TSA Weekly, April 13 - 17, 2009
A Message from Gale
‘Everyday Leaders at TSA’
Graphic by Ann Oh
If you’ve ever visited TSA’s external blog, “Evolution of Security,” you’ve seen the following across the top of the page: “Terrorists Evolve. Threats Evolve. Security Must Stay Ahead. You Play A Part.”
Exactly. This, in essence, describes the challenges that we face and what we have to do to overcome them. Our mission is not an easy one. It’s a mission that is so complex that it is not possible for a few senior leaders “at the top” to make all of the decisions necessary to keep the agency ready for the challenges we face every day. That’s why we need people at every level of the organization with the courage and the skill to lead through their actions, whether they’re formally designated leaders or not. In short, the success of this agency depends on everyone taking on the leadership mantle by being trained and ready, and by stepping up at every turn to make a difference.
We’re fortunate to be blessed with an abundance of such everyday leaders at TSA. That fact really hit me when I was talking to the 480 Action Team members – the first group of ENGAGE! and COACH! facilitators – with the incredible “Jump Team” that helped to develop the curriculum and serve as mentors and the 80 “Go Team” train-the-trainers in the room. At that moment, I realized that I was facing the leaders of TSA – in fact, the future of TSA. They are a perfect example of everyday leaders who are moving the agency forward.
Leadership is also evident in NAC I and NAC II members who are officers, supervisors and managers who own the responsibility of representing their co-workers by raising issues and recommending solutions to challenges at TSA. They take the job seriously and work tirelessly to find balance between meeting our security mission and improving workforce challenges.
TSA is all about the people – the everyday leaders who are moving this agency forward and keeping the traveling public safe. It is critical to our success as an organization that every employee thinks of him or herself as a leader: You lead every passenger who travels through your checkpoint; you lead every passenger on the plane you fly in FAM mission status; every front line supervisor, every manager, every inspector is a leader. Members of safety action teams, local employee councils, FAMS focus groups – all are leaders.
Colleagues in the airline industry, mass transit and other modes look to each of us for our expertise and the information we share. The American people looked to many of you in the aftermath of 9/11 to build a more secure aviation system; they continue to look to us to offer the latest in science and technology, to inform them through media, and to be leaders in the world of transportation security. Our mission is clear and, for every employee of TSA, the call to leadership is the same: Prepare, train, practice and perform – being a leader and providing security are interchangeable calls to action.
Thank you to all for the leadership you provide every day.
News
- TSA Miami Employees Act Quickly in Three Incidents
- TSA Iowa Breaks Ground with Cross-Agency Training
- Secretary Announces Surface Transportation Security Grants
- This Week’s Featured Local Newsletter
- Celebrating Earth Day Across TSA All Year-Round
- TSA and Liberia Partner to Enhance Aviation Security
- In Tribute
Column
Officers at Miami International Airport were recognized for “going above and beyond the call of duty” in several recent incidents. From left, TSOs Donna Destine, Veronica Ruiz and Jerry Marc. Read more. Photo by Zulma Garcia
Graphic by Ann Oh
Your Weekly E-mail Tip
Do you need additional space in your TSA e-mail account? You can free up space by creating personal folders where you can archive e-mail messages. Click here for instructions. If you have any questions, call the TSA Helpdesk Single Point of Contact (SPOC) at 1-800-253-8571. (PDF, 7kb)
News
TSA Miami Employees Act Quickly in Three Incidents
By Zulma Garcia, Security Manager, Miami International Airport
In three separate incidents, TSA Miami International Airport employees showed heroism and courage while helping others.
On March 25, Scheduling Assistant Jay Woods rescued a man who was being beaten. While off-duty, Woods witnessed two men kicking, punching and striking another man with a tire iron at a gas station. Licensed to carry a concealed firearm, Woods pulled his weapon and ordered the men to stop the assault. They did so, and drove off. Woods followed the car and called police, who caught and arrested the men for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
“Jay Woods’ unselfish and courageous actions reflect very positively on our organization. He’s a stand-up guy who didn’t hesitate to act boldly in the face of a formidable challenge,” said FSD Mark Hatfield Jr.
On March 10, Supervisory TSO Osiris Morales and TSOs Jerry Marc, Donna Destine and Trond-Alex Haynes heard a child screaming. The 3-year-old’s foot had become lodged in a moving escalator. Working quickly as a team, the four officers stopped the escalator, freed the child, provided comfort to the parents, and controlled the crowd until medical help arrived. “These four individuals embody the service and protection ethic that we seek to develop in all of our officers,” said Hatfield. “Their actions were quick, instinctive and effective.”
