America's Frontlines Podcast 11 September 2026
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny takes us back to the morning of September 11, 2001. He remembers hearing that a plane had struck the World Trade Center and initially believing it must have been a terrible accident. Then he watched the second plane hit. As a retired combat infantryman, he knew immediately: America was under attack. Twenty-five years later, Colonel Denny and Matt reflect on that terrible day, the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the courage and unity Americans demonstrated in its aftermath, and the wars and sacrifices that followed. Most importantly, they ask a question worth considering a quarter-century later: Have we truly learned—and remembered—the lessons of September 11? Colonel Denny also reviews some of the high-profile news stories affecting our lives today, helping us stay informed about a world that remains dangerous and unpredictable. Even during a program devoted in part to reflection and remembrance, there is still room for a smile. Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark humor and one-liners to lighten the mood along the way. Our featured guests are Army veteran Scott Hastings and Jenna, who join Colonel Denny to discuss wefacethefight.org and its mission to dramatically reduce veteran suicide. Scott—who also knows a thing or two about music—and Jenna discuss the importance of reaching veterans before they reach a crisis, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and building a community where veterans and their families know they don't have to face life's battles alone. We also continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date and remembering the people, sacrifices, victories, and difficult lessons that helped shape America and the nation we are today. And Service Academy football is back! Our Football Co-Host Quinton Roberts, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and former varsity football player—quite a number of years ago, as we occasionally like to remind him—joins Colonel Denny to celebrate an incredible weekend for Service Academy football. The academies combined for an impressive 5–0 record, and Quinton reviews the action before looking ahead to what Army, Navy, Air Force, and the other Service Academy teams have waiting for them this weekend. On this 25th anniversary of September 11, this episode is ultimately about remembering—remembering those we lost, those who answered the call to serve, those who still carry the burdens of that service, and the lessons America must never allow itself to forget. We remember September 11, 2001. We remember those who served. And we remember why America is worth defending.