Employee Stories
Missing teen safely found with Alaska TSA officer’s he
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…
TSA Field Intelligence Officer Amanda Houck Recognized by Gerardo Hernandez ‘In The Line of Duty’ Award
June 7, 2024
While returning from the Washington State Fusion Center’s Crime and Safety Conference with a co-worker, TSA Field Intelligence Officer (FIO) Amanda Houck drove up on a scene that looked like it had fallen from the pages…
TSA Surface mentorship pays off! Montana screening officer earns degree
June 4, 2024
It’s the people who make up TSA and are crucial to the agency’s success in protecting the nation’s transportation systems. The one thing, though, that makes TSA extra special is the care and compassion TSA…
Kudos Across America – Burlington, Vermont
June 3, 2024
Dear TSA leadership, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding service provided by Supervisory TSA Officer (STSO) William Martin at the baggage and…
Getting the Job Done Despite Son’s Life-Saving Emergency Surgery
May 31, 2024
TSA’s National Transportation Vetting Center (NTVC) was facing significant challenges. The TVC’s Vetting Operations Section, which operates 24/7 to vet all airline passengers traveling on domestic and international flights, is a critical…
Full speed ahead: TSA expands security support for Indianapolis 500
May 29, 2024
Hundreds of thousands of race car fans filled the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this past Sunday to watch the 108th running of the Indy 500, and TSA made its presence known. Indiana TSA Federal Security Director…
Passenger Support Specialist of the Year shows travelers with special needs ‘TSA Cares’
May 24, 2024
Less than two years ago, Julia Perry joined TSA, and she’s already putting her stamp on the agency when it comes to caring and compassion for passengers. Perry, a lead TSA officer at Denver International Airport (DEN), was named the 2023…
Indiana TSA officer assesses threat risk; skillfully de-escalates mental health crisis
May 23, 2024
Fresh from a challenging encounter with a noncompliant passenger on the secure side of Checkpoint B, Indianapolis International Airport (IND) Jerald Washington walked up on another opportunity to exercise his compassionate command presence.…
Quick thinking: Alaska, Vermont TSA officers help passengers who fell off escalators
May 22, 2024
TSA officers have a tough job. They are responsible for providing security and protecting travelers in a courteous and professional manner in an often stressful environment. However, they are known…
Kudos Across America – Seattle
May 21, 2024
To Whom It May Concern: Please accept this note in highest praise and appreciation for Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (TSA Officer) Michelle Thomas.
FAM’s job like no other at TSA
May 20, 2024
While TSA officers have the job of keeping potentially dangerous prohibited items off airplanes, the agency’s Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) protect the traveling public both on the ground and in the air in many different…
Heather Proctor Honored with TSA Public Service Award
May 17, 2024
Heather Proctor is the kind of person who will drop everything to help a friend, colleague or stranger. For over a decade, Proctor, the Assistant Federal Security Director at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), has led the way for…
Officer’s Tongan values impact TSA culture at LAX
May 16, 2024
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Lead Officer Rhonda Vea, who has Pacific Islander ancestry, specifically Tongan roots, weaves the best parts of her heritage into her security work. She does it with the same passion traditional Tongan mat…
Mother’s Day Special: All in the family for TSA, DHS
May 10, 2024
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and it’s an extra special occasion for a TSA mom and four of her kids. TSA International Operations Asia Pacific Lead Desk Officer Marie Duncan is proud to have a whopping five…
TSA names 2023 Airports of the Year
May 9, 2024
Their size and operation may be dramatically different, but Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) both took home a big prize at the 2023 TSA…