Originally Posted by
jtodd
I don't care if it is real. This solves nothing. In fact, this is even worse. I view it as an insult that I need to call them before my flight to get "permission" to not be assaulted, insulted or embarassed for exercising the rights I defended during my service.
Veteran - "Hello, I am calling to provide my military service information in the hopes that I can prevent your employees from touching my junk when I fly in a couple of days please."
TSA clerk - "Just give us your relevant information and we can provide a liaison to assist with the protection of your dignity and rights."
RRRRR!!!!!!!
And it does nothing for those that did not serve, for whatever reason.
I think some of you misunderstand the original purpose of this program (not talking about how it was just expanded), and I actually think that you might agree with it.
This program was originally started by a DOD request to TSA to help wounded warriors through the airport. Too often the airport or airlines failed these men and women. They would be left at the curb by a taxi, in a wheelchair, with their luggage, not able to proceed, no one there to help them, or they would arrive at the gate, no one there with a wheelchair to escort them to get their checked bag, or bring them to a taxi or shuttle service. Some of them had family to help, some did not. Some times the airport and airlines did help, but often there was a wait, and sometimes these men and women missed their flight and had great difficulty just checking in to their flight or headed to where they needed to be after they landed.
For whatever reason, maybe supply and demand, airports only staff a limited number of sky caps, and it simply wasn't enough to meet the needs of our wounded military personal who needed help. So the DOD ask TSA to help. Which is why the "appointment" has to be made so many hours prior to the flight.
If needed, TSA will meet the person at the curb side, help check them in, escort them to the gate. We do things such as carry their luggage, push their chair, etc. Or we often meet them at their gate, help them get their luggage, and help them get a taxi/shuttle to where they need to be.
Regardless of how you feel about TSA, that is federal tax dollars at work to help provide these men and women a valuable service, and I agree with it. The airlines and airport can not always do it, so I have no problem with the federal government stepping in to do it. If you see TSA escorting any military, it is only done so by request.
I have not decided how I feel about extending it to all; I hope it will only be used by those with a medical need. But if it is available to all former military, and they ask, I will help provide it.
There is my 2 cents.