In the third incident, TSOs Veronica Ruiz, Christopher Maria and Yomara Pineda were screening employees and contractors outside the checkpoint area when they encountered an elderly female passenger trying to find her husband. The woman did not speak English and even though the officers’ shift ended, they stayed with her to call family and help with hotel accommodations. The next day, based on a description provided by the woman, the officers recognized the elderly man wandering the airport and helped reunite the couple.
The officers were recognized with letters of commendation, TSA coins of appreciation and time off awards for “exemplary performance and excellent customer service skills.”
TSA Iowa Breaks Ground with Cross-Agency Training
By Tim Kinnan, Master TSO, Des Moines International
Des Moines' Pat Harrigan, Assistant FSD for Law Enforcement, addresses law enforcement representatives from across Iowa prior to a behavior recognition class. Photo by Tim Kinnan
TSA Iowa recently hosted a one-day, cross-agency training course on behavior detection techniques with 46 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, and representatives of the Iowa Air National Guard.
The course, held at a guard facility, featured training on questioning techniques and how to recognize signs of deception through verbal and non-verbal indicators when speaking with others.
Carl Maccario, Program Analyst, and John Valdez, Assistant FSD for Law Enforcement at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, both experts in TSA’s Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT) program, led the training. Pat Harrigan, Des Moines International AFSD for Law Enforcement, organized the event.
“These kinds of training sessions are a great way to foster further cooperation and interaction between TSA and the law enforcement community,” said Des Moines FSD Jay Brainard. “We look forward to continuing to work with all of our partners at the airport and in other transportation venues.”
J. Thomas Jenkins, a special agent with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, called the class “very informative and an added tool for law enforcement."
“We appreciate the opportunity to interact and share information with our TSA partners,” said Russ Schafnitz, Bomb Squad Commander, Des Moines Police Department.
Secretary Announces Surface Transportation Security Grants
From the Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, joined by Acting Administrator Gale Rossides (second from the Secretary’s left) and other agency heads, at the transportation security grants announcement. Photo by Barry Bahler
More than $402 million in Department of Homeland Security surface transportation security grants, managed by TSA, was recently announced by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano to strengthen mass transit, bus, ferry, trucking, and rail systems in high-threat urban areas.
The grants are part of a $971 million package of federal preparedness assistance to state, local, and tribal governments and private industry to protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.
The funding is allocated as follows: $349 million for rail and intracity bus systems through the Transit Security Grant Program; $25 million for Amtrak; $15 million for the Freight Rail Security Grant Program; $11.7 million for the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program; and $2.2 million for the Trucking Security Program.
The grants are risk-based with the bulk of resources targeted to the areas of highest risk and impact. TSA works in partnership with local and federal agencies, and private sector partners, to identify high priority funding areas, and awards funding for projects that will provide the highest return on investment to reduce risk and enhance security.
This year TSA’s top priorities include operational deterrence, improvised explosive device prevention and protection efforts; communication enhancements such as better information sharing and analysis; and more regionally-based security cooperation and exercises.
For more information, visit TSA.gov.
This Week’s Featured Local Newsletter
The April issue of The Screen Scene, published by TSA employees in Central Texas, is strong on local news, with training information and a calendar among the helpful material provided to officers and staff of the area’s four airports (Austin Bergstrom International, Easterwood, Killeen-Ft. Hood Regional and Waco Regional). The newsletter’s layout and design are presented in an easy-to-follow format and includes sections with details on employee-related services, including career counseling and human resources.
An archive of featured newsletters is available on iShare in the Communications Central section, which is linked from the home page.
Celebrating Earth Day Across TSA All Year-Round
By Holly Tuck, Environmental Scientist, Office of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment
Graphic courtesy of the Office of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment
Earth Day is April 22 and TSA will be celebrating agency-wide. Events will be held at headquarters and at more than 30 field operations. Contact your environmental management coordinator to see if your field operation will be hosting an Earth Day event.
This year, TSA’s Earth Day themes include: Reduce Your Energy Usage; Green Your Meetings; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle-Rethink!; Green Your Commute; and Conserve Water.
Even though Earth Day is recognized on one day, it is important for everyone to do their part 365 days a year. For more information on TSA’s efforts, visit the Environmental Management Program page on iShare, found under Finance and Administration, Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment.
In Tribute
(Names of TSA employees and dates of death provided by the Office of Human Capital.)
