Lincoln Airport Hosts Event to Raise Awareness about Human Trafficking

On July 30, the Lincoln Airport (lincolnairport.com) held a compelling event to raise awareness about human trafficking, bringing together community members, LNK staff and support organizations.

The event featured speeches from renowned advocates, including Stephanie Olson and Rebecca Saunders from The Set Me Free Project, Paul Yates from I’ve Got A Name, Brooke Carlson from Disrupting Traffick, Leticia Montoya-Bonifas from Central Nebraska Human Trafficking and Immigration Outreach, Jared Miller from Freedom Aviation Network and Captain Jake Dilsaver from LPD’s Special Victims Unit.

In addition to the aforementioned organizations, attendees also had the opportunity to engage with Voices of Hope, Friendship Home, Leadership Lincoln Youth and Tiger Rock Academy through informational booth. Collectively, these organizations provided valuable resources and information on how to support the fight against human trafficking. Attendees participated in the Red Sand Project, an interactive art installation symbolizing individuals who have fallen through the cracks of social, economic and political systems, which can make them vulnerable to trafficking. Participants poured red sand into the sidewalk cracks outside the terminal, visually representing those often overlooked and highlighting the issue.

Board Member Nicki Behmer-Popp signed LNK’s pledge to help combat human trafficking within LNK’s facilities. The Lincoln Airport is a sponsor of the Blue Lightning Initiative, an element of the Department of Transportation and Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign. The Blue Lightning Initiative trains aviation personnel to identify potential traffickers and human trafficking victims and how to report their suspicions to federal law enforcement.

LNK remains committed to supporting initiatives that raise awareness and contribute to the well-being of the community. Contact Director of Air Service Development and Strategic Marketing Rachel Barth, C.M. at (402) 440-4211 or r.barth@lincolnairport.com, or visit LNK’s website at lincolnairport.com.