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In this special conversation with Martha MacCallum on The Untold Story, I reflect on my experience as a survivor of September 11, 2001, and the extraordinary courage, resilience, and humanity that emerged from one of our nation's darkest days. As we mark the 25th observance of 9/11, I discuss why preserving these stories has become increasingly important as new generations grow up without a personal memory of that day. Our responsibility must now extend beyond simply saying “Never Forget.” We must actively remember, teach, and share the stories of heroism, sacrifice, service, and unity so their lessons endure for generations to come.

In this special episode of "The Strategerist" from the George W. Bush Presidential Center, I reflect on my experience in New York City on September 11, 2001, and how that day shaped my commitment to service. I discuss the journey that led to co-founding SoldierStrong, the lessons I have learned through supporting our nation's veterans, and my documentary, The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11. As we mark the 25th observance of September 11, I also explain why our responsibility must evolve from “Never Forget” to “We Remember”—preserving the stories of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and unity for generations who weren't there.

Hon. Andrew H. Card Jr., former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, and Hon. Leon Panetta, former director of the CIA and subsequent Secretary of Defense under President Barack Obama, will appear on the VoiceAmerica Media podcast Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek tomorrow. Premiering in August 2020, this installment will mark the program’s 250th show.

Voices Against Trafficking (VAT), in partnership with iMAG Media Inc., proudly announced Dr. Chris Meek as the recipient of both the 2025 Voices of Courage Award® and the 2025 Angel Award at the first annual VAT + iMAG Media Global Conference & Gala held on September 27, 2025, at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey.

In this Syracuse University profile, Dr. Chris Meek reflects on how surviving the September 11 terrorist attacks inspired a lifelong commitment to service and remembrance. From founding SoldierStrong to launching the 9/11 Legacy Foundation, Meek has worked to honor the victims, survivors and first responders while educating future generations. As the 25th observance approaches, he is helping shift the message from “Never Forget” to “We Remember.”

In this American Essence profile, my journey from surviving the September 11 terrorist attacks to dedicating my life to service is explored through the evolution of SoldierStrong. What began with small acts of gratitude for first responders grew into a mission supporting America’s veterans with innovative rehabilitation and mental health technologies. The article reflects on how the experiences of 9/11 gave me a renewed sense of purpose and reinforced a lesson my mother taught me years ago: we may not be able to change the world today, but we can change the world around us.

The American journalist, novelist, and political activist Katherine Anne Porter once wrote, “Who wants to read about success? It is the early struggle which makes a good story.” I disagree. Struggle without success more often than not leaves us bruised, disheartened, hollow, and bitter. With apologies to the late Ms. Porter, success is a crucial ingredient to a good story.

I am excited to announce the release of my second book, Everyday Triumph: Extraordinary Stories of Hope, Resilience, and Impact, which officially launched on April 8. This powerful collection of stories highlights the unwavering strength of the human spirit and showcases the remarkable journeys of 15 individuals who have faced adversity head-on and triumphed against the odds.

Dr. Chris Meek, host of “Next Steps Forward with Dr. Chris Meek” on VoiceAmerica - Live Internet Talk Radio, proudly announces the release of his second book, “Everyday Triumph: Extraordinary Stories of Hope, Resilience, and Impact,” on Tuesday, April 8.