Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE Stakeholder Meeting 12-7-2022 FFDOA was well represented at the latest stakeholder meeting. This meeting, held at the new TSA Headquarters in Springfield, VA., allowed stakeholders to not only meet with FFDO program leaders, but also TSA Administrator David Pekoske, Executive Assistant Administrator Tirrell Stevenson (FAMS), and Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator Brian Belcher (FAMS). Also, because we met at the TSA Headquarter building, FFDO Stakeholders were able to meet the staff which supports the program, including the Watch Desk Officers, Regional Coordinators, Supervisors and Admin. These folks are dedicated to the program and work hard to support FFDOs, so we offer our appreciation and thanks for their efforts. Because of the current environment of increased Unpredictable Screening Procedures (USPs) associated with the Known Crewmember Program (KCM), some time was spent with TSA leadership discussing (what we …
Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE Stakeholder Meeting 12-7-2022 FFDOA was well represented at the latest stakeholder meeting. This meeting, held at the new TSA Headquarters in Springfield, VA., allowed stakeholders to not only meet with FFDO program leaders, but also TSA Administrator David Pekoske, Executive Assistant Administrator Tirrell Stevenson (FAMS), and Deputy Executive Assistant Administrator Brian Belcher (FAMS). Also, because we met at the TSA Headquarter building, FFDO Stakeholders were able to meet the staff which supports the program, including the Watch Desk Officers, Regional Coordinators, Supervisors and Admin. These folks are dedicated to the program and work hard to support FFDOs, so we offer our appreciation and thanks for their efforts. Because of the current environment of increased Unpredictable Screening Procedures (USPs) associated with the Known Crewmember Program (KCM), some time was spent with TSA leadership discussing (what we …
Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE FFDO Stakeholder Meeting 9-9-22 FFDOA was well represented at our first “in-person” stakeholder meeting last week in several months with myself and several board members present. The FFDO Program Branch Manager Denise Stark-Jones and Deputy Branch Manager Daniel Kuhn were in attendance representing TSA. We typically begin with a short briefing from the program on our FFDO mission count which is increasing as we recover from Covid drawbacks. FFDOs are on par to accomplish nearly 1,000,000 missions in FY22. The program estimates these missions cost the government around $22.00 per flight. I think this is an impressive statistic and worthy of acknowledgement to our great FFDO volunteers who continue to provide a vital layer of security for our nation’s transportation infrastructure. Budget issues continue to present what I believe is our biggest concern. The FFDO program …
Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE FFDO Stakeholder Meeting 9-9-22 FFDOA was well represented at our first “in-person” stakeholder meeting last week in several months with myself and several board members present. The FFDO Program Branch Manager Denise Stark-Jones and Deputy Branch Manager Daniel Kuhn were in attendance representing TSA. We typically begin with a short briefing from the program on our FFDO mission count which is increasing as we recover from Covid drawbacks. FFDOs are on par to accomplish nearly 1,000,000 missions in FY22. The program estimates these missions cost the government around $22.00 per flight. I think this is an impressive statistic and worthy of acknowledgement to our great FFDO volunteers who continue to provide a vital layer of security for our nation’s transportation infrastructure. Budget issues continue to present what I believe is our biggest concern. The FFDO program …
Hello [firstname], On this 21st anniversary of 9/11, I wanted to take a moment to both reflect on the lives lost that day, especially our fellow crewmembers, and acknowledge each of you for your service and volunteerism. I often remark when asked about the FFDO program that is not an easy task. FFDOs take on an immense responsibility, willingly accept professional liability and must endure the constant requirements and training mandates that is attached to carrying credentials. All of this with no pay and no recognition. And while I know FFDOs did not volunteer for this program to receive those things, I would like take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our members and all of the FFDOs who provide the last line of defense for our nation's skies. "All that is takes for evil …
Hello [firstname], On this 21st anniversary of 9/11, I wanted to take a moment to both reflect on the lives lost that day, especially our fellow crewmembers, and acknowledge each of you for your service and volunteerism. I often remark when asked about the FFDO program that is not an easy task. FFDOs take on an immense responsibility, willingly accept professional liability and must endure the constant requirements and training mandates that is attached to carrying credentials. All of this with no pay and no recognition. And while I know FFDOs did not volunteer for this program to receive those things, I would like take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our members and all of the FFDOs who provide the last line of defense for our nation's skies. "All that is takes for evil …
Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE FFDOA leadership participated in an FFDO stakeholder conference call last week. FFDOA was represented by myself, Paul Nelson and Mike Karn. We were joined on the call by the Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service, Micheal Ondocin. Director Ondocin gave us an update on several initiatives with both the FAMS and FFDO programs, and took several questions from the group. Of course, many of our questions centered around the budget and my previously reported shortfalls for the FFDO program. Director Ondocin confirmed that the program, like all of TSA, will be operating under a continuing resolution (CR) for the time being, but felt confident that FFDO would get the money needed to continue planned initiatives. Although there was no firm commitment to initial training in FY22, he did indicate that …
Hello [firstname], FFDOA UPDATE FFDOA leadership participated in an FFDO stakeholder conference call last week. FFDOA was represented by myself, Paul Nelson and Mike Karn. We were joined on the call by the Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service, Micheal Ondocin. Director Ondocin gave us an update on several initiatives with both the FAMS and FFDO programs, and took several questions from the group. Of course, many of our questions centered around the budget and my previously reported shortfalls for the FFDO program. Director Ondocin confirmed that the program, like all of TSA, will be operating under a continuing resolution (CR) for the time being, but felt confident that FFDO would get the money needed to continue planned initiatives. Although there was no firm commitment to initial training in FY22, he did indicate that …
FFDOA Special Message on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 On this 20-year anniversary of the historic, unprecedented attack on our nation, we remember the fallen and renew our prayers and support for the victims' families. We also remember the coming together of a nation unlike any other time in modern history. From the rubble of the World Trade Center, the dust of a wounded Pentagon and the smoke of a Pennsylvanian field, two words unified our people, “NEVER FORGET”. In the days preceding this message, as the President of the Association representing Federal Flight Deck Officers, I have been conflicted. My instinct is to serve our members and “use” this remarkable anniversary as a talking point. As a springboard. As a momentum changer. Why? Because right now we face challenges in the FFDO program unlike any other I have …
FFDOA Special Message on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 On this 20-year anniversary of the historic, unprecedented attack on our nation, we remember the fallen and renew our prayers and support for the victims' families. We also remember the coming together of a nation unlike any other time in modern history. From the rubble of the World Trade Center, the dust of a wounded Pentagon and the smoke of a Pennsylvanian field, two words unified our people, “NEVER FORGET”. In the days preceding this message, as the President of the Association representing Federal Flight Deck Officers, I have been conflicted. My instinct is to serve our members and “use” this remarkable anniversary as a talking point. As a springboard. As a momentum changer. Why? Because right now we face challenges in the FFDO program unlike any other I have …
