This Week in USBP History

This Week in USBP History, 10/02-10/08

10/2/2022

USBP Achievement Medal

Good morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

I'm going to start out by comparing the ease of purchasing military awards and insignia to the great difficulty of a current or former USBP employee obtaining an extra/replacement Border Patrol award or device...

Military Insignia and Awards
Would you like to purchase a Navy Seal Trident? If you wish, you can purchase one from Vanguard for $13.70.

What about a Navy Cross medal? You can purchase one of those from Medals of America for $81.99.

What about a Silver Star medal? Go to USA Military Medals with $40.39 and it's yours.
Any military member, veteran or collector is able to purchase any military insignia and/or award, from multiple venders nearly without restriction*.
*18 USC 704 regulates military medals and decorations.

USBP Insignia and Awards
What about active USBP employees and retirees... Where are they able to purchase replacement or extra insignia or USBP Honorary Awards? Where would someone obtain a USBP Peer Support device, BORTAC device, USBP Commendation Medal, etc...? The short answer is no USBP device or award is available for purchase by any recipient, active USBP employee, retiree or collector.

What if I were to tell you I have a plan that would support the current and former workforce, collectors and the Border Patrol Museum in a win-win-win manner?

A Plan of Action
Here it goes - First, a CBP policy document would have to be created so that CBP/USBP would enter into official relationships with the Border Patrol Museum and Border Patrol Morale, Welfare and Recreation (BP MW&R) non-profit organizations following the model of the FBI’s relationship with the FBI Recreation Association (FBIRA).

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Secret Service (USSS) have created official relationships with non-profit organizations under 5 CFR Part 251.
The FBI’s relationship with the FBI Recreation Association (FBIRA) is governed by this policy document. An overview is provided below:
- The FBIRA has 58 chapters.
- FBIRA Chapter 1 has been provided GOV space by the FBI in the Hoover Building in Washington DC.
- Only FBIRA Chapter 1 has received official authorization to produce/sell items with the FBI badge on them and official seals. All other FBIRA chapters are required to purchase the aforementioned items from Chapter 1.
- All FBIRA chapters are required to be managed by a board of at least three FBI employees or face the loss of official recognition.
- All FBIRA chapters are required to maintain high levels of ethical behavior and accountability or face the loss of official recognition.
The USBP could emulate the FBI approach by entering into a relationship with the Border Patrol Museum and BP MW&R organizations. Generally, the approach could mandate that BP MW&R organizations be considered chapters of the Border Patrol Museum and require that they purchase USBP branded items from the Border Patrol Museum. This approach, following the FBI model under 5 CFR Part 251 would be a mutually beneficial relationship the USBP, the workforce and the non-profit organizations.

Concerning USBP Honorary Awards and USBP Authorized Devices, it is nearly impossible for an employee or a retiree to obtain an extra set of one of their awards or devices. It would be very easy for the USBP to authorize the BP Museum to have those items manufactured for sale. It would be great for the workforce and a source of revenue for the Museum. Win / Win

The approach is simple:

A CBP/USBP document is created following the FBI by which the BP Museum becomes Chapter #1 of all USBP MW&R Associations. All USBP MW&R's are mandated to purchase USBP branded items from the BP Museum. Only the BP Museum is authorized to have USBP branded items manufactured.
To create USBP Honorary Awards and some of the USBP Authorized devices, the BP Museum would use a U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry (TIOH) certified vender to which the TIOH would ship the award and device dies. The vender would manufacture the awards/devices to the exact standards in the TIOH spec sheets.
- Note - before I retired, I requested that the USBP Commendation spec sheet to be modified to be a four-piece award set. As of this writing it is still listed as a three-piece. Ensure that the vender knows that a lapel pin must be included. Find spec sheets by search for “Border Patrol” in the Find Term field in this website - https://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsSearch.aspx
Each award has multiple spec sheets:
- Decoration
- Ribbon
- Lapel Button

I recommend that USBP awards and devices be sold without restrictions, to the entire public.

Let me establish some baselines on the unrestricted sale subject. All military awards are defined in law, regulation, or Executive Orders. For the military, only awards that are defined in similar documents can be worn on a military uniform. With the exception of the Medals of Honor, any person can buy and possess any military decoration. With those facts in mind, no USBP award is authorized for wear on any military uniform because our awards, although designed by the Institute of Heraldry (TIOH), are only defined in a lower-level policy signed by an SES. USBP awards are not defined in law, regulation, or Executive Orders. USBP Honorary Awards lack that level of legitimacy or bureaucratic prestige.

Any person can buy and possess nearly any military decoration or device, but a USBP employee or retiree must jump through undefined hoops to get a replacement/extra medal set or authorized device.

As a real-world example, a Newton-Azrak Award recipient contacted me about obtaining a medal set since he received his award before they were issued. I put him in contact with the correct USBP HQ division who promptly denied his request. On the recipient's behalf, I emailed the highest levels of Border Patrol headquarters until, almost three months later, the recipient received a Newton-Azrak Award Medal set from HQ.

It should not be difficult for a recipient to receive a replacement/extra award set. A retiree should not have to persistently contact high-ranking USBP executives because a division of HQ failed to take care of the workforce or retirees.

If the BP Museum received authorization to sell all USBP awards and authorized devices, it would make it easy for employees and retirees to get replacement/extra sets. If a collector wishes to purchase them, it would equate to additional revenue for the Museum.

Here's an example. A USBP Achievement Medal set costs @ $15-$20 to manufacture. The Border Patrol Museum would have no problem selling them for $75. Similar profit margins could be applied to every USBP award and USBP device.

Awards and devices would be available for purchase and the BP Museum would have several new streams of profitability.

Win Win Win

Now to the Newsletter!

This week starts with a great correction and addition in the Housekeeping section. I actually do get excited to be corrected so that I may present the best USBP history available.

There are documents that pre-date the USBP, the Patrol's first job announcement, and a gunfight in El Paso and in Campo. There is a fencing estimate from 1953, and the 35th anniversary of the Patrol's newest sector.

We remember three Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions.

We also remember the loss of five of our fallen, including two that fell in the same event. Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue fell due in the same incident in 1973. A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen). Their names are listed below:

Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998
Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr. in 2011

Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021. However, their causes of death were not related.

Enjoy the newsletter and have a great week!

Cliff
PS -

As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages. I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to documents and pages.
Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

Esprit de Corps

The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employee based in part on their perception of:
- Being valued by the organization,
- Fairly compensated, and
- Performing meaningful work.

Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees.

The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale.

Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale

Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees.

Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps.

Documents/Events

1918

On October 6, 1918, the Commissioner-General sent telegrams to Seattle and El Paso immigration officials requesting their insight of placing a "regular patrol" in their areas to enforce the "Passport-Permit Regulations" and to "aid in the enforcement of other distinctly wartime measures."

1922

In 1918, the future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934), submitted no less than three proposals to create the Border Patrol. These proposals led to the creation of an Inter-Departmental Committee comprised of representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Justice, Labor and Treasury. After months of meetings and discussions, on October 4, 1922, the Inter-Departmental Committee recommended the creation of the Border Patrol.

1924

The earliest know Border Patrol announcement is from October 7, 1924. Points of interest:
- No requirements for the applicant to provide their own horse or firearm.
- Women could apply
- Required experience (condensed and paraphrased)
  - 2 years as a federal, state or local law enforcement officer, or
  - 6 months in the military, or
  - 6 months experience in a prestigious law enforcement organization such as the Texas Rangers, Pennsylvania State Constabulary, New York State Constabulary, or the Royal Northwest Mounted Police
- Must be able to speak and read Spanish is assigned to the Mexican border
- Must be 5'7" tall
- Must be between 23-45 years old

1927

The position that would become Chief of the Border Patrol was created in 1926 with Ruel E. Davenport (1878-1961) being the Chief for the Northern Border and George Harris (1876-1941) Chief of the Southern Border. By 1927, Harris was transferred leaving Davenport the sole Chief of the Border Patrol until 1932. In 1927, Davenport surveyed the entire Border Patrol and on October 5, 1927, submitted this report to the Commissioner-General of the Bureau of Immigration on his findings. A few quotes stand out in the report:
- From a somewhat doubtful and hesitant force it has developed into one now sure of its ground, convinced of its necessity and positive in its action.
- This weeding out process has had the effect of educating the public, generally speaking, to the fact that this Service does not tolerate triflers or grafters within its ranks.
- Perhaps the most important of these changes is the discontinuance of openly wearing side-arms or handcuffs on the belt during the day, particularly in cities, villages, or thickly settled rural communities. It is found that this practice has caused considerable adverse criticism and seems entirely unnecessary.
On October 8, 1927, Chief Patrol Inspector of the El Paso Sub-district and future Chief of the Border Patrol (1948-1950) Nicolas Donald Collaer (1896-1977) (photo), wrote memo to the El Paso District Director concerning confusion pertaining to Border Patrol uniforms being manufactured by several companies.

