Welcome to HonorFirst.com
A Comprehensive Resource for the U.S. Border Patrol Community
Preserving the Legacy - Empowering the Future
An Independent Educational Resource on the U.S. Border Patrol
Founded in the mid-1990s by Ray Harris, HonorFirst.com began as a resource to help those interested in joining the U.S. Border Patrol and navigating the hiring process. Over time, it evolved into a volunteer-driven effort dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the U.S. Border Patrol. As an educational platform, we research, document, and archive historical information to ensure the agency’s legacy remains accessible to the public. In 2025, HonorFirst.com was officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, and donations are now tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Understanding the Border Patrol Career Path: Our “For USBP Applicants” section organizes publicly available information to help individuals understand the historical context of the Border Patrol hiring process and career expectations. While we present general insights based on historical records and official sources, all applicants should consult CBP.gov and USAJobs.gov for the most current hiring details. HonorFirst.com is an independent educational platform and does not provide recruitment services or official hiring guidance.
Preserving and Sharing Border Patrol History: HonorFirst.com is dedicated to researching, documenting, and preserving the history of the U.S. Border Patrol. Our “USBP Pages and Links” section provides access to historical records, firsthand narratives, and a collection of over 2,000 photographs, ensuring that the contributions of Border Patrol personnel are recognized and accessible for future generations.
Educating and Connecting the Community: We continually expand and update our content to serve as a trusted, independent educational resource on the history of the U.S. Border Patrol. Through historical articles, research archives, and outreach efforts, we aim to document and preserve the legacy of Border Patrol personnel and operations. While we strive to provide accurate and comprehensive historical information, we encourage visitors to consult official government sources for current policies and operational details.
Thank you for visiting HonorFirst.com. We invite you to explore, learn, and stay connected with the U.S. Border Patrol community. Use our dropdown menus for tailored content or tap the hamburger icon (☰) for easy mobile navigation. Join us in honoring the past, supporting the present, and inspiring the future of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Understanding the Border Patrol Career Path: Our “For USBP Applicants” section organizes publicly available information to help individuals understand the historical context of the Border Patrol hiring process and career expectations. While we present general insights based on historical records and official sources, all applicants should consult CBP.gov and USAJobs.gov for the most current hiring details. HonorFirst.com is an independent educational platform and does not provide recruitment services or official hiring guidance.
Preserving and Sharing Border Patrol History: HonorFirst.com is dedicated to researching, documenting, and preserving the history of the U.S. Border Patrol. Our “USBP Pages and Links” section provides access to historical records, firsthand narratives, and a collection of over 2,000 photographs, ensuring that the contributions of Border Patrol personnel are recognized and accessible for future generations.
Educating and Connecting the Community: We continually expand and update our content to serve as a trusted, independent educational resource on the history of the U.S. Border Patrol. Through historical articles, research archives, and outreach efforts, we aim to document and preserve the legacy of Border Patrol personnel and operations. While we strive to provide accurate and comprehensive historical information, we encourage visitors to consult official government sources for current policies and operational details.
Thank you for visiting HonorFirst.com. We invite you to explore, learn, and stay connected with the U.S. Border Patrol community. Use our dropdown menus for tailored content or tap the hamburger icon (☰) for easy mobile navigation. Join us in honoring the past, supporting the present, and inspiring the future of the U.S. Border Patrol.
U.S. Border Patrol Agent Badge
This Week in USBP History
Updated every Sunday!
Last update - August 30, 2026
Last update - August 30, 2026
Get Notified When This Week in USBP History Is Updated
Every Sunday, HonorFirst.com publishes a new edition of This Week in USBP History.
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This week spans courage, sacrifice, historic national service, and the evolution of the Patrol across generations. In 1929, Senior Patrol Inspector Myles J. Scannell was brutally murdered near the Rio Grande at Polvo, Texas, and the following day his fellow inspectors memorialized him in a testimonial. The week also marks the line-of-duty deaths of Patrol Inspector Robert J. Heibler in 1941, Special Agent Keith Connelly in 1989, and Border Patrol Agent Tyler R. Robledo in 2014.
Other notable moments demonstrate the extraordinary range of duties undertaken by Border Patrol personnel. In 1961, Operation Skyguard began transitioning primary responsibility to the Federal Aviation Agency after 718 Patrol Inspectors had flown on 1,310 commercial flights covering more than 1.7 million miles. In 1962, plans were developed to deploy more than 300 Border Patrol Inspectors to Mississippi to help protect James Meredith and facilitate his enrollment at the University of Mississippi. A year later, inspectors were sent to the University of Alabama in support of the registration of Vivian Malone and James Hood.
This week also remembers acts of exceptional bravery. Border Patrol Agent Josue A. Sepulveda’s actions during an armed confrontation in San Antonio on September 8, 2021, earned recognition with the Newton-Azrak Award, while five McAllen Sector agents are remembered for their courage under fire near Brownsville on September 10, 1996. From an El Paso gunfight in 1930 and changes to the Border Patrol uniform in 1931 to Operation Safe Passage following the September 11 attacks, these events reflect more than a century of service, sacrifice, adaptability, and devotion to duty.
Other notable moments demonstrate the extraordinary range of duties undertaken by Border Patrol personnel. In 1961, Operation Skyguard began transitioning primary responsibility to the Federal Aviation Agency after 718 Patrol Inspectors had flown on 1,310 commercial flights covering more than 1.7 million miles. In 1962, plans were developed to deploy more than 300 Border Patrol Inspectors to Mississippi to help protect James Meredith and facilitate his enrollment at the University of Mississippi. A year later, inspectors were sent to the University of Alabama in support of the registration of Vivian Malone and James Hood.
