HAVE YOU EVER FOUND
YOURSELF NEEDING
ASSISTANCE IN OUR
AIRPORTS?
Well, you’re in luck, thanks to a group of
professionals who call themselves Travelers
Aid Volunteers. Travelers Aid International
(Washington, D.C.) is one of the oldest volunteer
organizations in the country, having served the
National Capital Region since 1913.
Between Reagan National and Dulles
International Airports, there are over 500
volunteers who devotedly assist our
customers every day.
If you ask them why they volunteer, you’ll get
a myriad of responses including Margee, who
exclaims, “it’s an adrenaline rush!” Or Steve
who says, “I just enjoy helping people.” And
then there’s Rita who comments, “It makes me
feel good knowing I’ve done something to help
someone — it puts a smile on my face.”
It’s true, our volunteers love putting smiles
on our customers’ faces. In 2017, Travelers Aid
Volunteers assisted over 3.5 million customers at
Reagan National and Dulles International. These
volunteers, who can be identified by their bright
blue vests and blazers, range in age from 15
years old upwards to those in their 90’s.
Volunteers come to our airports from many
different backgrounds, with their previous
careers making them perfect ambassadors in
helping our customers on their journeys. With
friendly personalities, they greet customers
who are lost, and their knowledge has a way
of calming customers who may be a little
stressed. Many volunteers also speak a second
language, which is an added treat for our
visitors from other parts of the world. Our
volunteers are very proud to represent the
airports since they know that for many of our
customers this is their first visit to the National
Capital Region; and in many cases, their first
visit to the United States. Customers have
described our volunteers as “saving angels”
and the “kindest people on earth.”
We simply describe our volunteers as “the best.”
For volunteer opportunities, please send an
email to [email protected].
WHAT DO THE SIX
STARS STAND FOR
ON THE USO FLAG?
These stars represent the six
civilian agencies who helped found
USO: Salvation Army, Young Men’s
Christian Association, Young
Women’s Christian Association,
National Catholic Community
Services, National Travelers Aid
Association, and the National
Jewish Welfare Board.
AUTUMN 2018 13 FLYWASHINGTON.COM