Cory Allen has led a fascinating career – years of service in the Air National Guard and as a U.S. secret service agent for the Obama family, author of a moving memoir, and now, his first book for children, “Dada takes a Trip.”
Allen grew up outside of Richmond, Virginia, and joined the Air National Guard in April 2001. He flew home from boot camp on Sept. 10, one day before the course of our nation and its asks of our service members changed forever in the Sept. 11 attacks.
He credits his family, many of whom served in the military, with his inspiration to serve.
“My grandfather was my mentor, my hero, and he was a World War II P.O.W. shot down over Germany,” Allen said. “A lot of the motivation is just knowing these iconic members of the greatest generation and all they sacrificed, and he thankfully instilled some of those values in me.”
From the Air National Guard, Allen continued his dedication to service with time in the reserves and as a police officer before becoming a secret service agent. In 2016, he was assigned to the Obama family as they transitioned from their White House years, and worked closely with First Lady Michelle Obama on her world tour for her book “Becoming.”
“I was witnessing firsthand how she and Barack transcended the office of the presidency into these icons,” Allen said. “Her words were so powerful [and] impactful to other people, telling her own story.”
Seeing that impact led Allen to realize that his own experiences could potentially inspire people as well, and he published his first book, “Breaking Free: A Saga of Self-Discovery by a Gay Secret Service Agent.”
Fatherhood continued Allen’s thoughts toward legacy. Allen said he often thinks of what he’ll leave behind, particularly through books, so his children can understand who he was and what he did. With “Dada takes a Trip,” Allen illuminates how the bond between parent and child never breaks, even when parents must be away.
“Before we put our son down to bed every night, we read to him,” Allen said of his young son. “I wanted to explain to him, ‘Hey, Dada’s going to be gone in the morning,’ and I want to make sure that he knows that though I’m not there, I do love him. I will miss him lots. It’s OK to miss each other and talk about those emotions.”
Allen wrote “Dada takes a Trip” on the flight the very next morning.
He launched his own publishing imprint, Cory Allen Books, to retain creative control, and hired an illustrator to bring his vision to life. Several of the characters in the book are based on Allen’s family pets, and there are several sweet nods throughout to his son’s Japanese heritage, including a toy onigiri.
For Allen, who regularly travels for his work in the federal government and advocacy, this book lets children know that even when their parents are away, they are always loved. Perfect for small kids, “Dada takes a Trip” is available now at Amazon.