Sep 30

Sep 30 Police Officer Remembers 9/11 Through Influencing the Next Gen of Leaders

By Antonia Rainey | WeINSPIRE Journalist

AUSTIN, Texas — This year marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11, a date which no one can forget. The day affected many, from those who lost loved ones to the first-responders who took brave action aiding others after the Twin Towers fell. The impact of 9/11 is something that can not be ignored. Thus, it was why in honor of that day, the community of Murfreesboro, Tennessee filled the street in the early morning of September 11 this year to take part in the 9/11 Heroes Run.

Travis Manion Foundation

Established in 2007, the 9/11 Heroes Run was created by Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) to bring together the community to honor the first-responders and victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks, and give thanks to those who have served. Since then, the annual event has expanded its influence to 90 locations worldwide and drawing in around 60,000 participants annually. TMF reported in 2021 seeing their highest number of participants in history, showcasing the desire for communities to unite under a common case.

The creation of TMF was inspired by Marine 1st Lieutenant Travis Manion, a veteran who died during the Iraq war in an ambush in April 2007. While helping his wounded teammates, 1stLt Travis Manion was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper. Because of his selfless actions, Manion was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor.

Yet, the memory of 1stLt Travis Manion did not stop there. Manion's legacy continued to live on under the foundation through events and programs aimed to uplift the community and uphold actions of heroism. Thus, TMF serves under 1stLt Travis Manion’s motto: “If Not Me, Then Who…”

The Character Does Matter Program

Police Officer Cole Glass is a part of such a service as a mentor under the foundation’s Character Does Matter program. According to TMF website, the program aims to help develop character and leadership in youth through character-based lessons and discussions under 1stLt Travis Manion's motto. For each lesson, a character trait such as spirituality, courage, or hope is taught through using a Character In Action—any person who exemplifies the given trait.

“It’s pretty cool because the way we have it set up is that the Character In Action is who we want to be, so it can be anyone like a war hero to someone who died fighting in the service,” Glass said. “For the lesson I did on love [for example], a character I talk about is a 4-year-old that gives his allowance to homeless people every week.”

Glass’s first introduction to the program was through his police department two years ago. At the time, Glass was just a school resource officer and his department was looking for a way to connect with the students. The department ended up reaching out to TMF, who came and introduced the officers to the program. Intrigued by its mission and connecting to youth, Glass volunteered to become a Character Does Matter mentor.

Usually, the target audience for the program is teenagers and young adults. However, Glass’s mentor group ended up being one of the first departments to teach elementary-aged students. Initially, the plan was to teach from 1st to 5th grade, but since COVID-19 hit, the group size has shrunk down to teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.

Nevertheless, Glass said he has found the job rewarding. For him, connecting with the students is critical. When it comes to having discussions, Glass likes to keep it real, giving students personal examples and stories from his life. Doing so, allows students to see that he’s a person just like them, and creates a more familial bond in the classroom. Creating such a bond, helps students speak about more with their experiences, especially when it comes to heavier topics.

“At the beginning of each lesson, I always encourage students to speak out, to share what they are willing to share. I tell them that we’ll talk about some heavy stuff and to not be worried when that comes,” Glass said. “We just like to have small family sessions… And so that first-day setting, the atmosphere in the room and the courses really make a difference.”

Throughout this program, Glass has seen many kids open up and change over time. It’s fulfilling for him to know that he’s not just some school resource officer stalking in the halls or just some guy. He’s a confidant, a friend, a mentor. He’s the man who will amaze kids with a story of forgiveness about Louis Zamperini—an American World War II veteran and an Olympic distance runner who was kept prisoner by Japanese forces and after, forgave his captors—and hands out bracelets with TMF’s motto printed on them to eager kids.

What sticks with Glass mainly, though, is watching how students who people would deem “problems kids”—kids who are at-risk or are quieter—come out of their shells in class and join discussions. It’s clear with a sparkle in his eyes, as Glass talks about this relationship with these children that both mentor and student have affected each other, building a strong sort of bond.

“It’s just those collective different relationships that I can have with those, as some people would say, “not-so-normal” children... some students struggle opening up in class and some struggle behaving in class, but it seems like whenever I come in it’s like a special mood takes over, and it’s like everybody’s really focusing together and doing what they should be,” Glass said.

Running With Heroes

September 2021 was the first time Murfreesboro held the 9/11 Heroes Run. Glass knew he wanted his students to participate and be part of something bigger than themselves. When 9/11 happened, Glass was just in elementary school; however, it left an impact on him. As such, he wanted students to realize what a shock the day had on those affected by it. However, Glass knew his biggest challenge to selling his pitches was convincing his students to commit to waking up early on a Saturday morning.

So the solution? Glass related his pitch back to the traits taught in the program, telling the students how this was an example of what it is to be a part of a community and make an impact as well.

“Whenever I pitched it to them [the students], I told them that this is the whole point of why we do what we do when we talk about community and character. I would tell them this is a chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Be a part of a community event. Be a part of something you will remember for a very long time,” Glass said.

For two to three weeks leading up to the event, Glass pitched the idea to the students in each of his classes, trying to get them pumped up to join. Over time, Glass could tell his words were hitting students, especially those with military families. According to Glass, by the event, the turnout amongst various families and children comprised 30 to 40 people. And, Glass’s pitch didn’t just hit students. Teachers from his 5th-grade classes also came to participate in the Heroes Run.

Within the 9/11 Heroes Run, TMF offers three participation options: a 5k run, 5k ruck, and 1-mile fun run. On the day of the event, Glass ran along with some of his students ranging from 4-to-12-years-old in the 1-mile race.

*Photo Courtesy of Travis Manion Foundation.*

At first, Glass ran at the students' pace. Glass didn’t know if they wanted to walk, and he certainly didn’t know if they would take off, so he followed their lead. Surrounding them, Glass could see the arrangement of other runners—some were carrying flags while others, first responders and service people who wore their uniform in pride. As Glass ran, a little weight dragged him down. His work boots. Images from the 5k ruck flash in his mind: military members in uniform running with their bags filled to the brim with materials. It puts things in perspective for him, seeing how carrying all that weight took that of mental and physical strength.

Because of this, it reminded Glass of why he wore his work boots along with his police pants to the race. The reason was that Glass found the least he could do was make the run a bit tougher to honor the service who do so much.

While he ran, two things kept Glass motivated: finishing the race for the people who serviced that day and the encouragement from one spunky little girl.

“There was this one, this one little lady in the third grade that I ran with the whole time, and honestly she kept me going just as much as I kept her going,” Glass recalled while smiling.

Along the way, Glass and the third-grader would make jokes and set physical goals, such as running to a stoplight and resting for a few seconds before starting again with another land post in mind. In a way, Glass believed that she pushed him as much as he pushed her to continue until the very end.

Anyone Can Make a Difference

When it comes to doing heroic acts, Glass gives the same advice that he tells his students at some point during the mentorship: “you don't have to be the superstar or big important person or make a huge life or death sacrifice to make a difference.”

This statement is something Glass ties back to 1stLt Travis Manion, whose belief was that making the difference in everyday moments is what really makes leaving a lasting impact. With his students, Glass likes to point out how they affect each other and other classrooms, schools, and communities with everything they do. It’s that positive feedback that causes the most significant change, regardless of who you are.

“It’s just having that mindset that I don’t have to be a king or queen to be that person. I can make a difference as a 5th-grade student. As a 3rd-grade student. As a police officer. As a teacher. Anybody can do it as long as they have that mindset and are willing to try,” Glass said.