Visionaries in Service: Joe Quinn

This week and next, we're featuring Visionaries whose personal experiences inspired them to join the United States military. The latest installment of our Salute to Service blog series is a Q&A with Joe Quinn, Founder and CEO of Feltman's of Coney Island. Joe shares his perspective on military service and the loss of his brother Jimmy on September 11. 

In what way(s) did your connection to September 11 shape your path to military service?
As a senior at the United States Military Academy at West Point at the time, I was already on a path towards military service. Watching what unfolded on 9/11, and particularly my brother Jimmy perishing in the North Tower, it just reinforced my commitment and resolve to serve and make a difference. 

What about the leaders under whom you served has stayed with you the most?
Radical selflessness. A willingness to put themselves in harm's way and jeopardize their own lives and ambitions in service to others - something that is rare these days. 

Men and women joining the military today have no living memory of 9/11. Why is it important that they visit the Memorial & Museum to understand both the attacks and the ongoing consequences? 
Truth and resilience. Our great men and women joining the military today are our future leaders of tomorrow, and it's important that they visit the Memorial & Museum, not as an act of patriotism, but in an effort to find truth and understanding about that day and the wars that would follow after. Lastly, the Memorial is not a place of sadness, but a remembrance of resilience. We all need to be reminded of that, to remember who we are as a country, and help inform where we want to go, together, in unity. 

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

Note: As part of Salute to Service, U.S. military veterans will receive free Museum admission from Thursday, November 11 through Sunday, November 14, with up to three guests at a 50 percent discount. Reserve your tickets.