A Day Unlike Any Other
September 11, 2001, began like any other—a crisp, clear morning where the blue sky seemed infinite. By 6:30 a.m., Tim Born had kissed his wife goodbye, buckled his daughters into their car seats, and driven them to the Pentagon Day Care before heading to his office in Old Town Alexandria. Less than three hours later, his world shifted forever.
A Life of Service, Sacrifice, and Legacy
Tim Born’s journey is one of resilience, service, and an unwavering commitment to family and nation. A retired Marine Corps officer, dedicated father, and advocate for remembering the sacrifices of 9/11, his story exemplifies the profound intersection of personal sacrifice and national service. Rooted in a family that has endured and persevered through defining moments in American history, Born’s life reflects the essence of duty, leadership, and legacy.
A Childhood Shaped by Service
Born into a military family, Tim was raised with a deep appreciation for service and sacrifice. His great grandfather was a Union cavalryman who had three horses shot out from under him during the Civil War. His father was a Naval aviator who flew in the South Pacific during WW II and who instilled within him a sense of duty that would guide his path forward. Motivated by this legacy, Tim served in the Marine Corps for 20 years, initially as an infantry officer, and then following graduate school, transitioning into the emerging field of computer technology where he played an early role integrating automated capabilities across small operational units Marine Corps-wide. His career was marked by innovation, leadership, and a steadfast dedication to the Marines in his command.
The Call of Family and Sacrifice
Tim’s career trajectory took a significant turn when personal circumstances demanded his presence at home. After his father suffered a life-threatening health condition, he made the difficult decision to decline his next PCS assignment and retire earlier than anticipated to assist his mother in caregiving. Seven years later, in the wake of 9/11, he found himself at another crossroads. At the time, he was enjoying a second career as a marketing executive for a major national trade association. However, following the closure of the Pentagon Day Care Center, and recognizing the demands on his family—particularly his wife’s increasing leadership responsibilities at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and later at Harvard—Tim chose to step away from his professional career and become a full-time stay-at-home dad.
For the next eighteen years, Tim served as the proverbial “Mr. Mom” to his young daughters which he admits was both the most challenging and most rewarding time of his life. As he is fond of saying: “It was easier to get 200 Marines to the field for a week than to get two little girls onto the school bus each morning.”
A Personal Connection to 9/11
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on Tim and his family. That morning, his two young daughters were in the Pentagon daycare center when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building. Although they were safely evacuated, the harrowing experience reinforced his belief in the importance of service, family, and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
For the Born family, 9/11 was not just a historical event—it was personal. It was a moment that reshaped their lives, reinforcing the fragility of existence and the strength required to endure. In the years that followed, Tim has remained a vocal advocate for ensuring that the sacrifices of that day are never forgotten. Tim and his wife Dana remain eternally grateful for the brave servicemembers who rushed to the Pentagon Day Care Center to evacuate their daughters and the other children to safety. When others were rushing away from danger, these brave individuals chose to rush towards danger – because that is the nature of who we are as members of the world’s finest military. His reflections on 9/11 have been featured in media outlets such as CBS Sports and Fox News, where he has shared his family’s experiences and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
A Legacy of Service and Inspiration
Tim’s story is not just about his own contributions but about the legacy he has helped build. His dedication to service extends beyond his time in uniform, as he has played a foundational role in assisting, mentoring and shaping the next generation of men and women dedicated to serving in the military. His two daughters, Heather and Hanna, have followed in their parents’ footsteps, embracing lives of service. Hanna, a 2020 graduate from the .S. Air Force Academy is now an Air Force helicopter pilot, and Heather, who was just four months old during the 9/11 attacks, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and currently serves as a Marine Corps officer in Okinawa, Japan.
Their commitment to the military underscores the enduring impact of Tim’s choices. By prioritizing family while continuing to uphold the values of duty and sacrifice, he has passed down a legacy that extends beyond his own career—one that will shape future generations.
Advocacy and Public Engagement
Tim remains deeply engaged in discussions about national resilience and the long-term impact of 9/11. He has spoken at commemorative events, sharing the stories of those who lived through that day and those who gave everything. His message is clear: the lessons of 9/11 must continue to inspire unity, purpose, and vigilance.
His reflections often emphasize the importance of remembering those who sacrificed everything and ensuring that the stories of courage and service are preserved.
“What is most important,” Tim has stated, “is the hope that in sharing these stories, they will provide audiences with a greater awareness of the profound impact that horrific event had on the next generation of Americans, their life’s journey since then, the different ways those affected turned tragedy into triumph, and the pivotal role it played in the next generation finding a purpose in their lives. Most importantly, there is the hope that sharing their stories will remind others of those who sacrificed everything … as we as individuals and as a nation prepare to honor the fallen on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.”
Tim Born’s life is a powerful testament to the enduring values of service, sacrifice, and resilience. His journey from Marine Corps officer to devoted father, from executive to advocate—demonstrates that leadership takes many forms. Whether leading Marines, raising a family, or ensuring that the memories of 9/11 live on, he has continually placed service above self.
As America commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Tim Born’s story reminds us that the strength of a nation lies not just in its institutions but in the character of its people. Through his unwavering dedication, he ensures that the sacrifices of September 11, 2001, remain a guiding force for future generations, reinforcing the timeless principle: We Remember.
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