outer edge of the infield were members of the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department standing in an alternating fashion holding vigil candles.  Looking up into the stands the crowd looked immense.  People were waving flags and there were homemade banners expressing messages of hope.

We were motioned to head onto the infield.  I gave the order to carry the colors and we began our slow march out.  Once we were behind the pitcher’s mound I wheeled us around to face home plate.  We presented the colors and a few moments later  The National Anthem rang throughout the stadium.  I remember it had never sounded so amazing to me.  At the end, the crowd burst into cheers.

The announcer called for a moment of silence in remembrance of those who had been lost just a short week earlier.  The clapping stopped and the cheers died down.  The only sound I remember hearing was that of the flags our team were carrying flapping free in the breeze.  Eerie, yet, respectful silence.

Moments later, the voice talent for the opening ceremonies started singing America The Beautiful.  As she reached “From sea to shining sea” the crowd erupted again.  Clapping, cheering, and the starts to a “USA” chant.  It was unbelievably loud; I had to shout at full command voice to ensure the people standing next to me could hear me as we made our way off the field.  It was amazing.

Below is a video of that memorable event as captured by Fox.

The power of of nearly 23,000 fans chanting “USA!  USA!  USA!” was indescribable.  I could feel the words physically hit my chest.  It was absolutely unbelievable.

I am proud to have shared this experience with Emma Poon, who can be seen as right guard, Julia Makiejus (now Hochstetler), who can be seen carrying the Air Force Flag, and Lisa Couch, who can be seen as the left guard.

I was also extremely lucky to be able to share this moment with my girlfriend at the time.  You can see her around the 3min 20sec mark; she is the one in the tan overcoat.  She and I had just started dating a few weeks before this tragedy.  Erin Perry and I will be celebrating 8years of marriage this December.

Ten years is a long time and it is too easy to forget what happened.  Take a moment to reflect on those innocent men, women and children who were lost in the attacks.  Take a moment to thank those brave first responders; especially those who didn’t come home.  Take a moment to thank a servicemen/woman who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom and our way of life.

Take a moment chant “USA!” one more time.