Soldiers Assist With Airport Security
The following is a
report from the "other side" of airport security -- those members
of the Army National Guard and other branches of the armed services
who are now stationed at the nation's airports following the foiled
terrorist attacks in Britain August 10. -- Ed.
California Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Chris Salgado
remembers his wife calling him to the television set August 10 to
see news reports about a terrorist ring unearthed in London that
was planning attacks on US-bound airliners.
Within the hour, Salgado’s phone was ringing, and by
nightfall, he was in uniform, responding to Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger’s call for the National Guard to augment
airport security.
"We got the call Thursday afternoon, Thursday evening we were at
the armory and by Friday morning, we were standing tall at the
airport," the squad leader for B Company, 40th Special Troop
Brigade said of his assignment to San Diego International
Airport.
Today, Salgado and 317 of his fellow California Guardsmen are on
duty at seven major airports throughout the state, supporting
Transportation Safety Administration workers as they enforce new
security precautions.
Massachusetts and New York took similar actions following the
announcement of the foiled terror plot. The Massachusetts National
Guard has assigned 129 soldiers and 14 airmen to the mission at
Boston Logan International Airport, according to National Guard
Bureau officials. In New York, 103 Army National Guard soldiers are
on duty at John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia International
Airports.
In San Diego, about 90 Guardsmen are working side-by-side with
TSA officials, helping ensure airline passengers don’t carry
liquids, gels, lotions or other forbidden substances in their
carry-on bags.
They stand at the boarding gates wearing blue latex gloves,
randomly screening passengers and checking their bags for items not
detected during the initial security screening. When they discover
a banned item, they explain to the passenger that they must
confiscate it, then place it in a gray plastic tray for
disposal.
"We pick them at random, not because of their race or any other
special factor," said Spc. Linda Kim, a Guardsman based in Van
Nuys, CA who volunteered for the duty.
"People are generally pretty accepting," said Pfc. Matthew
Sharrar, a member of E Co., 1st Battalion, 185th Engineer in
National City, CA who like Salgado, got called to duty August
10.
Typically, the Guardsmen end up confiscating small-ticket items:
bottles of water, lip gloss and other incidental items passengers
forgot they had stashed in their bags. But Sharrar recalled the day
he had to take a $150 bottle of lotion from a passenger before she
boarded her plane. "She cooperated," he said. "She was
understanding."
Overall, passengers said they’re glad to see the National
Guard helping keep airports safe. "It’s outstanding.
They’re serving us and serving their country," said Ted
Judson, a passenger bound for Dallas/Fort Worth International
Airport aboard American Airlines Flight 608. "The more you can
have, the better."
"Most people are really friendly," said Sharrar. "They see the
uniform and respect it. They have a lot of respect for their
military, and that’s kind of nice."
The Guardsmen said they’ve gotten great feedback from the
TSA officials they’re supporting. "They’re glad
we’re here," said Spc. John Rivera from 40th Special Troop
Brigade in San Diego. "They know that we’re just here to
help."
Most of the Guard
members involved already have served deployments in Iraq or
Afghanistan, and many reported being called up for state missions
involving everything from wildfire fighting support to riot or
earthquake response.
Most view the airport security mission as another way to help
their fellow citizens. "It’s important work that has to be
done to make sure everybody is safe," said Spc. Gabriel Gambone
from the 670th Military Police Company based in National City.
"It’s a commitment, something I signed on for and have to
do."
Kim, an accountant in her civilian job, said she had no qualms
about volunteering for the duty. "I’m in the National Guard,
so it’s meant for me to come and help," she said.
"That’s what I’m here for."
(Aero-News salutes Donna Miles, American Forces Press
Services)