As an early riser I normally wake up and view the NBC 'Today Show' to be shocked by the devastation that was occurring on the Twin Towers.  At first felt that this was some type of science fiction event or publicity stunt and that this was not happening to the greatest country on Earth.  I immediately woke up my wife and explained that it appeared that New York was under attack.  As I continued monitoring the news I explained to my wife that possibly my National Guard unit would be alerted in some way...and it happened.  My unit was later alerted and called to active duty to invoke security operations at the San Francisco International Airport.  We had more than 200 hundred soldiers that were called to active duty for more than 7 months.  These soldiers were the most dedicated of all I had ever served with in my 26 years at that time and were focused on whatever it took to keep the airport we served to be safe and secure; and we built a special bond during this 7 month period.  This event also changed the way that I personally viewed the world in that we are unwelcomed as a peaceful nation to many around the world.  But being a peaceful nation is also an element that makes us a great nation. For the families of the fallen of this most infamous day my prayers are with you.