On September 11, 2001, America changed. For Chris Spence, it wasn't a distant tragedy—it was a call to action.

MSG Spence recounts the earliest days of the U.S. response in Afghanistan, where he carried a piece of the towers with him into war. From horseback missions with General Dostum to satellite comms improvisation on hostile hillsides, Spence brings us inside the uncertainty, improvisation, and moral weight of modern warfare in Afghanistan.

MSG Spence is responsible for one of the most iconic photos of the war during this time of the Horse Soldiers. Donald Rumsfeld held this image up during his speech at Fort Bragg, Doug Stanton wrote the book Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan, adapted to the movie 12 Strong by Jerry Bruckheimer, and then influenced the 'America's Response Monument' (Horse Soldier Statue) overlooking the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.

But this isn’t just a war story. It’s a reflection on what happens when a nation forgets its promises—to its allies, to its own soldiers, and to the civilians who believed. As the war collapsed two decades later, Spence watched history repeat itself. This episode is not only a firsthand account—it’s a meditation on consequence.

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Every veteran has a story worth preserving—stories of courage, sacrifice, humor, and humanity. Veteran Story Hour captures these remarkable personal histories directly from the voices of the men and women who’ve served our nation.

Recorded live each week at SALUTE of Virginia in Waynesboro, this podcast creates a living history, ensuring these powerful memories are preserved and shared for generations to come.

Hosted by John Fairbanks of the Shenandoah Valley Story Network, join us as we honor those who served by listening, reflecting, and remembering.

Because every veteran’s story deserves to be told—and every voice deserves to be heard.