The call came in the afternoon on what would have been an otherwise regular workday:

"Brian: You're not going to believe this. We've been trying for the last two weeks and the answer's always been 'No.' But we just got the official go-ahead. It's a miracle! We're heading down to Texas and Louisiana tomorrow... and we need you to help us tell the story. Everyone's sending supplies; we want to bring these people hope and joy. Can you come?"

I went to the team and we figured it out. Schedules were re-arranged, responsibilities re-divided, and travel plans made. Within 24 hours I was halfway across the country with a backpack in one hand and a camera in the other.

The next six days were a whirlwind; a blur of activity and experiences. The Personality™ team in L.A. served as my home base to funnel everything—information, photos, video, stories—while I was on the ground collecting it all. Together we were able to spread the word quickly, smoothly and efficiently.

I want to be clear. I'm not looking for a pat on the back for what we did. In fact, quite the contrary: I'm humbled. The real heroes are our clients, the Americans who heard the call, and the victims. So many "ordinary" men, women and children had to fight for their lives. And fight they did.

But what I am proud of is my team. I'm proud of them for answering the challenge. Without hesitation they put on their shoes and started walking, even though they hardly knew where they were going. Kind of like the story of Abraham in the Bible. Truth be told, yes, it was inconvenient. But that's where the thrill of life is had: on the edge.

These shoes were made for walkin'... even the extra mile.