U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer Tahira Manns has been honored with the Commissioner’s Award for Resiliency after bravely overcoming significant challenges, including a severe health scare. Manns’ journey of balancing a demanding career, raising five children, and battling Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) has earned her national recognition for exceptional bravery and resilience.
Unyielding Commitment to Duty and Family
Manns, 42, from Sicklerville, N.J., serves as a passenger operations program manager with CBP’s Baltimore Field Office. Her journey began in August 2021 when she was diagnosed with Stage 2B TNBC. Despite the prognosis, Manns remained the primary caregiver for her teenage children, nieces, nephew, and elderly grandmother.
Support System Highlights:
- Relied on family, friends, and neighbors.
- Her eldest children assisted with medical appointments and household tasks.
- Telework allowed her to continue contributing professionally during treatments.
Battling Cancer and Maintaining Leadership
Manns continued her leadership role with CBP’s Mid-Atlantic Intelligence Division, managing crucial tasks and ensuring national security. She sought comfort in her duties, maintaining her work and family responsibilities while undergoing rigorous cancer treatment.
Inspirational Words and Recognitions
Reflecting on her journey, Manns shared, “It was hard. My emotions were unstable. Talking about my situation would bring tears to my eyes, but I tried to keep a smile on my face. I still had goals I wanted to achieve, and if my time clock was ticking, I still wanted to be remembered for my awesome personality, my love for my family and friends, my work ethic, and ambition.”
CBP’s Acting Director of Field Operations, Matthew Davies, praised her resilience: “Tahira Manns is an amazing Hallmark story of inspirational bravery and perseverance through a life-altering health scare to care for her family and satisfy her work responsibilities. She epitomizes the very resiliency that we hope to instill in all our workforce.”
Achievements and Future Goals
Manns has completed her chemotherapy and continues regular appointments with her surgical oncologist. Her determination and resilience have set a remarkable example for her peers and community.
Key Milestones in Tahira Manns’ Journey
Milestone |
Date |
|---|---|
| Diagnosed with TNBC | August 2021 |
| Underwent chemotherapy | 2021-2022 |
| Awarded Commissioner’s Award | April 2023 |
| Completed cancer treatment | Ongoing |
Achievements:
- Received the Commissioner’s Award for Resiliency.
- Continues to inspire through her story and dedication.
The annual CBP Commissioner’s Awards Ceremony celebrates employees for remarkable deeds and accomplishments. This year, CBP honored 294 employees across 21 categories, including heroism, safety, integrity, best practices, volunteer service, and leadership.
In Conclusion
Tahira Manns’ story of overcoming incredible challenges and a severe health scare while maintaining her professional and personal responsibilities is an inspiration to many.
Her resilience and dedication have earned her the prestigious Commissioner’s Award, setting a high standard for bravery and perseverance within the CBP and beyond.
Sources: THX News & US Customs and Border Protection.
