Oct. 20 - 24, 2008
 Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff (left) announces the Secure Flight final rule. He is joined by TSA Administrator Kip Hawley and TSO Edwardo Danila, DCA. Photo by Brigitte DittbernerColumn The TSA Experience
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National Advisory Council Members Join Evolution Network
By Michael Simons, Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
NAC members on the last day of ENGAGE! and
COACH! training. From left, Tony Reynolds, BDO,
Anchorage International Airport; Terrie LeClaire,
STSO, Pullman-Moscow (Wash.) Regional Airport;
Sherry Gunnett, TSO, South Bend (Ind.) Regional
Airport; Gwena McGehee, LTSO, Mid-America
(Liberal, Kan.) Regional Airport; and Egbert Haynes,
LTSO, John F. Kennedy (N.Y.) International Airport.
Photo by Michael Simons
Nineteen National Advisory Council members came to headquarters in mid-October to take ENGAGE! and COACH! training with the goal of developing suggestions for tying it closely to other TSA programs as well as returning to the field with new Evolution principles.
Inviting NAC members to participate in ENGAGE! and COACH! training takes advantage of NAC's unique position as a direct conduit of information between senior TSA leaders and the field. The members go beyond their personal interests and bring to senior leadership a myriad of issues the field is already raising about ENGAGE! and COACH!, such as how it affects PASS, recurrent training and the SOP.
"We understand some of the fear that's associated with the changes the workforce will face under ENGAGE! and COACH!," said Terrie LeClaire, supervisory TSO, Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (Wash.). "But because we talk directly to Kip, we understand his confidence in the workforce and we can take that back to the workforce. We can go back and be the support that will be needed. We can model the change – as co-workers."
NAC's members can also bring suggestions to senior leadership for ways to leverage ENGAGE! and COACH! as part of developing a more professional workforce. "This is an opportunity for growth to become better officers," said David Ford, transportation security manager, Sioux Falls (S.D.) Regional Airport. "As NAC members, we are looking for ways to simplify other tools in the officer's toolkit so that they can better implement ENGAGE! and COACH!. For example, we are looking for ways to help support the critical-thinking piece, an important component of a professional workforce."
"We can help with the changing mindset that's so important for the success of Evolution and this training," agreed Michael York, AFSD-screening, Port Columbus (Ohio) International Airport. "The principles and culture of COACH! and ENGAGE! now allow our leaders to stop leading by the book, and engages our total workforce to begin leading from the heart. This develops a professional workforce engaged with the mission."
Evolution – In the FSD's Own Words
Photo courtesy of TSA Charleston
I [recently] received my certificate for completing ENGAGE!. What a great experience for me and all the team members who were a part of the training. I think that everyone will walk out of the training with a new sense of mission and with some tools to help with the mission. COACH! is next and I look forward to seeing what tools that provides. I know that it is more difficult for some airports than others, but I suggest that, if possible, a security manager or above hand out the certificates on the last day.
- Federal Security Director Debra Engel, Charleston (S.C.) and Myrtle Beach international airports
COACH! class participants at Georgetown, S.C. Pictured are (from left) Lead TSO David Chandler, Myrtle Beach; FSD Debra Engel; Supervisory TSO Russell Peagler, Charleston; Lead TSO Boyd Graham, Myrtle Beach; and Security Training Instructor Jim Witten, Myrtle Beach.
Evolution: Kip Answers Your Questions
Editor's Note: The following is the second in a series of four segments that detail Administrator Kip Hawley's responses to questions from officers at a recent ENGAGE! graduation ceremony.
When we talk about "network," what does that mean about how decisions are made?
The TSA formal communication lines will continue to have what is basically a hierarchical management structure. This is especially important for decisions regarding organizational direction and operations. When it comes to decisions that are made "on the ground" about security, we want to look to our full networks, formal or not. The network is where the work gets done, and we need to bring the best knowledge we have to bear – whether above, lateral or below on the organizational chart. When you have to make a decision about something, ask yourself who are the most effective people to help make the decision. Who has the knowledge you need?
PS: It is important to remember that the objective of ENGAGE! is not to do away with the SOP but to use it as a guide in a world where terrorists seek to find the gray areas not covered by the terms of the SOP.