This week also remembers acts of exceptional bravery. Border Patrol Agent Josue A. Sepulveda’s actions during an armed confrontation in San Antonio on September 8, 2021, earned recognition with the Newton-Azrak Award, while five McAllen Sector agents are remembered for their courage under fire near Brownsville on September 10, 1996. From an El Paso gunfight in 1930 and changes to the Border Patrol uniform in 1931 to Operation Safe Passage following the September 11 attacks, these events reflect more than a century of service, sacrifice, adaptability, and devotion to duty.
Discover more on the U.S. Border Patrol History page.
HonorFirst YouTube Channel
HonorFirst produces short, documentary-style videos that explain the history, culture, and traditions of the U.S. Border Patrol—drawing from original records, institutional knowledge, and firsthand perspective. Topics include rank structure, Honorary Awards, General Orders, and the origins of “Honor First.”
These videos highlight key moments, organizational development, and the traditions that shaped the modern U.S. Border Patrol.
Recent videos include (click the photo to watch the video):
These videos highlight key moments, organizational development, and the traditions that shaped the modern U.S. Border Patrol.
Recent videos include (click the photo to watch the video):
U.S. Border Patrol Culture
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General Order 61: A Defining Document in Border Patrol History
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U.S. Border Patrol Rank Structure and Insignia Explained
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U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards
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UNDERSTANDING THE BORDER PATROL CAREER PATH
The U.S. Border Patrol has played a significant role in national security and immigration enforcement throughout its history. At HonorFirst.com, we provide historical context and publicly available resources to help individuals understand the evolution of the agency’s duties, responsibilities, and challenges. For official hiring details and current career opportunities, visitors should consult CBP.gov and USAJobs.gov.
For a broader look at the Border Patrol’s duties, visit our Duties and Careers in the Border Patrol page. Additionally, those seeking to explore official hiring announcements can find publicly available job postings through our Journey to Becoming a U.S. Border Patrol Agent page, which links to the relevant postings on USAJobs.gov.
Independent Educational Resource
HonorFirst.com was founded by retired U.S. Border Patrol Agent and Special Agent Ray Harris as an independent historical resource. The site remains dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the U.S. Border Patrol and does not provide hiring guidance or recruitment services. For official hiring information, visitors should refer to CBP.gov and USAJobs.gov.
For a broader look at the Border Patrol’s duties, visit our Duties and Careers in the Border Patrol page. Additionally, those seeking to explore official hiring announcements can find publicly available job postings through our Journey to Becoming a U.S. Border Patrol Agent page, which links to the relevant postings on USAJobs.gov.
Independent Educational Resource
HonorFirst.com was founded by retired U.S. Border Patrol Agent and Special Agent Ray Harris as an independent historical resource. The site remains dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the U.S. Border Patrol and does not provide hiring guidance or recruitment services. For official hiring information, visitors should refer to CBP.gov and USAJobs.gov.
Ray Harris
A Legacy of Exceptional Meritorious Service to the U.S. Border Patrol Recognized
Ray Harris
Citation for exceptional meritorious service
Since 1996, retired Immigration Special Agent and 17-year U.S. Border Patrol veteran Ray Harris has maintained honorfirst.com and an accompanying applicant message forum, both of which he created. For over two decades, the applicant's forum has posted more than 580,000 questions, responses and comments. The forum boasts nearly 48,000 members with nearly 3.5 million guest visits. Honorfirst.com receives over 1,000 visits per week. No single person has had a greater, positive impact on U.S. Border Patrol recruitment efforts than Ray Harris. Mr. Harris' efforts have brought great credit upon himself to the benefit and gratitude of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Citation for exceptional meritorious service
Since 1996, retired Immigration Special Agent and 17-year U.S. Border Patrol veteran Ray Harris has maintained honorfirst.com and an accompanying applicant message forum, both of which he created. For over two decades, the applicant's forum has posted more than 580,000 questions, responses and comments. The forum boasts nearly 48,000 members with nearly 3.5 million guest visits. Honorfirst.com receives over 1,000 visits per week. No single person has had a greater, positive impact on U.S. Border Patrol recruitment efforts than Ray Harris. Mr. Harris' efforts have brought great credit upon himself to the benefit and gratitude of the U.S. Border Patrol.
MARIJUANA AND FEDERAL LAW
While some states have legalized marijuana, it remains illegal under federal law, and federal agencies enforce nationwide standards. Individuals interested in federal law enforcement careers, including the U.S. Border Patrol, should be aware of these legal requirements and consult official government sources for further information.
Before pursuing this career path, be mindful of the legal and professional expectations required for federal law enforcement.
While some states have legalized marijuana, it remains illegal under federal law, and federal agencies enforce nationwide standards. Individuals interested in federal law enforcement careers, including the U.S. Border Patrol, should be aware of these legal requirements and consult official government sources for further information.
Before pursuing this career path, be mindful of the legal and professional expectations required for federal law enforcement.
Bookmark this page and check back frequently.
Prepare for an Exciting and Rewarding Career
Join the United States Border Patrol and take on a challenging and fulfilling mission in federal law enforcement.
Join the United States Border Patrol and take on a challenging and fulfilling mission in federal law enforcement.
