San Antonio native Captain Santiago Bueno remembers September 11, 2001, not as a distant historical date but as the day he was inside the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building. At the time, Bueno was the youngest officer in his office, serving as a U.S. Army captain.
First‑hand account of the attack
“We saw the fireball go up above the walls and we kind of freaked out a little bit,” Bueno told KSAT. He and his colleagues quickly shut down operations, secured sensitive material, and evacuated. Outside, the reality of the attack was stark: plane parts littered the ground, and senior enlisted personnel and generals were seen lining up to help those still trapped inside.
Heroic response
Medical‑trained staff organized to treat the injured while others returned to the building to assist. “It was a sight to see because you saw senior enlisted, you saw generals lining people up,” Bueno said. He described the heroism of first responders and fellow service members as “profound” and unforgettable.
Aftermath and personal reflection
Cellphone service was down, transportation halted, and thousands scrambled to find a way home. Bueno eventually made his way back to Fort Belvoir, where he lived, and recalls the emotional moment of reuniting with his wife and children. “A lot of self‑reflection,” he said, adding that the experience reinforced his commitment to his oath.
Career shaped by 9/11
Before the attacks, Bueno had considered leaving the Army. After witnessing the tragedy, he told his wife, “I can’t do it. I’ve got to stay in.” He served another 21 years, ultimately transitioning to a civilian role as the senior Army instructor at Brackenridge High School in San Antonio.
Teaching the next generation
In his classroom, Bueno’s office is filled with photographs, awards, and memorabilia from his military career. Students frequently ask about the items and his experiences. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, decision‑making, and citizenship, drawing on his 9/11 memories to illustrate the value of servant leadership.
“You can’t sometimes control the situation,” Bueno said. “We weren’t ready for that situation. But what you can control is how you react to it.” As the 25th anniversary approaches, he urges younger generations to honor the sacrifices of first responders and service members, reminding them that “we are still free because of what they gave.”
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
