A few weeks ago, an Afghan immigrant was arrested for plotting a terrorist attack that was to be commissioned in New York. Thanks to the brave and expert men and women of our Homeland Security department, September, a month of already dreadful anniversaries, was not compounded with another moment of terror.

The courts indicted Najibullah Zazi with the charge of working for over a year to detonate a weapon of mass destruction in New York. In the weeks preceding his arrest, he sought “urgent” help in making homemade bombs, requiring the correct ingredients and measurements in order to successfully detonate it. He was supplying himself with the components to make TATP (triacetone triperoxide), the explosive used in the 2005 London train bombing that killed over 50 people. Court documents show that Zazi was frequenting beauty supply stores to buy elements such as hydrogen peroxide and hair dye which, in concentrated forms, can be used as an ingredient in a high explosive incendiary device. It is also the same compound used by the almost successful shoe bomber in 2001.

Under questioning, he has admitted to receiving training by Al Qaeda experts while he was in the tribal areas of Pakistan, the main hub of the terrorist organization. The next and vital step is to apprehend anyone who was connected to this plot. He was known to be in communication with his associates in various states, which Homeland Security officials know through phone and email interceptions. Interrogations have been done on potential suspects and more arrests are expected. For now, the men and women who are our first line of defense will continue to stay vigil in protecting our nation.

It takes a person who feels a greater duty to America that will take on this responsibility. For those who love this country and want to make sure the men, women and children that proudly call themselves Americans are safe, working in Homeland Security is an honor and a privilege. Perhaps you feel that I’m describing you? If so, look into the programs available to you today. Your country needs you.