9/11 Aftermath: Richfield Couple Waits for Possible Deployment

Richfield residents Brian and Amanda Johnson are a normal family unit.

They met on the playground of then in sixth-grade and a little more than 10 years later were married. They have a home, two children, a dog and love to have a night out playing at .

However, they're also a military family. And Brian's Army unit is scheduled to be deployed to Iraq in February 2012. If he were to go, it would be his second tour of duty there.

But the fact that Brian may or may not be deployed isn't the worst part—it's the waiting game. Brian's unit deployment date has been pushed back multiple times.

“The uncertainty is the worst part … you can’t plan anything,” Amanda said.

With the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks nearing, it's hard not to think about how different life would be had it never occurred, Amanda said. While Amanda acknowledges that not everything in life can be planned, it’d be nice to know if and when she’ll be without her husband for a year—or possibly more.

“[If I knew if or when he was going] maybe we could have some things more set it stone,” she said. “Especially for the kids.”

Brian isn't currently on active duty, however he could be called at any time to go.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 the world will remember that 10 years ago the United States was attacked and many lives were lost—and all of our lives were changed. How was your life changed? E-mail caitlin.burgess@patch.com with your story or comment on this article below.

Also, see how your neighbors' lives have changed. There are a variety of stories from around Minnesota Patch communities:

Apple Valley:
Eagan: Eagan Resident Mike Ferber Hopes Memories of 9/11 Won’t Fade
Eagan: Incidental Soldier
Eagan: Eagan City Administrator Tom Hedges Reflects on 9/11
Edina: Retired Army Vet Spurred to Re-Enlist Following 9/11 Attacks
Fridley: Demand Soared for Speakers on Islam after 9/11
Golden Valley:
Hopkins: and
Inver Grove Heights: VFW Commander: Sept. 11 Changed the Country
Lake Minnetonka: Remembering Wayzata Native Gordy Aamoth
Lakeville: Lakeville VFW Post Manager's Wife Working at Pentagon on Sept. 11
Minnetonka: 9/11 Memories From a Former New Yorker
Mendota Heights: Retired Mendota Heights Pilot Recalls ‘Paradigm Shift’
Northfield: and Northfielder Will Never Forget His Birthday in Iraq
Oakdale: Terror and Joy Came Together for Oakdale Family
Plymouth:
Rosemount:
Roseville:
Shakopee:
Southwest Minneapolis:
St. Louis Park: 9/11 Attacks Made Being Muslim ‘More Difficult’
St. Michael:
St. Michael:
Stillwater:
Woodbury: Woodbury Resident, NYC Native Recalls 9/11