1928

Border Patrol Inspectors assigned to the El Paso sub-district were commonly in gunfights in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Joe Banco writes of one:
- One of the most notorious gun battles occurred on October 3, 1928, in the outskirts of San Elizario, southeast of El Paso, which resulted in the death of one liquor smuggler, wounding of six others and seizure of 44 1⁄2 gallons of liquor. The El Paso Herald headline read “Border Patrol and Rum Runner Turn Old River Bed Into Battle Field.” It was reported that the firefight began in the early pitch-dark morning when Border Patrol Inspectors attempted to intercept twelve smugglers as they were crossing the border with an illicit liquor load on horses. The seven Patrol Inspectors were concealed in the brush and “laying in” in three separate groups about thirty feet apart. Upon being challenged by the Patrol Inspectors, the smugglers immediately started shooting into the brush with rifles, shotguns, and pistols. The Herald reported that, “A hat of one of the officers was shot from his head. Dirt was thrown over them. Lead literally rained around them. Then they swung into action with their rifles at close range.” The outgunned Patrol Inspectors returned fire and two of the smugglers fell.
  - From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1934

On October 8, 1934, Deputy Commissioner Irving F. Wixon (1884-1962), wrote a congratulatory note to Jacksonville District Border Patrol Inspectors that had participated in the Florida Police Pistol League competition that occurred in Tampa. Border Patrol participants were
- Chief Patrol Inspector Chester C. Courtney (1890-1969)
- Senior Patrol Inspector John Q. Gillis (1899-1967)
- Patrol Inspector Carl H. Ray (1892-1973)
- Patrol Inspector Joseph B. Cunningham (1904-1976)
- Patrol Inspector James Edward Drake (1902-1969)
- Patrol Inspector Edwin M. Redmond (1901-1968)

1942

On October 6, 1942, Chief of the Border Patrol Willard F. Kelly (1903-1969) wrote a memo on behalf of the Commissioner to the Warden of the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. The memo contained, "...the names and addresses of the district and subdistrict offices of the United States Immigration Border Patrol." The memo also contains a disclaimer - "Each subdistrict has a number of stations infer its jurisdiction but, as these are changing constantly, all communications should be addressed to the District Directors or Chief Patrol Inspectors."

1953

On October 5, 1953, the Army Corps of Engineers submitted estimates to the Commissioner to build fencing between Texas and Mexico, and California and Mexico. The design of the fence is described:
- The fence was to consist of two 8-foot high barbed wire fences spaced 8 feet apart, utilizing steel poles space 10 feet apart and having barbed wire spaced 8 inches apart. In addition, a roll of concertina wire was to be placed on the more southerly fence and three roll place between the two fences.

1963

During the early 1960s, one of the Beaver aircraft was also assigned to the Northeast and mainly flew out of Swanton and Houlton Sectors. The De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver was based out of Burlington, Vermont, and was equipped with floats. Retired Patrol Inspector Gordon Dilmore shared a story of an <October 8, 1963> incident where the Beaver was almost involved in a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force fighter that was in trouble. The assistance provided to the pilot after the aircraft crashed was credited with saving the pilot’s life.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1969

Another incident that occurred during Operation Intercept was the defection of a Cuban pilot in a fully-armed MIG-17 at Homestead Air Force Base in South Florida on October 5, 1969. Retired Patrol Inspector James Montgomery recalls his participation in the incident;
- During that operation my wife was late in her pregnancy, so I was the only PI left in Miami. Congress had cut funding to the airborne radar around Southern Florida. President Nixon was at Key Biscayne. Late one night as he prepared to return to Washington, Air Force One was at Homestead Air Force base waiting to take him to Washington. A Cuban MIG came in at treetop level and landed next to Air Force One. The station senior Bill Purdy told me over the radio to go interview the pilot. After some discussion, we decided the chance I would be allowed to interview the pilot was slim or none. As it turned out the pilot had worked with the CIA to defect in the fully-armed MIG. Congress soon restored the funding for the airborne radar.
  - From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1973

...On October 2, 1973, when Campo Agents encountered ten individuals smuggling sacks of marijuana. The Patrol Agents cut sign to the pick-up vehicle loaded with an additional 422 pounds of marijuana and arrested the drivers. During the attempt to cut off the remaining smugglers, Patrol Agent Norman Barry was shot and a gunfight ensued, leaving three smugglers dead. Two additional smugglers were arrested by Mexican authorities as they crossed back into Mexico.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1987

October 5, 1987, Ramey Sector was dedicated.

Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

1991

Howard H. Gay
(1945-1990)
Border Patrol Pilot
Marfa Sector
Posthumously Awarded
On October 3, 1990, while driving to work in the morning thick fog, Border Patrol Pilot Howard H. Gay noticed a stranded motorist on the highway. Realizing the danger, Mr. Gay attempted to turn around to render assistance when he was struck and killed by an on-coming vehicle. He will be remembered as a person always willing to help others in distress.

Author's note - Why isn't this Newton-Azrak Award recipient not included among the honored fallen on the CBP Valor Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Officer's memorial?

1994

Jose (Joe) L. Perez
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
San Diego Sector
On the night of October 3, 1994, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Jose (Joe) L. Perez was performing his patrol duties in the Dulzura, CA area on Highway 94. Highway 94 runs east and west adjacent to the International Border between the United States and Mexico. While performing his patrol duties, Agent Perez came upon a one-car vehicle accident. Being the first law enforcement officer on the scene, Agent Perez took those steps necessary to notify the proper agencies through the Border Patrol Dispatch, and then took additional steps well above the call of duty.

Agent Perez observed that there were three occupants trapped inside a vehicle that was overturned and resting on its roof. As Agent Perez approached the vehicle, he observed that the doors were jammed shut. Agent Perez used what leverage he could and managed to open one front door. Through this door, Agent Perez was able to remove the driver and the front seat passenger. He placed both of them out of the flow of traffic and returned to the car. Agent Perez then observed that the vehicle was on fire and that there was still one occupant trapped inside the vehicle. Agent Perez reentered the vehicle and doubled his efforts to free the remaining passenger. The last passenger was trapped between the collapsed roof of the vehicle and the rear seat with her legs hanging through the shattered rear window. Using brute strength, Agent Perez was able to force the seat to move sufficiently to allow him to extricate the passenger. Although the vehicle was on fire, Agent Perez took the time to ensure that any possible spinal or neck injuries were cared for before moving the passenger to a safe location. Agent Perez continued performing immediate first aid until the arrival of the paramedics and fire units.

2021

Robert S. Holmes - photo
Border Patrol Agent
Grand Forks, ND
On October 3, 2020 at 9:00 PM, Bottineau Station Border Patrol Agent Robert Holmes assisted local law enforcement with a call regarding a suicidal man who was on top of a 144-foot structure. Beyond the call of duty while facing grave danger, Agent Holmes went to the top of the structure to search for the man. Upon reaching the top, Agent Holmes began searching the massive area which was riddled with shafts, pipes and other industrial hazards. Under the cover of night, Agent Holmes was able to locate the man, who was armed with a knife, near the edge of a grain elevator. Agent Holmes began a tactful conversation with the man and ultimately talked him into storing the knife in his pocket and moving away from the edge to safety. Agent Holmes’ actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.

USBP Fallen

As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen.
Titles:

3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
100 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.

The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.

Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.

*With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.

Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
John Charles Gigax - He is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. He is remembered by all except his own agency with his name is inscribed on the:
- National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
- Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
- Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

1973

Friedrich Karl
Date of Birth: July 15, 1923
Entered on Duty:          May 2, 1955
Title: Airplane Pilot
End of Watch: October 4, 1973

Details:
Both Airplane Pilot Friedrich Karl and his observer, Senior Patrol Agent John S. Blue, were stationed at Yuma, Arizona, when they were killed in an airplane crash.

The officers were on a sign cutting and aircraft patrol assignment, having departed from the Yuma County Airport at approximately 6:00 a.m., on October 4, 1973. The flight also served to acquaint Senior Patrol Agent Blue with portions of the Yuma Sector since he had transferred there a short time before.  After some five hours of flight, the officers landed at the Stoker Company Airport at Tacna, Arizona, for a rest stop and to communicate with units from the Tacna Station relative to patrol plans and operations.

At approximately 12:00 noon, shortly after take-off from Tacna, the airplane struck a static line near the top of 52-foot poles of the Wellton Irrigation District power line. Contact of the landing gear with the static line caused the plane to flip, invert, and fall to the ground in an upside-down position.  Both of the officers were killed instantly upon impact.

Cremated

John S. Blue
Date of Birth: April 6, 1935
Entered on Duty:          November 23, 1960
Title: Senior Patrol Agent
End of Watch: October 4, 1973

Details:
Senior Patrol Agent John S. Blue was stationed at Yuma, Arizona, where, while serving as an observer, he was killed in the crash of a Border Patrol airplane being flown by Airplane Pilot Friedrich Karl, also of Yuma.  The officers were on a sign cutting and aircraft patrol assignment, having departed from the Yuma County Airport at approximately 6:00 a.m., on October 4, 1973. The flight also served to acquaint Senior Patrol Agent Blue with portions of the Yuma Sector since he had transferred there a short time before.

After some five hours of flight, the officers landed at the Stoker Company Airport at Tacna, Arizona, for a rest stop and to communicate with units from the Tacna Station relative to patrol plans and operations.  At approximately 12:00 noon, shortly after take-off from Tacna, the airplane struck a static line near the top of 52-foot poles of the Wellton Irrigation District power line. Contact of the landing gear with the static line caused the plane to flip, invert, and fall to the ground in an upside-down position.  Both of the officers were killed instantly upon impact.

