Inside the Pentagon on 9/11 | Ambassador Matthew Klimow

Ambassador Matthew Klimow, a distinguished retired Marine Colonel, offers a compelling and deeply personal account of his experiences inside the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and his subsequent career as a diplomat. In a wide-ranging conversation, Klimow shares invaluable insights into leadership, international relations, and the profound impact of global events on individual lives.

From Military Service to Diplomatic Missions

Ambassador Klimow's journey began with a strong foundation in military service. He retired as a Colonel from the military, having served in various capacities, including the senior executive staff at the State Department for over 20 years. Notably, he was the Deputy Assistant Secretary General of NATO for Transformation. His military career also included a five-year assignment as Ambassador to Turkmenistan. Klimow's book, "As the Pentagon Burned," delves into his firsthand experience during the 9/11 attacks, where he was present inside the Pentagon. He emphasizes the importance of setting goals and managing one's career, a philosophy that guided his transition from military leadership to diplomacy.

Klimow's early life was shaped by a strong work ethic and a sense of duty. Growing up in Johnson City, New York, an "ethnic city" and "factory town," he was surrounded by first, second, and third-generation Americans, many with Eastern European roots. His father, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was present at the Remagen Bridge when it fell, instilled in him a deep appreciation for service. Klimow recounts taking his father back to Belgium and Germany to retrace his steps through the war-torn regions, including the town of Malmedy, where his father had hidden near a train station during the massacre of POWs by the Nazis. This personal connection to history profoundly influenced Klimow's understanding of conflict and resilience.

His path to West Point was unexpected. Despite being a "good student, but not a great student," a high school history teacher saw his potential and encouraged him to meet with a West Point recruiter. This pivotal encounter led to a life-changing nomination from a local congressman and acceptance into the academy in 1970. Klimow describes West Point not as an immediate career goal but as a "destination itself," a place where he would embark on a journey that would shape his future.