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 - April 19, 2026
Last update - April 19, 2026
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This week reflects the evolution, sacrifice, and courage that have defined the Patrol since its earliest years. The week includes milestones such as the 1930 authorization of the iconic pith helmet for southern border districts, the 1977 opening of the first Border Patrol Academy class at FLETC Glynco, and leadership memoranda from Chiefs Donald R. Coppock and Harlon Carter that helped shape the modern organization. It also highlights historic proposals that would have restructured border enforcement in 1930 and 1932, showing how the Border Patrol’s identity was forged through change and adaptation.
Most importantly, we honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty: Patrol Inspectors Thad Pippin, William W. McKee, and Garvis Field Harrell, along with Patrol Agent Jose P. Gamez, Jr. Their service and sacrifice remain a lasting part of the Border Patrol’s legacy.
This week also recognizes extraordinary acts of valor, including lifesaving rescues in Yuma Sector, El Centro Sector, and the successful execution of Operation Reunion in 2000.
Honor First continues as we remember the people and moments that shaped the United States Border Patrol.
Most importantly, we honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty: Patrol Inspectors Thad Pippin, William W. McKee, and Garvis Field Harrell, along with Patrol Agent Jose P. Gamez, Jr. Their service and sacrifice remain a lasting part of the Border Patrol’s legacy.
This week also recognizes extraordinary acts of valor, including lifesaving rescues in Yuma Sector, El Centro Sector, and the successful execution of Operation Reunion in 2000.
Honor First continues as we remember the people and moments that shaped the United States Border Patrol.
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.