Burial Details Unknown

2012

Nicholas J. Ivie
Date of Birth October 13, 1981
Entered on Duty:          January 3, 2008
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: October 2, 2012

Details:
On October 2, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Nicholas J. Ivie, of the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station was mortally wounded in the line of duty. Agent Ivie and separate group of two Border Patrol Agents were responding to a sensor activation in a remote area near Bisbee, Arizona. Agent Ivie and one of the other Border Patrol Agents mistook the other in the darkness as an armed threat. They engaged each other, unknowingly in a friendly versus friendly gunfight. Both agents were injured by gunfire, with Agent Ivie suffering a fatal wound.

Agent Ivie entered on duty as a member of the 733rd academy session on January 3, 2008.  Agent Ivie was 30 years old at the time of his death and leaves behind a wife, two daughters, his parents and four siblings.

Gravesite

2019

Robert M. Hotten
Date of Birth:                September 24, 1975
Entered on Duty:          September 10, 2009
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               October 6, 2019

Details:
On October 6, 2019, BPA Robert M. Hotten was investigating potential illegal cross-border activity in extremely rugged terrain near Patagonia, Arizona. After he failed to respond to radio calls, fellow agents responded to his last known location and found him unresponsive.  Agent Hotten was airlifted to a hospital in Nogales, Arizona where he was later pronounced deceased.

Agent Hotten entered on duty with the United States Border Patrol on September 10, 2009, as a member of the 910th session of the Border Patrol Academy.  He was assigned to the Sonoita Border Patrol Station in the Tucson Sector following his graduation.  Agent Hotten served with the United States Border Patrol for over 10 years.

Burial Details Unknown

2021

David H. Gray
Entered on Duty: March 21, 2016
Title: Enforcement Analysis Specialist
End of Watch: October 8, 2021

Details:
EAS Gray entered on duty on March 21, 2016. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Sector Intelligence Unit in Houlton Sector, Maine. Before joining the U.S. Border Patrol, EAS Grey honorably served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Navy. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. He is survived by his son, Harris; daughter, Marsilla; mother: Velva; and sister, Sandra.

Gravesite

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This week in USBP History, 09/25-10/01

9/25/2022

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Good morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

This week I stumbled upon a pretty significant document, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Fiscal Year 2023 Congressional Justification. Basically, this is CBP's fiscal plan which of course includes the U.S. Border Patrol. I know this 563-page document may be a dry read for some. So, I took the liberty of reviewing it for you...

Below is a highlight of some the funding for the Patrol. Keep in mind that not all of the funding is under he control of the Patrol such as the line items for facilities and uniforms.

USBP's total budget - $5.4 billion

Border Patrol Facilities Sustainment - $158.7 million
$104.8 million for USBP Hiring/Training/Resiliency: Supports hiring an additional 300 BPAs ($65.3 million) and basic training throughput ($29.5 million). Funds will also support improvements and advances in CBP employees’ overall well-being ($10 million).
- The FY 2023 request includes an increase of 300 positions, 150 full-time equivalents and $65.3M to hire additional Border Patrol Agents (BPAs). The base for this program is 19,555 positions (Agents). 19,555 is the number of agents that the USBP is supposed to have.
Transportation Program - $84.4 million
- The CBP Transportation program is an integrated system of contracted services to support CBP transportation needs on the Southern Border, including transportation services for the transfer of detainees, necessary medical services for detainees, and CBP facility guard services.
Border Patrol Facilities Rent - $81.9 million
- Border Patrol Facilities Rent: USBP’s facilities portfolio is 6.5 million square feet. It includes:
  - 134 Border Patrol Stations and Substations,
  - 20 Sector Headquarters,
  - 15 Forward Operating Bases,
  - 38 Permanent and Interim Checkpoints, and additional support facilities and infrastructure, including vehicle maintenance facilities, training buildings, and kennels.
$60 million to build 2 USBP stations
Border Patrol Enforcement Systems - $57.8 million
- The Border Patrol Enforcement Systems (BPES) corresponds with enforcement network programs that allows for Planning, Detection, Classification, and Analysis of illegal border activity, the ability to provide data to external stakeholders, and the ability to provide program confluence and database architecture enhancement.
CBP Uniform Acquisition ($50.3 million): This cost driver includes the acquisition and management of uniform replacement requirements for approximately 50,500 CBP employees and initial issuance for 5,000 new recruits annually.
Tactical Infrastructure - $49.5 million
- Tactical Infrastructure provides for planning, construction, and replacement of various tactical infrastructure components, including roads, fences, gates, bridges, crossovers, lighting, electrical components, drainage structures, vegetation removal, debris removal, and maintaining towers and real property.
Border Patrol Vehicles - $49 million
- USBP’s fleet inventory is expected to be approximately 16,000 vehicles in FY 2023.
- 2009-2014 when I was the USBP Fleet Manager, I requested over $100M per year. This amount is not enough to sustain the fleet. The Patrol's average vehicle age will increase which will equate to greater maintenance cost, less fuel efficiency and unhappy agents driving vehicles that should have been retired.
$23 million for Border Patrol Processing Coordinators: Funds the hiring of 300 additional Border Patrol Processing Coordinators.
TACCOM-Modernization - $13.8 million
- Tactical Communications (TACCOM) Modernization: TACCOM Modernization is a Program of Record (PoR) that includes infrastructure and wireless voice communications and is part of TALMEC. TACCOM Modernization consists of land mobile radio (LMR) system modernization projects and the Digital in Place (DIP) project, the Radio Internet Protocol Systems (RIPS) effort, and investigates and tracks the evolution of broadband technologies and solutions.
$13.5 million to sustain 723 Integrated Surveillance Towers
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) - $5.1 million
- sUAS capability provides security along remote, isolated and inaccessible portions of the Nation’s borders, ground reconnaissance, surveillance and risk tracking (RST) capabilities. The ability to persistently and discreetly surveil remote access restricted areas along portions of the border is critical to USBP’s ability to secure the border.
$4.2 million for USBP Intelligence Specialists: Supports hiring 33 Intelligence Specialists in FY 2023.
The FY 2023 Budget for CBP does not include any funding for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Man, that's a lot of money! Of course, me being me, I searched the document for the concepts of employee recognition, morale, retention and attrition. Sadly, there wasn't much. The document provides this overview:

The programs and positions funded in this request address resiliency and safety issues in the workforce, which in turn may help to reduce suicides, safety incidents (and incident related costs), and attrition, while increasing resiliency, morale, and productivity. Employee well-being has been identified as a strategic priority in the Secretary of Homeland Security’s Strategic Infrastructure Transformation Priorities for the Department. Investing in resilience and safety is necessary to achieve this priority and better enable CBP to meet mission outcomes.

As I had spoken of in the email a couple of weeks ago, the USBP is great at responding to a crisis. However, the workforce needs an organization and leaders that are present and supporting them, every day, not just during a crisis. A change in organizational culture is needed. If I had a voice with USBP leadership, I'd recommend that they work to instill the tenets of Esprit de Corps as defined below.

But, to bring this back to Border Patrol history, in its first year, the Patrol's authorized strength was 450 Inspectors with a $1.0M budget. 99 years later, its authorized strength is 19,555 agents with a $5.4B budget!

As always, this week's update brings us interesting occurrences in Border Patrol history. In 1918, we have a document written by the Father of the Border Patrol recommending that the immigration district partner with the military to address illegal crossings. We have the official birth of the Voluntary Return in 1927. There's an organizational chart from 1936, and the finalization of the BORTAC device in 2001.

But, what commonly receives no more than a footnote in many conversations is the Patrol's contributions and sacrifices during the 1962 riots at the University of Mississippi. Consider purchasing Joe Banco's book, HONOR FIRST: The Unsung Heroes of Oxford, for a deeper dive of the story of the, "...U.S. Border Patrol deployment to the University of Mississippi in 1962 to defend the U.S. Constitution and ensure the enrollment of the first African-American at Ole Miss."

There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week. But, I am highlighting two recipients from 1987 whose exact dates of action are unknown. I should also mention that a Newton-Azrak Award recipient, George E. Evancheck (award statuette, notification letter), had somehow been omitted from any lists and was at risk of being forgotten. I have added him to the HonorFirst Newton-Azrak Award page and will add more information once it’s found.

Finally, we remember two of our fallen on the first anniversaries of their deaths.

Enjoy the update and have a great week!

Cliff
PS -

As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages. I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just attach them to a reply to this email).
As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to documents and pages.
Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

Esprit de Corps

The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employee based in part on their perception of:
- Being valued by the organization,
- Fairly compensated, and
- Performing meaningful work.

Documents/Events

1918

On September 24, 1918, the "Big Bend District" informed future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) that help (manpower) was needed in enforce newly passed Passport Law, Executive Proclamation and regulations concerning the requirement of people to enter and exit the United Stated through a port-of-entry. In this September 27, 1918 document, Supervising Inspector Berkshire recommended that Big Bend partner with the military in addressing the illegal crossings.

1924

On October 1, 1924, the acting head of the Montreal District, Irving F. Wixon (1884-1962), wrote a scathing memo to the Commissioner-General. The Montreal District included modern day Houlton, Swanton and part of Buffalo Sectors. The first sentence is, "I find that the border patrol service in this District is a long ways from being up to standard, due principally to the fact that it has not been properly supervised." The memo contains recommendations that include having the workforce move from location to location to prevent smugglers from adapting to regular schedules.

