SAN DIEGO – April 7, 2014 – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at San Diego International Airport presented certificates of recognition and agency coins this morning to three volunteers for the work they have done in helping move wounded warriors through the airport.
Combined, Ginna James, Barbara Sturgeon and Dorothy Herzog have assisted wounded warriors with more than 1,400 flights since March 2013.
“It’s important that we recognize these ambassadors because their time is all volunteer,” said Assistant Federal Security Director Steve Blocker. “They assist the TSA in everything we do throughout the entire screening process and help these veterans, who have given so much to our nation, get through our entire screening process to make their trip a successful one.”
TSA began their Military Severely Injured Assistance program in April 2008. The program partners TSA with local airports to facilitate the screening of injured and wounded service members and veterans, including individuals associated with a Wounded Warrior program. Since the program began, San Diego International Airport’s Volunteer Airport Ambassadors have assisted more than 4,000 Wounded Warriors.
“Barbara, Ginna and Dottie have been instrumental representing the San Diego Airport Authority, San Diego International Airport, the San Diego community and most importantly, the Airport Ambassador program,” commented Colm Marmion, Customer Relations Coordinator for San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “It’s quite often that you see these ladies show up to the airport very, very early in the morning and stay late well into the evening, to welcome our service members back to the San Diego community or wish them a great departure.”
Individuals requiring assistance may contact the TSA Cares toll free number at (855) 787-2227 or email TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov. Once official status is verified, active duty Wounded Warriors are eligible to use TSA Pre✓™ lanes (where available) or other expedited screening procedures.
To download an audio quote from TSA, click HERE.
To download an audio quote from San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, click HERE.