Saying Goodbye is Never Easy

It’s impossible to sum up the positive contributions that Passenger Services Manager Arlinda Young has made during her 14 years with LBS. Now, we are saddened to announce her retirement, effective Oct. 7.

Arlinda’s hardworking, friendly, and people-first attitude has made a lasting impression on our company. The way she’s embodied our SERVICE values—Safety, Ethics, Respect, Value, Inclusion, Community, and Excellence—will continue as an example to follow. She will be deeply missed, but we are happy for her as she begins this new chapter.

Please join us in celebrating her dedicated years of service. On behalf of everyone at LBS, we wish you well, Arlinda!

The following is a letter from Arlinda reflecting on her experiences with LBAS:

Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy

Dreams really do come true. When I was a little girl growing up in rural Middle Georgia, one of my dreams was to live and work abroad. LBS ATGHS afforded me that opportunity for 14 brief years in Kuwait. Even now, it stills seems surreal that I live and work in the Middle East.

I reflect on all the awesome people I’ve worked with and their knowledge, learning and growth opportunities, challenges, triumphs, and encountering diversity through culture, religion, age, race, education, and general worldview.

I go back to my initial days of employment when ATGHS leadership welcomed me to be a part of the team. Since then, I’ve never looked back. I have seen many changes from my first day to the last day. For example, I arrived on the project when we processed more than 50,000 passengers a month. Upon my departure we handle fewer than 10,000 passengers a month. The one thing that has not changed over time has been the positive feeling of being here while being wanted. The culture that was set at the beginning is a testimony to this place… It includes the cooperation of all departments regardless of what needs to be done.

I must share with you a highpoint during my tenure. The Secretary of the United States of America plane parked for an overnight stay at the Kuwait ATGHS terminal. Except for the sentry, no one is to be near the aircraft. On this windy evening, the sentries were unaware one of the engine covers had blown off the aircraft. I recovered the engine cover and returned it to one of the sentries. The following day prior to the departure of the aircraft I was presented with a coin on behalf of the US Government for returning the engine cover.

It is very rewarding to see success every day. Whenever we launch a mission, we know there are going to be many happy reunions with family and friends. Success always leaves a footprint. LBAS has deeply embedded footprints on these projects.

LBAS has longevity in its future because it embraces, in the words of Henry Ford that, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

Dreams really do come true.