California Military Department reflects on the 9/11 attacks

by Christian Jadot
California National Guard Public Affairs

Sept. 13, 2021

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –The California Military Department commemorated the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and honored Cal Guard service members who sacrificed their lives since, during a somber ceremony, Sept. 11, at Cal Guard's Joint Force Headquarters in Sacramento.

Nearly 3,000 people died in the series of coordinated attacks, which was the largest terrorist attack on American soil and changed the outlook of the country.

Two decades later, California State Guard Col. Jon Siepmann, who serves as Cal Guard's director of strategic plans and policy, led a ceremony to honor those lost in the attack and those lost in the military actions that followed.

“Today's ceremony marks two critical milestones in our nation and our force,” said Siepmann. “It’s an opportunity to reflect on the events of the past and future. The lessons we have learned can be applied to promote a safer and peaceful world for our children and theirs.”

Service members in the audience stood and read aloud individual narrations from those who experienced the attack.

The ceremony concluded with the bell being tolled, as the names were read of the California National Guard service members who gave all in post 9/11 conflicts, and taps being played.

Cal Guard service members lost in combat or non-combat incidents overseas since 9/11:

Staff Sgt. Jose C. Rangel

Sgt. Dennis Lee Sellen Jr.

Spc. Eric U. Ramirez

Sgt. Christopher Dwayne Young

1st Lt. Michael W. Vega

Cpl. Glenn James Watkins

Sgt. Timothy C. Kiser

Sgt. Rhys William Klasno

Spc. Daniel P. Unger

Maj. Rocco Martin Barnes

Sgt. 1st Class Isaac S. Lawson

Sgt. Patrick R. McCaffrey Sr.

1st Lt. Andre D. Tyson

Sgt. Arnold Duplantier II

Sgt. Eric M. Holke

Staff Sgt. David S. Perry

Staff Sgt. Alfredo Barajas Silva

Sgt. Michael Takeshi Sonoda Jr.

Staff Sgt. Paul C. Neubauer

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Scheile

Staff Sgt. Jerry L. Bonifacio Jr.

Col. William W. Wood

Capt. Michael J. MacKinnon

Sgt. Shakere T. Guy

Capt. Raymond D. Hill II

Sgt. Carlo F. Eugenio

Sgt. Quoc B. Tran

Sgt. 1st Class Rudy A. Salcido

Sgt. 1st Class Michael C. Ottolini

Spc. Sean Michael Walsh

Spc. Michael Mihalakis

Sgt. Marcelino R. Corniel