Texas boy, TSA manager develop long-lasting connection through 9/11

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Editor's Note: Today is TSA's 23rd birthday. Two months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, our agency was established on November 19, 2001, to take on the significant challenge of protecting our nation's transportation systems from the threat of terror. Here is a special story of a unique bond a TSA manager at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport developed with a boy who has a special interest in 9/11 and the heroes who lost their lives that tragic day.

A 9-year-old Arlington, Texas, boy and his family were on their way to New York City when something unique happened.

The boy struck an immediate bond with a TSA manager (TSM) at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) due to the young man's keen interest in the heroes who perished over 23 years ago in the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

Benjamin pays tribute to fallen firefighters.

Benjamin Faundez, his parents and sister were going through TSA security at a DFW checkpoint when TSM John Passarella noticed the boy who was decked out in a nice suit and tie. Passarella immediately approached Benjamin.

"When I asked if they were going home or on vacation, Mom replied they were going to New York's 9/11 Memorial because her son wanted to learn more about 9/11," Passarella recalled. "I briefly shared with him how important this 9/11 pin I was wearing was to me and how it represented the 9/11 tragedy."

On the spot, Passarella gifted the boy his 9/11 pin, which Benjamin eagerly accepted and attached to his suit coat.

What happened next may give you goose bumps.

Shortly after completing screening and leaving the DFW checkpoint, Benjamin returned and presented Passarella with a 9/11 commemorative comic book the boy created.

TSM Passarella met Benjamin at this checkpoint.

"I wanted to tell the story of 9/11 in my own words and show my friends the true facts about it, how people risked their lives to save others," Benjamin said. "The plan originally was to show it to members of the 9/11 Memorial, so I brought it with me. However, after I got the 9/11 pin, I felt like giving Mr. Passarella a thank you gift. It felt like the right thing to do."

"I immediately saw the amount of detail that went into the story and artwork," said Passarella, a former teacher of 35 years who happens to have taught art. "I repeatedly asked Benjamin if he truly wanted to give me the book, as I said to him, 'You put a lot of work into it.' He responded, 'I want you to have it.'"

Passarella raced to his office to grab a 9/11 flag with the names of all 2,977 victims hanging by his desk and returned to snap a photo of Benjamin and him with the flag. Then, the two exchanged phone numbers, Passarella gave the boy a 9/11 coin and asked the mom to send him pictures of her son from the trip.

Benjamin was about half finished with his comic book, and deeply touched by the gift, Passarella asked the boy if he would keep his work of art and send it to Passarella after he completed it. Benjamin and his family graciously agreed.

"I feel very touched and emotional," said Passarella. "To think a 9-year-old did what he did makes me cry."

Benjamin stops to chat with a New York firefighter.

After returning from New York, Benjamin sent Passarella a brief letter and a moving short video.

"I wanted to tell Mr. Passarella that the comic book was almost done and say hello to him," Benjamin said. "It was an honor meeting Mr. John Passarella. He's a really nice man, and getting a 9/11 pin was really cool."

9/11 from Benjamin's eyes (see Benjamin's comic book)

Benjamin joined his mom Paulina, dad Miguel and sister Florencia on the inspirational journey to the Big Apple.

"We are a family who always has dinner together around the table, and one day Benjamin started talking about his interest in 9/11," said Paulina. "After we saw all his interest, we decided to take Benjamin on this trip to New York so he could see everything in person."

With a mind well beyond his years, Benjamin described 9/11 as "an interesting story about bravery and how America is stronger than any source of evilness. After something really bad happened, America overcame and beat the bad guys."

Benjamin developed a true inspiration from 9/11 through a collection of "I Survived" books with a special interest in "I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001." He also built the twin towers from a set of blocks given to him at a young age.

Benjamin and sister Florencia at the 9/11 Memorial.

Fulfilling a dream of traveling to the 9/11 Memorial, Benjamin walked away with a sense of emotion.

"The trip to New York was really fun but also really sad," he explained. "I learned more details about that day, like the phone calls from the towers and planes, saying goodbye and I love you to their families. That really touched me."

Faundez family's reshaped view of TSA

The family's encounter with Passarella at the DFW checkpoint quickly gave them a new impression of TSA.

"TSA is always kind of tricky, because when you pass through security, it's fast," Paulina explained. "It's a stressful moment, but meeting Mr. Passarella changed our perspectives and views about TSA. He was so kind, so sweet and so approachable. Now, thinking of going to the airport is no longer a stressful time."

Benjamin added, "TSA is really important because after 9/11, the security officers were questioned about the way they did their job. Today, TSA makes sure we fly safely. They can make sure nobody tries to hurt America again."

The Faundez family during a video call with TSA.

His dad is inspired by Benjamin's interest in 9/11 and the family's encounter with Passarella at the DFW checkpoint.

"As parents, we are so proud of Benjamin and how he behaved that morning," Miguel said. "It was 7 a.m. We were sleepy, going to New York, and I think the whole investment of our family was spent because of what happened with Mr. Passarella. I think it's a story we're going to continue telling our families."

"I think it was a God-orchestrated or divine appointment," Paulina assessed. "God put every one of us at the same place at the right time. I know this is not only going to be a cool story to tell our grandkids or Benjamin's children. It's going to impact more people."

The Faundezs and Passarella plan to stay in contact with each other and continue their newly developed connection.

"The connection may be so much more than one could ever expect and that we are connected with such common bonds through, in this case, the 9/11 tragedy," noted Passarella. "In this case, a young child touched every TSA officer and top management staff who saw the book. I am honored and privileged to have met Benjamin and his family and to have learned more of his story and journey."

By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs