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Anchorage TSOs Screen American Icon

News & Happenings

December 18, 2007

A bald eagle intrepidly goes through screening at Ted Stevens Anchorage (Alaska) International Airport as a handler from the Bird Treatment and Learning Center allows the bird to stretch its wings. The bird passed through Anchorage on its way to Haines, Alaska, where it was to be released into the wild.
A bald eagle intrepidly goes through
screening at Ted Stevens Anchorage
(Alaska) International Airport as a
handler from the Bird Treatment and
Learning Center allows the bird to stretch
its wings. The bird passed through
Anchorage on its way to Haines, Alaska,
where it was to be released into the wild.

Transportation security officers (TSOs) in Alaska encounter unique situations given the 49th state's combination of seasonal travel, remote locations - and wildlife.

TSOs Mike Guthrie and Robert Rago recently screened and assisted travelers from the Bird Treatment and Learning Center of Anchorage, supporting the return of birds that had been sick or injured including the nation's iconic bald eagle - to the wild.

"This is just another example of the 'above and beyond' efforts by our Anchorage team as community partners in supporting special and unique requirements in Alaska," said Corky Caldwell, Anchorage federal security director.

The TSOs screened the birds at the treatment center as well as at the airport - a special precaution that reduced the trauma of transporting the birds.

The non-profit organization transferred five bald eagles more than 750 miles to Haines, Alaska. One of the eagles, just now being released, was injured in the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.

"I feel truly honored to be part of one of the most unique and most exhilarating experiences of my professional career at TSA," said TSO Rago.