Friday, May 9, 2014
Joe was Deputy Director of the FAA's Aviation Security Service when I first met him and he had been at the forefront of developing the US aviation security system, in the process, forming relationships with officials in governments around the world seeking to emulate the US aviation security model. (I am attaching a copy of the cover of an FAA newsletter picturing Joe as he successfully managed an aircraft hijacking.) Joe retired from the FAA to launch AVSEC, a ground breaking international aviation security consulting firm. Joe's clients included foreign governments who valued not only his expertise, but also his unflinching integrity. Joe and I became fast friends due to our Pittsburgh connection and our friendship grew over the years to include Catherine and my husband Rege. Joe was one of the finest men I will ever have the privilege to meet, an honest and true friend. The world will be much smaller and lesser without him in it, and we are so very saddened by his loss.
Irene Howie
