Guard begins state airport duty

Associated Press

SEATAC — Volunteers from the Air and Army National Guards reported for active duty Friday at the state’s 10 commercial airports.

They’re part of a stopgap effort requested by President Bush while the federal government develops a permanent security plan. As many as 5,000 troops will be stationed at the nation’s 420 commercial airports for as long as six months.

In Washington, nearly 800 volunteered — about 10 percent of the state’s 2,300 Air and 5,500 Army guardsmen and women. Just 200 were needed, and they were hand-picked for airport duty.

"We’ve basically pulled the best from Washington state for this mission," said Maj. Bob Hom, commander of "Team West," about 100 volunteer guard members who will be working at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the Bellingham and Port Angeles airports.

"I just really wanted to contribute. This may be my only opportunity to do that," said Pedro Cordoba, 26, of Arlington, whose civilian job is restaurant manager.

The volunteers — wearing camouflage fatigues and carrying sidearms rather than the automatic rifles being used at some of the nation’s busiest airports — will staff security checkpoints at the three Puget Sound-area airports and in Spokane, Walla Walla, Yakima, Tri-Cities, East Wenatchee, Moses Lake and Pullman.

"The reason we’re here, in my opinion, is to show people that they’re safe, that the airports are safe," said Capt. John Hinkle, among those assigned to the Yakima Air Terminal.

"Anything that makes people feel more comfortable about flying is a victory over terrorism," said airport police chief Peter Troyer at Spokane International.

At Sea-Tac, three guardsmen will be posted at each of the five checkpoints. When the checkpoints are open — the hours vary by airline — they’ll be there.

"The feeling of comfort and security they add just by being there is an important part of their mission," said Lt. Col. Nick Patterson, a Camp Murray spokesman who accompanied the volunteer troops.

"We’re here to assist if there’s any contentious activity," he said. "We’re there to enhance the security system — add some depth to it, if you will … without slowing things down."

The mission started Monday with weapons and special security training. The volunteers’ new duties begin when they complete orientation — Friday at the smaller airports, and by 5 a.m. Saturday here.

Most of the citizen soldiers will be serving in the communities where they live and, except for a few special instances, "we’re going to try to house them at home," Patterson said.

Will they be working 40-hour weeks?

"In excess of that, I believe," he said.

The cost of the mission is being covered by the federal government. All will be paid active-duty wages, with additional compensation in some cases to make up for lost income.

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens, Arlington school measures on Feb. 11 ballot

A bond in Lake Stevens and a levy in Arlington would be used to build new schools.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.