Every week on Assoluta Tranquillita, I do a post I call Every Day Heroes. These weekly profiles, drawn from all sorts of sources, are stories of individual military men and women who have been recognised for their outstanding work.  You know – the heroes who always say “just doing my job”, as they choose to serve a cause greater than any of them individually.

Read on:

Every Day Heroes

Every week, I introduce readers to extraordinary men and women who face incredible circumstances daily as part of what they call “just doing my job.” In a time of war, these men and women in military show us what Hero really means – every single day.

Today, on the heels of one of the darkest days in America’s history, I am truly humbled to share one of those shining bright lights, who continues to serve America, having survived the 9/11 Pentagon horrors. Yes, this read will take more than a few minutes of your time. But this hero has given way more than that of his life to service.

Meet Army Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell:

9/11 Survivor Returns to Tell Story of Hope

Sep 12, 2007
BY Fred W. Baker III, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (American Forces Press Service, Sept. 12, 2007) – Minutes after terrorists slammed a hijacked commercial airliner into the Pentagon six years ago, Army Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell thought he was going to die.

Lt. Col. Birdwell laid burning and bleeding on the second floor at the intersection of the 4th corridor and the E Ring, only yards from where the nose of the plane penetrated the walls. More than 60 percent of his body was blistered, his lungs were seared and he couldn’t stand.

Lt. Col. Birdwell said he made his peace with God, and gave up the fight for survival.

But he didn’t die.

Not then, nor hours later when he thought he might in the emergency room. Not six days later when Lt. Col. Birdwell said his final goodbyes to his 12-year-old son because chances of his survival were not even one percent….

The rest of this incredible story can be found at Assoluta Tranquillita (shameless promotion or what???????lol)  If you read nothing else today – read this one..:)