GWOT veterans, their families, CIA and FBI agents, and other Americans will all be represented in the design of the memorial, as discussed in this episode of the “Welcome Home” podcast series.
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation’s Design Advisory Council is taking the lead role in ensuring that all those affected by the GWOT are represented in the memorial design. Among those serving on the council is retired Army Col. Kirsten V.C. Brunson.
She knows firsthand about the challenges many military families endure during wartime. In her case, it was having a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old during the first deployment in 2003 of her husband, Army Gen. Xavier Brunson.
“The single biggest challenge was having young kids when their father was deployed during a war,” she says. “There’s no way you can hide that. And I’m not sure you should. Being on active duty, I was exhausted.”
Kirsten, who in 2008 became the first African American woman to serve as a military judge in the Army's history, is determined to ensure the memorial reflects the stories of all Americans.
“I’m grateful to be part of that, and to be able to add my stories and my perspective,” she says. “My overwhelming thought and hope for this memorial has always been that it be a place for everybody, for every American, because every American was touched by the Global War on Terrorism. Every American was touched by 9/11, including all of those perspectives and stories which is what is going to make this an incredible memorial. That war affected all of us. That memorial exists for all of us, it can be a place for education, healing and remembrance for everyone.”
The Brunsons are the special guests in the fourth episode of the foundation’s six-part special podcast series, “Welcome Home,” produced by The American Legion. The series is hosted by Army veteran Jennifer Ballou.
Xavier is commander of United Nations Command, U.S. Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea at Camp Humphreys Republic of Korea. He points out the importance of sharing those stories now as the Global War on Terror continues.
“When you go on the National Mall, there is something special about having people recognize you have done something special for the nation,” he says. “The rich stories that can be told. The history that can be shared by Americans and people around the world.”
Xavier notes that the memorial is for veterans, CIA and FBI agents, military families and others who contributed to the overall war effort.
“You did what so many won’t do. You did your duty on behalf of the nation.”
Kirsten offered a special message for GWOT veterans who may be questioning whether their service had any impact.
“This memorial is for you,” she says. “It is to recognize all of the sacrifices, all of the pain, all of the successes. Our world fundamentally changed after 9/11. Anything and everything that you gave contributed to us coming out on the other side and coming out stronger.”
Each episode is available at legion.org/tangoalphalima, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast-hosting sites.
- Tango Alpha Lima