January 29 - February 4IntroGood morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Today's intro is going to be a bit different, because I've turned the emailed newsletter into a weekly blog notification. I hope the change isn't too drastic, but I believe the benefits far outweigh any negative aspects. This blog has the same content as the newsletters and more. Let me spell out a few of the benefits:
Enjoy and leave a comment below to let me know what you think. I really want to see how well it works and to hear your suggestions.  Social Media Graphic for the "This Week in USBP History" Blog  Click the photo for information about Joe and how to buy a copy of his books! This week starts with a 1926 photograph of a snowmobile that was used in Vermont. I should note, that it is an extreme rarity to discover anything other than documents while researching at the National Archives. During my visits, I only found a few photographs, a swatch of uniform samples, and early examples of the USBP patch... Today, we have early examples of Immigration field hierarchy from 1929, and a 1939 document that ordered the inventory of all badges. All of the badge reports were collected giving us a roster of employees, their ranks and their assigned locations. Notice that we have five references from Joe Banco's books (including 4 references from Volume III of the Honor First series). I've said it before and it's worth repeating... Joe Banco has researched and authored books of USBP history that are without peer! Each of his books are meticulously researched with hundreds upon hundreds sources. Please click the image of his latest book to be taken to the About Joseph Banco page where you'll be given links to purchase his books. The are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for the week. However, I do highlight Immigration Inspector Willard T. Lamade, who was one of the first two recipients from 1973 and whose date of action is unknown. We remember two of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. Have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de CorpsThe workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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 and events1926
Newton-Azrak Award Action AnniversariesFollow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
 The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for this week. Therefore, I will highlight Immigration Inspector Willard T. Lamade, whose date of action is unknown. 1973 Willard T. Lamade (1924-1997) Immigration Inspector San Ysidro, California Inspector Willard T. Lamade was recognized for his heroic action in assisting Federal agents in capturing a dealer in large amounts of narcotics and alien smuggling, at great risk to himself. U.S. Border Patrol Fallen U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* 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. I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.  Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background. 1974 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. Gravesite 2019 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. Cremated Honor First PagesJanuary 22 - January 28 Click the photo to go to the PBR site. Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Recruitment and resiliency... Those are two worthy initiatives into which the USBP is pouring great resource and effort. For recruitment:
Resiliency is a newer concept in the Patrol and is designed to, "Promote physical, mental, and emotional health for employees and their families" as per CBP's 2022-2026 Strategy. The USBP's 2022-2026 Strategy statutes, "The USBP will continue to invest in resiliency programs and identify and pursue other work-life balance programs." The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Fiscal Year 2023 Congressional Justification supports the Patrol with $104.8 million for USBP Hiring/Training/Resiliency:
As the Patrol faces dire projections in staffing, now and in the coming years, recruitment and resiliency are valuable and needed efforts. However, neither address the concept that I consider to be the greatest influence on workplace staffing, leadership. Remember, people generally don't quit jobs, people quit people. Employees quit (or retire) because they have decided the imbalance of workplace stress versus workplace satisfaction favors their departure. In other words, the leave because "It's just not worth it anymore." Without going through a long, itemized list of reasons that employees leave, with complete confidence, I will say that good leadership absolutely mitigates attrition. Good leadership is people focused and does more to reduce workplace stress than any collection of resiliency initiatives. You see, good leadership is the uncredited foundation of Esprit de Corps (see below). If an organization's Esprit de Corps is low, if organizational pride is suffering, if workforce morale is in the tank... It is the responsibility and fault of those occupying positions of leadership, and is due to their bad leadership. Bad leaders are the a$$holes and those failing to have a bias for the workforce. They fail to correct things that are detrimental to the workforce and fail to initiate things that are beneficial. The Patrol believes that those in Command Positions are automatically "leaders". I argue that they are automatically managers of the mission. Remember as Simon Sinek said, "It's not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." If a person in a command position is not taking care of those in their charge, they are not being a leader. Today is an anomaly with only a 1925 document and two references from Joe Banco's books in the Documents/Events section. There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week. However, I've highlighted the action of Michael G. McManus. He was the first Border Patrol Agent to be a recipient of the Newton-Azrak Award in 1973. His exact date of action is unknown. We remember Border Patrol Agent Aurelio E. Valencia on the anniversary of his death. Since there isn't too much reading in today's newsletter, let me invite you to explore the HonorFirst.com. We have nearly 50 Border Patrol stories, nearly 2,000 photographs and tons of other interesting stuff Have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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 1925
