The United States has been continuously involved in armed conflict in several Eastern states including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Iran for decades. Since Operation Enduring Freedom and the succeeding conflicts in the East, life in the United States has changed drastically.

Numerous ISU students and instructors have returned from active duty in the succeeding years and have learned to re-adapt to life in the United States. However, they haven’t forgotten the way their lives have been changed.

First Lt. Aaron Rosheim joined the military after attending Iowa State. Although he was not stationed in the Middle East, he still felt the duty of serving in the military after Sept. 11.

“9/11 influenced the magnitude of what that meant to be part of the military and knowing that I could do more by serving at a military capacity,” Rosheim said.

Another ISU faculty member and veteran, Maj. Adam Giroux, adjunct instructor of military science and tactics, has been through two tours in Afghanistan and served in Baghdad.

Giroux remembers lying in a trench at basic training when he heard the news of the 9/11 attacks and being unable to comprehend it initially.

“[It was] kind of an eye-opening experience to really understand,” Giroux said. “It kind of hit me hard. I didn’t know all of the ramifications and what would happen immediately, but it was definitely something that the Army was going to be involved in soon.”

His experience in Baghdad gave him an entirely new perspective of life, both at home and abroad. However, he knew what he was there to do and was ready to get out of his comfort zone and do what he needed to do to serve in the armed forces.

“Whether we realize it or not, that’s what we came to the Army to do,” he said. “To defend the Constitution, both foreign and domestic.”

Giroux doesn’t want people to forget. Although it’s been a decade since the tragedy, it remains one of the most influential events in American history and continues to influence Americans’ perception of the world and way of life.

“The war is continuing to go on,” he said. “I think a lot of people have forgotten about some serious events that happened 10 years ago. I just wish that more people would remember on a daily basis.”

In light of the recent 9/11 memorial service, Rosheim said people should not only remember those who were lost or have served overseas, but also to be appreciative of those who serve the American public every day.

“[It’s] just the ability to celebrate people who serve at all capacities,” Rosheim said regarding the 9/11 memorials. “All of the people who are willing to serve the community should be celebrated.”

He also is happy to have returned to Ames, and encourages people to ask questions and to learn about those who serve at home and abroad.

“I appreciate more what we have here,” Rosheim said. “The lifestyle in Ames is unique. The academic atmosphere is something we really take for granted.”

Rosheim also was appreciative of his family and friends, and was proud to be able to spread education and freedom to developing or war-torn countries.

“When we’re deployed we’re really supported by out families and friends,” he said. “We like that affirmation that we’re doing something right.

* Editor’s note: “Eastern states” was changed form “Middle Eastern” states on Sept. 14 at 2:41 a.m.