Politics & Government
An America Forever Bonded: One Hero's Perspective
On the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, US Navyman Ira Fain recalls the strong patriotism that brought America together, and what ultimately got him to join the service.
Eleven years ago Ira Fain of Hainesville was working job to job, paycheck to paycheck, said his wife Hillary. Now the Petty Officer First Class is training to be a Chief Fire Controlman with the US Navy.
Fain, , joined the Navy following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He graduated from boot camp in February of 2002 and has been deployed on four missions via Navy ship. This past year was his first land deployment. He was stationed at the Eagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan as part of the 42nd Military Police Brigade.
"It was definitely different being on land versus the ship," Fain told Patch. "You really get to see the culture and see the different way of life. It's really quite opening to your mind. You get to experience all aspects of their life."
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Fain deployed Sept. 24, 2011 and served almost a year on assignment. In that time he only returned home once to see his wife and three children. While he couldn't divulge any information as to what his job in Afghanistan entailed, Fain did say he is glad to be back home.
On the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks he couldn't be more proud of his country. He feels the events that day really bonded America.
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"Our memories of that day, each year it's something we all share. We all know where we were and exactly what we were doing that day," Fain said. He has vivid memories of American flags flying at nearly every house he would pass. The patriotism was just so strong, he said.
Though with time passing, the challenge will be in keeping younger generations informed as to how tragic that day was. And, Hillary Fain said, keeping older generations aware of what our country was put through.
"I think people too easily forget," she said. "Many just don't remember or don't take into account all the families that are still affected by the attacks. It's not just military families, but all the people who went to fight and the ones that were there that day."
Ira Fain, like many servicemen and women, is quite humble. He will be the first to say he is "no hero, just doing my job." His wife, family and the entire community know better. With the crowd of 300 who came to welcome him home last month, he knows this community is behind him, and will not forget his call to duty.
Fain is currently climbing the ranks with the US Navy and is finishing up final work before receiving his new title of Chief Fire Controlman later this week.
