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Charles Yoon: Air Serv's Wheelchair "Hall of Famer"
Retires from LAX   with a Legendary Service Record

LOS ANGELES - If there were a Hall of Fame for wheelchair pushers, Charles Yoon would be a first-ballot inductee. In his 70's, Charlie consistently challenged himself to increase the number of wheelchair trips he completed with speed and safety, becoming a one-man pushing crew at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). His nickname is "Speedy".

Music was Charlie's first passion. He worked for over 30 years in the entertainment business in his home country, Korea, as a booking agent. Among the notable musicians and singers brought to US Military clubs by Charlie were Tanya Tucker, The Manhattans, The Platters, and The Chi-lites.

Charlie immigrated to America in 1986 and for 12 years owned and operated a sheepskin-cutting store in LA's Koreatown district. Semi-retired and looking for additional income, Charlie was hired in 1998 by Argenbright Security as an interpreter in the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

This position led Charlie to take on a variety of positions with Argenbright including baggage claim agent, screener, and breach post guard, before finding his niche in the wheelchair department where he worked for four years. Charlie is most proud of what he calls the unwritten record for pushes:   20 wheelchair "deals" in a seven-hour shift. He often came close to duplicating that feat with double-digit push days being common for Charlie.

Helping needy passengers get to their planes on time and transforming upset passengers into happy customers are what Charlie loves most about his job. Charlie reflects on his years at LAX, "Where else can you exercise and be healthy, get pride from helping others, and get paid and make tips. That was always the key to my positive attitude."

On December 31, 2004, Charlie finally retired.   His smiling, warm personality will be missed, but the legendary service he provided will serve as an inspiration to the Air Serv's busy LAX Wheelchair team. One thing is for sure ... during the busiest seasons he will surely be missed.