James Sikes, Deputy FSD, Charlotte/Douglas (N.C.) International Airport, April 14, 2009
Wendell Franke, TSO, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, March 26
Fernando DeJuan, Stakeholder Manager, Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan, Puerto Rico), March 20
Garth Conover, TSO, Newark (N.J.) International Airport, March 15
Karla Thomas, TSO, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, March 2
Column
E-mail Best Practices
(Hint: Reply to All is Rarely the Answer)
By Nicole Raymond, Communications Team, Office of Information Technology
A few weeks ago an e-mail chain letter spread rapidly through TSA. Multiple copies piled up in employee in-boxes as people replied to be removed from the list or to protest being included in the first place. The Office of Information Technology (OIT) staff removed the suspect e-mail from the server and stopped the message from spreading.
“Chain e-mail events have the potential to seriously impact TSA’s e-mail systems,” said Acting Chief Information Officer Stephen Rice. He noted that a comparable event nearly took down the e-mail system at the State Department this past January.
To prevent similar consequences, and to maintain the performance of the TSA e-mail system, we recommend the following e-mail best practices:
- Do not forward any e-mail chain letters, including those that warn of computer viruses or promise some sort of cash incentive. Forwarding e-mail chain letters violates TSA Information Technology Security Acceptable Use Policy. If you receive a chain letter e-mail, delete it immediately. Responding to the message, even to request removal, only sustains the impact on the e-mail server.
- Use the Microsoft Outlook “Reply to All” feature only when your reply must be known by all addressees in both the to: and cc: fields.
- Minimize the size and number of attachments. Whenever possible, use SharePoint to store and link a large file, rather than attaching it to e-mails.
- Do not, by default, request delivery and read receipts for your e-mail messages.
As always, if you receive any suspicious e-mail messages, please contact the TSA Helpdesk (SPOC) at 1-800-253-8571.
Kudos & Clips
Police: Wanted Man Had Gun at Sunport
By Kaitlin McCarthy, KRQE.com, April 13, 2009
A man wanted on drunken driving warrants was detained Monday morning after he allegedly had a gun in his carry-on baggage as he went through security at the Albuquerque International Sunport. Read more.
In my business, I draw the distinction between “efficiency” and “effectiveness.” Efficiency is getting things done, while effectiveness is getting the right things done. PVD [T.F. Green International Airport (Warwick, R.I.)] is a model of effectiveness. The TSA personnel move passengers through the lanes quickly, but with an attention to detail that make passengers feel secure. ... I would like to recommend those serving at PVD be officially recognized for the outstanding work they perform every day, with every passenger. I am proud to call PVD my home airport.
Gerald Schwall, Rehoboth, Mass., to Diane Marley, Customer Support and Quality Improvement Manager, T.F. Green International Airport. March, 30 2009.
I just wanted to let you know that your team seven PM crew at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport security is the most awesome, engaged and friendly group of people I’ve ever encountered at any airport.
Kelly Ross, McKinney, Texas to Ignacio R. Reyes Jr., Stakeholder Relations and Customer Support Manager, Austin-Bergstrom International, Easterwood, Killeen-Fort Hood Regional, and Waco Regional airports. March 8, 2009.
TSA Experience
Students Learn and Explore With TSA Charlotte/Douglas
From TSA Charlotte/Douglas (N.C.) International Airport
Bomb Appraisal Officer Chris Stoup shows an improvised explosive device bag that he created. Photo by Rusty Nyborg
Local high school students visited TSA Charlotte/Douglas International to participate in the “Explorer Night” event, which provides youth an opportunity to learn about available careers, including in the aviation community. TSA has been involved in the program since 2002.
The airport’s law enforcement K-9 unit conducted a demonstration of TSA-trained dogs; and students learned about the deadly effects of an improvised explosive device and how to use the hand-held metal detector.
Officers also provided a historical overview of TSA; discussed the steps involved to apply for an agency position; and stressed the importance of staying in school. Applicants must possess a high school diploma.
“We enjoyed hosting this event and sharing why we joined TSA,” said Lead TSO Rusty Nyborg, whose collateral duties include Model Workplace coordinator.
Supervisory TSO Harriet Ratliff, Lead TSO Winphal Johnson, TSO Carlos Johnson, Transportation Security Manager Leticia Ford and Bomb Appraisal Officer Chris Stoup also participated.
TSA Miami Helps Honor Fallen Police Officers
Photo by Darrell Brooks
On April 8, Lead TSOs Bernard Lee and Mayra Williams (pictured) of the TSA Miami International Airport Color Guard, helped deliver a U.S. Flag of Honor to the funeral of three police officers killed in the line of duty recently in Pittsburgh. Also pictured are officers from eight area police departments. A bagpiper played America the Beautiful as the flag was presented to a pilot of a non-stop flight to Pittsburgh. The Flag of Honor flew over the state capital in Austin, Texas, on the day of the 9/11 attacks, and later flew over ground zero in New York in honor of 9/11’s fallen heroes.
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