>> My name is Jason Stern, and I'm an Assistant Chief Counsel
with the Department of Homeland Security,
ICE Office of the Principal Legal Adviser
right here in San Antonio, Texas.
But I'm originally from Paramus, New Jersey,
a small community about 30 minutes outside of New York City.
I remember the events of September 11th, 2001 vividly.
I was a ninth grade student, just starting out my high school career.
And on the morning of September 11, 2001,
I was in gym class.
I remember our gym teacher telling me and my classmates
that planes had just struck the Twin Towers in New York City.
It was inconceivable that something like this
could have happened and so close to our school.
My classmates and I, we ran to the window
to see the skyline of New York City,
and we saw the billowing clouds of smoke.
In the minutes and days and weeks that followed.
There was immense sadness and immense tragedy.
So many of my classmates lost loved ones.
There were people lost in our community,
but then thereafter, I witnessed something extraordinary happening.
I also began to witness people coming together,
helping one another, consoling one another,
helping to build a stronger, safer, better community.
I heard and I saw stories of frontline responders,
the police force, firefighters and all sorts of other public servants
and their stories.
And what I heard and saw was so impactful
and taught me a lot about who I am, my community and my country.
And so that's why today I'm very proud to serve our country
as a member of the Department of Homeland Security.
I strongly identify with the mission of DHS
that with honor and integrity, DHS will safeguard American,
the American homeland, people and values.
I try to think about this mission daily in my work
as I interact with members of the public,
as I interact with my colleagues, as I do daily projects and assignments.
And I try express I can to exude the same sort of professionalism,
honor and spirit of generosity
that I witnessed first line responders and public servants pay.
On September 11th, 2001, not only for our country in the present,
but for our country going forward into the future.