DEN Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Ambassador Volunteer Program

DENVER – Sept. 23, 2024 – The Ambassador Volunteer Program at Denver International Airport (DEN) is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. Mayor Mike Johnston has officially proclaimed Monday, September 23, to be known as DEN Ambassador Volunteers 30^th Anniversary Day. Initiated in 1994, before DEN’s official opening, the pioneering initiative was one of the first of its kind in the U.S. and has since been replicated at airports nationwide.

The program started with more than 500 volunteers that made six-week commitments to serve as tour guides for DEN’s open houses as the city prepared to open the airport. They still serve as points of contact for general information, wayfinding and support for millions of travelers that move through DEN. Today, DEN has approximately 250 active volunteers of various ages. Ambassadors contributed more than 28,220 hours and assisted roughly 1,278,579 passengers in 2023 alone.

“We are immensely grateful for all the support and service our Ambassadors have provided over the past 30 years,” DEN CEO Phil Washington said. “They are truly remarkable, and we hear countless stories of their kindness, generosity, helpfulness and overall care of DEN’s passengers. DEN would not be what it is without them.”

The Ambassadors have been known for their iconic uniforms, from the original white Stetson cowboy hats and brown suede vests to the current violet plaid vests and black hats. Even though the uniforms have changed over the years, their impact stays the same. Here are some other notable facts:

• More than 1,400 people have volunteered as a DEN Ambassador over the past three decades, donating over 748,000 hours.
• There are more than 70 volunteers who have been in the program for more than 10 years. Of those, 26 have been with the program for more than 15 years.
• 77% of the Ambassadors are retired. There are retired teachers, healthcare workers, airline employees (pilots, flight attendants and customer service representatives), government and airport employees in the program.
• Current working professionals involved in the Ambassadors program have careers in technology, finance and healthcare.
• There are more than 25 veterans in the program.
• Most of the student ambassadors are planning for careers as airport leaders, pilots, flight attendants and ramp tower agents.
• DEN’s youngest Ambassador is 15 years old.
• DEN’s oldest Ambassador, Bob Damerau, is 94 years old and has been volunteering over 19 years. He can be found at the A Bridge every Tuesday. Bob works to guide the “lost souls,” as he calls them. He can recognize a 1,000-yard stare instantly and knows when someone needs help. Bob comes to DEN for what he calls his weekly “people contact.” Bob is an avid traveler and has visited 100 different countries.
• One Ambassador is a professional Santa Claus!
• Ambassadors get free parking at the airport.

The program has expanded over the years, offering volunteer positions to college students through its Collegiate Ambassador Program and most recently to high school students through its Teen Navigator Program. Many of the teen and collegiate volunteers use the program as a step in the door toward employment and a career in the aviation industry.

In honor of the Ambassador program’s 30th anniversary, DEN produced this video.

To learn more about requirements to be an Ambassador Volunteer and apply, visit the program page.

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.