1927

The concept of a Voluntary Return (VR) was introduced in 1918. However, it became official Immigration Service policy on September 26, 1927, when General Order 97 was implemented.
- This allowed Mexican citizens not considered criminal aliens to voluntarily request departure without a formal deportation.230 The Immigration Service saw this as a cost and time savings measure, decreasing the number of deportation proceedings while expediting the removal of aliens from Mexico.
  - From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1936

See this organizational chart for the Immigration Border Patrol dated October 1, 1936. Although difficult to see, there are 11 Immigration Districts that are divided into 25 Sub-districts. Sectors were called "Sub-districts" at the time.

1940

When the INS was transferred from the Department of Labor to the Department of Justice, all employee badges were changed. This document, signed on September 26, 1940, stated that the new badges had been ordered and were schedule to be delivered by November 4th. The document also discusses penalties for employees losing badges.

1962

Riots at the University of Mississippi - "On September 30, 1962, protests deteriorated into a riot, and Border Patrol agents <inspectors> worked through the night alongside marshals and the National Guard to restore order." CBP source
- As dawn broke on the morning of October 1, 1962, 166 of the deputized Marshals had been injured, with 77 of them being from the Border Patrol. Thirty of the injures were the result of gunshot wounds, including three Patrol Inspectors (George Branch, Steve Donnelly, and Dan Pursglove). In addition, 48 soldiers were injured. Two men in the crowd (French Reporter Paul Guihard and local Mississippian Ray Gunther) were killed by gunfire from the rioters and 375 demonstrators were injured.
  - From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco
To all who shall see the presents, greeting: This is to certify that the Chief of the United States Border Patrol has awarded the Purple Cross Medal to William N. Purdy for wounds sustained during the performance of his official duties as a Border Patrol Inspector on September 30, 1962, in Oxford, Mississippi. Inspector Purdy was shot and wounded by a sniper during a riot at the University of Mississippi. Throughout this harrowing ordeal, Inspector Purdy exhibited exemplary inner strength and courage, which are in keeping with the finest traditions of, and reflect, highly upon, the United States Border Patrol.
- Note - Inspector Purdy also received a Letter of Appreciation from President Kennedy for this action. Follow this link to see that recognition.
- William Purdy's:
  - USBP Purple Cross Certificate
  - USBP Purple Cross medal set
  - Memorandum from Chief of the Border Patrol David Aguilar
  - Newspaper plaque

1964

El Paso Sector's (sub-district) first headquarters, as well as the location of the first National Border Patrol Training School was Camp Chigas (see it's modern location here). After Camp Chigas became unsuitable, a new Sector Headquarters was built and completed in 1956. A September, 25, 1964 edition the El Paso Herald-Post shows the location of the new sector Border Patrol headquarters. This document shows the research and modern location of the building (it's standing and in Mexico).
- On September 25, 1964, designated as Chamizal Day, Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Adolfo Lopez-Mateos met in the middle of the Stanton Street Bridge, greeting each other in the traditional Mexican abrazo, “the male hug and back slap,” before shaking hands as over 250,000 people from El Paso and Ciudad Juarez watched. The meeting had begun on the grounds of Bowie High School (currently Guillen Middle School). In order to provide security for the Presidents and the large crowd, 112 Patrol Inspectors from El Paso, Marfa, and Tucson Sectors assisted the U.S. Secret Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, and El Paso Police Department in providing crowd control and area security.
  - From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

2001

On September 26, 2001, the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry finalized the design of the "Badge, Identification, Tactical Unit (BORTAC), U.S. Border Patrol".

Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for the week. However, there are many actions for which the date is unknown. I will highlight some of those below. In 1987, two people were presented Newton-Azrak Awards and their dates of action are not known.

Lee R. Prejean
Criminal Investigator
Seattle, Washington
Criminal Investigator Lee R. Prejean conducted undercover activities as part of Operation Castoron, which commenced as a marriage fraud investigation and grew into a visa fraud, smuggling, gunrunning, narcotics and terrorist investigation. Through his devoted and selfless efforts, he was able to infiltrate the large-scale conspiracy organization posing as a corrupt immigration officer. During the period of his undercover activities, he held hundreds of consensually monitored conversations, both telephonic and in person, with criminal elements involved in the investigation. He received pay-offs for alleged misconduct on his part, and was able to elicit the support and fidelity of the criminal principals in the case to such an extent that much valuable information was supplied to him willingly by these individuals which, in effect, led to the successful conclusion of this investigation. His involvement was so thorough that he placed a separate telephone and answering machine in his home in order that he might be available to the principals at any time.

Mr. Prejean demonstrated unusual courage and competence while in the line of duty and under very trying circumstances.

George E. Evancheck - award statuette, notification letter
Border Patrol Agent
Del Rio, Texas
No description available.

USBP Fallen

As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen.
Titles:

3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
100 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
John Charles Gigax - He is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. He is remembered by all except his own agency with his name is inscribed on the:
- National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
- Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
- Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

2021

David B. Ramirez
Entered on Duty: April 6, 2003
Title: Border Patrol Agent-Intelligence
End of Watch: September 26, 2021

Details:
Agent Ramirez entered on duty on April 6, 2003, as part of the 546th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Sector Intelligence Unit/Joint California Forensics Center in San Diego, California. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife Rosemary; children: David, Cristian, and Castiel; and father: Modesto.

Cremated

Alfredo M. Ibarra
Entered on Duty: February 9, 2011
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: September 27, 2021

Details:
Agent Ibarra entered on duty on February 9, 2011, as part of the 963th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Blythe Station, Yuma Sector, Arizona. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife Monica; children: Alfredo, Aydan, and Adrian; and mother: Evangelina.

Cremated

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This Week in USBP History, 09/18-09/24

9/18/2022

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Good morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

A couple of weeks ago I wrote of the Patrol's culture. Here's a web version of that email. In that email I describe those aspects of the Patrol that I think make the it special.

For the Patrol to maintain its unique culture, it's important to attract applicants that posses or can assimilate the characteristics of the Patrol's culture. I would expect a recruitment announcement to be something along the lines of:
Are you the kind of person that:

Has the initiative to step forward in the absence of guidance,
Isn't afraid to be ruggedly independent, to go outside of lanes to do right,
Is respectful of higher authority,
Values administrative excellence, heroism and valor, law enforcement actions, lifesavings efforts, and service, and
Will steadfastly pursue goals?

If you answered "yes", then you embody the characteristics to be an outstanding Border Patrol Agent. Apply today!

That is type of announcement attracts people because of who they are. It attracts people who will be a good fit in the Patrol.

I did a quick internet search to see what recruitment announcements are out there. Here are the two main ones:

First - Current Openings - U.S. Border Patrol

**Effective Immediately** Newly appointed Border Patrol Agents who meet the criteria defined 5 CFR 575.102 for new federal employees will be offered a $5,000 recruitment incentive upon successful completion of the academy. Additionally, new agents assigned to a hard-to-fill duty location will be eligible for an additional $5,000 recruitment incentive (for a total of $10,000)...

Not very inspiring. It has the hook of offering of money.

Second - Join Our Team

Are you looking for an exciting, challenging and rewarding career? U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees protect our nation’s borders from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. If you are interested in protecting the American people from dangerous threats and material attempting to cross the border between the ports of entry, then apply today to become a Border Patrol Agent. Typical assignments include...

That is better than the first. It speaks of job functions and pings on higher purposes. But, this message was buried in the page and a bit difficult to find.

Here's another approach... And I'm not going to give the answer(s), I'm only going to ask questions...

Why would anyone want to be a Border Patrol Agent?
What is special about the Patrol?
Why join the Patrol over another federal, state or local department?

It is the answers to those questions that will provide the best material to attract the best candidates. BUT, the Patrol must first know thy self. If the Patrol has not defined its culture and values, then it will not be able to attract fitting candidate. Further, it will miss a great opportunity to instill organizational pride into the workforce.

Now to this week's update!

We start with a memo from 1918 that refers to the Passport Act of 1918 and regulations of August 8, 1918 concerning passports and permits. It was those that really caused the first dominos to fall that would lead to the formation of the Patrol. We have a brief account from retired Senior Patrol Inspector Edwin M. Reeves first day on the job in 1924. We finish the documents with the fourth anniversary of the USBP Honorary Awards!

We celebrate the 30th anniversary of William C. Spencer's Newton-Azrak Award action.

We also remember the loss of three of our fallen, including two that fell in the same event. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson fell due in the same incident in 2004. A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen). Their names are listed below:

Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998
Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr. in 2011

Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021. However, their causes of death were not related.

Enjoy the update and have a great week!

Cliff
PS -

As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages. I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just attach them to a reply to this email).
As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to documents and pages.
Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

Esprit de Corps

The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employee based in part on their perception of:
- Being valued by the organization,
- Fairly compensated, and
- Performing meaningful work.

