Twenty years ago, the world changed for us all. 

In one monumental moment, we went from the world as it was before 9/11 to the world post 9/11. There is no doubt that it affected (and continues to affect) every man, woman, and child on the planet. But for a chosen and select few, those effects go much deeper and are so much more profound.

Those effected include the first responders to the Pentagon. The odd thing about it is, for many of us, we didn't even realize it until we came together again for the first time three years ago. Seeing brothers for the first time in years brought back a flood of emotions and memories that many of us had long since buried. We discovered shared conditions and ailments that mirrored those experienced by first responders to the Twin Towers, but due to our small number and the Pentagon attack being overshadowed by the attacks on New York, we weren't on anyone's radar. We were essentially the forgotten soldiers.

That reunion reminded us that we deserved to be remembered; even if the only people who remember are us. The amount of healing and closure that came out of that reunion proved that we needed to, not only do it again, but to ensure the financial hardship of the trip wouldn't deter any of our brothers who needed it. That is why we have partnered with Platoon 22, a Maryland based non-profit that exists to end veteran suicide through best in class transitional support, to help raise funds to cover the trip and lodging for any Soldier who wants to make the trip back to find closure and camaraderie.

We believe that this is the very least we can do for those who answered the call and ran into the chaos when everyone else was running out. But we can only accomplish our mission through the generosity of patriots like yourself. The best news is your donation stands to serve twice. Any funds that remain after securing the travel and lodging will be funneled directly into the Platoon Veteran Services Center that is being built in Frederick County, MD.

This center is a joint effort between Goodwill and Platoon 22, which will ensure that our warfighters get the transitional support they need to fully and successfully transition back into their communities. Join our ranks today.

Any and every donation counts. Donations can be made via the link below or by mail. Mailing address is PO Box 3091 ATTN Charlie Co Frederick, MD 21701.

Thank you, and God Bless.