This week, Secretary Johnson traveled to Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama to discuss critical homeland security issues with local communities.
In Atlanta, Secretary Johnson met with Delta Airlines CEO Richard Anderson and members of the Delta Airlines Executive Board to discuss the Department’s aviation security efforts. Partnerships, like the one between the Department and the commercial airline industry, are critical to our nation’s security. Secretary Johnson also recognized the important contributions that the men and women of TSA make to aviation security every day.
Secretary Johnson delivers remarks at the Rotary Club of Atlanta (DHS Photo/Barry Bahler)
Secretary Johnson also spoke to members of the Rotary Club of Atlanta and paid a visit to his alma mater, Morehouse College, where he met with current Morehouse students and groups from nearby Spelman College. Secretary Johnson addressed students’ questions regarding his career and the Department’s missions.
Secretary Johnson talks with students and faculty at Morehouse College (DHS Photo/Barry Bahler)
Secretary Johnson also sat down with Morehouse candidates for the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI), which is a program for students who have demonstrated a high-level of academic and leadership excellence and who desire to serve their country in the U.S. Coast Guard. Secretary Johnson praised their desire and commitment and spoke to the importance of cultivating the next generation of homeland security leaders.
Secretary Johnson meets with Morehouse candidates for the CSPI program (DHS Photo/Barry Bahler)
During breakfast in the school cafeteria on Tuesday morning, Secretary Johnson spoke highly of his time as a student at Morehouse and encouraged his fellow Maroon Tigers to consider a career in public service.
Secretary Johnson joins students at Morehouse College for breakfast (DHS Photo/Barry Bahler)
In Birmingham, Secretary Johnson attended a luncheon hosted by the local Kiwanis Club. During the luncheon, Secretary Johnson addressed club members and discussed his priorities for the Department in this, his last year as Secretary. In his remarks, Secretary Johnson said:
“We have in this Administration, I have exactly 359 days left. I do not intend to coast. I have given my senior staff and the leadership of DHS a very aggressive timetable for things that I want to see us achieve in the remaining 359 days in this Administration. Our mission today is as urgent as it was 25 months ago when I took office and I promise and pledge to all of you, here in this room, and in this community that I will continue to work as hard as I can on your behalf, for your homeland security, and for public safety.”
Secretary Johnson addresses members of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham (DHS Photo/Barry Bahler)
Throughout his trip, Secretary Johnson underscored the Department’s commitment and continued efforts to work with community organizations and state and local officials to safeguard local communities.