Video: 9/11: Ten years that changed America
Maj. Gen. Ronald Chastain
Note: As the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on New York and Washington approaches, the Log Cabin will share the responses from several area residents about that day and its aftermath.
Maj. Gen. Ronald Chastain began his military career as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve upon graduation from the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Arkansas Tech University on July 7, 1972.
He served in a variety of command and staff assignments in the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, 87th Troop Command, and 39th Infantry Brigade, the Bowie Brigade.
He commanded the 25th Rear Area Operations Center during Operation Desert Storm, and he led more than 4,000 soldiers in an 18-month tour of duty in Iraq in 2004-2005.
In 2006 he was appointed Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard.
He now serves as an aide for agriculture with U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.
He and his wife, Pam, live in Conway. They have two children.
1. Where were you on 9/11?
On I-40 driving to a meeting in Ozark.
2. At that time, what did you think/fear would happen next?
When the second plane hit the WTC, I knew it was no accident. I feared for those inside the WTC.
3. How did those events affect you then, personally?
In addition to my empathy for those at the WTC, my immediate thought was that those responsible must pay for their evil deeds.
4. How did your life, career change?
I was commander of the 39th Infantry Brigade, Arkansas Army National Guard.
We immediately had soldiers provide security at the nuclear plant, Camden industrial complex, and airports.
Before the end of September, I was directed to select one of our infantry battalions to deploy to the Sinai for the Multinational Force and Observer mission to free up an infantry battalion in the Regular Army to go to Afghanistan.
The 39th Infantry Brigade mobilized in October, 2003 and deployed to Iraq for a year, where we had 16 Arkansas killed and about 300 wounded. I learned how precious life is.
5. How was our nation changed, good or bad?
Our nation stepped up its security, preventing any further big attacks against us.
The security has cost the US economically, as evidenced at airports, federal buildings, etc.
9/11 caused a wave of patriotism to move across the U.S., uniting us, and showing that our nation’s strength is not its buildings, but rather its people.
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I'd not known Maj. Gen. Chastain until I saw the documentary "Off to War." He didn't play a major role in the series. In fact, the only scene I remember seeing him in was one in which the soldiers were at a religious service. He was there, and I can only imagine what he was thinking and praying for.
Later, I would come to serve under him as he became the Adjutant General of Arkansas, the leader of the state's National Guard troops.
I thought at the time, and I think now, that he was the right man to lead the Guard during a time of heavy deployments. He'd been to Iraq. He know what was going on over there. His decisions would come with an ample dose of understanding.
His tenure as TAG (The Adjutant General, as military folks recognize) was brief. A change in administration brought a change in command. That's not unusual. It happens. His successor, Maj. Gen. William Wofford has been a fantastic leader of the state's Guard troops.
I think, though, that what Chastain contributed to the Guard at a difficult time can fall into the shadows. He lead the state's infantry brigade during a time in which there was nothing but chaos in the operating area. It was truly Wild West Rules.
I give Maj. Gen. Chastain credit for holding together that outfit as best he could. He served honorably and in the dedicated fashion that we've come to expect from our citizen-soldiers.