By U.S. Staff Sgt. Amber Robinson
Task Force Bronco
Many Soldiers who serve in Afghanistan today also served in some capacity at Ground Zero directly after the attacks. These Soldiers remember the aftermath.
“I served as security at Ground Zero while the fire fighters and volunteers conducted recovery,” said U.S. Army Capt. Paul Whelan, currently with 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 25th ID, TF Bronco, but was part of the New York guard when he served at Ground Zero. “It was very surreal. Every time a victim was recovered, they would ring a bell. I will always remember the sound of that bell echoing in the darkness as I stood there guarding Ground Zero into the night.”
Despite the time that has passed, Whelan is still answering the call to eliminate terrorism 10 years later.
“I was there then and now I’ve come halfway around the world to continue to try and do my part to eliminate insurgency,” he said.