Remembering 9-11, thanking La.’s bravest

James Joseph Whitney Sr.
September 15, 2009
Genevieve D. Carlos
September 17, 2009
James Joseph Whitney Sr.
September 15, 2009
Genevieve D. Carlos
September 17, 2009

Eight years ago, Americans witnessed the largest terrorist attack on American soil in the history of our nation. After the attacks on Sept. 11th, our brave men and women were deployed to far corners of the world to protect all of us who live free in America.

We saw acts of patriotism and courage all over the country, as folks stepped up to join the U.S. armed forces, knowing that they would be called on the make sacrifices, and indeed, many gave their lives.


Thousands more continue to serve overseas protecting our freedom today.


Even though the attacks on 9-11 were eight years ago this month, they are still as strong and true a reminder as ever of the gratitude and admiration we owe to all of those who run toward danger and not away from it, so that we may live securely in the greatest land in the world.

I have had the privilege recently to meet veterans all across Louisiana and thank them for their service to our country. I have met veterans of many conflicts, dating back to WW II, and I always carried the same simple message that can never be overstated: Thank you.


We are able to thank thousands of Louisiana veterans in cities and parishes all over the state by awarding them the “Louisiana Veterans’ Honor Medal.”


At each and every ceremony, I have been moved by the countless stories of courage, heroism and selflessness of these Louisiana men and women who demonstrate the very best of mankind – serving something larger than self, sacrificing for the freedom and liberty of generations.

At one recent ceremony in Marrero, I had the opportunity of meeting J.J. Witmeyer who was born and raised in New Orleans. His father served in WW I, and following the attack on Pearl Harbor, J.J. joined the U.S. Army. He served in the D-Day Invasion and recalled feeling as if he was entering “through the gates of hell” as he and fellow soldiers began the assault.


Once out of the boat, J.J. waded to shore as German soldiers continued firing, but despite the fear, he pressed onward. At one point, he and three members of his unit attempted to take cover behind a cement wall, but unfortunately, J.J. was the only survivor.


Today, J.J. still lives in the New Orleans area with his family of four sons, and now two grandsons, a great granddaughter and a great grandson.

At another recent medals ceremony we held in Monroe, I had the honor of meeting Ronald Bruce who joined the Army in 1965 because he wanted to serve his country.

In the Army, Ronald served as a Huey helicopter door gunner where he manned an M60 machine gun. During one mission, his helicopter came under attack while attempting to transport 16 soldiers into occupied enemy territory.

The aircraft crashed and immediately caught on fire and Ronald was badly burned, but in spite of his injuries he continued forward and was able to rescue all 16 soldiers from the burning remains of the helicopter. He was awarded the Silver Star and several other medals for his acts of courage.

Following his time in the service, Ronald started his own construction business, got married, and had three children – and today, he lives at the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Monroe, where he enjoys spending time with his family.

There is also the story of Stephanie Inyard, whom I met at a ceremony in DeRidder. Born and raised in Louisiana, Stephanie was looking for adventure, and at 26 years old she joined the Army.

Following her training, she was deployed to Iraq where she provided protection for convoys that carried supplies to our troops and Iraqi citizens. In one mission, Stephanie and her company were attacked by a mobile IED. Shrapnel from the explosion was lodged in her body and she was hospitalized for several weeks.

Regardless of her injuries – Stephanie couldn’t just sit in the hospital bed. Against the doctor’s recommendation, she left the hospital and joined her company back on the field. Because of her acts of courage, Stephanie was the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Badge and the Air Assault Badge.

These are just a few stories of the sacrifices and the service of so very many of our Louisiana men and women in the Armed forces.

Our state is blessed with a rich heritage of military service – with thousands of veterans, and thousands more soldiers on duty today at bases in Louisiana, and all across the world. During this month of September, as we mourn the losses of Sept. 11, 2001, and every month of every year, we should all take a minute to say the two simple words to all our soldiers and veterans that we can never say enough: Thank You.

Thank you for your service. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for believing in something larger than yourself. Thank you for believing in our state, our security, and our freedoms. And most of all, thank you for believing in America.