Aug 7, 2025
Voices of Valor: The 9.11 Story
At PureTalk, honoring our Veterans isn’t a one-time campaign—it’s part of who we are. When we launched Flags for Heroes, we asked Americans to nominate a Veteran to receive a made-in-America flag from Allegiance Flag Supply—and to share their story.
The response was overwhelming. From those stories came Voices of Valor—a series dedicated to amplifying the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the men and women who’ve served.
In this installment, we’re proud to share several more powerful stories. Each one a reminder of what it truly means to serve—and why we must never stop saying thank you.
DANNY HANKS, US ARMY
Danny Hanks made the decision to serve following the September 11th attacks—a moment that, for him, was both personal and defining. Motivated by a deep sense of duty and patriotism, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for eight years as an enlisted soldier, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG).
Recognized for his leadership and dedication, Danny was accepted into Officer Candidate School (OCS), where he commissioned as an Aviation Officer. He went on to pilot one of the Army’s most formidable aircraft—the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.
Over the course of his career, Danny completed three overseas deployments—two to Iraq and one to Afghanistan—supporting ground troops, engaging enemy threats, and helping protect lives from the air.
He served a total of 21 years in uniform and speaks with pride about both his country and the men and women he served alongside. “I love my country and the brothers I served with,” he says. “And I’m grateful for the opportunity to wear the uniform.”
BRITTNEY BYRD, US NAVY
Brittany Byrd served in the United States Navy from 2009 to 2023, where she specialized as a Chinese linguist—a highly technical and demanding role critical to national security. Her 14 years of service were filled with challenges, growth, and deep pride in the mission she supported.
For Brittany, wearing the uniform was both an honor and a personal test. The experience shaped not only her career path but her identity. “Serving was a challenge and an honor,” she reflects. “Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful—for the skills I gained, the people I served with, and the benefits that helped me build the life I have today.”
Although she is now a disabled Veteran, Brittany considers herself fortunate. She credits the VA for providing support that has helped her navigate difficult days and move forward with purpose. “Not many careers continue to help you after you leave,” she says.
Today, Brittany continues her mission in a new capacity—as a defense analyst. Her background in Chinese linguistics remains at the forefront of military-driven problem solving, and her VA-funded MBA has empowered her to lead confidently in the civilian sector.
She is proud to have served—and prouder still to continue contributing to our nation’s defense.
RALPH ORTEZ, US ARMY
Ralph Ortez’s military journey began with the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served for three years. It was there that he earned his jump wings and began building a foundation rooted in discipline, pride, and a deep love of country.
After completing his first enlistment, Ralph felt called to continue serving—and made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Army. That choice would shape the rest of his career.
Following a brief assignment in Germany, Ralph earned his coveted gold wings and was selected for one of the Army’s most prestigious units—the 82nd Airborne Division. Known for its rapid deployment capabilities and elite airborne training, the 82nd offered Ralph the opportunity to serve among some of the Army’s most highly trained paratroopers.
Over the course of his distinguished military career, Ralph embraced the values of both the Marine Corps and the Army. He retired after decades of honorable service, proud of the path he walked and the airborne legacy he helped uphold.
MATTHEW SPADE, US ARMY
For Matthew Spade, enlisting in the military was more than a goal—it was a lifelong dream to serve his country and help make it a better place for all.
He joined the U.S. Army in 2019 and served for three years. Though he was never officially deployed, Matthew participated in numerous remediation exercises and specialized assignments. One of the most impactful was his time at Redstone Arsenal, where his unit was tasked with uncovering and safely disposing of chemical rounds dating back to World War I and World War II.
After completing his service, Matthew wasn’t done giving back. He became a volunteer firefighter, continuing his mission to protect and serve—this time in his own community.
JACOB SCHNEIDER, US ARMY
Jacob Schneider began his military journey with basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, Virginia. He trained as a 91H—Track Vehicle Repairer—and later earned an H9 classification after completing recovery school, also at Fort Lee.
As a 91H20H9, Jacob played a critical role in supervising and assisting teams in the recovery of tanks and other disabled military vehicles. It’s a job that requires grit, precision, and teamwork—often behind the scenes, but always essential. “91H is a hardworking MOS that doesn’t get a lot of light,” he says. “But it’s incredibly rewarding.”
In 2019, Jacob deployed to Poland, Belgium, and Germany for a 9-month rotation, supporting U.S. military efforts abroad. He returned to Germany in 2022, just as Russia invaded Ukraine—providing vital support during a critical and uncertain time in Europe.
Throughout his career, Jacob was part of close-knit teams that became like family—something he says defined his experience in uniform. But the strongest bond was the one waiting for him at home. “My service is a reminder of not only my commitment to freedom,” he says, “but of the unwavering support of my wife, who stood by me every step of the way.”
These are just a few of the many incredible stories shared through our Voices of Valor campaign.
Each one is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our Veterans have made—and the strength, integrity, and patriotism they continue to embody.
More stories are on the way.
Because at PureTalk, honoring those who served isn’t just something we say—it’s something we do. Stay tuned to this blog and to our Instagram and Facebook posts!
Posted 10 months ago