The Real Heroes
Credit: Rania Walker

The Real Heroes

One of the biggest blessings I have had since the Miracle on the Hudson is meeting and becoming friends with most of the first responders from New Jersey who were there for us on January 15, 2009.

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On July 22, 2009, fellow passenger Barry Leonard and I hosted a luncheon for first responders from Hudson County at Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen. Members of the Offices of Emergency Management, U.S. Coast Guard, police, fire, hospital, American Red Cross staff, and NY Waterway employees attended.?That was the first time I had the opportunity to personally meet each of those who braved the frigid temperatures that day to help Barry, me, and all the passengers and crew survive.?It was a moving experience, and I was able to get contact information from each of the attendees to stay in touch.

Over the past twelve years, I have either spoken, emailed, or met each one of them one-off.?As I wrote in last week’s blog, I wanted to hear each of their “origin stories “and how they got to where they are. I even had the opportunity to present with Henry Cortacans from NJ State EMS at an event in New Orleans about the plan and the execution of the rescue. They are indeed heroes.

?As I spoke or interacted with each of them, one thing I found out is many if not all of them were first responders during the terrorist attacks of 9/11.?Some had PTSD or physical disorders from that time.?As they told me their first-hand stories of that day, some from being in New York City, and some from the Jersey side, I had an inside seat to what happened and how many people were affected.?

As the tenth anniversary of the Miracle on the Hudson was approaching, I wanted to do something special for these folks.?I was honored to be invited to the ceremonies in Charlotte and wanted to attend, but my heart led me to be with my new friends in New Jersey and do something special with them.?I worked with my team, my publicist, Rania, and my friends at Hackensack Palisades Medical Center, Gary, and Nikki, and connected with each first responder from New Jersey that was involved. We had a series of remembrances on the shore of New Jersey, less than one mile from where the plane landed on the river on January 15.?My bond with my friends in New Jersey is one I will never take for granted, and I know we will have a connection and friendship for the remainder of our lives.?

As the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 approached, I spoke with several of those first responders to check in and say thank you again for not only what they did on January 15, 2009, but that day when there was so much uncertainty, they had to give certainty to an uncertain world.?

When Suzanne, my swim buddy, and wingman, called me to ask me if I would be interested in going back into the Hudson River to swim with her for the Navy Seal Swim, I was standing at the window at the American Airlines gate in Terminal A looking out into the Hudson River.?When I found out that one of the main focuses of the swim was to acknowledge the veterans and first responders to remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11, I thought about all those first responders I met and have become friends with and those military friends I know who went to the middle east to fight the war on terrorism.?

?There was no doubt I would go back to swim with these military heroes AND first responders and finish with them in NYC.?There were many reasons I was resolved to not only swim but finish. But a primary motivation was to thank those who put their lives on the line and be there for those on 9/11.

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After we completed the swim from Liberty Park, NJ, to Battery Park NYC, Suzanne and I grabbed our American Flags and walked over to the September 11 Memorial to pray; I thought about all the first responders that served during that time and helped save me and 154 others on a cold day in January.?

Thank you again to all the first responders and military personnel who, every moment of every day who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way so we may have another chance for life.

The GIGO Fund and Navy Seal Swim have made a special commemorative video to honor the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. See link below. Please feel free to share it on social media.

https://youtu.be/3wtXbUaqXk0

??With all the challenges 2020 presented, a strategy to turn that year of turmoil into 2021 being a year of triumph is to humble yourself, get around people who can help and support you.?Know there are mentors and role models that have swum the swim before. Be strong, face your personal "turmoil" head-on, forgive those who may have caused you strife, and begin your swim to triumph. ??Reach out to them and ask them to support and mentor you, and you will grow out of the turmoil you had in 2020 and on the road to a triumphant 2021,

Remember the value of association.?One way to grow out of the turmoil 2020 presented is to associate yourself with a group of five that will hold you to a standard and do something for someone who cannot do anything for you.

My mission is simple; help those going through their own turmoil from the past year with a pathway to victory and triumph.

Treat the TURMOIL of 2020 as your year of preparation and 2021 as your year to TRIUMPH!

If you would like to support my mission to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and those who lost their lives during the Extortion 17 mission, please check out my page at Dave Sanderson Seal Swim .?Thank you for your consideration.

LEAD YOURSELF FIRST and CREATE YOUR FLIGHT PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE!

?Dave Sanderson is the President of his firm, Dave Sanderson Speaks International, based in Charlotte, NC. On January 15, 2009, Dave was one of the last passengers off the plane that crashed into the Hudson River, best known as?The Miracle on the Hudson, considered the most successful ditching in aviation history. In addition, he has built a career as a motivational speaker, mentor, and author. Recently named one of the top 100 Leadership Speakers in Inc.com. Dave averages over 80 speeches a year for major corporations worldwide.

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Sue Ryan

Leadership Excellence Coach | Speaker | Caregiving Industry Influencer. Leaders - turn hidden costs of valuable family caregivers in your business to mutually thriving success. Solutions for The Sandwich'S' generations.

3 年

Thank you for your powerful story Dave Sanderson. How do you think this experience has changed your life?

Laura J. Brandao ??

CEO & Partner @ Lighthouse Advisors, Author: Say YES Everyday! Women w/ Vision Chair, MBANJ board member & Women’s committee Chair, NAMMBA Visionary Chair & NAMB DEI Committee member, Friday Harbor AI board advisor

3 年

Thank you for sharing Dave Sanderson, human connection is the strength that pulls us through life's difficulties. Stay connected, tell others you care about them and make a conscious effort to maintain and grow your relationships because none of us can do it alone. A special thank you to our first responders and medical professionals we love you!

Larry Levine

In a world of empty suits, I’m leading a movement of authenticity, integrity, and trust inside the sales profession

3 年

"Remember the value of association" this has been reinforced during our times together Dave Sanderson the right associations will lift you up in times of trouble and turmoil. I appreciate you!

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