This year brings us the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America. On that day, I was observing an Iowa high school classroom as part of the process of becoming a teacher. I’d heard the first reports about a plane crash in New York, the rumors about other crashes and attacks. Later, teachers were told that students could watch the news. A second announcement offered the library to students who didn’t wish to watch.

When we finally tuned in, both World Trade Center towers had collapsed. Unbelievable. Horrifying. A new dread hit me. I was a combat engineer in the Iowa National Guard. I’d joined for college money, but suddenly my enlistment had become much more serious. We were at war. My command could call me at any moment.