News
Chertoff Announces Final Rule for Secure Flight
By Michael Simons, Office of Strategic Communications/Public AffairsHomeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced Oct. 22 the release of the final rule for Secure Flight, a key 9/11 Commission recommendation. Administrator Kip Hawley joined Chertoff at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for the announcement.
Secure Flight brings watch list matching inside the government from the airlines and ensures known terrorists will not get on planes. Implementation will begin in early 2009.
"Secure Flight will improve security by maintaining the confidentiality of the government's watch list information while fully protecting passengers' privacy and civil liberties," said Hawley.
For the first time, the government announced that there are fewer than 2,500 individuals on the No-Fly list, and fewer than 16,000 on the No-Fly and Selectee lists combined. Less than ten percent of the No-Fly individuals are U.S. persons.
The DHS press release and final rule are available online.
Facts You Can Use
Secure Flight- Right now, passengers are matched against watch lists by each airline. TSA's Secure Flight program will bring that function inside the government so it can be done uniformly and consistently.
- Under Secure Flight, passengers will provide a date of birth, full name and gender, which will help TSA weed out individuals – like 7 year olds – mistaken for people really on the No-Fly and Selectee lists.
- Initial estimates indicate that under Secure Flight, in excess of 99 percent of passengers will be able to use Internet check-in or kiosks and experience no delays in obtaining their boarding passes.
- There are fewer than 2,500 individuals on the No-Fly list, and fewer than 16,000 on the No-Fly and Selectee lists combined. Less than ten percent of the No-Fly individuals are U.S. persons.
- For additional information on watch lists, visit the Watch List Facts You Can Use on the Intranet.
FSDs and Special Agents in Charge Attend Annual Conference
By Michael Simons, Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
Gerald Chapman (left), Central Area director, with
Mark Haught, Eastern Area director, show officer
uniforms of past and present. Photo by Michael Simons
More than 150 FSDs and FAM special agents in charge (SACs) attended TSA's annual FSD-SAC conference Oct. 20-21 in Reston, Virginia. In the three days, the participants enhanced their networks, shared lessons learned, received briefings from subject matter experts, and heard from senior leaders, including Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
Chertoff addressed key issues affecting the agency and congratulated TSA on its rapid maturity, pointing specifically to its successful increase in air marshal missions, roll out of new technology, increased focus on behavior detection and critical thinking, and its rapid adaptability evidenced by its response to the 2006 liquids-bomb plot.
The FAMs and SACs received briefings about Evolution and suicide bombers, participated in break-out sessions with their area directors, and heard from Administrator Kip Hawley and Deputy Administrator Gale Rossides.
Hawley spoke about the post-election transition period, remaining an intel-driven agency, and the importance of ENGAGE! and COACH!. He said the greatest challenge will be at the personal level because there might be a temptation to not take chances during the transition. Hawley challenged the participants not to entertain those thoughts, but instead to have the confidence in themselves to take necessary risks to continue to mitigate the threat.
He said the FSD's role is to draw enthusiasm and commitment from their people. "Be there for them," he said. "But also be there with them."
Hawley brought his message home with ENGAGE! and COACH!. The FSDs, he said, will get a "switched on" workforce with ENGAGE! and COACH! training. And a switched on workforce will result in flexibility to put the playbook into action.
Oct. 29: Diversity Day at TSA
From the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties
Have you noticed the broadcasts and fliers announcing TSA's first Diversity Day celebration on Oct. 29? Diversity Day is part of TSA's Diversity Initiative announced in 2007 to address lack of diversity in various mission critical positions.
Last February, Kimberly Walton, special counselor, used the IdeaFactory to challenge employees to write an essay on how TSA could create and sustain a diverse and inclusive workplace. The winning essay by Houston Behavior Detection Officer Jesse Santiago suggested a diversity gathering so that everyone in TSA could show pride in our diverse backgrounds. The gathering would also allow TSA employees to come together and to share our diverse cultures, talents, backgrounds, and heritage. Diversity Day at TSA was born.
