Kudos Across America Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Early in July, I took my siblings to the airport to catch their flight to San Diego at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA). They live 45 minutes away and I got a gate pass to make sure they got off OK.

IWA TSA Officer Veda Covington helps a passenger gather her divested items . (Photo by Erica Vinegar).

When we arrived at the airport, I discovered they did not bring any identification. We researched and found out there could be an extra screening since we would not have time to go back and forth and still make their flight. When we got to the front, the man asked us to step aside, and someone would be with us.

We stood there for a while and that is when IWA TSA Officer Veda Covington) who was the other TSA officer noticed us. She found someone to replace her and then took care of us. She really went above and beyond helping us.

I fly weekly for work, and I have never experienced an officer so kind, patient, and providing such great service. They (my siblings) would not have made their flight without her. She is a great example of how TSA officers should be.

I wanted to pass my thanks to her and wanted you to know what a treasure you have in Veda.

By Wayne Carey, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs