250 Years of Courage: Lessons from 9/11 A Conversation with Honorable Brian Birdwell

George Bush Presidential Center

Join us on Tuesday, September 8, at 10 a.m. as we welcome former Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell. On September 11, 2001, Senator Birdwell was serving at the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck just yards from his office. He was critically wounded, suffering burns over more than 60% of his body, nearly half of them third‑degree. He received the Purple Heart, and upon retirement in 2004, the Legion of Merit. His recovery inspired the founding of Face the Fire Ministries, supporting burn survivors and wounded service members for more than a decade.

Confirmed by the Senate in May 2026, the Honorable Brian Birdwell serves as the Assistant Secretary of War for Sustainment (ASW(S)), the senior logistics official for the Department of War. He oversees the Defense Logistics Agency, the Defense Microelectronics Activity, and advises top War Department leadership on national logistics readiness and materiel support.

He represented Texas Senate District 22 from 2010–2026, chairing the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Border Security, and serving as President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate. Prior to elected office, he served 20 years in the U.S. Army, earning the Bronze Star during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and supporting humanitarian operations in Central America.

Honorable Birdwell will share his story as we commemorate the attack that shocked and changed the world 25 years ago. While specifically designed for high school and college students, this event is open to the general public. Seating is strictly limited, so please secure your place by submitting an RSVP today.

To ensure schools can participate, we are offering transportation reimbursement. Please email bush.education@nara.gov if your campus is interested in our transportation reimbursement program.