I have just returned from the N.F.B. Merchant's Division conference in Las 
Vegas and wanted all of you that are planning to attend your respective 
organization's conventions this summer to be on the look out for a firm 
called Argenbright Security.
Many airlines now contract with this company for not only their security 
needs but to provide gate assistance for those of us who may need it.  Going 
out, I changed planes in San Francisco with very little time to make my 
connection.  I was told by an Argenbright agent who could barely speak 
English that I must report to their "Service Center," which turned out to be 
a holding room for the handicapped before I could be taken to the gate area.  
I disputed this but it cost me time.  When we got to this "Service Center," I 
was informed by the attendant that I was indeed right; that as a capable 
adult I could go anywhere I wanted to and the original person was instructed 
to take me to my designated gate.  Had the plane not landed a bit early I 
could have missed my connection.  
Coming back was an even bigger horror story.  This time, I connected through 
L.A.X.  When I got there, even though the Las Vegas gate agent had entered 
into the computer that I wanted someone to walk with me to my connecting gate 
without a wheel chair, there was no one to meet me.  When they did send 
someone, another Argenbright person, she walked me for what I thought was an 
overly long walk.  I went through another check point and was put on a plane 
which I was later told was bound for Tokyo Japan.  Had I not gotten off when 
I did, I was within five to ten minutes of being on my way to Japan with no 
recourse to correct it.  This gate was in the International Terminal which is 
a long way from my designated gate and even with the largest degree of 
latitude no margin of error could have accounted for this screw-up.  
But meantime, I missed my flight and had to be booked onto a later one.  
Again, this was the fault of an Argenbright agent.  
While waiting for my later flight to New Orleans, I was again told that I 
would be taken to their "U.M.," room which stands for Unaccompanyed Minors.  
I again declined and let them know on no uncertain terms that I would not do 
so.  
Finally, while I was in Las Vegas, I heard a story on K.N.U.U. radio, Las 
Vegas's News Station,  about the local Argenbright branch being investigated 
for missing money, credit cards Etc. from people's carry-on bags and that 
they are under litigation for this.  
If anyone tells you that you must report to any kind of service center, 
Holding room, U.M. room or whatever they choose to call it, you don't have to 
do so.  It is your choice as to whether you want to do so or not.  But if you 
do, you probably won't come out until time for your flight to leave.  You 
won't have the freedom to come and go as you please.  Just wanted to let 
everyone know.  This goes back to this prevalent "one size fits all," 
mentality.  We shouldn't have to do this just because it is more convenient 
for the airlines.  I am not a minor and do not wish to be treated like one.
Harvey 
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