SOCSOUTH remembers Sep. 11

SOCSOUTH troops salute the U.S. Flag as it is lowered to half staff to remember the victims of Sept. 11 during the 2008 remembrance ceremony at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. SOCSOUTH is a subordinate component for special operations under the U.S. Southern Command, which is headquartered in the City of Doral, Fla. The command’s Area of Focus encompasses the land mass and adjacent waters of Latin America south of Mexico covering about 15.6 million square miles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tim Norton)

SOCSOUTH remembers Sept. 11

Staff Sgt. Aida Acevedo, Special Operations Command South, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., salutes the U.S. flag during the lowering of the colors to remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. SOCSOUTH is a subordinate component for special operations under the U.S. Southern Command, which is headquartered in the City of Doral, Fla. The command’s Area of Focus encompasses the land mass and adjacent waters of Latin America south of Mexico covering about 15.6 million square miles. (U.S. Army photo/Sgt. 1st Class Felix Figueroa, SOCSO PAO)

SOCSOUTH remembers Sept. 11

Published Sept. 12, 2008
By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Felix A. Figueroa
U.S Special Operations Command South

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- On the seventh anniversary of the day hijacker's boarded four American flights and crashed them into the Pentagon, The World Trade Center, and in a Pennsylvania field, Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) service members set aside time to pay respect and remember the fallen. SOCSOUTH Commander, Brigadier General Hector E. Pagan said "We have gone after those responsible for the attacks and will not rest because the price of freedom demands it."

"To prevent another terrorist attack on our soil, Special Operations Command South is playing an invaluable role in the western hemisphere by maintaining an enduring presence in the region and by building partnerships that promote security and cooperation," Pagan added.

During the general's remarks, he also set aside time to acknowledge and say thank you to the Soldier's, Sailors, Marines and Airmen for their service and for keeping America more secure since the Sept. 11 attacks. Pagan identified a soldier in his command who typifies the SOCSOUTH service member -- Army Captain Christopher Miller.

Capt. Miller, a former New York City Detective, was there when the twin towers were struck and with disregard to his own safety, preceded into what later became known as "ground zero" to evacuate the living and the dead. Within minutes of arrival, Miller established the first "ground zero" Tactical Operations Center (TOC) to assist in search and rescue operations.

"There was a lot of chaos, a lot of people fleeing the scene, we understood it was a tragic event at that point," said Miller.

Miller lost a few close friends both at Ground Zero and in Afghanistan and says their sacrifice is what motivates him to continue to serve. He too deployed to Afghanistan and assisted in the training of Afghan security forces.

"The families of the victims are the ones who continue to suffer, I pray for them and for the deceased and will continue to fight in their honor," Miller added.

After Pagan's speech and a brief pause for a moment of silence, SOCSOUTH troops proudly saluted the U.S. colors as it was lowered in remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks. A bell was rung four times during the ceremony, each time signifying when an airplane crashed and innocent lives were lost.

"It is an honor and privilege to serve as your commander while we protect America's southern approach. Do not forget that every single one of you is mission essential in this important fight for the present and the future," said Pagan.

"God bless SOCSOUTH, our armed forces and our great country, De Opresso Liber," Pagan added.