Every office and every airport has been asked to plan their own diversity celebration, and a headquarters Diversity Day Planning Committee has met regularly since Aug. 1. Plans from field locations and headquarters' offices are varied, fun, and sound "delicious," with many locations planning pot luck lunches featuring ethnic dishes. Look for a Diversity cookbook that will feature these dishes. Some recipes are already posted on the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties (OCRL) Sharepoint site. You are encouraged to add yours, along with any pictures from your celebrations.
A "Diversity Day Toolkit" was distributed and is on the OCRL Sharepoint. Diversity theme posters, Diversity Day posters, and Diversity badge holder retractors were sent to headquarters and field locations for distribution.
On Diversity Day, an Armed Forces Color Guard will open the Headquarters Diversity Day program and senior TSA officials will speak. Tentative events include:
- Dance demonstrations;
- Hula for your health warm up for a Latin merenge fitness workout;
- Film on how to communicate effectively with persons with disabilities;
- Workshops on mentoring for success and how to use TSA's career enhancing services;
- Poetry/prose reading of literature by diverse and international authors;
- K-9 demonstration; and
- Defensive measures and tactics workshop.
The program is as diverse as the day and we want all of TSA to participate, enjoy and learn.
TSA Recognizes International Conflict Resolution Day
Photo by Theresa Carder
Representatives from local community conflict resolution agencies and the offices of Civil Rights and Liberties, Model Workplace, and Ombudsman engage with employees at this year's International Conflict Resolution Day Celebration held at headquarters Oct. 16. More than 200 employees visited the display and 10 local agencies were represented. The event provided employees information about TSA services available to help resolve workplace conflicts, along with other resources such as mediation and facilitation. "What we are attempting to do at TSA mirrors society in general," said Ombudsman Joyce DeMoss. "Instead of automatically thinking of an adversarial way to settle a dispute, such as taking someone to court, we are trying to get people to consider other methods to resolve issues as varied as landlord-tenant problems or communicating concerns about the level of care for a loved one in a nursing home." Pictured (standing) is Senior Assistant Ombudsman Melinda Lincoln-Richardson, and an unidentified TSA employee. At the table are (from left) Conflict Management Specialists Sam Slosberg and Ayanna Epps, Model Workplace Program; Erin Ogilvie, Institute for Conflict Analysis & Resolution; and Megan Johnston, Northern Virginia Mediation Service.
Column
Federal Regulations and CFC Fundraising Activities
By Deborah Kearse, attorney, Office of Chief CounselThe Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is around the corner. Government regulations govern the type of activities permitted in the federal workplace, and that includes fundraising.
The only fundraising activity authorized in the government workplace, on behalf of private charitable organizations, is the CFC. CFC season occurs during a six-week period between September and December throughout the federal government. The campaign's focus is to raise funds for a wide variety of charitable organizations at national, regional and local levels.
Because the CFC is the only authorized workplace fundraiser, federal agencies are permitted to use limited amounts of official time and resources to conduct the event.
CFC fundraising gives federal employees an opportunity to contribute to the charities that have qualified for CFC support. CFC regulations state that: "True voluntary giving is fundamental to federal fundraising activities. Actions that do not allow free choices or create the appearance that employees do not have a free choice to give or not to give, or to publicize their gifts or to keep them confidential, are contrary to policy."
Employees should understand that the CFC does not preempt our normal ethics rules, but should fit within them.
- Employees should not solicit CFC contributions or prizes for donations from non-federal individuals or entities. This includes government contractors and regulated industries – even if they operate in or close to the federal workplace.
- Government officials cannot trade benefits connected with their official status as prizes or rewards for contributions.
- All employees must avoid gambling or "games of chance" in support of CFC because it may violate federal regulations and/or state laws.
The CFC provides a legitimate and well-organized way for employees to financially support many good causes. It also benefits the workforce by consolidating fundraising efforts into a single, focused event and frees employees from charitable fundraising for the majority of the year.
For questions regarding fundraising activities and other ethics issues, please contact your nearest field counsel or ethics official.
Kudos & Clips
We find your personnel at Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport to be extremely thorough, efficient and respectful. They do their job swiftly and effectively, and deal with issues as they occur in a most professional manner. … They approach travelers with respect and give guidance firmly, but also graciously. In our view, they conduct themselves with dignity and are very mindful of how they handle and treat passengers. ... We believe this behavior and performance is reflective of an attitude that starts at the top and permeates throughout the organization.
