January 30 - February 5Good morning, Enjoy this week’s update. As a reminder, this email is full of links to follow and explore. The majority of the links lead to HonorFirst pages or the historical source documents. My signature block has additional links that I think you may find interesting. Have a great week! Esprit de Corps - (source page here) The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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. USBP History 1918
Newton-Azrak Award Actions (Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First)
USBP Fallen
As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 151* fallen. Titles
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.
Edwin C. Dennis Date of Birth: March 3, 1912 Entered on Duty: April 17, 1941 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: February 4, 1974 Details: At 7:10 p.m. on February 4, 1974, Senior Patrol Agent Edwin C. Dennis was in a van driven by Border Patrol Agent Richard Marroguin with one alien in custody. They were enroute from Ysleta to El Paso, Texas, on the border highway. They were traveling without lights when the vehicle struck some rocks that had been left by a construction crew. The vehicle turned over and Dennis was thrown out of the van and it rolled over him, crushing the upper part of his body. The other occupants in the vehicle were shaken up but not seriously injured. Donna M. Doss Date of Birth November 6, 1969 Entered on Duty: November 3, 2003 Title: Border Patrol Resident Agent End of Watch: February 2, 2019 Details: On February 2, 2019, Border Patrol Agent Donna M. Doss responded to a request for assistance from a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper regarding a suspected illegal alien. After affecting the arrest of the subject at mile marker 276 on Interstate 20 near Tye, Texas, Agent Doss was struck by a passing vehicle. She succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Agent Doss entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on November 3, 2003, graduated as a member of the 584th session of the Border Patrol Academy, and was subsequently assigned to the Brackettville Station in Del Rio Sector. On March 6, 2017, Agent Doss transferred to Abilene, Texas, as a Resident Agent responsible for enforcement operations in eight Texas counties. Agent Doss served with the U.S. Border Patrol for more than 15 years. January 23 - January 29Good morning, Before the history updates I just want to send another reminder that I need help in populating the Upholding Honor First pages with the good works of the workforce, which includes you! Please take a moment to look at those pages. I would greatly appreciate receiving anything you can send to me to post. And please feel free to share the pages as you feel comfortable. Thank you and have a great week! From Honor First and Esprit De Corps - Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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. USBP History This week, I only have one document that has an anniversary. However, to save you from suffering from USBP history withdraws, let me offer you the following to read:
Now the sole document for this week… 1925
Newton-Azrak Award Actions (Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First)
However, I will highlight the action of Michael G. McManus (1937-2019). He was the first Border Patrol Agent to be a recipient of the Newton-Azrak Award in 1973. His date of action is unknown. Michael G. McManus Border Patrol Agent Houlton Sector Border Patrol Agent Michael G. McManus was recognized for his heroic and unselfish performance in rescuing a man from a burning building. McManus had been called out in the early morning hours by the Calais Police Department to question a Canadian citizen. Upon leaving his house, he observed what appeared to be a prowler in the yard of his neighbor’s home. However, upon investigating, he discovered it was not a prowler, but a visitor in his neighbor’s home who had fled from the house, which was on fire. McManus, without thought of himself, entered the flaming house in search of his neighbor, was driven back out into the air, and once again entered the house, remaining until he located the unconscious victim and brought him safely out of the burning building. BPA McManus’ actions did not end with rescuing the man from the flaming house. Once outside, he then began resuscitation efforts and although exhausted from is efforts, continued his assistance by going to the hospital and helping the staff in removing the burnt clothing from the victim. USBP Fallen
As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 151* fallen. Titles
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.
