Nearly one-fourth of TSA’s employees at Miami International Airport (MIA) have been with TSA since its inception. This milestone is a tremendous sign of dedication and commitment to the agency and its mission to protect the nation’s transportation systems.
TSA Miami came together in a series of recognition ceremonies commemorating the agency’s 20th anniversary at MIA and honoring the nearly 400 employees who have served TSA for two decades.
“So many of our employees at Miami have been with the agency since its start-up,” TSA MIA Federal Security Director Jenel Chang emphasized during the ceremonies. “This is truly another affirmation of your commitment and dedication in service. We have the great pleasure of recognizing nearly 400 members of our workforce for reaching their 20 years of service with TSA. Please join me in giving all of them a hearty congratulations and thanking them for their devotion to duty and faithful service to TSA and our country. I am honored to work with so many talented and dedicated members of our team.”
MIA Deputy Federal Security Director Tim Lewis led the longtime TSA employees in a reaffirmation of their oath of office.
“TSA MIA continues to stay true to our mission and had the opportunity to share alongside our legacy employees,” said Lewis. “We all celebrate this monumental milestone, not just for TSA’s people, but for the agency as a whole.”
The TSA MIA Communications team produced a video to remember 9/11 and commemorate the agency’s 20 years of service at the large airport.
TSA selected MIA as one of the two (large category) Airports of the Year in 2020. The airport screened a record number of passengers when the city hosted Super Bowl LIV, and TSA MIA employees recently assisted in the recovery from Hurricane Ian.
“We are a strong team who endured numerous challenges and obstacles from MIA’s initial start-up, such as several hurricanes, government shutdowns, and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said TSA Manager Ana Valdes and Human Resources Specialist Shornette McCain. “We made many innovative enhancements over the last 20 years to bolster our security procedures and counter the constantly evolving threats.”
During the 20th anniversary ceremonies, TSA MIA unveiled a Never Forget 9/11 memorial wall, an initiative to give employees an area to reflect on TSA’s history and the events on 9/11.
“It serves as a reminder to our team, many of whom were too young to remember the horrific events of 9/11,” said David Bressler, TSA assistant federal security director for Mission Support. “We will never forget, and we maintain the mindset ‘never again.’”
By David Cinalli, TSA Miami, and Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs