Shaq Turner
Southwest Airlines

Nominated by a PDX employee

"Shaq was able to help a traveler during a medical emergency. A passenger was coming off a flight when they passed out and hit their head. Shaq immediately jumped in to help. During this stressful incident, Shaq remained calm and placed the health of the customer first. He even took his jacket off to use it as a headrest for the customer."

Rusty Temple
Avis Budget Group

Nominated by Camille Buchanan, Port of Portland employee

"Rusty chose to stay near a customer that was having a medical issue until help arrived. He could have just called for help and then walked away, but instead he chose to stay until the medical response team arrived...however long that might take. Commendable!"

Michael Castilleja
Tillamook

Nominated by a PDX traveler

"Not a compliment on a product but a person. I visited your Tillamook store at PDX and I was greeted by a kind gentleman (receipt says Michael Castilleja). He had great conversational capacity and was a pleasure to talk to early on a Monday morning in the airport. As I waited for my order I saw the same interactions with several people. I don’t currently have openings at my company’s Vancouver office for a dispatcher, but if I did I would offer him that position on the spot as I would want him being the front face to my customers."

Derece Clark

Paradies Lagardere

Nominated by a PDX employee and a PDX traveler

Nomination 1:

"I was assisting a ticketed passenger who had missed their flight and had a 10-hour layover until their new flight. The passenger didn’t have adequate funds to purchase a meal. I went to Your Northwest Travel Mart on Concourse D to buy a sandwich for the passenger.

Derece Clark was working. She always has a smile and a friendly greeting when you enter the store. While Derece was ringing me up, she asked how my day was going. I explained the story and why I was getting the sandwich. Derece asked for a description of the passenger and said that she would look out for him.

Derece provided a very generous discount for the sandwich and offered to provide a bottle of water as well. I returned to the passenger with the sandwich and water – they were very grateful. Please recognize Derece for her compassion and generosity in helping me to assist this passenger."

Nomination 2:

"Very friendly, always smiling and greets every customer!"

Thomas Collier
TSA

Nominated by Katy, PDX traveler

"I needed to call TSA to ask a question about something I was hoping to bring in my luggage for my son as a surprise. Thomas was kind, patient and had all the right information to help me figure out what I needed to do next. I was so appreciative.

I was a US Fish and Wildlife Inspector for seven years so I have an understanding of the burden TSA faces every day. The fact that Thomas was able to explain this to me so well and provide really good ideas in an efficient and courteous manner was very impressive."

Elijah Cooper
SP Plus Corporation

Nominated by Raena, PDX traveler

"Eli clearly cares about doing a job well. It was moving to witness his pure energy and enthusiasm in the way he carried himself and cared for the riders. He was respectful, enthusiastic, informative and, quite frankly, inspiring.

He spent time as we got on the bus to welcome us, gave a wonderful overview of the highlights for visitors to Oregon, safety and service tips for those parked in the parking lot, a little bit of personal life coaching – all with touches of humor.

I have taken the shuttle many times and encountered many conscientious drivers, but Eli stands head and shoulders above the rest. I hope you will let him know he was appreciated and recognized."

Vanessa Linn
Port of Portland

Nominated by Betsy, PDX traveler

"I called PDX to ask about getting assistance for my cousin who was returning to Germany. She speaks very little English and with the beautiful new remodel, I wanted to ensure she would be able to navigate through security and get to the correct gate successfully. Vanessa was friendly and gave helpful tips and suggestions to assuage our concerns."

Reyna De La Cruz
Relay Resources

Nominated by Paula, PDX traveler

"I was traveling out of PDX after attending memorial services for relative and I was distraught and distracted. When I realized I left my computer in the restroom, I returned to look for it and met Reyna. She helped looked for it in the nearest bathroom, but did not find it. I was running late so I went to get in line for my flight.

However, my flight was delayed so I continued my search. While I was looking, Reyna turned up with my laptop in hand! What a relief! Thank you Reyna!"

Sofie Ogren
Port of Portland
 
Sara Blair
ABM

Nominated by Logan, PDX traveler

"Last week I left my cell phone in a restroom and realized as soon as I came through the exit. I was directed by United Airlines employees to call Lost and Found to see if they could help me. My ID, debit card, credit card and work ID were in the phone case, so losing this was so much more than just losing the phone.

Sofie asked Sara with ABM help to look for my item and stayed on the phone with me when I got lost looking for the Lost and Found office. She had my phone brought to me so I didn't have to make a return trip to the airport once it was turned in. She was kind, so helpful, and patient. She never tried to rush me off the phone.

I have worked a similar job at another airport a long time ago and I know that Sofie was probably busy with other calls since she seemed to be working alone, but never tried to rush me or act like my mistake was not important. Good customer service seems hard to find these days and she represented your airport well."

Stacy Hope
Lisa Murawski
Cindy Reeder
Alaska Airlines

Nominated by Junior, ABM

"I was near the Alaska ticket counters when I noticed a person on the ground having a medical emergency. Lisa, Cindy and Stacy from Alaska were quick to come and help. These agents were on the floor with the individual, kept them calm, provided ice packs and other first aid assistance.

They stayed with the passenger until medics arrived and gave an all clear. After medics were done, these agents still went above and beyond. They got the person a wheelchair and took them all the way through the gates so they could make their flight!

It made me proud to work at PDX, knowing we have such amazing people. Those “Alaska Angels” stopped what they were doing to help. I imagine this traveler could have been someone like my mom and I would have loved for her to get that same level of support."