Kudos Across America - Orlando

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

I wanted to bring to your attention an experience I had with two of your Officers at the Orlando International Airport (MCO).

I was traveling home from Orlando to Albuquerque and was not very familiar with the airport.

I returned my rental car on time...check! I was distracted and in hurry but everything was going as planned and I made it through the security checkpoint with time to spare. I then realized afterwards that I had accidentally held onto the key fob for the rental car and I began to panic.

I called the car rental company and was transferred too many times to too many people with no real answers or solutions to my problem... it seemed I was going to have to eat a $300 fee.

I wasted my time with the phone calls and absolutely had no time left to leave the secure area to return the key to the rental desk and make my flight on time. I decided to take a chance and speak with a TSA agent (officer) who was unable to help me.

Orlando International Airport STSO Barry Bynoe and TSO Tashima Grant (Photos by Ingrid Irvin)

He directed me to speak with the TSA Supervisor on shift that day which happened to be Supervisory TSA Officer (STSO) Barry Bynoe. I told Barry my dilemma and was very pleased he took the time to listen and eventually, help me out. He had TSA Officer (TSO) Tashima Grant escort me to the rental car desk.

I returned the key fob and was escorted back through the security checkpoint so I wouldn't miss my flight. This scenario could have gone wrong for me in so many ways, but it didn't. I am so thankful they took the time to help me out and actually treat me like a human being and not just another number or a nuisance.

I am a retired Major in the Air Force and have been a nurse for the past 30 years. I'm very familiar with organizational structure, the stressors of a job and customer satisfaction. Up until this point, I've never really had a positive opinion or had positive experiences with the TSA.

I am also not known for doing what I am right now, which is writing an email that takes my time and effort? two things I don't give very freely. STSO Barry Bynoe and TSO Tashima Grant are worthy of my time and effort and have changed my opinion about TSA. You actually have individuals who care about people, their experiences, and ultimately their safety.

Please, in some way recognize their efforts for going far above and beyond for me, and I'm sure so many others who haven't taken the time to recognize them because they don't care enough to do so.

My hats off to the TSA and their exceptional Officers, Barry and Tashima!

Thank you