08/31/2026
Almost 25 years later, I had the opportunity to hear the stories of 9/11 firsthand.
I spent the last few days in New York City with 72 veterans from across Wisconsin—different branches, different backgrounds, different experiences. We came together to learn, connect, reflect, and heal.
I’ve always been proud of my service. But this trip helped me root that service in an even deeper sense of purpose.
We heard from the people who were there on September 11th, the police officers, firefighters, survivors, and those who ran toward something the rest of the world was watching unfold. We stood where it happened. We remembered those who never came home. And we were reminded of what followed, and why so many of us raised our right hands and served in the years that came after.
In a world where so many people question our country, our institutions, and even military service itself, I’ll never pretend we’re perfect. We’re not.
But there’s no place I’d rather call home. No place I’d rather serve. And no greater cause I’d rather be a small part of.
I’m incredibly thankful to Missions of Honor and everyone who made Freedom to Liberty possible. This experience gave me perspective I’ll carry for a long time.
Now I’m excited to keep sharing these stories and do my small part to help the next generation understand what it means to serve, why it matters, and why we remember.
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📸 credit: Jim Koepnick