Aurelio E. Valencia Date of Birth: November 12, 1963 Entered on Duty: February 28, 1985 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: January 25, 1996 Details: On January 25, 1996, Border Patrol Agent Aurelio E. Valencia was involved in a vehicle accident on California State Route 78, near Glamis, California. Permanently assigned to the Blythe Station, Agent Valencia was working backup for the Highway 78 checkpoint. As he attempted a U-turn to get behind and investigate a suspected smuggling vehicle parked south of the checkpoint, his Service vehicle was struck broadside by a southbound motorist. Agent Valencia died at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident. Agent Valencia began his career with INS as a student aide at Tucson Sector Headquarters. He was promoted to Clerk two months later. After a short break in service, he entered on duty as an Immigration Detention Officer at Wilcox Station, Tucson Sector, on November 26, 1986. On June 13, 1988, he entered on duty as a Border Patrol Agent at Blythe Station, Yuma Sector, the position he was filling at the time of his death. January 16 - January 22Good morning, I thought I’d start this week’s update by answering a question that was recently posed to me, “Why do you do this?” That question was in reference to helping Ray manage HonorFirst.com, moderate the Applicant's Forum and Agent’s Forum, regularly contacting some you active folks, and generally remaining very engaged with the U.S. Border Patrol. For example, it takes me about two hours to create these weekly updates (and I still don’t catch all of the typos). Here’s the answer <cue the patriotic music>… The last three years of my career my motivation for doing the job, and pushing my chain of command was because I cared, in an Esprit de Corps sense, for the Patrol and the workforce (uniformed and non-uniformed). Interestingly, in a know thyself moment, I realized that I cared about the workforce more than the work. I cared more about those doing and who had did the job, than the job. That's what keeps me here. That's why I send emails to the active folks, author this email, take daily USBP phone calls/emails, etc... I care because I care about the U.S. Border Patrol and its current and former employees, just like you. I send emails to current leadership and take calls nearly everyday, in the belief that I may have just a smidgeon of influence to make the being part of the USBP better for the workforce (past and present). The value to me is intrinsic. I makes me feel good to do good for “them". It makes me feel good when I can right wrongs or merely offer assistance. Before I retired I used to say, “I’m an unapologetic advocate for the workforce.” In retirement, I realize that I never shed that identity. <patriotic music fades to silence> Thank you for your patience. Now to the update! Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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. USBP History 1929
Newton-Azrak Award Actions (Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First)
1996 Jefferson L. Barr Senior Patrol Agent Del Rio Sector Posthumously Awarded On January 19, agents out of Eagle Pass Station in the Del Rio Sector seized 246 pounds of marijuana at the Rio Grande River at approximately 8:30 p.m. Four subjects escaped by swimming across the river back to Mexico to avoid capture. At approximately 10:30 p.m., Senior Patrol Agent Jefferson L. Barr and his partner, Border Patrol Agent Ned Thomas, responded to electronic sensor activity at a location in the same area of the earlier seizure, 2 ½ miles down river from the Eagle Pass Port-of-Entry. The two agents took up positions on a trail leading away from the sensor activations to await possible alien foot traffic. When Agents Barr and Thomas challenged four individuals carrying bundles of suspected narcotics, the subjects dropped their loads and three of them attempted to flee toward the river. Agent Thomas grappled with one of the three as the fourth subject simultaneously responded with gunfire at Agent Barr. The suspect expended all eight rounds from a .22 caliber revolver, striking Agent Barr once in the left shoulder area. The path of the projectile that struck him was such that the wound was fatal instantly. Agent Barr fired all six rounds from his .357 magnum Service revolver during the gunfight, striking the suspect once. The round struck the suspect’s left wrist, shattering his wristwatch, and entered his abdominal cavity. The suspect was able to walk the river and cross back into Mexico. Another 201 pounds of marijuana were also seized during this incident. 2008 Luis A. Aguilar - photo Senior Patrol Agent Yuma Sector Posthumously Awarded Senior Patrol Agent Luis A. Aguilar was honored posthumously for his selfless courage, which resulted in saving the life of a fellow agent. On January 19, 2008, while performing anti-smuggling duties in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area as part of the Yuma Station IMPACT Team, Agents Luis Aguilar and German Burgoin coordinated efforts to apprehend two vehicles suspected of being loaded with marijuana that illegally crossed from Mexico into the U.S. The agents were deploying a Controlled Tire Deflation Device in the path of one of the vehicles when the driver accelerated and drove towards them. Agent Aguilar yelled for Agent Burgoin to get out of the area as he attempted to run to a safe location behind some barriers. Agent Burgoin was able to get to safety, but the suspected smuggler intentionally struck Agent Aguilar who died as a result of his injuries. Agent Aguilar made the ultimate sacrifice in saving the life of his fellow agent. USBP Fallen
As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 151* fallen. Titles
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.
