“9/11.”

That was Sgt. Daniel Fortune’s simple and direct answer when asked why he joined the Army.

“I saw what happened to our country that day, and I wanted to do my part to bring America back,” added the California native.

Enlisting in the Army after graduating from high school, Fortune serves as an artilleryman. He has deployed to Iraq twice — in 2003 and 2005.

He is a squad leader in A Company, Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB), and he is considering making the Army a career.

A dynamic noncommissioned officer, Fortune works with wounded warriors at the WTB by leading through example.

“It’s all about integrity, about saying what you mean and doing what you say,” said Fortune.  “Soldiers want their NCOs to lead by example. They want to see how you operate — that you make things happen and you are not just talk.”

Talk is a quality that does not define Fortune’s character.  Most of his answers are direct and to the point.

Self-service, on the other hand, does characterize his attitude.

“I think self-service is the most important of the Army’s seven values,” said Fortune. “To be in this line of service you have to be able to step outside of yourself for the welfare of those who serve with and for the country.”

This is a message that he would like to see others follow by enlisting or reenlisting.

“Now is a good time to enlist,” said Fortune.  “Despite what one sees and hears on television, we need people to serve the country and for the right reasons.”

And as far as this NCO is concerned, that service is rooted in stepping up and taking the challenge of joining the Army.

“Go ahead and take the chance; it is good to serve.”