As members of the U.S. Army in Europe, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Ambassador Chris Stevens and of the other State Department employees who lost their lives in Libya. These courageous representatives of our country have our respect. Their families and the embassy personnel and families who’ve had to evacuate have our support, our thoughts, and our prayers.

This last Tuesday, Sept. 11, we reflected upon the horrible attacks that shocked our nation 11 years ago and which brought us into the longest war our nation has fought. The attacks in Libya and Egypt show us once again that there remain those who wish to harm us. These enemies don’t wear uniforms, they don’t attempt diplomatic solutions for their grievances, they carefully plan and then kill and maim indiscriminately.

Let’s use this tragedy not to have a bunker mentality and insulate ourselves but to redouble the single best means we, as individuals, have to thwart terrorists: vigilance. We all have the ability to watch and listen for suspicious behaviors and we must report those suspicions so our experts can work with other agencies and our host nations to prevent any future attack. We can take personal precautions by blending in with the locals, avoiding large gatherings and protests, and acting as positive representatives of America in our interactions.

Complacency is the enemies’ advantage — let’s all do our part to deny it from them and make it safer for all.