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week. However, I've highlighted the action of Michael G. McManus. He was the first Border Patrol Agent to be a recipient of the Newton-Azrak Award in 1973. His exact date of action is unknown. 1973 Michael G. McManus (1937-2019) 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.  U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band USBP Fallen As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* 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. I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen. Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background. 1996
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. Gravesite January 15 - January 21 Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Let me start out with an announcement. Joe Banco's newest book is ready for purchase from Amazon! HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999 HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol is the first comprehensive history of the U.S. Border Patrol. It is divided into five volumes, each covering a critical stage in its development. In this Volume Three, the story continues covering the period of 1975-1999. Volume Three begins with the story of “The Originals,” those trailblazers that were first during this period of U.S. Border Patrol history. The first women to become part of the U.S. Border Patrol’s legacy, the first female, Hispanic, and black Chief Patrol Agents, and the first naturalized citizen to lead the U.S. Border Patrol. The story continues with openings, closings, and renaming of Sectors, the addition of helicopters, and the reimplementation of the Canine and Horse Patrol programs, the evolution of BORTAC and BORSTAR, operations dealing with mass migrations and refugee crises including the Cuban boatlift and processing of Vietnamese refugees. Covered are the impacts of immigration reform initiatives of the 1980s and 1990s, and the implementation of the 1993 Southwest Border Strategy with Operation Hold the Line, Operation Gatekeeper and others. Closing out Volume III is a reflection on the U.S. Border Patrol as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and a tribute to our Heroes and Fallen. Where possible and available, actual quotes from Border Patrol Agents, leadership and historical documents are utilized. Background information is also provided to give additional perspective. Historical photographs are included to complement the writing and hopefully add value to Volume III of Honor First: The Story of the United States Border Patrol. Today's update is going to highlight an area for improvement covering organizational pride. Remember, the building blocks of organizational pride are:
In the Border Patrol, no one thing embodies the Patrol's organizational culture more than it's uniform. It is paramount! Let me give you a few pictures... So, I've given you nine pictures spanning the earliest time in the Patrol up to 2007. What might not be evident is that every agent and inspector is performing their duties while wearing their dress uniform. What many people do not know is that Chief of the Border Patrol Roger P. Brandemuehl (pictured bottom center), began having all USBP headquarters personnel wear dress uniforms to work at HQ in the early 1980's. They looked sharp! A tradition that continued until about 2010. We looked sharp! Then something happened... In the late 2000's all USBP HQ personnel and Sector staff wore dress uniforms. Dress uniforms were mandated throughout the sectors for various duties that didn't require rough duty. Then in 2009, the USBP pulled the trigger and fully implemented a new rough duty uniform. It had cargo pockets, was made from more durable fabric, nylon duty belts, and cloth badges. I was assigned to HQ at the time and to herald in this new era, all HQ folks were mandated to wear rough duty uniforms for the week. That was a departure from the dress uniform and a nice gesture... Now at the same time, our brothers in Air and Marine Operations (AMO) started wearing flight suits while performing their HQ duties. It was very common for us BP folks to make fun of them for wearing such an informal uniform. We would say things like, "I love your AMO pajamas!" Or we'd say, "I see you're wearing your AMO onesie today." The contrast between them and us was great! The Patrol looked sharp and AMO looked... Sloppy. The thing that happened was that all agents at HQ were mandated to wear rough duty uniforms in 2010! We started wearing BP pajamas to work similar to AMO, and all of the sectors followed the example. Don't get me wrong, the rough duty uniform is functional and needed, but only in those places that duty dictates. With that far reaching change from dress uniforms to rough duty, our culture began to change... Tradition that had been in place for decades died... A piece of USBP history began to fade.. Organizational pride suffered a detrimental hit. Pride began to diminish... You see, that dress uniform instilled pride in the wearer because they knew that they looked sharp. When two or more agents were together in dress uniform, their individual pride also became organizational pride. Because we knew that we looked sharp! Since those in leadership positions possessed that simple pride, they naturally passed that down to the rest of the workforce. It was fundamental. Now, I heard excuses that went along the lines of (with my responses below them)...
