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 - May 10, 2026
Last update - May 10, 2026
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In this Week in USBP history, moments of exceptional marksmanship, sacrifice, and service highlight the enduring legacy of the U.S. Border Patrol. From the early development of the Patrol in the 1920s to national-level shooting competitions in the 1930s and operational support during the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968, these historical entries reflect the evolving responsibilities and professionalism of the organization. This week also honors the memory of Border Patrol Agents and Inspectors who gave their lives in the line of duty, including Xavier G. Magdaleno, Richard M. Goldstein, Hector R. Clark, Eduardo Rojas, Jr., Daniel Salazar, and Richard A. Lugo.
The week recalls El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth praising Senior Patrol Inspector George W. Parker, Jr. and famed Patrol Inspector Charles Askins Jr. as among the finest competitive shooters in the nation following their accomplishments at Fort Huachuca in 1934. It also highlights key historical documents from 1924 and 1956 that reveal the rapid growth and operational challenges of the Border Patrol, including early staffing requests and support for additional border fencing. Additionally, the tradition of playing the Border Patrol March at Academy graduations traces its origins to the 130th Session in 1979.
The stories of fallen personnel remain central to this week’s remembrance. Agent Xavier G. Magdaleno succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic train collision after six years of paralysis. Agent Richard M. Goldstein gave his life while apparently attempting to rescue his K-9 partner from the Coachella Canal. Agents Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr. were killed in a train collision while assisting fellow agents in Arizona. Agent Daniel Salazar lost his life responding to a sensor activation in San Diego Sector, and Patrol Inspector Trainee Richard A. Lugo died in a vehicle rollover accident near Yuma in 1967. Their dedication and sacrifice continue to define Honor First.
The week recalls El Paso District Director Grover Cleveland Wilmoth praising Senior Patrol Inspector George W. Parker, Jr. and famed Patrol Inspector Charles Askins Jr. as among the finest competitive shooters in the nation following their accomplishments at Fort Huachuca in 1934. It also highlights key historical documents from 1924 and 1956 that reveal the rapid growth and operational challenges of the Border Patrol, including early staffing requests and support for additional border fencing. Additionally, the tradition of playing the Border Patrol March at Academy graduations traces its origins to the 130th Session in 1979.
The stories of fallen personnel remain central to this week’s remembrance. Agent Xavier G. Magdaleno succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic train collision after six years of paralysis. Agent Richard M. Goldstein gave his life while apparently attempting to rescue his K-9 partner from the Coachella Canal. Agents Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr. were killed in a train collision while assisting fellow agents in Arizona. Agent Daniel Salazar lost his life responding to a sensor activation in San Diego Sector, and Patrol Inspector Trainee Richard A. Lugo died in a vehicle rollover accident near Yuma in 1967. Their dedication and sacrifice continue to define Honor First.
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.
