USAG Okinawa Warrior Challenge honors 9/11 anniversary

TORII STATION, Japan — U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa hosted a 9/11 Warrior Challenge at Torii Station on Sept. 11, 2026, bringing service members together to test their physical endurance and teamwork while marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Twelve teams made up of U.S. Army and Air Force personnel stationed in Okinawa, competed in a challenging course designed to push participants physically while reinforcing the camaraderie and resilience shared across the military community.

"It's a great event to host and a good chance to memorialize 9/11, especially on the 25th anniversary," said Lt. Col. Elizabeth Johnson, USAG Okinawa commander. "We remember both the lives lost and the sacrifices that our military members have made every day since."

Johnson said the challenge also provided an opportunity for service members from across Okinawa to come together outside their normal duties.

"It was good to see everybody get through the course and come together as a team to help each other," Johnson said.

For some participants, the challenge carried a personal connection to the two decades of military service and sacrifice that followed the attacks.

"I was a junior in high school during 9/11, and that really stung me," said Eric, a member of 1-1 Air Defense Artillery. "I have guys from basic training and throughout my career who have died. It was good coming out here in honor of them and sharing those memories with guys junior to me."

Johnson said she hopes future challenges will expand participation, including renewed involvement from Japanese partners and first responders.

The event reflected the warrior ethos through shared hardship, teamwork and remembrance, connecting today's service members with the legacy of those who served before them.