I serve in CBP because I believe in the mission.
Like it's a direct extension from my previous military service.
It's just given me more drive to want to serve my country.
Because I have a sense of duty to service and to help others
and I continue to do that here within CBP.
The events of 9/11 directly
changed the mission of CBP, bringing to the forefront
the importance of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons
from entering this country.
I was in high school when 9/11 happened,
literally watching as it occurred, plane after plane.
I wanted to support the country, help the country.
I was very patriotic and I wanted to find any job I can do
to continue to help facilitate whatever the country needed.
The reason I serve in CBP, oh, that's simple for me,
to continue to serve my country,
but being able to protect my loved ones too.
The events of 9/11 encouraged me to pursue a career in public service.
I saw all the pain and heartache that happened
and I really wanted to make a difference.
It really created a lot of internal emotions,
not just professionally but personally on what happened that day.
And so moving forward it really shaped the way
I think about what I do for a living,
the world I want to create for my children and other children.
Because of 9/11, CBP merged with several law enforcement entities
to make one large unit.
One of the officers that I met was a reservist at the time.
Once he talked to me about CBP, I was sold.
CBP's mission now is now more important than ever before.
We have a responsibility that is clear and defined
against terrorism or acts of violence against the United States.
I think back to 20 years ago, when I was in high school
and how I was so helpless just to watch the events happening.
Even though I play a very small role within CBP,
it is a way to be part of a larger organization
that makes a difference.