Documents/Events

1918

On September 20, 1918, a memo was written summarizing a meeting where the enforcement of the Passport Act of 1918 and regulations of August 8, 1918 concerning passports and permits were discussed, as well as an increase the amount of employees available to patrol the border. This meeting is part of the evolution that would lead to the creation of the Voluntary Return and the U.S. Border Patrol. By the time this memo was written, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) had already submitted at least two proposals to create a Border Patrol. The following organizations were present in the meeting:
- State Department Secret Service
- State Department Foreign Permits Office
- Department of Justice Bureau of Investigation
- War Department Military Intelligence Office
- Department of Labor Bureau of Immigration

1925

From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
- In his personal diary, portions of which were chronicled for the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol in 1974 by the El Paso Times, retired Senior Patrol Inspector Edwin M. Reeves, describes his first day on duty as a Patrol Inspector in El Paso, Texas. The following describes the events of September 24, 1925, in Edwin Reeves’ own words.
  - 9-24-25. Reported to Border Patrol Headquarters 1 p.m. Filled out forms. Received equipment, Badge #214, 45- D.A. Revolver #130916. 1 Web Belt and Holster. When dark came, I had time to do to get in my 8 hours. Bud Perry, Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector took me out to the wooden and steel railroad bridge from Mexico. Was instructing me to apprehend and bring in anyone that crossed either bridge from Mexico. Just at that moment hell broke loose at Park Street. Both rifle and pistol fire. Tracers were being used by both officers and the smugglers. Perry said, “Come on, let’s go, the boys are in trouble at Park Street. We ran to Headquarters, got in a Ford touring car and headed for Park Street. When we arrived, the main battle was over and there was only an occasional shot from Mexico. While the officers working there kept me covered, I was detailed to pick up the loads of liquor and carry them over the levee to the car. I had to wade out in the river for some of the loads. When I arrived home after work I was up for a reprimand from the wife as my white shirt and my blue serge Sunday pants were nearly ruined with river mud and fuzz from the sacks. Next day I bought brown ducking trousers and jacket (the rough- duty uniform of the day).

1929

See this 6 page PDF to see a cover memo and two sworn statements take from Border Patrol Inspectors concerning a gunfight that occurred on September 19, 1929. No injuries were reported.
- Such was the case on September 20, 1929, when “six Border Patrolmen narrowly escaped being slain” by liquor smugglers waiting to ambush them from the west side of Cordova Island near the Peyton Packing Plant.326 The Patrol Inspectors were attempting to intercept a load of contraband liquor being carried across the border by eight men to be loaded into an automobile on the road leading into the packing plant when they were fired upon from the rear with high-powered rifles. As the Patrol Inspectors attempted to seek cover, eight smugglers in two additional vehicles blocked their path with the occupants firing upon the Patrolmen with pistols. The Patrol Inspectors were able to gain cover, returning fire from behind a telephone pole and other structures near the packing plant yard. After forcing the retreat of the smugglers shooting at them from behind, the Patrolmen made a stand against the smugglers in the two cars, who quickly “lost their nerve” and also retreated into Mexico.327 The Patrol Inspectors were able to apprehend one of the smugglers and recover seven of twenty kegs of liquor and a sack of whiskey. Noting the ferocity of the estimated twenty smugglers shooting at them, Chief Patrol Inspector Horsley is quoted by the El Paso Times as stating, “The battle was one of the hardest we have ever fought and it is miraculous that our men got out alive.”
  - From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
- The shooters involved:
  - Patrol Inspector Francis A. Scott (1904-?)
  - Patrol Inspector Richard A. Bush - He would leave the Patrol to become a motorcycle officer with the El Paso Police Department in 1935.
  - Patrol Inspector Irvin H. Cone (1902-1977)
  - Senior Patrol Inspector Charles T. Birchfield (1888-1964),
  - Senior Patrol Inspector Ammon M. Tenney (1897-1961),

1931

On September 21, 1931, eleven days after the implementation of the Border Patrol's second uniform policy (GO179), Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel E. Davenport (1878-1961) wrote this memo to the Commissioner-General concerning delays in the delivery of silver bullion or silver braid which was used as the rank insignia for Senior Patrol Inspectors.
- See this gif for the rank and time-in-service insignia of the time (the images change @ every 5-7 seconds).

1953

On September 18, 1953, the Los Angeles District Director issued a comprehensive 8-page memo covering the 242 miles of border of the Chula Vista ad El Centro Sector. The memo began, "...this report and recommendations is submitted on the proposed plan of operation following the construction of fences along certain designated portions of the Mexican border in this District."

1954

In early September 1954, Commissioner Swing used his military connections to secure three 50-passenger C-46 cargo planes from the U.S. Air Force considered military surplus for transport and repatriation operations for the Border Patrol. Two of the C-46s were assigned to Brownsville, TX, and one to El Centro, CA. Six Border Patrol pilots with previous experience flying multi-engine aircraft were recruited for the new “Airlift”. The pilots were John Landry, James “Ed” Parker, Alva Pilliod, Philip Pring, William Turner, and John Wright. Al Pilliod was designated as Chief Pilot and oversaw training and operations. The pilots received orientation and “refresher” training in Miami, Florida, with the U.S. Air Force Reserve. The inaugural flight of the Border Patrol Air Transport Arm was on September 18, 1954, from Chicago, Illinois, to Brownsville, Texas.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

2016

On September 20, 2016, the death of Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. was re-determined to have been in the line of duty. In light of information identified during the intensive investigation completed by the Willacy County Sheriff s Department, Agent Vega's actions were indicative of his law enforcement training and that he instinctively reacted, placing himself in harm's way to stop a criminal act and protect the lives of others.

2018

On September 19, 2018, the USBP Honorary Awards and Recognition Program was implemented when Chief of the Border Patrol Carla Provost sent the IOP and cover memo to the field.
- From the HonorFirst USBP Honorary Awards page:
  - In 2018, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Headquarters realized the need to better recognize employees. Assistant Chief Clifford Gill built on the foundation that began with Chief Beaumet and drafted the policy for the USBP Honorary Awards Program. Under the program, the USBP 75th Anniversary Award was reauthorized for wear and two of the earlier awards designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry were repurposed for use.

Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

1992

William C. Spencer Jr.
Senior Patrol Agent
Buffalo Sector
On September 19, 1992, Senior Patrol Agent William C. Spencer Jr. performed a truly remarkable feat of strength, endurance, and bravery to rescue a woman who was seconds from drowning in the swift currents of the Niagara River at Buffalo. After noting the woman’s lack of effort to save herself, and when she slipped beneath the surface and returned in a face down position, Agent Spencer dove into the river, without a floatation device. He swam about 30 yards to her, raised her head out of the water, and administered resuscitation. Agent Spencer then had to support himself and the woman while ladders could be rigged by the Buffalo Fire Department for removal from the water.

USBP Fallen

As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen.
Titles:

3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
100 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
John Charles Gigax - He is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. He is remembered by all except his own agency with his name is inscribed on the:
- National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
- Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
- Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

1988

Josiah B. Mahar
Date of Birth: August 29, 1948
Entered on Duty:          February 22, 1983
Title: Senior Patrol Agent
End of Watch: September 23, 1988

Details:
At about 3:15 p.m. on September 23, 1988, Senior Border Patrol Agent Josiah B. Mahar was involved in an automobile accident on Star Route #27 near Eustis, Maine. Agent Mahar was driving a Service vehicle and was patrolling in a southbound direction when an oncoming vehicle crossed over the centerline and struck his vehicle head-on as he rounded a bend in the road. The impact to Agent Mahar's vehicle was directed along the driver’s door and front fender area. Senior Patrol Agent Mahar died at the scene from massive head injuries sustained in the accident.

Burial Details Unknown

2004

Travis W. Attaway
Date of Birth: May 3, 1973
Entered on Duty:          December 1, 1997
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: September 19, 2004

Details:
On September 19, 2004, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Travis W. Attaway was part of a three-man team conducting marine Border Patrol Operations on the Rio Grande River near the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios, Texas when their boat capsized. Agents Attaway, Wilson, and Sandoval were ejected from the boat into the fast moving waters of the Rio Grande. Agents in a nearby boat responded to the distress calls and were able to rescue Agent Sandoval, but they could not locate Agent Attaway or Agent Wilson. An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation that included the Government of Mexico was initiated, and on September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the body of Agent Attaway was recovered. At approximately 3:05 a.m., the body of Agent Jeremy Wilson was also recovered. Both agents were located within 150 yards of where their boat initially capsized.

Agent Attaway was 31 years old and was a graduate of the 359th session of the Border Patrol Academy.

Gravesite

Jeremy M. Wilson
Date of Birth: July 31, 1975
Entered on Duty:          November 3, 1997
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: September 19, 2004

Details:
On September 19, 2004, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Jeremy M. Wilson was part of a three-man team conducting marine Border Patrol Operations on the Rio Grande River near the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios, Texas when their boat capsized. Agents Wilson, Attaway, and Sandoval were ejected from the boat into the fast moving waters of the Rio Grande. Agents in a nearby boat responded to the distress calls and were able to rescue Agent Sandoval, but they could not locate Agent Wilson and Agent Attaway. An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation that included the Government of Mexico was initiated, and on September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the body of Agent Attaway was recovered. At approximately 3:05 a.m., the body of Agent Jeremy Wilson was recovered. Both agents were located within 150 yards of where their boat initially capsized.

Agent Wilson was 29 years old and was a graduate of the 356th session of the Border Patrol Academy.

Gravesite

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This Week in USBP History, 09/11-09/17

9/11/2022

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Good morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

*** News Flash ***

On September 8, 2022, Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin presented Newton-Azrak Awards to the following Border Patrol Agents:

Paul Delgado
James E. Clark
Caleb R. Smith
Leonel Calderon Jr.

I do not have a description of their actions yet, but will update the HonorFirst Newton-Azrak Award page once I receive them.

Including them, there have been 190 people that have received the Newton-Azrak Award; 164 Border Patrol Agents and 26 INS employees. See the Honor First Newton-Azrak Award page for more information.

***

Recently, I have been referencing retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joe Banco's USBP history books in the these emails. If you haven't already, please visit and explore his website at - www.migrajoe.com and visit the Border Patrol Museum's Gift Shop to purchase his books. Thanks!

