In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Eric Schultz, a UIC student veteran, traveled across the state to visit the Memorial site in Quincy, Illinois to reflect on the event that rattled our nation two decades ago. He also looks back on his previous visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
Schultz remembers 9/11 clearly. He was a junior in high school sitting in his chemistry class when over the intercom they reported that the World Trade Center had been struck in Manhattan. “I grew up right outside of O’Hare airport and the silence was deafening…it stuck with me,” said Schultz.Â
After high school, Schultz was trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. “I was kind of pushed into the direction of military service by some people I was working with, but it was ultimately the feeling I was left with after 9/11 that led me to want to serve my country.”
On Memorial Day in 2004, Schultz began his service in the U.S. army and served till 2008. He started out in Oklahoma with basic training, went to South Korea, and then served under the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division in Texas and was deployed from there to Iraq in 2006. While on active duty, Schultz achieved the rank of sergeant. He ended his service in the Indiana National Guard.Â
“Not many conversations are being had while you’re there,” said Schultz after visiting the 9/11 Memorial site in the middle of busy Manhattan. “You are kind of left with your thoughts of the various people that are listed on the plaques along the edge of the waterfall.” He recalled how small he felt after viewing the site and remembered how catastrophic 9/11 was.Â
The trip to Quincy, IL conjured up similar feelings. In the town exists a section of the antenna tower which was located on the rooftop of the World Trade Center building #1 which was destroyed on September 11, 2001. It was manufactured in Quincy, and was brought home following the attack.Â
Our UIC veteran community shows us what it means to serve and be patriotic after returning home to begin their collegiate career. Shultz is currently a law student at UIC School of Law. After graduation, he hopes to take his knowledge and positively impact the Veterans Healthcare System. “My hope is I can take my law degree and work within the system to make it better from the inside out,” said Schultz.Â
With so many resources available to students, Schultz has made it his mission to champion the resources provided by UIC Student Veterans Affairs. Student Veteran Affairs support military-connected students and provide them with the resources, assistance, and programming to ensure their academic success.
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