1940 William L. Sills Date of Birth: August 21, 1909 Entered on Duty: May 16, 1936 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: January 17, 1940 Details: Patrol Inspector William L. Sills was killed on January 17, 1940, while on night patrol duty at a crossing on the Rio Grande River in the vicinity of La Grulla, Texas. On the date mentioned, three Patrol Inspectors, William L. Sills, Albin Ulrickson, and Leslie H. Buchanan, encountered three smugglers transporting contraband. Two of them were taken into custody, and Patrol Inspector Sills, in attempting to cut off the escape of the third smuggler, was shot at close range and fatally wounded. Before falling, Inspector Sills returned the smuggler's fire and killed him. The smuggler, a Mexican alien, had previously been deported from the United States. Patrol Inspector Sills died in an ambulance enroute to the hospital at McAllen, Texas, where he was stationed. The two smugglers who were apprehended were arraigned on smuggling charges and for complicity in the killing. 1996 Jefferson L. Barr Date of Birth: November 16, 1962 Entered on Duty: January 19, 1988 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: January 19, 1996 Details: On January 19, 1996, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Senior Patrol Agent Jefferson Barr and his partner, Border Patrol Agent Ned Thomas responded to electronic sensor activity at a location on the Rio Grande River 2 1/2 miles downriver from the Eagle Pass Port-of-Entry. The two agents took up positions on a trail leading away from the sensor activations to await possible alien foot traffic. When Agents Barr and Thomas challenged four individuals carrying bundles of suspected narcotics, the subjects dropped their loads and three of them attempted to flee toward the river. Agent Thomas grappled with one of the three as the fourth subject, simultaneously, responded with gunfire at Agent Barr. The suspect expended all eight rounds from a .22 caliber revolver, striking Agent Barr once in the left shoulder area. The path of the projectile that struck Agent Barr was such that the wound was fatal instantly. Agent Barr fired all six rounds from his .357 magnum Service revolver during the gunfight, striking the suspect once. The suspect was able to walk to the river and cross back into Mexico. He was found shortly thereafter, suffering from his wounds, taken for medical treatment and subsequently taken into custody by Mexican authorities. 1999 Rene B. Garza Date of Birth: February 11, 1947 Entered on Duty: March 30, 1975 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: January 20, 1999 Details: On January 20, 1999, Senior Patrol Agent Rene B. Garza was conducting surveillance on horseback in Skeleton Canyon, located in the “bootheel” of New Mexico, about 75 miles southwest of Lordsburg. He suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead. According to other Border Patrol Agents, the severity of the illness and the geographical isolation were contributing factors in Agent Garza’s death. Agent Garza was born in south Texas and was a graduate of the Border Patrol’s 107th Academy Class. He had spent his entire Border Patrol career at the Lordsburg Station. 2002 Eloy Hernandez Date of Birth: June 14, 1972 Entered on Duty: March 9, 1998 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: January 17, 2002 Details: On Thursday, January 17, 2002, at 12:08 a.m., Border Patrol Agent Eloy Hernandez was killed in an automobile accident while on patrol near Progesso, Texas. He was rounding a curve on a gravel road when his vehicle rolled over twice. A fellow Border Patrol Agent located the wreck. Agent Hernandez was airlifted to Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen, Texas, where he was pronounced dead. Agent Hernandez was a native of Mercedes, Texas. He was a graduate of the 367th session of the Border Patrol Academy at Glynco, Georgia, and was assigned to the Weslaco Station at the time of his death. 2008 Luis A. Aguilar Date of Birth: November 26, 1976 Entered on Duty: July 21, 2002 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: January 19, 2008 Details: Border Patrol Agent Luis A. Aguilar was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, January 19, 2008, after a suspected smuggler intentionally ran him over, while he was deploying a controlled tire deflation device in an attempt to stop the vehicle from escaping into Mexico. Agent Aguilar was working with a plain-clothes unit (IMPACT) near the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, when he and his unit were notified of attempted drive-through vehicles. The IMPACT Unit stationed several agents in an attempt to intercept the vehicles as they made their way northbound. Agent Aguilar and another agent positioned themselves on the access road to deploy a controlled tire deflation device (CTDD). As the agents were stretching the CTDD across the roadway, the driver of the vehicle accelerated, driving directly toward the agents. One agent climbed the highway fence to the north, and was able to escape being struck by the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle immediately swerved to the left, directly at Agent Aguilar. At approximately 9:30 AM, the vehicle struck Agent Aguilar, continued across the campground and escaped into Mexico. Border Patrol Agent Luis A. Aguilar was pronounced dead about 20 minutes later. The driver of the vehicle, Jesus Navarro-Montes, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. January 9 - January 15Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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. USBP History 1908
Newton-Azrak Award Actions (Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First)
There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for the week. However, I would like to take the opportunity to use myself as a positive example. On January 13, 2000, I was involved in a harrowing, nighttime, swift water rescue of two people (a brother and a sister). For that action, I was recognized with a $100 cash award and declared Agent of the Month. Fair to say, that should be considered an under-recognition for any employee risking their life in such a circumstance. However, at the time, it was the best those supervisors could offer. In 2018, the USBP Honorary Awards policy enabled the Patrol to correct past wrongs through two separate sections (see below). In an example of the USBP valuing its workforce and upholding Honor First, my action was recognized 19 years later with the USBP Commendation with a “V” device, the Patrol’s second highest award for heroism. This was and is possible because the USBP Honorary Awards policy allows the Border Patrol to take care of its employees by recognizing past actions:
Citation for extraordinary heroism On January 13, 2000, while performing line watch duties near Laredo, TX, Agent Gill observed two subjects struggling to stay afloat in the Rio Grande River. At great personal risk, Agent Gill entered the river to rescue the individuals who were facing certain death. Upon reaching the victims, he kept them both above water by lifting them over his head while submerging himself. He remained underwater gaining footholds the river boom to propel them to the riverbank, only surfacing to take gasping breaths. Agent Gill's actions brought great credit to himself and the United States Border Patrol. That was my story, how many others are there? USBP Fallen
As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 151* fallen. Titles
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.
