MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- One day after Thanksgiving 2001, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, then attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, found themselves in Afghanistan seizing and defending Camp Rhino and living in fighting holes.
For Marines and sailors who served in Afghanistan, 9/11, and the role the attacks against America thrust them into was a life-altering experience.
Cpl. Jeff S. Ramirez, a Weapons Platoon squad leader, B Company, and Cpl. Kirk C. Linder, Headquarters Platoon's platoon sergeant, C Company, agree they have grown from their Afghanistan experience.
"I appreciate this country because it offers a lot. They (Afghanistan residents) have absolutely no resources," Ramirez said.
"I won't take the little things for granted anymore, like running water. I don't think they have that over there," Ramirez added, emphasizing that people take America for granted.
B Company earned the "go-to company" obligation for additional missions while in Afghanistan.
"The MEU commander got wind that Bravo was well-trained and sharp, so they used us all the time - we're the best. Everyone knew Bravo," Ramirez said.
Ramirez reflects on his life now and before the military, and feels the conflict has compelled him to progress morally and to take advantage of each day.
"I've changed my whole attitude toward life. I no longer hold grudges and I get along with everyone," Ramirez said.
"I never set the example for my younger siblings, but since my involvement overseas, they support and really respect my accomplishments. Now, I assure a day isn't wasted."
While Ramirez has noticed some changes, his father, George Ramirez, sees it as a tale of two sons - one before and one after 9/11.
"Before Jeff went to the Marines, he always moved around. He would go from job to job, and apparently found himself in the Marines," George said. "But since 9/11, Jeff is quiet now and pretty much keeps his experience to himself.
"We let him be himself when he's home. He and the other Marines have an entire life to deal with this - they'll be OK."
Considering 1/1's upcoming deployment in June and the festering situation in the Middle East, Ramirez feels Weapons Platoon will be ready.
"We have Marines out on loan, but when we get them back and really start training, they'll be calling Bravo again," Ramirez said. "I'm anxious to go back and get it over with."
Two years after an honorable discharge, Linder decided to re-enlist with the Marines. He returned as an infantryman in January 2001.
Before he knew it, Linder found himself sharing a fighting hole with two other Marines in a combat environment.
"I can't believe it. I re-enlisted and next thing you know, I'm in Afghanistan," Linder said with a bewildered expression.
Last year's deployment initially didn't pose many challenges for Linder and wife Audrey. During Audrey's tour in the Navy, the two experienced separation and agreed things would be fine.
However, the separation did pose challenges for a then-pregnant mother and her child.
"I was scared. I didn't know anyone here, so I went home to West Virginia. I didn't know what was happening to my husband," Audrey said.
"It was harder on our oldest child because she knew what daddy was doing. It was difficult to explain that daddy was keeping the bad people away - I cried a lot," Audrey added.
The night before the attacks, Audrey remembers asking Linder to return home to witness their second child's birth because he missed the first.
"He called and I asked him to come home for Shelby's birth, but the attacks happened. Shelby was born eight days later," Audrey said.
Audrey recalls a gradual adjustment when her husband returned to his family.
"He was a little nervous, more so at night. He'd wake up sometimes to walk around and make sure it was safe," said Audrey.
"I'm fine now, it just took me a while," Linder said, confirming his wife's account. "It's incredible how America holds itself to a high standard."
While 1/1 begins their training for next year's deployment, Linder isn't looking forward to re-entering harm's way.
"I'm afraid to go back, but we will if we have to. If you're not afraid, you're stupid. I don't like going into a combat zone," Linder said.
"We had to mentally train to shoot anyone that may pose a threat. Unfortunately, we learned kids and mothers are willing to carry AK-47's," Linder added with a grim countenance shared only by those who have seen the true nature of war.