TSA Welcomes Back Wounded Veteran
News & Happenings
February 18, 2008
Inspection's Nick Pellegrino (left),
program manager, and Michael Sanders,
program analyst, both of the Internal
Reviews Division, meet at headquarters.
A U.S. soldier wounded in Iraq was introduced to TSA as an intern. When it came time to enter the civilian workforce he competed for a TSA job and now he is back – this time as a full-time employee.
Former U.S. Army Capt. Michael J. Sanders interned with the Office of Inspection in 2006 as part of the Operation Warfighter Program that helps injured service members identify employment opportunities during their treatment. Sanders was wounded by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device during combat in Iraq.
Later, Sanders was stationed at U.S. Central Command Headquarters in Tampa, Fla. As both a force protection officer and intelligence information officer, he conducted inspections and internal reviews; coordinated deployment of U.S. forces to the world's hot spots; and provided threat analysis in collaboration with U.S. intelligence agencies. As his honorable discharge approached, Sanders applied to several government agencies. But given his positive experience at TSA, he knew where he wanted to work.
Now, he is a program analyst in the Inspection office's Internal Reviews Division, focusing on finance and contracting at headquarters and field offices.
Another Operation Warfighter veteran is currently an intern at TSA, and the agency has moved to again partner with the Department of Defense in this spring's program. TSA employs nearly 15,000 veterans – more than one-fourth of its workforce.
Sanders said 13 years in the military police prepared him for TSA. "In the Army, being actively involved at a strategic level and covering such a large geographic area allows me to step into this job where we cover lots of airports," he said. For example, his mission in Middle East countries focused on identifying vulnerabilities at hotels, military bases, seaports and other areas visited by soldiers.
Of TSA, he said, "I feel honored and privileged to work here and help ensure that the oversight mechanisms at TSA are working to provide safety for the traveling public."
"Mike stands as a symbol of achievement over adversity," said Assistant Administrator David Holmes, Office of Inspection. "Mike brings to TSA a strong background in inspections that will enhance our programs that review and assess TSA programs and processes."
