Employee Stories

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Lead TSA Officer Thomas Stein gives some Baltimore students an up close look at TSA’s screening operation at BWI. (TSA BWI photo)

‘Sky is the limit’ – TSA gives youth VIP treatment, career ideas at BWI

September 15, 2023

TSA was at the center of a special VIP experience for dozens of Baltimore kids, many of whom may now be considering careers in the transportation world.

Fifty youth, aged 10 to 16, from the city’s recreation…

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Supervisory TSA Officer Jonathan Curbis and TSA Officer Matt Wieckowicz. Not pictured, TSA Officer Ola Soltysyk. (Photo by Shaquita Selvy)

Kudos Across America - Chicago

September 14, 2023

To whom it may concern:

I am a disabled traveler, and I just came through security at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). I have a Florida driver’s license, and when my license was run in the TSA system (TDC), it didn’t come up as…

Third-generation TSA uniform (TSA photo)

9/11 Marks 15th Anniversary of TSA’s Iconic Blue Uniforms

September 12, 2023

The blue uniforms TSA officers wear every day as they screen passengers and bags at more than 400 airports across the country are instantly recognizable. Over the last decade and a half, the true-blue uniforms have helped give TSA’s hardworking…

Jenel Chang speaking during a Miami International Airport (MIA) press conference. (Photo courtesy of Jenel Chang)

TSA’s Trailblazer Award winner Jenel Chang

September 5, 2023

“Never forget where you started,” Jenel Chang said.

It’s a phrase the Large Hub Executive Director has kept close throughout her more than 20-year TSA career where different roles brought her to new cities, airports and communities. Chang…

Michigan TSA Federal Security Director Reggie Stephens speaks with students from the Detroit Police Prep Academy. (Photo courtesy of TSA DTW)

Intelligence, explosives, dogs, Federal Air Marshals - teen law enforcement hopefuls see it all at DTW

August 31, 2023

A career in law enforcement – that’s the dream of 50 Detroit teenagers who got a first-hand look at TSA’s security operations at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

The teens, students from the…

Newark Liberty International Airport TSA Officer Emma Denby concentrates as she checks IDs at the travel document checker position. (Photo by Almetra Strand)

TSA officer follows facts, catches fake ID at Newark checkpoint

August 30, 2023

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) TSA Officer Emma Denby was working at the travel document checker (TDC) position when a female passenger arrived at the checkpoint for screening. Denby asked for ID, and…

The downtown Cleveland skyline. (Shutterstock image)

Kudos Across America – Cleveland

August 28, 2023

On an evening at the end of her shift, TSA Officer Jill Nagel helped my 82-year-old mother while she was stranded at the Cleveland Hopkins (International) Airport as the airline did nothing [to assist].

Officer Nagel helped her secure a…

Senior leaders at the time of the agency’s inception. Seated from left, Ashley Cannatti, Ralph Basham, Gale Rossides, Stephen McHale and Lana Tannozzini. Standing from left, Tony Woo, Francine Kerner, John Magaw and Kevin Houlihan. (Photo courtesy of TSA Historian)

Celebrating Women’s Equality Day: Why TSA Chief Counsel Francine Kerner’s work matters

August 25, 2023

Francine Kerner can give a master class in being professionally underestimated because of her gender.

Barrow (Utqiaġvik) Alaska.  (Shutterstock image)

Kudos Across America – Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska

August 22, 2023

Wiley Post – Will Rogers Memorial Airport TSA Officer Bob Seashoals deserves to be recognized as an outstanding employee. He instantly recognizes when people need help and acts to the extreme ends of his ability to…

This SUV flipped over on Southern State Parkway about 10 miles from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. (Photo by Richard White)

SUV flips near JFK; TSA officers pull woman from wreckage

August 21, 2023

A pair of TSA officers from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) turned into instant heroes while on their way home from work.

An elderly woman flipped her SUV on the Southern State Parkway on…

Fayetteville Regional Airport TSA Officer Amilia Pierre works an X-ray rotation. (Photo by William DeSalvo

Haitian Creole connects passenger and North Carolina TSA officer

August 16, 2023

Rarely is anyone at North Carolina’s Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) asked to translate Haitian Creole at the checkpoint, but for Haitian-born TSA Officer Amilia Pierre, the…

Chicago Midway International Airport TSA Officer Ramon Caballero working at the checkpoint. (Photo courtesy of Ramon Caballero)

Officer’s attention to detail catches felon at checkpoint

August 15, 2023

A routine document check resulted in a passenger fleeing down the halls of Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). The discovery was made by TSA Officer Ramon Caballero, a rookie fresh off new hire training.

It was his first big…

NYC photo

Kudos Across America – Queens, New York

August 11, 2023

Mr. Krulish (John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Supervisory TSA Officer Frank Krulish) called my cell on Father’s Day. The first time he called, (since I did not recognize his number), I did not answer. He persisted and called again, and…

First responders on the scene of the one-car accident Boston Logan International Explosives Detection Canine Handlers Janet Goodness and Brandon Denneen encountered on their way to work. (Photo courtesy of TSA BOS)

Boston Logan International airport TSA canine handlers assist motorist is dire circumstances

August 11, 2023

Seeing a sea of car brake lights spotlighted against the predawn sky, TSA Explosives Detection Canine Handlers Janet Goodness and Brandon Denneen slowed their vehicles along with the rest of the commuters on the busy, elevated expressway.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Supervisory TSA Officers Teri Shoemaker and John Rhoades come to the aid of a passenger who suddenly collapsed near the checkpoint. (Photo courtesy of TSA SEA)

Passenger collapses, TSA officers race into action at SEA-TAC

August 4, 2023

What appeared to be a normal overnight shift for the TSA team at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) suddenly turned into crisis mode when a passenger collapsed near one of the checkpoints.

Supervisory…

TSI Derek McDaniels (right) points out a spot along a fence that needs to be checked to ensure the fence is properly affixed to poles and wires so it cannot be breached. TSI Tristin Carder tugs at the fence to make sure it is secure. (Photo by Lisa Farbstein)

TSA inspectors ensure robust airport perimeter security

August 2, 2023

Editor’s note: On a recent hot summer morning, I had the opportunity to shadow a team of TSA inspectors at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport as they showed me some of what they do to…

Boise International Airport main lobby.  (Photo by Dee Dee Krakowski)

Kudos Across America – Boise, Idaho

July 31, 2023

Boise, ID TSA Supervisor Nicole turned my worst day of the year into one of the best.

Busy day at the TSA checkpoint at Denver International Airport. (File photo)

TSA pay, technology spur agency growth over last two years

July 27, 2023

The now vs. then is a stark contrast when you compare the last two years at TSA.

Looking back at the agency’s most significant changes since 2021 when the sixth iteration of TSA’s National Advisory Council (NAC VI) took office, pay,…

Huntsville International Airport (HSV) Lead TSA Officer Theresa Musso screens a passenger who competed in the Para-Cycling World Cup. (Photo courtesy of TSA HSV)

Bike cases galore! TSA Huntsville supports Para-Cycling World Cup

July 26, 2023

TSA officers were in the thick of one of the biggest sporting events to come to Huntsville, Alabama, in the city’s history.

More than 300 athletes from all over the globe converged on Huntsville, which hosted the first-ever UCI (Union…

The Texas Tech University’s College of Education students and faculty ready to negotiate the airport. (Photo by Tom Harper)

Lubbock TSA passenger support specialists assist Texas Tech University program

July 25, 2023

For several years, Texas Tech University’s (TTU) College of Education staff has partnered with TSA at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB) to provide their students and future teachers real-world exposure…