Passport Control at JFK

We returned to the U.S. on Monday, September 12 and were greeted very warmly by an officer who checked our passports. He asked how long we had been out of the country and when we told him three weeks, he replied: "Welcome back home. Well, you were lucky to have missed those Vermont floods." Yes, we were fortunate that Irene caused only minor damage at our home (one small tree down in the yard).

It was gratifying and refreshing that this officer (I didn't get his name) was warm, friendly and chatty. His attitude and demeanor reflected well on Homeland Security, unlike so many customs and immigration officials we have encountered here and abroad.