ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO MET THE CHALLENGE

There are giants among us. Every day I see ordinary people evolve into heroes before my eyes; from brave first responders to teachers who work countless hours to educate the next generation, to the father working two or more jobs to support his family, not all superheroes wear capes.

 On September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror at the tragedy that unfolded in what seemed like slow motion. I witnessed countless moments of courage firsthand as many, including me, answered the call of humanity. You never know what you are truly capable of until life tests you in unimaginable ways. While I in no way compare myself to brave souls who risked so much or to men and women who paid the ultimate price to save others, I count myself among a group of ordinary folks who met the challenge and helped their fellow humans.

Almost anyone you talk to (who lived, worked, or was visiting the city on that fateful day) can describe- in meticulous detail- where they were or what they were doing that fateful day. The events of 9/11 left an indelible mark on our city, the nation, and the world. After the shock subsided, and I realized the sheer enormity of this moment in history, I knew I had to document my experience, lest I forget. In my book, “All That I’ve Learned While Answering the Call: Making the Most Out of Life’s Lessons Under Ordinary and Extraordinary Circumstances,” I recount the events that changed my life forever.

Life as I knew it was never the same after 9/11. Like thousands of others, my health was affected. My body weakened because of the environmental toxins that poisoned the air for months. Despite the physical impact, I became stronger mentally. Maybe it was my desire to find some hope amid the despair, but I eventually saw past the worst of humanity and focused on the absolute best in those who volunteered to help total strangers. First responders-firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, medics- proved they were genuine heroes.

I was a young leader in my industry, but I matured quickly! I had no choice. Sink or swim. Much like the natural buoyancy that keeps you from sinking like a stone in the water (provided you don’t panic), I embraced a gift I didn’t realize I had; an innate ability to lead that was shaped by extraordinary circumstances. I believe some people are born to be leaders. They must be trained, mentored, tutored, and nurtured, however, all that serves to sharpen existing abilities. How and when these competencies manifest, well, one never really knows.   

Being mentally and physically prepared for the unexpected, and having contingencies in place, helped me navigate the extraordinary chaos of 9/11.

The enormity of the attacks called for clear, sharp-minded responses. As the Supervisory Special Agent for the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG), New York Field Office, I had to step up. I led a team that coordinated an evacuation and rescue effort. Through strategic planning, we assisted in safely transporting thousands to New Jersey via the New York waterways. To put this in greater perspective: Before the attacks, on average, 32,000 passengers filled the ferries each day.  On September 11th, over 160,000 people crossed the Hudson from Manhattan to New Jersey. Our team’s effort was monumental. I am still so proud of everyone who played a part in that mission. Still, despite the chaos, we were able to provide some semblance of comfort to those who needed it most.

I am grateful for that.

I spent most of my career as a law enforcement professional on the front lines. After 9/11, I worked for the Department of Homeland Security with the Federal Air Marshal Service. I had the privilege of working with dedicated professionals whose mission was to minimize risk and provide strategic solutions to counter emerging threats to national security and our nation's transportation infrastructure.

As a team, we traveled around the world. Almost after every international crisis, we would travel to the affected zone. Whether it was to Tel Aviv, Israel, after a suicide bombing, to India after the Mumbai attacks, to Istanbul, Turkey, or another hot zone around the globe, we were responsible for protecting America’s interests and its people. It took a personal toll on family life. Whenever I left my house, my wife and kids would hug me and tell me they feared I might not come home. I understood their concern, but I had a job to do. “What if our house was filled with flames, and we called the fire department, and no one showed up?” I asked. The comparison helped put it into perspective. They eventually understood it was my job (and that of many others) to be there when others needed help.

Through my leadership training, I learned the importance of anticipating the “what ifs” and staying calm. How we deal with and manage our fears will help us focus on truth and reality. If you push through the panic, what you find on the other side can be fulfilling. We start without knowing, and then we learn.

On September 11th, I discovered when “later” turns to “now,” when “tomorrow” turns to “today,” when “I can” turns to “I did,” and when “I might” turns to “I will,” I must act; not the next day, but now.

I hope the story in “All That I’ve Learned While Answering the Call: Making the Most Out of Life’s Lessons Under Ordinary and Extraordinary Circumstances” continues to motivate, inform, and inspire others. In this book, I share lessons lifelong lessons. One of the most important is to adopt a “never give up” mindset, which helps us push through even the most challenging situations. I also stress the importance of removing the phrase “I can’t” from our vocabulary and focusing instead on “I can.”

Maintaining a positive attitude, seeing the glass as half full—even when others see it as empty or too full for us to be part of—is essential. Finally, I emphasize the value of making or creating your opportunities.

Through these lessons, I want readers empowered to face obstacles with courage, resilience, and determination.

Allan Samson

Global Safety & Security Strategist