The official retirement age for anyone born after 1960 is 67. That’s the age when Ed Donga joined TSA as a transportation security officer. After 17 years on the frontline, Donga has decided to call it a career, retiring at the age of 84.
Donga leaves a legacy at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). “Ed was TSA Boston,” said Assistant Federal Security Director-Screening Greg Hawko. “He impacted the lives of so many current and former members of the TSA Boston family. He always had a smile on his face and loved spending time chatting with fellow Officers.”
Hawko said Donga’s BOS coworkers held a big retirement party to celebrate a great career and share countless stories and laughs.
Donga joined TSA in August 2002, shortly after the agency was formed. “It was a sad day for TSA Boston when we learned Ed was retiring,” Hawko said. “Much like Ed’s favorite team [the New England Patriots] will never be able to replace [Quarterback] Tom Brady, we will never be able to replace Ed Donga. However, we are excited that Ed and his wife
Transportation Security Manager Brian Cardona said Donga had a great career at BOS and was a fixture in the baggage screening rooms. “Over the years, Ed trained hundreds of officers in checked baggage and shared his knowledge with hundreds more,” said Cardona. “He was an officer you could always count on and was quick to jump in to help others.”
“Like many of us at TSA, the horrific event of September 11, 2001, struck Ed deeply,” Hawko recalled, “and at the age of 67, he answered the call to join TSA. Ed helped shape the organization and was pivotal in the startup of the checked baggage screening operation. Ed served numerous roles over the years from on-the-job mentor to role model officer. His wisdom and passion for the mission was unwavering and respected by his peers.”
Hawko said, “We wish Ed health and happiness and extend our deep appreciation for his service to the safety and security of our nation’s transportation system.”