Veterans reunite 25 years after 9/11 deployment, joined by Neal McCoy

BIG SANDY, Texas (KLTV) - East Texans gathered to honor lives lost in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and those who served in the military response. Two veterans reunited alongside East Texas country singer Neal McCoy.

Deployment nine days after 9/11

Marine veteran John Latham deployed to the Middle East nine days after the Sept. 11 attacks.

“We didn’t know until last minute. We got on the ship and they said: Yep, you’re going somewhere close to Afghanistan. We didn’t know we were going to Afghanistan,” Latham said.

“We made it into Pakistan. We made it into the mountains of Afghanistan. I just happened to be one of the ones who got picked to be in the first wave that flew in there,” Latham said.

Latham reunited with a fellow veteran he had not seen in 25 years.

“So this flag was flown in Afghanistan. In November around 2001,” Latham said.

Veterans reconnect

Robert Baxter served alongside Latham, responding to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“Things got real. It’s put your game face on time and it’s time to go. We didn’t know what we were getting in to,” Baxter said.

Both men, from Tyler, Texas, remember a visit from Wayne Newton, Drew Carey and East Texan Neal McCoy.

“On the initial push, they were there and they were scared. They were getting shot at and bombed on every single day,” McCoy said.

McCoy performed in a war zone

McCoy flew into an active war zone to perform for the troops.

“I said: where’s this going Wayne Newton? He said: It’s going to the sandbox,” McCoy said.

McCoy met Latham and Baxter, remembering them both 25 years later.

“He called my parents on Christmas. After he saw me in Afghanistan, he said: Hey Marine, you’re from my hometown, in my area. What can I do? I said: You can call my parents on Christmas. I didn’t think he’d do it but he did! And that was cool,” Latham said.

“The mom picked up and I said: He just wanted me to let you know that he’s doing okay. She said: Oh that means so much to me. And she started crying and I started crying,” McCoy said.

Latham said the America he served 25 years ago still stands strong.

“It doesn’t take a tragedy for us to come together. In my opinion we should come together always,” Latham said.

Weekend events continue

Military and first responder events at Pale Horse Ranch will continue through Sunday. A 5K and 3K run is scheduled, followed by horseback riding and other farm events. You can learn more on their Facebook page.