Employee Stories

The holiday spirit hits O’Hare during a Fantasy Flight celebration. (Alex Maestre)

TSA, partners make spirits bright for critically ill children

December 20, 2024

TSA teamed with several airports across the country to bring the holiday spirit to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Joy filled the air as kids boarded Fantasy Flights to the North Pole to see Santa and Mrs. Claus after being…

Secure Flight uses data to identify the correct Alex Johnson being prescreened. (Graphic by Tara Parekh)

Keeping bad people off planes – Secure Flight prescreening in milliseconds

December 12, 2024

On its surface, Secure Flight is an easy and straightforward concept; prescreen passengers before they arrive at the airport, expedite low-risk traveler screenings and keep those with ill intent out of the secure area.

Not even the plank…

CGAP group observes cargo transportation security at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala. (TSA photo)

TSA-CBP joint assignment strengthens aviation security, leaves humanitarian mark

December 11, 2024

TSA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) came together in the first of its kind, interagency collaborative effort by conducting a joint evaluation at La Aurora…

ANC TSO William Jimenez, Jr.

Kudos Across America - Anchorage, Alaska

December 10, 2024

I want to compliment a TSA employee.

My sister and I flew out to Missouri. At Anchorage (Ted Stevens Anchorage International) Airport the TSA employee (Officer) told me my face cream was too large for the specs required. I had just bought…

2024 TSA annual softball champion Orlando Thunder (photo TSA-MIA Media Team)

Batter up! 21st annual TSA softball tournament

December 9, 2024

Seven TSA intramural softball teams from six airports recently competed for agency bragging rights  at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park outside Miami International Airport.  The victorious team walked away with a…

From left, RIC TSA Officers Dakota Boychuck, Brian Bostian and Kia Voellmar, Communications Specialist John Stanford, Domestic Aviation Operations Medium Hub Executive Director/Incident Manager Julian Williams. (TSA photo)

TSA rolls out RV during elections

December 5, 2024

Another first for TSA!

For the first time in history, the agency activated a special RV during the November elections, and the result was quite the partnership between TSA’s Security Operations and Information Technology…

 Boise, Idaho

Kudos Across America – Boise, Idaho

November 26, 2024

I would like to take a moment to commend the outstanding experience I had at the TSA at Boise Airport. 

SRQ's membrane roof peeled away under Milton's relentless winds. (SRQ photo)

Partnership and recovery: Sarasota airport opens just six days after Milton flood

November 21, 2024

When it was finally safe for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) TSA Managers Robert Smith and Walter Fedorchenko to venture back into the facility after Hurricane Milton, they found that while the well-executed plans to secure the…

Benjamin with DFW TSM John Passarella and TSO Josiah Lee.

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

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…

(Image courtesy of Illinois Media Team)

Kudos Across America – Chicago

November 18, 2024

I was on my way that night to Montreal for a work assignment when I emptied my pockets and found the only set of keys to my wife's car. I had run an errand prior to getting picked up by Uber for the drive to O’Hare (Chicago O’Hare International…

Destruction in Asheville, North Carolina. (TSA photo)

Devastation lingers as TSA rallies around Hurricane Helene victims

November 15, 2024

It’s been nearly two months since the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland in the last 19 years caused widespread devastation, and many people along the East Coast are still feeling the huge sting, including many TSA families.

In…

Ma ‘Kiah Cherae Coleman (upper right), reaching for her property, climbs on top of a PHX stainless steel search table. (PHX CCTV)

Arizona woman sentenced for assaulting TSA officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

November 14, 2024

On April 25, 2023, a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) TSA officer was carrying passenger Ma ‘Kiah Cherae Coleman’s property to an inspection table for an additional search when Coleman became unruly.

“After being told that it…

Mural painting at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (Photo by Todd Hokanson)

TSA officer’s situational awareness, response saves motorcyclist’s life

November 13, 2024

During his pre-dawn commute to work at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport outside Amarillo, Texas, TSA Officer Wyatt Savage came upon what appeared to be a large trash bag in the middle of I-40. 

Miami International Airport TSA Officer Chenyah Hepburn (Photo courtesy of MIA media team)

Kudos Across America - Miami

November 6, 2024

Miami International Airport TSA Officer Chenyah Hepburn provided exceptional customer service by demonstrating professionalism, efficiency, and courtesy throughout the security screening process. Her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring…

Outside look at the Pueblo Memorial Airport terminal. (Greg Pedroza photo)

TSA Pueblo prepares ‘trip of a lifetime’ for adults with disabilities

November 4, 2024

The dreams of flying for the first time came true for eight adults after overcoming a big obstacle that stood in their way – the TSA checkpoint.

For these adults, their specific disabilities presented additional challenges. They are part of…

Halloween bin aesthetics   (Bin photo by Jim Sample)

Knives Out: Sharp, Cleaver Trick or Treat Advisements Officers Might Give to Spooky Passengers

October 31, 2024

On this All-Hallows’ Eve, we’ve conjured up some make-believe passengers and the would-be questions Officers would ask if these spooky travelers were passing through the checkpoint. 

The scariest part? The featured…

Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport STSO Maciej Gebala (Photo by  Neumann Mariana)

Kudos Across America – Dallas

October 23, 2024

My son and I were traveling to Columbus for the National Shooting tournament last weekend and the manager (Dallas Fort Worth International Airport STSO Maciej) Gebala basically saved my trip. 

Advanced Air Mobility aircraft on display at the ICAO AAM Symposium in Montreal. (TSA photo)

Embracing the future of aviation: TSA’s role in Advanced Air Mobility

October 22, 2024

The next frontier of aviation is taking an exciting new direction, and TSA is in the middle of the action.

It involves large helicopter-type drones and is an amazing development in the future of flying and transportation security.

Screening kit dispenser from design (inset) to prototype. (Jonathan Zlocki photo)

Tri-agency collaboration printing outside the lines

October 21, 2024

Louisiana Lead Explosives Specialist and Innovation Officer Mike Nelson’s invention puts new field explosive screening kits at the tips of officers’ fingers. The unassuming holder neatly organizes and conveniently dispenses supply kits used in…

The new canine team of Katie Antonovich and partner Niki in action at DCA. (Justin Andrise photo)

Behind-the-Scenes: TSA puppy camp to DC

October 17, 2024

A new canine team is on the job at one of the nation’s largest airports, and we’re giving you a sneak peek, behind-the-scenes glimpse of their months-long journey.

Over 1,000 TSA canines are on the job protecting travelers across the U.S.,…