Now to the intro...

Yesterday, I watched the latest What's Important Now (WIN S2 E9) video from the Border Patrol Academy. Academy Chief Patrol Agent Ryan Landrum interviewed Tony Barker, the Acting Chief of the Law Enforcement Operations Directorate which is the USBP's #3 position. Near the end of the video, at the 42:30 mark, Chief Barker speaks of what keeps him up at night. He began his answer with, "the health of the organization". He was referring to the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol, the workforce. He wants them to be, "healthy, resilient, strong, confident." Which got me thinking...

Every week, I include the Esprit de Corps section. That's how important I believe it to be. The interesting thing about Esprit de Corps, organizational pride, and employee morale, is that they are not based on facts... They are based on employees' perceptions. They are based on how employees feel. They may be gauged, in large part, on the employees' answers to the following questions:

Am I part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture?
Am I valued by the organization?
Am I doing meaningful work?

It is the challenge of every leader that their employees answer each of those questions with a resounding "Yes". Anything short of a resounding "Yes" may be evident in such things as:

The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey
- CBP is consistently in the bottom 10% of the federal government
Unsatisfactory attrition and retention rates
- USBP manpower projections are concerning

There are other examples I could provide, but you get the point...

Now, the USBP is second to none in responding to emergencies experienced by the workforce. There is a cadre of incredible Border Patrol Chaplains and Peer Support members to respond at a moment's notice, especially when an employee suffers a crisis. When a USBP employee is killed in the line of duty, the Honor Guard will never leave the fallen's side until the time of interment. These are great and fantastic supports! But, valuing the workforce is more than supporting them during emergencies, it's being there, supporting them, every day.

Using myself as an example... I retired at 51 years old, from a position that I had proposed and was approved, and that I absolutely loved. I was the USBP's Historian, regularly visiting the National Archives, uncovering gems of the Patrol's history that had been lost. I was Patrol's Awards Coordinator, tirelessly advocating to better recognize the incredible and worthy actions of the workforce. But I answered one of the questions above in the negative. My perception remained unchanged until retirement was the best option for me. However, it would have been very easy for my leadership to have changed my perception...

While assigned to HQ, we would commonly brief leadership on various initiatives. There was a catch phrase, Getting them to the "yes", which meant convincing leadership to approve the proposal. Years later and I realize, Getting them to the "yes", has another meaning that may be more important to the Patrol. It's not about getting leadership to the "yes", it's about leadership getting the workforce to the "yes". Leadership, for the benefit of the workforce and the organization, must get employees to the "yes"!

Employees ask themselves:

Am I part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture?
- Leadership must know the Patrol to guide employees to the "yes". Joe Banco's books provide a great foundation!
Am I valued by the organization?
- Actions speak louder than words. Leadership must always have a bias for the workforce. It's not about being in charge, it's about taking care of those in your charge. (Simon Sinek)
Am I doing meaningful work?
- The Patrol must define organizational success that is separate and immune from numbers of releases, removals, or convictions (all outside of the Patrol's control).

Forgive me for getting a bit soapboxy there. My passion for the Patrol and the workforce was ignited. Hopefully, you found it informative and/or inspiring.

Now to this week's email!

This week begins with a 1911 document modifying the per diem rate for Mounted Inspectors. It was 43 years ago this week that authorization was given to create BORTAC. We also celebrate the Newton-Azrak Award anniversary by which 8 Blythe Station agents were involved in a harrowing gunfight.

We also remember four of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.

Have a great week!

Cliff
PS -

As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages. I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just attach them to a reply to this email).
As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to documents and pages.
Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

Esprit de Corps

The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employee based in part on their perception of:
- Being valued by the organization,
- Fairly compensated, and
- Performing meaningful work.

Documents/Events

1911

On September 16, 1911, Acting Commissioner-General Frank H. Larned (1861-1937) wrote memo to the Secretary of Labor concerning the compensation of "mounted inspectors", specifically their per diem rates.
- I searched each of the mentioned Mounted Inspector names. I can find no evidence that any of them became Border Patrol Inspectors.

1924

On September 14, 1924, the new Immigration Border Patrol suffered its first line of duty death. Although a result of gunfire, Patrol Inspector James Mankin’s death was an accident resulting from the discharge of a .30 caliber government rifle which slipped out of the vehicle as two of Mankin’s partners were loading it after “cutting sign” on the banks of the Rio Grande River near Laredo Texas. The hammer of the rifle struck the running board discharging the rifle with the round striking Patrol Inspector Mankin behind his right ear.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
- For several years, Inspector Mankin was not carried in the rolls of the Immigration Service's honored fallen. This is evident by his name being omitted in the 1927 Commissioner-General's Annual Report to the Secretary of Labor (pg 18).

1926

On September 16, 1926, Border Patrol Inspector Frank Edgell induced 47 hostile Yaqui Indians to surrender peacefully to him. Back then, the press initially carried a different version of events, with the Yaquis kidnapping federal agents. The condensed version of the actual events is as follows and is primarily from the accounting of Mary Kidder Rak from her 1938 book, Border Patrol.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1927

Organizationally, the USBP has always prided itself on its involvement in various activities not exactly aligned with its primary mission set. Examples are the thwarting an aircraft highjacking, providing assistance to the USMS during segregation issues, deploying to Los Angeles during the riots, etc, etc, etc... This September 17, 1927 document is the earliest example of which I have found where the USBP stepped out of its traditional role. In this case, Border Patrol Inspectors were making plans to provide security for Colonel C. Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis which was schedule to land in Tucson.
- The document was written by Tucson Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Samual F. Gray (1897-1966). He was in the USBP for only 3.5 years.

1942

USBP time-in-service insignia was implemented in 1928 with an amendment to the its first Uniform Policy, General Order 42. By 1942, the old bars and stars embroidered insignia (the image changes every 7 seconds) was discontinued to the modern stars as is evident in this September 16, 1942 document written by William H. Wagner (1877-1956).

1943

On September 15, 1943, INS Commissioner Earl G. Harrison (1899-1955) forwarded a memo describing the reorganization of agency's field offices from 22 districts to 16 districts. The document also includes a map of the districts.
- In 1924, the Immigration Service has 35 districts (See this document, pg. 93-94). Eleven of those districts were adjacent to the border and received Border Patrol Inspectors when the USBP was created.

1954

On September 17, 1954, with the transfer of a C-46 military surplus plane (N-1804M) from the U.S. Air Force. Two additional C-46s with a 50-passenger capacity were transferred in September 1954, providing the U.S. Border Patrol with an economical means of air transport for large numbers of aliens and other passengers where and when needed.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1965

Beginning on September 15, 1965, Mexican Passports and nonimmigrant visas were no longer required from Mexican nationals in possession of a border crossing card wishing to enter the U.S. for business or pleasure not to exceed six months.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1982

As per this document, the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) was authorized on September 16, 1982.
- The document was written by Thomas C. Leupp (Class 91)

Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

2017

Felix A. Ortiz
Border Patrol Agent
Blythe, California
Rafael De Leon
Border Patrol Agent
Blythe, California
Juan Zuniga
Border Patrol Agent
Blythe, California
Alberto Lorona
Border Patrol Agent
Blythe, California
Victor H. Herrera
Border Patrol Agent
Blythe, California
Erik Herrera
Border Patrol Agent
Blythe, California
Reyes Fimbres
Border Patrol Agent - Intelligence
Blythe, California
Michael Rosamond
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Blythe, California
On September 13, 2017, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Arizona's La Paz County Sheriff s Office called requesting assistance. The Arizona Department of Public Safety had a subject being held at gunpoint subsequent to a traffic stop on Interstate 10 westbound at Mile Marker 57 in Arizona. Shots were fired at the trooper by the driver of a vehicle, who then fled the scene. The trooper remained on scene with one subject at gunpoint, unable to initiate pursuit of the fleeing vehicle. Agents from the Blythe Integrated Targeting Team (ITT) responded to the call for assistance.

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Michael Rosamond assigned Blythe ITT agents to areas he believed the vehicle may be fleeing. Agent Rosamond witnessed a vehicle matching the description of the fleeing vehicle pass his position.

Agent Rosamond tried to initiate a vehicle stop; Border Patol Agents Juan Zuniga and Felix Ortiz assisted as secondary/backup agents. The driver failed to yield. Then, the vehicle began to pull to the shoulder, then slow rolled to a stop, in the westbound lanes. As the subject rolled to a stop, the driver exited the vehicle, shooting at the agents approximately four to five times. While under fire and with their vehicle being struck by gunfire, Agent Zuniga was able to return two rounds of fire. The driver fled toward the eastbound lanes on foot and hijacked a big-rig. Agents Zuniga and Ortiz continued the pursuit of the big-rig; Agent Rosamond remained with the vehicle and the driver of the big-rig to secure the scene as evidence.

As the driver was absconding in the hijacked big rig there was an exchange of gunfire with Border Patrol Agent Reyes Fimbres on the Exit 17 off-ramp.

Blythe ITT Border Patrol Agents Victor Herrera, Erik Herrera, Juan Zuniga, and Felix Ortiz experienced a further exchange of gunfire with the subject on Main Street in Quartzsite, Arizona. At this time the subject was driving the big-rig in reckless regard for public safety, creating the potential of injury, death and significant property destruction. Blythe ITT agents Rafael De Leon and Alberto Lorona arrived on scene to assist. After the final exchange of gunfire, the subject was in custody. Agents rendered first aid on the scene and Emergency Medical Service responded shortly thereafter. Despite their life-saving efforts, the subject succumbed to his injuries while in route to the hospital.

