TSA EXPEDITES SCREENINGS OF WOUNDED WARRIORS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
TSA Expedites Airport Screening for Wounded Warriors
From a Transportation Security Administration News Release

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2013 - The Transportation Security Administration now offers expedited airport screening to severely injured members of the armed forces.

In addition to offering curb-to-gate service, TSA now allows wounded warriors to move through security checkpoints without having to remove shoes, light outerwear jackets or hats, officials said.

"In recognition of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, we have revised our screening requirements to allow expedited screening for this trusted group of citizens," said John Halinski, TSA's deputy administrator and 25-year Marine Corps veteran.

To be eligible for this service, a wounded warrior or traveling companion should email the Military Severely Injured Joint Services Operations Center, MSIJSOC@dhs.gov, or call 1-888-262-2396 with itinerary information for the traveling party. Traveling companions will receive standard screening.

TSA also provides expedited screening for service members. At airport checkpoints nationwide, military personnel in uniform with proper identification, whether traveling on official orders or not, are not required to remove their shoes or boots unless they set off alarms.

In addition, TSA offers expedited screening for service members, including reservists and National Guard members, at the following airports:

-- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall;

-- Charlotte Douglas International;

-- Denver International;

-- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International;

-- Honolulu International;

-- Lambert-St. Louis International;

-- Ronald Reagan Washington National;

-- Seattle-Tacoma International; and

-- Washington Dulles International.

Wounded Warriors also may enroll in "TSA Pre-check," which allows eligible passengers to volunteer information about themselves to expedite their screening experience.

Eligible passengers include U.S. citizens who opt in through a participating airline or enroll in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler program, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS.