9/11 tragedy brings new life for Army National Guard captain

Tomorrow marks the eighth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. To this day it continues to influence military operation, foreign policy, economics, and the day-to-day lives of people around the world.
One of those people is Capt. Eliana York, a public affairs officer with the 29th Infantry Division, who signed up in the aftermath of 9/11.
"There are many reasons why I decided to enlist; probably the most significant is that I simply wanted to serve after 9/11 took place. Serving is a privilege and it is my way to give back to this country, since it has given me so much opportunity,"York said.
York was born and raised in Italy. She moved to the U.S. at the age of 21 and became a citizen in 1995.
"The most challenging part of my decision was to have my recruiter request an age waiver, since I was past the enlistment age when I applied,"York said.
She completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, S.C. at age 36, and shortly after, went on to Officer Candidate School.
"My commission in the Army came at the age of 38, which usually surprised people. To me, the age detail only means that when you put your heart and mind to it, you can accomplish anything you want. And I wanted to serve my country as an officer, more than anything else I've ever wanted,"York said.
While assigned to the 229th Engineer Battalion, York was assigned as the reconnaissance officer, and met Jonathan York.
"Jonathan was going to become the platoon leader. We met over one weekend and had the chance to train together. I can honestly say the attraction was immediate and we started dating soon after,"Eliana said.
"We were married just before my second deployment June 19th, 2006,"Jonathan said.
She feels their relationship benefits from both of them being in the military.
"It's easy to understand sense of duty and a call to mission accomplishment. We speak the same language when it comes to training and sacrificing time away from home. Before the Army, Jonathan has served quite a bit of time on active duty in the Marine Corps and also has several deployments under his belt - the most recent one was with the 237th Engineer Battalion in Baghdad; therefore he is an experienced and versatile officer. He is my mentor, which helps quite a bit,"Eliana said.
Eliana was recently promoted from first lieutenant to captain at Fort Belvoir in August by Jonathan in front of Lt. Col. John J. Wranek III, commander of the 29th Special Troops Battalion.
Not only does she have new responsibilities at work, but at home, as well.
"At the moment, I need to refocus on career objectives, as becoming a new mother of a twin boy and girl takes up quite a bit of time and effort. So, it's of the utmost importance to balance everything and still devote enough energy at home,"said Eliana.
Their twins, Gabriel and Eva, are about 3 months old.
"The twins came as a bit of a surprise, the quantity that is. It has truly been a blessing, by far one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. They bring such joy to a relationship,"Jonathan said.
"It can be very trying and extremely challenging. It requires us to be in total sync with each other in order to set priorities and to balance our private, professional and military lives. Our three-month old twins are at the center of everything we do and we must re-organize and re-focus to ensure we have it all under control. It takes a lot of effort and a great deal of communication, not to mention patience and love to make it all work,"said Eliana.
The York family doesn't shy away from challenges. In fact, facing challenges and a sense of duty runs in the family.
"We have a long family tradition of serving in the military. My grandfather and father served, I am actually in the same unit as my father. I hope that someday my children serve their country, as well,"Jonathan said.
Eliana feels the same way.
"If Gabriel and Eva were to one day express the desire to enlist, Jonathan and I would be there to provide support and advice every step of the way. It would make us very proud,"said Eliana.
"Other than my husband, one of my siblings, my younger sister, Barbara, is also a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard. We heard 'the calling' at the same time, but chose two different branches. We both completed OCS within weeks of each other and we both serve very proudly,"Eliana said.