In 2014, Admiral McRaven gave a commencement speech at the University of Texas. He started it with the words, "If you wanna change the world, start off by making your bed." Along that same thinking, the first step in making the Patrol better is by making the Patrol look better. Agents assigned to HQ in DC, a Sector HQ, or performing purely administrative duties should be mandated to wear dress uniform. Pride starts with appearance and the Patrol is missing the train! One last set of photos to really drive the point home. It should NEVER be the case that the President of the United States is greeted by agents in rough duty. It is a horrible precedent, and a missed opportunity to look sharp and to be sharp for the rest of the workforce. Do better folks! We used to do it right.. It might seem small, but it's huge!  This week starts with an Immigration Guard announcement from 1908. We have an interesting memo from 1929 dealing with employees having a dual appointment as a Border Patrol Inspector and a mechanic. We have fencing from 1956, and the Patrol being deployed to provide security for a presidential inauguration in 1996, and more! We remember three Newton-Azrak Award Recipients on the anniversary of the day of their action. We remember five of the fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. Have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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 1908
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll 1986 John J. Burgmeier, III - photo, memo Border Patrol Agent Yuma, Arizona On January 19, 1985, while on duty, Border Patrol Agent John J. Burgmeier observed a house engulfed in flames. He reacted by notifying the Border Patrol Radio Operator and requested the Yuma Fire Department. He then proceeded to the front door of the house and encountered a woman who informed him that her mother and son were still in the burning house. Without hesitation, he entered the burning. Smoke filled home and attempted to rescue the individuals. Almost overcome by smoke, he came outside, at which time the woman who he initially encountered pointed out a man nearby and indicated he was the one who started the fire. Agent Burgmeier immediately took the suspect into custody. At this time a second officer appeared, to whom Agent Burgmeier turned over the suspect and again entered the burning house. He courageously reentered the house many times in the attempt to rescue the individuals believed to be inside, until he was so overcome by smoke that he had to be taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. One of the persons inside the house managed to escape while the other was overcome and died in the blaze. Agent Burgmeier’s valiant efforts resulted in the arrest of an arson/murder suspect and displayed courage beyond that expected in normal line of duty. 1996 Jefferson L. Barr (1962-1996) 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 (1976-2008) 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.  U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band USBP Fallen As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* 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. I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen. Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background. 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. Gravesite 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. Gravesite 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. Gravesite 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. Gravesite 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. Gravesite January 8 - January 14 San Diego Sector Retention Survey Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week, there was a conversation on the Agents' Forum that began with a post about a retention survey that San Diego Sector has recently initiated. As that conversation progressed, a forum member asked if anyone had any information about what the Patrol was doing or planned to do to retain employees. No one had any information. Further, the consensus was that this survey would not lead to anything of value for the workforce. That sentiment is very understandable. The Patrol has done horribly on the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) for over a decade without out using those results to drive beneficial change for the workforce. To the topic of retention initiatives, several months ago, several HQ leaders, including Deputy Chief Hudak, conducted a virtual town hall... Chief Hudak answered a question about what, if anything, the Patrol was doing to retain employees. His only response was that the Patrol did not have funding for retention bonuses. Every study of which I am aware demonstrates that retention bonuses are ineffective. That throwing money at unhappy employees will not retain them, it will only prolong the inevitable. Unhappy employees are going to leave. Years ago, as part of the 5th attempt to create USBP Doctrine, the team decided that it was important to define Esprit de Corps in the USBP context. Below is that definition and pings against "morale". I think it so important that I include it in every newsletter! Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
So, when I hear that employees are unhappy, morale is low or there is general disengagement, I think that the definition above is a good tool. Before something can be fixed or improved, it must be acknowledged that it is broken or lacking. Define the problem:
The FEVS shows that the workforce has been unhappy for over a decade. The most recent FEVS has CBP at 419 out of 432. The Patrol started to do something about it in 2016 with the USBP Human Capital Survey (HCS). The Patrol used the HCS to identify initiatives based on employees responses that pinged some of the stuff above. It was under the HCS that I was able to create the USBP Honorary Awards and research USBP History. But the initiatives lost momentum when Chief Provost retired. Example of the loss of momentum are evident with the Awards Program. It was transferred to HQ's Workforce Management Division and is a collateral duty assigned not to an agent, but to a professional staff employee. Based on a lack of social media posts of USBP employees receiving recognition, it appears the program is falling into disuse which means employees aren't being valued with formal recognition even though this is an important program to improve employee morale. Another example of the loss of momentum is the History Program. Although it was assigned to an Assistant Chief, I am unaware of the program conducting any research or issuing products in over two years! This is an important program to improve organizational pride. Nevertheless, I will continue to do my best to promote organizational pride by highlighting USBP History in these newsletters, the Honor First History Blog and by updating the website history pages. I will continue to promote USBP culture and employee morale by highlighting those who Uphold Honor First, and Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries.