Honor First note - This is the last Newton-Azrak Award given to a group. In 2018, the award's criteria changed. Since then, the award can only be given to individuals based on their specific actions during an event.

USBP Fallen

As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen.
Titles:

3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
100 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
John Charles Gigax - He is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. He is remembered by all except his own agency with his name is inscribed on the:
- National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
- Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
- Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

1924

James F. Mankin
Date of Birth:                     April 5, 1902
Entered on Duty: July 28, 1924
Title: Patrol Inspector
End of Watch: September 14, 1924

Details:
At about 4:30 p.m., September 14, 1924, Patrol Inspector James F. Mankin was killed by the accidental discharge of a service rifle. The accident occurred about 18 miles northeast of Laredo near the Rio Grande River where Patrol Inspector Mankin, along with Patrol Inspectors Buck West and Ralph R. Dockum, were patrolling in a government vehicle. The officers, upon reaching the banks of the river, alighted from the car to determine whether any crossings had been made. Upon returning to the car, Patrol Inspector Mankin, who had been driving, entered the vehicle and seated himself behind the steering wheel. Patrol Inspector Dockum prepared to enter the back seat of the car from the left side and Patrol Inspector West was to enter the back seat from the right side of the automobile.  There were two rifles in scabbards in the back of the car along with camping gear and other articles.

The two officers were rearranging the items in the back of the car in order to make more room for themselves when a .30 caliber government rifle slipped out of the car, the hammer striking the running board and discharging the gun.  The bullet struck the back of the front seat about six inches below the top. The bullet split, one part ricocheting to the left, striking the bow over the back seat and passing within a few inches of Dockum's face. The other part of the bullet ricocheted to the right through the upholstering of the front seat, striking Inspector Mankin behind the right ear.
Inspector Mankin died less than thirty minutes after the accident.

NOTE: For several years, Inspector Mankin was not carried in the rolls of the Immigration Service's honored fallen. This is evident by his name being omitted in the 1927 Commissioner-General's Annual Report to the Secretary of Labor (pg 18).

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother received $20 per month for 8 years.

Gravesite

2009

Trena R. McLaughlin
Date of Birth: April 3, 1950
Entered on Duty:          October 14, 1984
Title: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: September 14, 2009

Details:
On July 14, 1994, Border Patrol Agent Trena McLaughlin was stuck with a syringe while searching a vehicle in Temecula, California.  As a result of this incident, Agent McLaughlin tested positive for Hepatitis C in 1998.

After medically retiring from the Border Patrol in 2002, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Trena McLaughlin died of liver failure on September 14, 2009.

Agent McLaughlin served with the United States Border Patrol for 18 years and was a member of the 167th session of the Border Patrol Academy assigned to the Temecula Station later renamed the Newton-Azrak Station in the San Diego Sector.

Burial Details Unknown

2012

Jeffrey Ramirez
Date of Birth February 6, 1987
Entered on Duty:          September 1, 2008
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: September 15, 2012

Details:
On September 15, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Jeffrey Ramirez, died at the age of 25. Agent Ramirez had been hospitalized in Laredo, Texas since the onset of a heat-related illness on August 22, 2012.

Agent Ramirez entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on September 1, 2008, as a member of Border Patrol Academy Class 810. Following graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to the Hebbronville Station in the Laredo Sector.

Agent Ramirez is survived by his parents, sister, two brothers, son and a girlfriend. His brother is a Border Patrol Agent at the Freer Station.

Gravesite

2014
Tyler R. Robledo
Date of Birth May 1, 1980
Entered on Duty:          September 8, 2011
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: September 12, 2014

Details:
On September 12, 2014, Border Patrol Agent Tyler R. Robledo was involved in a two-vehicle accident near Carrizo Springs, Texas. Agent Robledo died of his injuries at the hospital shortly after the accident. The driver of the other vehicle also died. Agent Robledo was 34 years old at the time of his death and leaves behind his wife and two children.

Agent Robledo entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on September 8, 2011, as a member of the 988th session of the Border Patrol Academy. He was stationed at the Carrizo Springs Station at the time of his death.

Gravesite

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This Week in USBP History, 09/04-09/10

9/4/2022

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Good morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

Before I jump into this week's intro, let me acknowledge that This Week in USBP History celebrates its first anniversary on September 6. The first email I sent was unsolicited to three HQ GS-15s. Today, there are 224 recipients and each one a subscriber. Thank you for reading!

Now to the intro...

What is the Border Patrol's culture and how did it originate?

Admittedly, what I am about to write will provide only the barest framework of an answer and would best be covered in detail in a book (what do you think Joe, maybe Volume IV?). So, it's not going to provide a complete answer but hope to entertain and stimulate thought.

As you read the following, remember that an organization's culture is defined by its leadership but lives in its workforce. If leadership fails to define culture, it will meander and undesirable characteristics may emerge.

When I think of the beginnings of the Patrol's culture, the first thing that comes to my mind is the January 1986 interview of Wesley Stiles (1898-1987). Wesley was one of the earliest Patrol Inspectors (PI) having entered on duty July 28, 1924 in Del Rio, Texas. Concerning performing the job of a PI, Wesley said, "No one knew what we were supposed to do or how we were supposed to do it... So we just walked around and looked wise."

I jokingly tell people that not much has changed in 98 years, and that would be a great quote for a signature block. But, on a serious note, it lays a cultural foundation that is still part of the Patrol today. In the absence of guidance, the Patrol and its employees will show initiative by stepping forward, making it up, and doing what they think is right.

Along the lines of Wesley, I think of Jeff Milton (1861-1947). As per documents that supported his retirement in 1932, he was neither a Border Patrol Inspector nor a member of the Border Patrol. He was a well-known law enforcement officer in the El Paso District, which encompasses modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors. It is thought that the leaders of the newly formed Border Patrol used Jeff Milton's rugged independence as an example for new inspectors to follow which may have led to him mistakenly being considered the first Border Patrol Inspector.

Jeff's rugged independence provided an example of confidence and bravery, individual and organizationally, to make decisions and charge forward. Not to mention that he was a tough-as-nails gunfighter in his younger years.

Concerning the Patrol's motto, Honor First, I have to wonder if it was created to guide the Patrol and its PI's, so that their rugged independence wouldn't run amok, providing a higher purpose and authority. Unfortunately, today the Patrol continues to miss the cultural opportunity to define Honor First. However, Chief of the Border Patrol Rodney Scott had a vision to create an op-ed and Live Honor First was the result. The paper was disseminated via email but without any follow-up to the workforce.

The Patrol's values are codified in its awards system, the USBP Honorary Awards. The system is designed to recognize administrative excellence, heroism and valor, law enforcement actions, lifesavings efforts, and service. If you're curious about an organization's values, look no further than why and how they recognize their employees.

My experience and observations, have led me to say, "The Patrol's greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. It is the Patrol's fearlessness to confidently step outside of its assigned lane to do what it perceives to be right." To me, that statement embodies the sentiments of Stiles, Milton and Honor First. Further, far more often that not, the Patrol and its employees achieve greatness when stepping outside of its lane due to the caliber and competence of the workforce.

Wrapping up this intro, I remember one of my peers at HQ telling me that the Border Patrol, individually and organizationally, is a great partner, supportive and steadfast... But only as long as the Patrol's goal is shared by the other. If the other individual or organization does not share the Patrol's goal, the Patrol will still pursue its goal by going around, over, under or through any obstacle.

I present that the incredible competence of the workforce coupled with the following provides a great foundation for describing the Patrol's culture:

Stiles' stepping forward in the absence of guidance,
Milton's rugged independence,
Tempered by the higher authority of Honor First,
Organizational values, codified in the USBP Honorary Awards,
Fearlessly stepping outside of lanes to do perceived right, and
Steadfastly pursuing goals.

I'm sure there's much more I could have added. I hope you enjoyed the intro and it got you thinking...

Now to this week's email!

We have tons of documents,

We celebrate the heroism of five Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their action.

We also remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.

Have a great week!

Cliff
PS -

As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages. I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just attach them to a reply to this email).
As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to documents and pages.
Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

Esprit de Corps

The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employee based in part on their perception of:
- Being valued by the organization,
- Fairly compensated, and
- Performing meaningful work.

Documents/Events

1918

Two documents from 1918 have been found where the Commissioner-General responded to a request concerning staffing levels along the Mexican border. The document from September 3, 1918 shows authorized numbers and the document from September 4, 1918 shows actual numbers. The documents specify that there were 68 Mounted Watchmen employed but 84 authorized. Mounted Watchmen were also known as Mounted Guards and Mounted Patrol. It is unknown and unverified where the "maximum strength of 75 watchmen" quote originated. The September 3rd document is the best evidence yet located that indicates the maximum strength of the mounted force (68 Watchmen).
- The September 3rd document
- The September 4th document

1927

On September 4, 1927, Rouses Point Chief Patrol Inspector L. Antonio Bonazzi (1890-1950) wrote a memo to the Montreal District Commissioner of Immigration which contained recommendations for four of the sub-district's stations and the creation of an additional station.

