I was a 15-year-old high school student when attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, happened. As a first-generation immigrant and a raised New Yorker, the attacks felt very personal to me. I was inspired by the World War II veterans who volunteered after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the New York Army National Guard that responded and served alongside the first responders at Ground Zero. I joined the Army National Guard to serve my state and my country. My experiences with the Army and my deployment to Iraq molded me to be a better person and a better citizen. Serving in the Army National Guard and reserves is an experience I truly cherish. I am grateful for the opportunity and honor I had to serve my nation in the greatest army in the world.