TSA Helps Make-A-Wish Come True
News & Happenings
When 11-year-old Sterling Watson and his family arrived at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on July 24 for a trip to the White House, he had no idea he would soon be an honorary Transportation Security Officer and President.
Jimmy Wooten, Federal Security Director, presented the Make-A-Wish participant a FSD Coin of Excellence, while Jerry Patton, Federal Air Marshal Special Agent-In-Charge (SAC) and Ernest Brashears, Assistant SAC, gave Sterling a hat and patch. In addition, Anna Jenkin, Terminal E Manager, presented Sterling a special certificate designating him as a “Honorary Transportation Security Officer” and a gold TSA pin.
Jenkin told Sterling, who has terminal cancer, “how proud we were to have him as part of our team in making a difference to support our security mission and our country.”
Waiting for at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was a security detail that included two CIA officers (who actually brief the President) and a Make-A-Wish Foundation representative, who provided “President Watson” a Brooks Brothers suit to help him look the part.
A five-limo convoy, with motorcycle escort, lights and sirens, whisked him to TSA headquarters to authorize a team of FAMs to re-take a “hijacked” plane. After visiting Drug Enforcement Administration offices, Sterling was transported by Blackhawk helicopter to an “emergency” meeting at the Pentagon. He then flew to Ft. Myer to review over 200 marching soldiers.
“I am proud that our TSOs had the opportunity to play a role in such an important day for an inspirational young man,” said Wooten. “We were all thrilled that we could be a part of his dream and make his day the best possible.”
