ALBANY, N.Y. --Transportation Security Administration officers at Albany International Airport have always played a critical role in serving as the last line of defense in protecting the flying public from harm. Now they are also playing an important role in supporting area veterans who were once the first line of defense in protecting the nation.
TSA officers perform significant work to support their local communities with one example being the uniform exchange program. Surplus uniforms that officers no longer need must be returned to TSA. TSA volunteers then work to remove the patches and TSA insignia off of all uniform items that are in good condition so that the surplus items can be turned over to local veteran’s hospitals to help clothe those in need. TSA Officer Anthony Nicklo, with the assistance of TSA Officer Autumn Otis, delivered more than $25,000 worth of excess uniform articles to the Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center this month, including more than 50 jackets and 170 long sleeve shirts.
“I am very proud of the work TSA officers do at the Albany International Airport and across the country,” said TSA Federal Security Director Bart R. Johnson. “Each day they do their best to make sure the flying public arrives at their destination safely, and on time. What the public does not always realize is the help that the officers provide in the communities in which they live and serve. One example of this is the program we have working with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albany.”
Anthony Nicklo, one of the TSA officers responsible for reconditioning the garments and coordinating the efforts behind the contribution said, “It is very rewarding to know that these used clothes are being put to good use and going to people who really need them, rather than just being destroyed. The VA representatives were extremely grateful for the donations and thanked TSA for everything that we do for them.”
Along with continuing their efforts to provide clothing to the Veterans’ Administration, TSA officers at the airport are currently participating in the “Feds Feed Families” food drive. So far they have dropped off 300 pounds of food to the Northeastern Regional Food Bank.