Employee Stories
A Dad, His Wingman, TSA and Father’s Day: The Spinden Story
June 16, 2023
Timing is everything. The agency Jim Spinden helped pioneer in 2002 as Idaho Falls first federal security director (FSD) is the same mission-driven TSA where Robert, his son, now works as the FSD of Georgia. But both men are fast to say,…
Behind the Lens with TSA’s Social Media Specialist Kris M.
June 14, 2023
In recognition of Pride Month, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Social Media Specialist Kris M, whose pronouns are they/them, sat down with us in a candid discussion about their views on their work at…
Kudos Across America – Washington, D.C.
June 13, 2023
I semi-regularly fly from Minneapolis to the Washington, D.C. This morning, I was returning to Minneapolis and was in the screening line and I observed a TSA officer talking with a mother who had a young daughter with her. They clearly…
Connecticut TSA helps children with autism practice going through screening
June 9, 2023
Imagine you’re at the airport feeling anxious as you go through screening and get ready to board your flight. It’s loud, you’re rushed, and you’re thinking about a bunch of things at once. You’re not quite sure what to…
TSA leader gets rare opportunity to speak at daughter’s graduation
June 8, 2023
Many TSA employees had the exciting opportunity to see their sons or daughters graduate from high school or college over the last few weeks, but one TSA leader enjoyed the very rare honor of speaking at her daughter’s commencement weekend.
Employee Spotlight on Louis Fletcher
June 6, 2023
Louis Fletcher served in the Navy as a yeoman when “don’t ask, don’t tell” was the official U.S. policy on military service of non-heterosexual people. When the policy ended 17…
Cold, hot – doesn’t matter to TSA Airports of the Year
June 6, 2023
When you’re talking about the weather, Alaska and Florida are on the extreme opposite ends of the climate spectrum. But when it comes to aviation security, the two states have something in common. Alaska and Florida are the proud homes of…
Surf’s up for Wounded Warriors: TSA helps veterans get to the beach
June 2, 2023
TSA officers from San Jose International Airport (SJC) welcomed Texas veterans who participated in Operation Surf, a Wounded Warrior program emphasizing the healing power of the ocean to restore hope,…
TSA on all cylinders Indy 500 weekend
June 1, 2023
One of the largest sporting events in the world took center stage in America’s heartland Memorial Day weekend, and TSA operated on all cylinders in the thick of the action. Over 330,000 race fans attended the 107th running of the…
TSA honors humble servant with top public service award
May 30, 2023
“Humbled, grateful, thankful.” Those were the words of Roxane Jett after learning she earned TSA’s top annual public service award. However, it’s the less fortunate people in her hometown of Atlanta who are grateful and thankful for Jett’…
Curbside walk to checkpoint proves fateful for TSA officer
May 24, 2023
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) TSA Officer Jason Kelvington was heading back to his post after the last break of his overnight shift, preparing for the flood of passengers he would assist through the alternate checkpoint entrance outside…
Day in the Life: TSA Academy, Canine Training Center Directors
May 24, 2023
Each year, thousands of TSA employees begin their journey at the TSA Academy and the agency’s Canine Training Center. Dicy Peppers, Tiaja Pauls and Virginia Beauman are key players in making sure the journey is…
Close bond makes TSA canine team top dogs
May 23, 2023
The tight bond between a dog and his handler is paying off. TSA named Koa Purugganan the agency’s 2022 Canine Handler of the Year during the annual TSA Honorary Awards Ceremony this month. Purugganan described the feeling of learning he…
Spotlight on Tim Lam celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 17, 2023
First generation Vietnamese-American Tim Lam brings his dedicated work ethic and respect for diversity to his supervisory TSA duties at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas. “When I got in, I was very…
Denver’s Chelsea Scott earns TSA Officer of the Year Award
May 16, 2023
Out of tens of thousands of TSA officers across the country, Chelsea Scott earned the prestigious title of 2022 Transportation Security Officer (TSO) of the Year. Scott, who was honored at last week’s annual…
Honor Flight takes off from the Caribbean
May 15, 2023
An honor guard stood at attention waiting for the VIP guests to arrive. One by one veterans wheeled or walked their way into a designated screening area at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “…
Working together: mother-daughter duo at Pittsburgh International Airport
May 12, 2023
Down the halls of Pittsburgh International Airport, TSA Master Security Training Instructor Tara Costlow is often greeted with a “Hey, Mom!” from her close colleagues. The affectionate nickname started after Tara’s daughter, Ivy Costlow, joined…
Sacramento TSA officer rushes to help airline employee hurt in car crash
May 11, 2023
A certain kinship exists among those who work at an airport. This is very true at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), where the aviation community is committed to delivering top tier services to residents and visitors in California’s capital…
Alabama TSA inspector wants agency to be longtime landing spot
May 10, 2023
Imagine being a TSA inspector (TSI) in Birmingham, Alabama, and deciding one day to reach out to the agency’s Administrator and creating an instant connection.
Death-match case leads to airline employee arrest
May 8, 2023
A perfect set of circumstances allowed an airline employee to assume a fake identity for nearly 23 years. The man succeeded in remaining under officials’ radar, receiving a U.S. passport, birth certificate and Social Security card from…