Thomas A. and Rosanna Vassiliades, Malvern, Pa., to Jackie Beck, transportation security manager, Okaloosa (Fla.) Regional Airport. Sept. 27, 2008.
My husband and I were at a shopping center and unfortunately stranded – our car would not start. While we waited for assistance, TSO Gary Whitman happened to pass by. He asked if he could help and quickly pulled his vehicle next to ours, grabbed his jumper cables and, within a few seconds, our car was working again. My husband offered to pay Whitman for his help, but the dear soul refused to take anything for his good deed.
Beverly Ryan, Pittsburgh, Pa., to Laura A. Snell, customer service and quality improvement manager/Model Workplace coordinator, Pittsburgh International Airport. Oct. 8, 2008.
TSO Pamela Kruger, Austin-Bergstrom (Texas) International Airport, was very patient, smiled, courteous and pleasant. She helped lower the stress by telling passengers what was making the alarm go off and used "Ma'am" and "Sir" with the passengers. We need more officers like Kruger. Treat her well and keep her to teach other officers how to do their jobs well.
Terri Little-Verdugo, El Paso, Texas, to Ignacio R. Reyes Jr., customer service and quality improvement manager, Austin-Bergstrom International, Easterwood, Killeen-Fort Hood Regional, and Waco Regional airports. Oct. 17, 2008.
The TSA Experience
TSA Southwest Florida Welcomes Honor Flight Veterans
Photo by Angela Thompson
On Sept. 13, TSOs from Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers, welcomed 60 World War II veterans and their escorts as they departed on an Honor Flight to Washington to visit the WWII Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial. A TSA Color Guard saluted the veterans for their service to the country by escorting them to the checkpoint where officers assisted each veteran through screening. Afterwards, the group was entertained at the departure gate by TSOs Alice Isaacs and Gladys (Anna) Peptis, who sang "God Bless America" and "America the Beautiful."
Pictured (from top left) are Color Guard members TSOs Michael Selavaka and Linda Spaan; Honor Guard members TSO Wil Ocasio, Supervisory TSO Todd Clark, Lead TSO Ken Taylor and TSO David Schumm, and at right are Security Training Instructor Diane Angeloff and TSO William "Gunny" Nosalik.
At Salina Municipal Airport in Kansas
Officers screened nearly 100 World War II veterans who were traveling to Washington on Sept. 10. Veterans shared their stories, including about how one flew a Four-engine B-17 before he even had a driver’s license. When the veterans returned to Salina, they were greeted with a red carpet, waving flags and a band playing. Even though a wheelchair was waiting for one veteran who experienced difficulty walking, he turned to the person assisting him and said, "I think I'll walk," after seeing the cheering crowd and the flags waving.
At Wisconsin’s La Crosse Municipal Airport
Photo by Bill Baumgarten
As part of Wisconsin’s first-ever Freedom Honor Flight, 110 World War II veterans recently passed through a temporary checkpoint at La Crosse Municipal Airport. Veterans shared their stories about serving under General George Patton and surviving the Pearl Harbor attack. Pictured are veteran Ken Hadley and Supervisory TSO John Bartlett.
Workforce
Beyond the Mission
TSO Helps Passenger in Need
From the Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
An officer recently helped a passenger whose clothes were drenched with gasoline after a pump malfunctioned at a station near Washington-Dulles (Va.) International Airport.
When Nancy Moore of Pacific Palisades, Calif., arrived at Dulles, she knew her gasoline-soaked clothes could not be checked or taken with her on the flight. Employees at the check-in counter suggested she pitch the clothes, but Moore declined, estimating their value at nearly $1,000.
After explaining what happened to several TSA employees, TSO Tom Brozena offered to get the clothes dry cleaned and shipped to Moore. He refused any payment, instead asking her to "drop a little extra in the collection basket next time you attend church services."
"I knew I could trust a former Marine," she told Brozena, who returned the cleaned clothes to her by mail. "Thank you so much."
A short time later, the gasoline company that owned the station sent Moore a check for $300, which she donated to a Knights of Columbus learning disability drive.
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