January 2 - January 8All, Happy New Year! Repeating last week, Ray and I are always striving to make HonorFirst.com a better site for the thousands of people who visit it each month. Especially, for the USBP applicants and, current and former agents/inspectors. As an open and continuous favor/requests, will you take a little time to visit the HonorFirst Photo Galleries and the the pages under Upholding Honor First? If you have any photographs or pictures of USBP related awards, please send them to me (I could really use an old INS Outstanding rating certificate). I really want to grow these pages. Additionally, we really depend upon the active employees to keep the site current. Please let other active folks know that we’d love to post their photographs and awards here. Finally, last week was the anniversary of the action for the most recent Newton-Azrak Award recipient, Agent Michael Linder. I only saw his award pop up on social media. For the active folks again, please let me know whenever a new Newton-Azrak Award recipient is recognized so I can keep the page up to date and highlight the incredible works of the Patrol’s employees! Thank you! Enjoy this week’s update! USBP History “Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.” Honor First and Esprit De Corps 1925
Newton-Azrak Award Actions (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 Agent Marquissee’s action (below) is an example of a heroic action being recognized many years after the act; an example of the Border Patrol correcting a past wrong. It is an example of the USBP valuing its workforce and upholding Honor First! This was and is possible because the USBP Honorary Awards policy allows the Border Patrol to take care of its employees by recognizing past actions:
2020 John P. Marquissee - photo, award set, certificate Border Patrol Agent Westmore, VT Past Event On January 5, 2012 at approximately 4:00 PM, off-duty Border Patrol Agent John Marquissee saw a vehicle accident in which a car was overturned and partially submerged in Lake Willoughby near Westmore, VT. Knowing a person was in dire need of help, Agent Marquissee, beyond the call of duty while facing grave danger, entered the partially frozen lake. Once at the vehicle, Agent Marquissee saw that a female victim was trapped in the car. Agent Marquissee then broke out the rear window of the car and helped the victim escape the vehicle. Agent Marquissee took the victim to shore saving her life. Agent Marquissee’s actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. USBP Fallen
As of December 8, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 151* fallen. Titles
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.
1930 William D. McCalib Date of Birth: December 20, 1895 Entered on Duty: December 4, 1928 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: January 7, 1930 Details: On January 7, 1930, Patrol Inspector McCalib, together with Senior Patrol Inspector West, apprehended Pedro Rendon, at Alice, Texas. Rendon was suspected of being an alien unlawfully in the United States. Rendon claimed that the proprietor of a restaurant in Alice could vouch for him and, accordingly, the officers put Rendon in the back seat of the car and drove to the restaurant. Senior Patrol Inspector West entered the establishment to interview the proprietor while Inspector McCalib remained in the car with Rendon. During West's absence, Rendon drew a pistol and shot McCalib in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Rendon was subdued and taken into custody by Senior Patrol Inspector West. It was later discovered that Rendon, alias Jose Ramirez, was an escaped convict. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $69.75 per month for her and their child. Upon the death of his wife, his child received $38.75 per month. 1985 Manuel Salcido, Jr. Date of Birth: April 25, 1950 Entered on Duty: March 12, 1984 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: January 2, 1985 Details: On January 2, 1985, Agent Salcido was enroute to Del Rio Sector Headquarters and travelling in a seized 1975 Ford sedan. Agent Salcido's vehicle went out of control on an ice-glazed concrete bridge and was struck broadside on the driver's side by a southbound vehicle in the southbound lane. The other vehicle was a 1984 Suburban enroute to Eagle Pass, Texas. Agent Salcido was killed and the driver of the second vehicle was hospitalized with head and chest injuries. No other persons were involved in the accident. 1995 Jose A. Nava Date of Birth: July 6, 1958 Entered on Duty: January 27, 1987 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: January 7, 1995 Details: On January 6, 1995, Agent Jose A. Nava was on his way to conduct a train check. He was traveling on Farm Road 1572, 45 miles east of Del Rio, Texas. His Service vehicle struck a deer causing him to lose control. The vehicle overturned several times and Agent Nava was thrown from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:40 a.m. on January 7, 1995. Jose Nava was born in Brownsville, Texas. He began his career with the Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas. On April 9, 1989, he transferred to the Del Rio Sector and was assigned to the Brackettville Station. |
Help spread the word!
Clifford GillBlog author, retired U.S. Border Patrol Assistant Chief and, current U.S. Border Patrol employee advocate. Ray HarrisSite founder and owner, former Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent. Joseph BancoU.S. Border Patrol historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent. Archives
September 2023
I prefer that you leave comments. However, if you wish to contact me, please do so by emailing Cliff@HonorFirst.com.
|
