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 - July 6, 2025
Last update - July 6, 2025
This week is a solemn reflection of heroism, tragedy, and the enduring legacy of those who have served. We honor the memory of six fallen agents whose end of watch anniversaries fall within these days - Edwin H. Wheeler (1952), Leopoldo Cavazos Jr. (2012), Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas (1998), Glenn A. Phillips (1974), and Enrique J. Rositas Jr. (2020). Each of these brave individuals made the ultimate sacrifice, from responding to violent suspects to tragic vehicle accidents and mysterious circumstances that still provoke questions and reflection.
This week also commemorates the extraordinary courage of agents awarded the Newton-Azrak Award for heroism. Senior Patrol Agent Orlando Sanchez’s brave engagement with an armed suspect in 1998, Agent Thomas W. Slowinski’s lifesaving search-and-rescue efforts during a building collapse in 1989, and SBPA Jason Weatherby’s daring river rescue in 2019 exemplify the valor and selflessness emblematic of the Patrol’s highest traditions.
Historically, we also recognize milestones in organizational development: the 1940 establishment of USBP Academy Class 1, marking the formalization of training under the Department of Justice, and early leadership correspondence in the 1930s that shaped uniform policy and personnel practices. These foundational moments remind us of how far the Border Patrol has come while reinforcing its enduring mission.
We remember, we honor, and we continue to serve—never forgetting those who gave everything.
This week also commemorates the extraordinary courage of agents awarded the Newton-Azrak Award for heroism. Senior Patrol Agent Orlando Sanchez’s brave engagement with an armed suspect in 1998, Agent Thomas W. Slowinski’s lifesaving search-and-rescue efforts during a building collapse in 1989, and SBPA Jason Weatherby’s daring river rescue in 2019 exemplify the valor and selflessness emblematic of the Patrol’s highest traditions.
Historically, we also recognize milestones in organizational development: the 1940 establishment of USBP Academy Class 1, marking the formalization of training under the Department of Justice, and early leadership correspondence in the 1930s that shaped uniform policy and personnel practices. These foundational moments remind us of how far the Border Patrol has come while reinforcing its enduring mission.
We remember, we honor, and we continue to serve—never forgetting those who gave everything.
Discover more on the U.S. Border Patrol History page.
Henry Repeating Arms
U.S. Border Patrol Tribute Edition RifleS
Henry Repeating Arms has released a U.S. Border Patrol Tribute Edition of their acclaimed rifles, paying tribute to the honor, service, and history of the United States Border Patrol.
The rifles are beautifully engraved with Border Patrol themes, including:
These commemorative rifles are available exclusively to active, retired, or former Border Patrol and CBP personnel. Each order requires verification (such as an academy class number or PIV card), and orders must be submitted by mail using a printable order form.
Pricing includes a discounted rate and a free Henry soft case:
Henry Repeating Arms donates a portion of each sale to the Border Patrol Museum in El Paso, Texas.
You can view more details and download the order form from Henry’s official site.
Disclaimer: HonorFirst.com is not affiliated with Henry Repeating Arms and receives no payment, commission, or other benefit from this announcement. This information is shared solely to highlight a unique and respectful tribute to the U.S. Border Patrol workforce.
The rifles are beautifully engraved with Border Patrol themes, including:
- The Centennial badge and “Honor First” motto
- Mounted agents on horseback, USBP patch, and scrollwork
- Options for both the Golden Boy (.22 S/L/LR) and Big Boy (.357 Mag/.38 Spl) models
These commemorative rifles are available exclusively to active, retired, or former Border Patrol and CBP personnel. Each order requires verification (such as an academy class number or PIV card), and orders must be submitted by mail using a printable order form.
Pricing includes a discounted rate and a free Henry soft case:
- Golden Boy: ~$720 (down from $1,230)
- Big Boy: ~$1,150 (down from $1,770)
Henry Repeating Arms donates a portion of each sale to the Border Patrol Museum in El Paso, Texas.
You can view more details and download the order form from Henry’s official site.
Disclaimer: HonorFirst.com is not affiliated with Henry Repeating Arms and receives no payment, commission, or other benefit from this announcement. This information is shared solely to highlight a unique and respectful tribute to the U.S. Border Patrol workforce.
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.
