Newsroom
Houston Airport System
October 29, 2008
|
They are the frontline of defense. They come from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and places. They are more than 43,000 who protect the nation’s transportation systems so you can travel safely. They are the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Recently, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and at airports around the country, employees of the TSA took part in a multitude of events that promoted diversity called Diversity Day.
The special recognition was due in part by a Houston-based TSA officer, Jesse Santiago.
Earlier this year, Santiago submitted a suggestion on the Idea Factory – an online depository of ideas and opinions. Little did Santiago know that his thoughts would spark a nationwide celebration of diversity.
“I thought it was going to be very simple and small and an opportunity for us to celebrate our rich heritage,” says Santiago. “Diversity is not only culture, but education, economics, all those pieces that make up who we are when we come to work at TSA.”
The behavioral detection officer has been on the job with the TSA since the organization was created six years ago.
“For me it’s been quite an honor, because the TSA is actually taking a moment to say that they do care about us as the workforce, that we are important, that we are not just a number and a body,” says Santiago. “It says that the TSA is a place where I want to continue to work at. That’s really important to me.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, chairwoman of the Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, was on hand for the celebration and was in the Pentagon when one of the planes hit.
“We lost patriots, loved ones and Americans on that tragic day. Out of 9/11 came TSA on November 19, 2001. You were the first front liners to determine what to do quickly,” says Congresswoman Jackson Lee. “That was the fastest we were able to develop a new administration. You had to be on the job quickly, you had to know what you were doing. We know the sacrifices you have made and the long hours logged.” |
|
© Houston Airport System
TSA employees celebrates Diversity Day |
Art Meinke, Federal Security Director of the TSA at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and an immigrant from Indonesia, acknowledged the importance of the agency and the many people that the government agency serves.
“Diversity is the key to our agency’s survival in many ways. Having a diverse workforce ensures we retain a talented and motivated group of people,” says Meinke. “We have layers of security that are as diverse as our people and this helps to keep our country vigilant and prepared for those who wish to harm us.”
He went on to say, “The concept of diversity we celebrate is about acceptance, respect and uniqueness. We are celebrating the tapestry of individuals and the common elements that bond them together as one team of people, at TSA, in Houston and in our country.”
Meinke acknowledged that at IAH they continue to strive to have the faces of their people, be they in leadership or on the front line, reflect the fabric of the transportation system they guard.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee also mentioned that this nation was founded in those who fled persecution, some came in other ways, but they came based on the values of this great nation and now we see that array of diversity.
“No one is any less than the next,” says Congresswoman Jackson Lee. “Everyone has a value and an opportunity, all should be celebrated.”
For the Diversity Day celebration, Santiago’s ideas included themed potlucks, the ‘Festival of Peoples’ parade, a Polynesian dance group, and a quilt where each employee contributed a patch with a message representing who they are.
Copyright © 2Houston Airport System |