1929

On September 10, 1929, Inspectors of the Big Bend Sub-district authored and signed a testimonial memorializing their friend and coworker, Senior Patrol Inspector Myles J. Scannell who had been killed the day before.
The “war on the border” took an even uglier turn on September 9, 1929, with the brutal murder of Marfa Assistant Chief Inspector Myles J. Scannell, whose mutilated body was found on the north bank of the Rio Grande River at Polvo, Texas, fifteen miles east of Presidio. The El Paso Herald called it an assassination “so wantonly cruel” that it brought up the old days of Indian warfare with its display of “savage, anger and bloodlust.” The El PasoTimes described the horrific injuries inflicted by his attackers, including “being shot five times, stabbed 15 times, his skull being crushed and his neck broken by a club, and having his throat cut from ear to ear."
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1930

On a September 8, 1930, a gunfight occurred in El Paso between three Border Patrol Inspectors and smugglers at the foot of Grama Street. No injuries were reported in this 8 page document. It should be noted that the modern location where Grama St. meets East Paisano Drive, Paison Drive is approximately historic location of the United States and Cordova Island (Mexico). The following Inspectors were involved in the shooting:
- Patrol Inspector Richard A. Bush - He would leave the Patrol to become a motorcycle officer with the El Paso Police Department in 1935.
- Patrol Inspector Jack Clayton (1905-1968) - By 1937, he left the Patrol to be in the U.S. Customs Patrol.
- Patrol Inspector John Colbert (1894-1969)

1931

September 10, 1931, the second BP Uniform Policy, General Order 179 (GO179), was implemented. Much of the amendments the BP's first Uniform Policy, GO42 were incorporated. One point of interest in GO179 was that the Sam Brown belt colors were different for the northern border (black) and the southern border (cordovan).
- Like GO42, GO179 would also have many amendments (1932-1935) to the original policy:
  - 1932 - Double breasted coat authorized
  - 1934 – Trousers begin to be authorized over riding crops on the southern border.
  - 1935 – Double breasted leather coat authorized

1954

On September 9, 1954, as per this report, the SS Emancipacion departed Port Isabel, Texas en route to Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico with 800 Mexican citizens aboard. The report details the trip including that two of the aliens were lost at sea.
- A special thanks to Joe Banco for providing the report.

1961

Border Patrolman "Leonard Gilman (1918-2012) would later testify before the Senate Aviation Committee about the hijacking. His testimony helped ensure the passage of Public Law 87-197 on September 5, 1961, making airplane hijacking defined as aircraft piracy under 49 U.S.C. § 1472 (i) and punishable by death or not less than 20 years confinement."
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco
On September 6, 1961, a meeting was held between the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Federal Aviation Agency, and Department of Justice on the future of Operation Skyguard. It was decided, due to other commitments required of the U.S. Border Patrol, that effective September 10, 1961, Border Patrol Inspectors would be utilized on a request basis and that primary and administrative duties for the program would transfer to the Federal Aviation Agency. During Operation Skyguard, 718 Patrol Inspectors flew on 1,310 commercial flights and covered a distance of 1,724,396 miles.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1962

On September 7, 1962, Assistant Deputy Attorney General William Geoghegan (1925-2015) held a meeting in his office at the Department of Justice to discuss government intervention at Ole Miss to ensure the admission of James Meredith (1933- ). The meeting was attended by representatives of the DOJ, U.S. Marshals Service, INS Assistant Commissioner James Greene (1915-1995), and Chief of the Border Patrol Donald Coppock (1910-2011). During the meeting, plans were drawn out for the deployment of over 500 federal law enforcement officers, including more than 300 Border Patrol Inspectors, to be staged from the Millington Naval Air Base, in Memphis, Tennessee, with orders to deploy to Oxford, MS, to protect James Meredith and facilitate his enrollment at the University of Mississippi.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1963

From September 9 - 13, 1963, Border Patrol Inspector were sent to the University of Alabama to assist the U.S. Marshals in allowing Vivian Malone (1942-2005) and James Hood (1942-2013) to become the first black students to register at the university.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

2001

On September 5, 2001, the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry finalized the spec sheet for the U.S. Border Patrol Chaplain's Device.

Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important. It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce. Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

1996

Richard B. Holmes
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
Joseph E. Kempa
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
Michael W. Richardson
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
Andrew W. Schutt
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
Austin L. Skero II - photo
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
On September 10, 1996, agents from the Brownsville Station came under hostile fire while in performance of their assigned duties.  During the encounter, Agent Rodelfo Martinez was wounded on the right arm.  His fellow agents, Michael W. Richardson, Joseph E. Kempa, Andrew W. Schutt, Austin L. Skero II, and Richard B. Holmes, were performing line watch duties in an area along the Rio Grande River, approximately seven miles east of the Gateway International Port of Entry at Brownsville, Texas.  The agents were working an area notorious for illegal alien and narcotics smuggling.

The immediate actions of the agents involved in the fire fight resulted in saving Agent Martinez’s life and not allowing themselves to succumb to the hostilities brought against them during the exchange of gunfire.  These agents performed heroic and human acts during an emergency while under extreme stress and displayed exemplary courage under fire.

Agents Skero and Holmes were directly in line with the assailants, and Agents Kempa and Martinez and were initially pinned down by gunfire directed at Agents Kempa and Martinez.  Bullets were landing all around them in their semi-covered position; however, when the assailants directed their gunfire at Agents Richardson and Schutt, Agents Skero and Holmes, without regard for their personal safety, moved to assist Agents Martinez and Kempa.  Agent Holmes took up a position to protect Agents Martinez and Kempa.  He assisted Agent Kempa in administering first aid to Agent Martinez.  Agent Skero continued to engage the assailants who were still firing at Agents Richardson and Schutt.  After the shooting had stopped, Agent Skero returned to assist in administering first aid to Agent Martinez.

HonorFirst Note - Agent Rodelfo Martinez would be awarded the USBP Commendation Medal with a "V" device for extraordinary heroism and the USBP Purple Cross for wounds received in the scope of duty.

USBP Fallen

As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen.
Titles:

3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
100 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

Joe R. White - He is recognized as officially fallen by the U.S. Border Patrol but his name is not inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial.
John Charles Gigax - He is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. He is remembered by all except his own agency with his name is inscribed on the:
- National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
- Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
- Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

1929

Myles J. Scannell
Date of Birth: December 19, 1895
Entered on Duty: September 27, 1921
Title: Senior Patrol Inspector
End of Watch: September 9, 1929

Details:
Senior Patrol Inspector, Myles J. Scannell, Marfa, Texas, was shot and killed on September 9, 1929, on the banks of the Rio Grande River near Polvo, Texas, southeast of Presidio. Inspector Scannell was working alone and apparently was attempting to arrest several aliens. Signs indicated that, while walking with the individuals he had in custody, Inspector Scannell was shot from ambush by someone else. His body bore two bullet and fifteen stab wounds. There is no information available concerning whether or not the killer or killers were identified or apprehended.

Inspector Scannell had entered the Service as a Mounted Watchman in September 1921, at Presidio. He was among the first Patrol Inspectors to be appointed to the Border Patrol in 1924, and became a Senior Patrol Inspector in July 1926.

See this 1929 testimonial from his brother officers written the day after his murder. Here is a cleaner version of the document.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $78.74 per month for her and their child.

Gravesite

1941

Robert J. Heibler
Date of Birth: January 28, 1916
Entered on Duty: April 30, 1941
Title: Patrol Inspector
End of Watch: September 7, 1941

Details:
During the evening of September 7, 1941, Patrol Inspectors Robert J. Heibler and Eldon C. Wade were on duty inspecting traffic on U.S. Highway #90 about three miles west of Uvalde, Texas. At approximately 9:00 p.m., one of the road flares used to warn approaching traffic was blown out by the wind, and Patrol Inspector Heibler, while relighting it, was struck by a passing automobile and dragged about 20 feet. The automobile did not stop and Inspector Wade did not pursue it at the time feeling that it was more important that he render first aid to Inspector Heibler. He began artificial respiration. About 15 minutes later, a physician reached the scene of the accident, gave Inspector Heibler an injection of adrenalin, and continued artificial respiration; however, the officer died within a few minutes.

Gravesite

1946

Keith Connelly
Date of Birth: December 11, 1946
Entered on Duty: June 21, 1971
Title: Special Agent (Anti-Smuggling)
End of Watch: September 6, 1989

Details:
On September 6, 1989, at 1:45 a.m., Anti-Smuggling Agent Keith Connelly was shot by alien smugglers in the city of Fresno, California, where he died shortly thereafter. He was working an undercover operation accompanied by his partner, Ted Jordan, who was also shot but survived the ordeal. The Fresno, California Police Department responded to the emergency assistance call and apprehended the suspects who were turned over to the FBI for prosecution.

Keith Connelly joined the U.S. Border Patrol in June 21, 1971, in Chula Vista, California, being assigned to the San Clemente Station. He then transferred to Rouses Point, New York, in September 1975, and worked along the Northern Border until reassigned to San Clemente in May 1978. In 1983, he was transferred to Fresno, California, where he became a Senior Border Patrol Agent in December 1986. In August 1988, he was promoted to Special Agent assigned to the Fresno Anti-Smuggling Unit where he served until the time of his death.

Burial Details Unknown

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This Week in USBP History, 10/02-10/08

This week in USBP History, 09/25-10/01

This Week in USBP History, 09/18-09/24

This Week in USBP History, 09/11-09/17

This Week in USBP History, 09/04-09/10

Clifford Gill

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