There's an awful lot of people being in charge, and very few people taking care of those in their charge. At the same time, the Patrol has a lot of people who are managers of the mission and very few who are stepping forward as leaders of people. Now to history! This week starts with a 1930 memo that indicates the beginnings of the Patrol's first formal training in the El Paso District. There was a gunfight in El Paso City in 1931 which included famed Patrol Inspector Charles Askins. There's a 1941 document concerning the transitioning from the Department of Labor badges to Department of Justice badges. And it was this week in 1984 the Patrol promoted its first female agent to be a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent. There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries or and anniversaries of fallen personnel this week. Have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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 1930
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for the week. However, I would like to take the opportunity to use myself as an example of the importance of recognizing the past actions of employees.. 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 the two separate sections 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 with the following two sections:
That was my story, how many others are there that have not been recognized? Before I retired, I actively sought every opportunity to nominate employees for USBP Honorary Awards. I found and nominated approximately 750 employees whose significant past actions were unrecognized or under-recognized. It is the responsibility of the USBP Workforce Management Division to pursue opportunities to value the workforce since they managed the USBP Honorary Awards Program. I hope that the nominations for past events that Chief Ortiz had originally rejected, which disapproved 370 employees from receiving USBP Honorary Awards, are moving forward. See this blog where I commend Chief Ortiz for having the strength to change his decision, and for providing an example of valuing the workforce that should be emulated in the sectors.  U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band USBP Fallen As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* 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. I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen. Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background. There are no anniversaries of fallen USBP personnel for the week.
January 1 - January 7 Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! !!! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! In beginning the New Year, I want to start week’s newsletter by repeating an answer to a question that was posed to me, “Why do you do this?” That question was in reference to helping Ray Harris manage HonorFirst.com, moderating 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 hours to create these newsletters, archive them in the blog, and messaging them on social media (and I still don’t catch all of the typos). Here’s the answer... 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 Honor First and 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 done the job, than the job. That's what keeps me here. That's why I send emails to the active folks, author these newsletters, 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 every day, 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. It makes me feel good to do good for “them". It makes me feel good when I can right wrongs or merely offer assistance. My approach is pretty transparent. I try to follow the two pillars of Esprit de Corps:
Sometimes, my approach is well received such as the numerous updates to HonorFirst.com and these newsletters. Other times, my approach is sharper when I cast the light on areas in need of improvement such as the 2021 Open Email to Chief Ortiz (I've retired that page) and the perpetual reminder that fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax not being remembered as he should. Before I retired, I had two sayings that I really tried to live by:
In retirement, I like to think that both of those statements still stand true. Thank you for your patience. Now to the update! The week we have two activity reports from the Marine City Sub-district for 1925 and 1926, and one for the New Orleans District from 1929. We have a proposed 1930 El Paso District reorganization map, and the short-lived Border Districts started in 1932. We remember three Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions. We also remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. Happy new year and have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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 1925
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
The USBP Newton-Azrak Award 2022 Raul A. Rodriguez - photo, award certificate, award set Border Patrol Agent Del Rio, TX On January 3, 2021, Border Patrol Agents (BPA) Ruben Castillo and Raul A. Rodriguez placed themselves in harm's way in pursuit of a black Chevy SUV. After and exhaustive pursuit including a deadly force encounter and search through multiple counties with various agencies, resources and personnel in tow, BPA Castillo and BPA Rodriguez were able to apprehend all of the subjects without further incident. BPA Castillo and BPA Rodriguez demonstrated heroism in the face of grave danger. The agents' actions brought great credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol. Ruben Castillo Border Patrol Agent Del Rio, TX On January 3, 2021, Border Patrol Agents (BPA) Ruben Castillo and Raul A. Rodriguez placed themselves in harm's way in pursuit of a black Chevy SUV. After and exhaustive pursuit including a deadly force encounter and search through multiple counties with various agencies, resources and personnel in tow, BPA Castillo and BPA Rodriguez were able to apprehend all of the subjects without further incident. BPA Castillo and BPA Rodriguez demonstrated heroism in the face of grave danger. The agents' actions brought great credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol. 2021 John P. Marquissee - photo, award set, certificate Border Patrol Agent Westmore, VT 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.  U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band USBP Fallen As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* 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. I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen. Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background. 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. Gravesite 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. Gravesite 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. Gravesite |
