sf wrote:
> On Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:29:15 -0600, Gloria P >
> wrote:
>
>> When I was doing my airport volunteer shift a few weeks ago one of the
>> cleaning people (Hispanic, legal) stopped to chat. He asked if we got
>> paid for the job (no) then asked why I was there when I should be home,
>> "taking care of your husband".
>
> Or maybe it was his version of asking what a nice lady like you was
> doing in a place like that. Really! Volunteering at an airport isn't
> the first (or the 10th) place I'd think of.
>
>

Denver International Airport Ambassador Volunteer Program was initiated
in 1994, a year before the new airport opened,in order to provide tour
guides for VIPs and later to familiarize the public with the new
facility. The airlines requested that the program be continued after
the official opening as a convenience for travelers.

There are ~250 of us, known by our uniform of jeans or denim skirts,
white shirts, suede vests and white Stetsons. We work half-day shifts
assisting passengers to find their way around Denver's huge airport.
We have security badges which allow us to work on the concourses where
the gates are, to meet people (oldsters, celebrities or anyone who calls
our office asking that a traveler be met.) We are all doing extra
shifts for the Democratic Convention next week to greet arrivals and
help them to get where they need to go.

We park free in the employees' lot when on duty or vacationing. No
flight benefits because we work for the Convention and Visitor's Bureau,
not the airlines.

I have worked and still work many other volunteer positions; this one is
exhausting but fun. I walk more than 5 miles every shift. I meet many
interesting people and some not-so-nice, frustrated ones, but I always
feel as though I have helped to make DIA less stressful for most of the
people I meet.

gloria p