Fiery faith

For Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell, September 11, 2001, started off like any other day.

He was returning from the restroom to his office in the Pentagon when terrorist-hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 plunged into the building.

The hallway erupted into a 350-degree furnace. Birdwell suffered smoke inhalation, and as he struggled for air he also inhaled jet fuel. The U.S. Air Force officer crawled 25 yards away from harm until he found other co-workers, their arms interlocked, who carried him to safety. He was taken to Georgetown Hospital after his initial care, where he was told he suffered burns on 60% of his body.

He eventually recovered from his injuries. He and his wife Mel wrote about his experiences and its affect on their own faith and patriotism in a book, Refined By Fire.

Birdwell visited Parkview Baptist School recently and addressed students and faculty.

He recalled that while waiting to be prepped for reconstructive surgery, Birdwell and his wife met fellow Texans President George W. and Laura Bush. The president reassured Birdwell, telling him, “We will not tolerate attacks from a culture that loves death.”

Birdwell draws a distinct line between personal religion and the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens. When asked about harsh interrogation tactics drawing criticism this year, Birdwell said, “I don’t feel like water boarding is torture, I lived through torture.”

Birdwell, who was in healthy physical condition before the crash, wondered how he would continue to provide for his family and how his current physical condition would change the dynamic in his family.

For the Birdwells, the experience stretched and ultimately reaffirmed their faith and patriotism.

“My Christian duty, as hard as it is, would be to forgive them (the attackers),” he said. “However, the government says not to forgive, the duty of the government is to protect its people. Citizenship is precious, it no longer has rigor of meaning like it used to.”

The Birdwells founded Face the Fire Ministries, a place where injured soldiers and their families can receive assistance while away from home receiving medical treatment. The Birdwells donate all donations, proceeds from speaking engagements and their book to the ministry.

Learn more at facethefire.org.