As we approach the 20th anniversary of September 11, TSA would like to rekindle that national unity and remind the next generation about why we serve. We asked TSA employees to submit a personal essay on how 9/11 impacted them, and how that has translated to their service to country and commitment to the TSA mission. You can view all essay submissions by visiting the TSA 9/11 iShare site from a TSA computer.
My name is TSO Edgar Ramirez. I have been working for TSA since 8/19/18. I was born, raised, trained and educated in Brooklyn, New York. I have also proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. National Guard. So, yes I love and appreciate the USA.
On 9/11 on my RDO from my current employment at the time (New York City Dept. of Sanitation) I was headed to Queens, New York to take an examination to become an iron worker. During the exam, the facilitator came in with tears in his eyes and stated that America was under attack. I inquired as to what type of attack he was referring to. He stated that some planes hit the twin towers.
As we evacuated the premises, we were informed that all bridges, transportation system were shut down. That left us with no alternatives but to take a private cab back to Brooklyn. I assumed leadership and collected the money to pay the cab driver. Unfortunately, the cab driver began to spout profanities toward the USA and we exited the cab on the first stop in Brooklyn to prevent further escalation.
At the time, I was employed city employment which was governed by Mayor Rudy Giuliani. My military instincts kicked in and as I made my journey home, I saw all the wounded American people making their way back to their homes and families. I was able to help out a young lady who was very injured and disoriented to get back home to her father. Eventually I retired from the NYC Dept. of Sanitation and moved my family to Birmingham, Alabama.
When the TSA was formed under the leadership of President George W. Bush, I began to sense and compelled to serve my country. I go home every day with a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I am part of a team that protects the nation's transportation system on a daily basis. In summation, I take great pride working as a Transportation Security Officer for DHS/TSA at this point in my life.
P.S. Yes, I did arrive home safely without incident after 5-7 hours of leaving Queens, New York.
TSO Edgar Ramirez