Employee Stories
Kudos Across America – Los Angeles
July 30, 2024
With 40 minutes to final boarding at LAX, I realized I had left my carry-on at Terminal 1 security checkpoint after going through security. I was ready to give up and leave it because my flight was in Terminal 7 on the opposite side of the…
Double whammy: Palm Beach TSA Officer Encounters Two Firearms in Four Hours
July 29, 2024
Working for one of the largest federal government organizations was the furthest thing from Lito Marrero’s mind as he walked through downtown Manhattan on his way to work on September 11, 2001. “I was eight blocks away when the second…
Artfully concealed IED in TSA screening area leads to conviction of Pennsylvania man
July 25, 2024
The discovery of a commercial aerial mortar shell with a “quick match” fuse in a checked bag at Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) resulted in the arrest and conviction of an Allegiant Air passenger and Lansford,…
Kudos Across America – San Antonio
July 23, 2024
I would like to recognize Lead TSA Officer Ian Byrne at the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) for his professionalism and efficiency in helping us expedite security check-in for our return trip from SAT to Chicago Midway. He was our…
Passion, kindness drive northern Indiana instructor to carry out TSA’s mission
July 22, 2024
For nearly 22 years, Heidi Payton has carried out TSA’s mission with enthusiasm and extreme love for her job, and she’s as passionate today as she was in November 2002 when she launched her career with the agency.…
TSA Officers support record summer screening at nation’s airports
July 19, 2024
Summer travel is sizzling, and hundreds of TSA officers are volunteering to temporarily leave home to help their peers at other airports across the country. As TSA screens a record number of travelers during the…
TSA teams with Secret Service, others to secure landmark NATO Summit in DC
July 18, 2024
Leaders from around the world converged on Washington, D.C. last week to make key decisions on how to protect dozens of nations, and TSA played a significant role in the milestone event. For just the fourth time…
The family business: two generations proudly protect ATL travelers
July 17, 2024
A quiet ceremony marked a memorable moment for two TSA officers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). With coworkers and friends in attendance, Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) Velda Vanterpool pinned the…
Kudos Across America - Orlando
July 16, 2024
I wanted to bring to your attention an experience I had with two of your Officers at the Orlando International Airport (MCO). I was traveling home from Orlando to Albuquerque and was not very familiar with the airport. I returned…
Alabama STSO acts swiftly when live ammo discharged in burning house
July 15, 2024
TSA Supervisory Officer Tracy Mize made an unexpected and abrupt stop on his way home from his p.m. shift at Alabama’s Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) when he saw smoke and flames spiraling out of the back of a familiar wood frame home. “…
Kansas TSA officers help kids with disabilities prepare to fly
July 12, 2024
TSA officers at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) partnered with airport staff to help children with disabilities experience what goes on at an airport so they could be ready to fly when the big day comes. The…
Kudos Across America – Boston
July 9, 2024
I would like to thank and praise Samantha Whitney, a manager with Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
Life spared, TSA Detroit explosives expert becomes hero at I-75 crash site
July 8, 2024
It was 4:15 a.m. Cory Sullenberger was making his daily 62-mile commute from northwest Ohio to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) where he helps keep the flying public safe from explosives. On that…
One year later - pay plan’s impact on TSA
July 2, 2024
One year ago, on July 2, 2023, TSA’s Transportation Security Compensation Plan went into effect, bringing the agency’s pay in line with its counterparts across the federal…
Missing teen safely found with Alaska TSO’s help
June 27, 2024
TSA Officer Michelle Black was scrolling social media after her overnight shift at Alaska’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) when she saw a post that made her pause: a young man was missing, and he looked familiar. …
TSA officer helps reunite Ukrainian family
June 24, 2024
Last month Lead TSA Officer Patricia Vargas-Castaneda had no way of foreseeing that her actions would result in reuniting a Ukrainian family fleeing from a war-torn country and bringing them back together in the U.S. After being…
TSA officer brings Pride to TSA Alaska
June 17, 2024
Four years ago, Lead Transportation Security Officer Jessica Ciocon accepted a position at King Salmon Airport (AKN) in Alaska, more than 4,000 miles away from her home in Florida. The move meant leaving sandy beaches for subzero temperatures,…
Father to son: TSA early influencer inspires next gen innovator
June 14, 2024
Jeremy Trujillo was an influencer before influencers were cool. He shaped TSA officer behaviors, changed attitudes and looked sharp doing it long before social media was a thing. Of all the roles Trujillo has had over his nearly 22…
New spacious home for TSA Pullman
June 13, 2024
TSA officers in Pullman, Washington, have a renewed pep in their step, thanks to a brand new home to screen passengers and their bags. Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW) opened a new terminal and TSA…
TSA, dogs foster aviation security partnership with Chile
June 12, 2024
Dogs are helping TSA make new friends and partners around the world. A delegation from the Republic of Chile in western South America flew to San Antonio, Texas, to get an up close look at TSA’s Canine Training…