Employee Stories

Outside look at the Pueblo Memorial Airport terminal. (Greg Pedroza photo)

TSA Pueblo prepares ‘trip of a lifetime’ for adults with disabilities

November 4, 2024

The dreams of flying for the first time came true for eight adults after overcoming a big obstacle that stood in their way – the TSA checkpoint.

For these adults, their specific disabilities presented additional challenges. They are part of…

Halloween bin aesthetics   (Bin photo by Jim Sample)

Knives Out: Sharp, Cleaver Trick or Treat Advisements Officers Might Give to Spooky Passengers

October 31, 2024

On this All-Hallows’ Eve, we’ve conjured up some make-believe passengers and the would-be questions Officers would ask if these spooky travelers were passing through the checkpoint. 

The scariest part? The featured…

Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport STSO Maciej Gebala (Photo by  Neumann Mariana)

Kudos Across America – Dallas

October 23, 2024

My son and I were traveling to Columbus for the National Shooting tournament last weekend and the manager (Dallas Fort Worth International Airport STSO Maciej) Gebala basically saved my trip. 

Advanced Air Mobility aircraft on display at the ICAO AAM Symposium in Montreal. (TSA photo)

Embracing the future of aviation: TSA’s role in Advanced Air Mobility

October 22, 2024

The next frontier of aviation is taking an exciting new direction, and TSA is in the middle of the action.

It involves large helicopter-type drones and is an amazing development in the future of flying and transportation security.

Screening kit dispenser from design (inset) to prototype. (Jonathan Zlocki photo)

Tri-agency collaboration printing outside the lines

October 21, 2024

Louisiana Lead Explosives Specialist and Innovation Officer Mike Nelson’s invention puts new field explosive screening kits at the tips of officers’ fingers. The unassuming holder neatly organizes and conveniently dispenses supply kits used in…

The new canine team of Katie Antonovich and partner Niki in action at DCA. (Justin Andrise photo)

Behind-the-Scenes: TSA puppy camp to DC

October 17, 2024

A new canine team is on the job at one of the nation’s largest airports, and we’re giving you a sneak peek, behind-the-scenes glimpse of their months-long journey.

Over 1,000 TSA canines are on the job protecting travelers across the U.S.,…

Tampa International Airport TSA Officer Justin Causby (Photo by Tonia Wolfson)

TSA Officer’s critical thinking, ID technology aid in arrest of wanted suspect

October 16, 2024

One evening at Tampa International Airport, a female passenger handed a Florida driver's license to Transportation Security Officer Justin Causby who was at the travel document checker station. The woman was very quiet during her screening and…

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA) TSA Officer Veda Covington.   (Photo by Erica Vinegar),

Kudos Across America - Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

October 16, 2024

Early in July, I took my siblings to the airport to catch their flight to San Diego at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA). They live 45 minutes away and I got a gate pass to make sure they got off OK. 

Hector International Airport TSA Officer Keri Miller. (Photo by Jason Sax)

Kudos Across the Badlands – North Dakota

October 7, 2024

IHector International Airport (FAR) 

had to receive a pat down because the zipper on my shorts dinged the machine and the woman (TSA Officer Keri Miller) who came to pat me down asked if I had any sort of touch…

Canine handlers April Dwight and Kelsey King practice applying splints to a dog’s broken leg. (TSA TPA photo)

First-aid training in Florida focuses on frontline furry friends

October 4, 2024

All too often we hear about medical emergencies involving passengers or even TSA employees at our nation’s airports. At Florida’s Tampa International Airport (TPA), TSA is putting a special emphasis on the potential of…

Sandra and Manny Melendez (Manny Melendez photo)

¡Què padre! or ¡Qué chévere! Either way, the Melendezes are cool.

October 3, 2024

If they moonlighted as a stand-up comedy team, Sandra Melendez would be the straight man to her fast-talking husband’s wry one-liners. They could easily win open mic night when riffing on their Hispanic fusion and cultural one-upmanship fed by…

Passengers run out of train; NFTA police run in. (Luke Murphy photo)

Phew! Active shooter scene on Buffalo commuter train just a test

October 2, 2024

A gunman opens fire on a crowded commuter train in Buffalo.

Fortunately, it was just an exercise to test and evaluate how local police officers respond to an active shooter situation on a mass transit passenger…

JFK TSA Officer Brittany Brooks (Image by JFK Crown Communications team)

Kudos Across America – Queens, New York

October 1, 2024

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) TSA Officer Brittany Brooks was assigned to assist me and my children; a 5- and 6-year-old through the TSA checkpoint.

Christine Griggs was honored with TSA’s 2024 Trailblazer Award. (Photo courtesy of SCPA)

Leading and Empowering, Christine Griggs' Journey to Becoming TSA's 2024 Trailblazer

September 27, 2024

Sitting on the opposite side of the presenter’s podium, Christine Griggs watched former TSA Deputy Administrator Patricia Cogswell provide the opening remarks at the agency’s annual Trailblazer and Rising Star Awards ceremony. Typically, Griggs…

LTSO Cade Hammerschmidt coaches officer-in-training Sreekala Kulasekhsar on the X-ray.  (Sarah Covington photo)

Minnesota TSA officer follows in mom’s footsteps to coach, teach

September 26, 2024

In 2008, Cade Hammerschmidt joined TSA to open a career path to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but even with a degree in environmental studies, it didn’t take him long to realize TSA was the right place for him.…

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Canine Supervisor Joseph Havens with Canine Szonja (Photo courtesy of Joseph Havens)

Canine supervisor helps passenger after tumble down escalator

September 24, 2024

When a traveler tumbled down an escalator at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Canine Supervisor Joseph Havens ran to help the passenger in need and get the situation under control.

Havens was observing operations when the…

A TSA Olympian participates in the pat-down competition. (Roderica Clohessy photo)

Going for the gold! Team Washington wins 2024 TSA National Olympics

September 17, 2024

The cream rose to the top!

Out of the nation’s more than 50,000 TSA officers on the passenger screening frontlines, 54 landed a spot at the 2024 TSA National Olympics, which took place on September 9-11 at the agency’s headquarters in…

Kim Hood and Debra Borza

Mom of Flight 93 victim shares mission request to TSA new hires

September 13, 2024

The first post on Deora Frances Bodley’s electronic obituary page, published over two decades ago, ends in a pledge. We will never forget.

For Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Security Training…