For almost 31 years, I have proudly served the U.S. Customs Service. When I started as a Sky Marshal, I thought I would only stay with Customs for a short time.  However, I soon was entranced by the agency, it’s mission and the people I worked with…and over the years I have had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented, highly motivated individuals who knew how to “get the job done.” From Sky Marshal to Assistant Commissioner, I tried to give 150% to the people I worked with, the people I worked for and the people who worked for me.

I am honored to have been part of both the Offices of Field Operations and Investigations.  It was, indeed, a rare opportunity and you gave so much back to me. Thank you for that.  I will tell you a secret. I am impossibly sentimental and I will miss this great historic agency and its ever-evolving mission responsibilities (what an exciting adventure awaits you now!)...but I will especially miss all of you. It is, in the end, only the people who matter. 

Always remember that you are the guardians of our nation’s borders, America’s frontline. There is tangible good to the work that you do. You stand between the darkness and the light. America will be safe and remain free because of your dedication and service.

As for me, over the years, some of you have asked about my personal values, my management philosophy, how I set a career course, what my goals were…here’s what I never could tell you about me because I always told you that it was just about you. It has always resonated with me and it  is the explanation for my career with Customs.

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I,
I took the one less traveled by.
And that has made all the difference.”

 Thank you for allowing me the privilege of traveling that road with you. I am off to new adventures and challenges and  I am once again, taking a road less traveled…a new road for me. So, as you continue down your road without me, remember that tradition, service and honor travel with you.

Bonni G. Tischler
Assistant Commissioner
Office of Field Operations