Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!  
 
On the approach of the anniversary of the death of Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr., I think it's important to share one of the exceptional efforts of Chief Patrol Agent (BORSTAR) William "Bill" Maddocks.  
 
When Agent Vega was killed in 2014, his death was not recognized as being in the line-of-duty by any agency or organization!  His name was neither added to the CBP Valor Memorial nor the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial (NLEOM).  The Department of Justice (DOJ), Public Safety Officer's Benefits Program (PSOB) did not recognize his loss as a line-of duty death.
 
In 2016, two years after Agent Vega's death, CBP recognized his sacrifice as a line-of-duty death (see this news article) and his name was add to the NLEOM (see here). Shortly afterward, Bill was tasked to have Agent Vega's death determination revisited by the DOJ's PSOB.  That began nearly two years of incredible effort.
 
In 2018, after four years of significant behind the scenes efforts by Bill, the DOJ's PSOB came to the determination that Javier Vega's death was in the line-of-duty. That determination did not just happen! For months, Bill engaged in complex legal conversations and debates with government lawyers from multiple agencies to explain why Agent Vega died in the line-of-duty.  The legal nuances were due to unique aspects of Border Patrol training, culture, and the regulations of the time.  In short, Bill explained that Agent Vega put himself on duty and performed a law enforcement action during a robbery.  After hundreds of hours of effort in the form of emails, discussions, meetings and research, and four years after the death of a Border Patrol Agent Vega, the PSOB finally ruled his death to be in the line-of-duty.
 
The ruling is precedent setting and significant.  A Border Patrol Agent that takes a law enforcement action while off-duty, can have their death determined to have occurred in line-of-duty.  That is a huge precedent, and Bill pushed it over the finish line.
 
When official word was received that the PSOB ruled Agent Vega's death line-of-duty, I sent Bill an email with the words below:
 
I am fortunate to be able to have someone like you to be an example for me to emulate.  The Border Patrol is a far better organization because of you.  It is a loss that your persistence and unwavering tenacity will mostly likely never be known outside of a few people concerning your actions with Agent Vega and the PSOB.
 
You are truly special and I am proud to be able to call you a friend and am thankful to be part of the same organization of which you are part.
 
Congratulations and thank you on behalf of all of those who will directly and indirectly benefit from your efforts and the precedence you pushed forth.
 
When Bill rotated out of HQ to be the Deputy Chief Patrol Agent of Swanton Sector, it was my privilege to process his nomination for the USBP Commendation Medal, of which he received and wears.  Further, I clearly remember that Bill's efforts to have Agent Vega's death recognized by the PSOB was included on the USBP Commendation Medal certificate.
 
This week is HUGE for historical occurrences:

• The creation of the U.S. Customs Service and the CBP Ensign,
• The finalized design of the U.S. Border Patrol patch, and
• With a punch, Associate Deputy Regional Commissioner Leonard Gilman, who had been a Golden Gloves boxer in college, ended the hijacking of Continental Flight 54.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

 
We celebrate the Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary for one agent, and we remember the loss of six 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.

Documents/Events

1789

• On July 31, 1789, the 1st Congress passed an Act to Regulate the Collection of Duties imposed by law on the tonnage of ships or vessels, and on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States.  The Act was signed by President Washington and established the U.S. Customs Service.  In 2003, the U.S. Customs Service would be renamed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (see page 186 of this document).

1799

• On August 1, 1799, Secretary of the Treasury Oliver Wolcott (1760-1833​) issued a circular which outlined the basic elements of the design of the U.S. Customs ensign which is currently the CBP ensign. The circular directed that the ensign should contain "sixteen perpendicular stripes, alternate red and white, the Union of the Ensign to be the Arms of the United States, in dark blue, on a white field."
  • This website provides additional information.

1913

• On August 6, 1913, an job announcement was issued for "Mounted Inspector (Male)".
  • Applicants for this position should be capable of performing the ar­duous work incident to what is known as "line riding," which involves the performance of duty in the rough and mountainous country along the Mexican boundary far removed from the centers of civilization.

1920

• On August 4, 1920, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) wrote a strongly worded memo to the Commissioner-General.  the memo recommend that the Inspector in Charge in Laredo not attend a meeting scheduled in Galveston, Texas.  The memo contained several items of interest:
  • He stated that the Immigration Patrol was abolished on August 18, 1919.  That statement is evidence that the Immigration Patrol was separate from the Mounted Inspectors (also called Mounted Guard and Mounted Watchmen). About the Immigration Patrol, he wrote:
    • They, "...performed wonderfully effective service, --a service unparalleled in the history of affairs on the Mexican Border."  Clearly, he thought highly of that organization.
  • In an effort to define the Immigration Service's responsibility and to frame the problem, Berkshire explained that nearly every person arrested near the border for violating an agricultural, customs, health or prohibition law, had also violated an immigration law.  Berkshire expressed concern another Federal agency would overshadow the Immigration Service and would inevitably take the lead for border enforcement.

1924

• On August 1, 1924, Patrol Inspector in Charge of the Big Bend Sub-district, John F. Harn (1875-1955), requested permission ​to lease a 2-room adobe house as the "office quarters" for the sub-district.
  • Before General Order 61, sub-districts (called sectors in the 1940s) were led by Immigrant Inspectors designated to be Patrol Inspectors in Charge.  General Order 61 renamed that position - Chief Patrol Inspector in 1926.

1931

• On August 5, 1931, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent the Commissioner-General a memo concerning Border Patrol pistol teams.  In the memo, Wilmoth requests a challenge be issued to all pistol teams in the Patrol.  The Central Office did not issue El Paso District's challenge. 
  • However, in 1935, the Tampa Sub-district sent a similar request to issue a shooting challenge to headquarters, "We will shoot any course of fire and at any distance" which was issued. See this document.

1942

• The official design of the USBP patch was finalized August 5, 1942.  The earliest evidence of the patch on a Border Patrol uniform is a photograph from 1944.  See this picture* and this document.  
  • 1938 Uniform Sketches​
    • As research was being conducted, a series of unsigned and undated sketches were discovered surrounded by documents from 1938.  These sketches are believed to be part of discussions that, in part, led to the creation of the U.S. Border Patrol patch.  On page 5 of this document is a sketch shaped like the United States with the words "Border Patrol".  The background color is blue and the lettering is silver.  Following the pattern of the time, there may have been discussions of gold lettering for Chief Patrol Inspectors and above.  Although the original concept was to have a patch that was shaped like the United States, the manufacture of such a complex shape was cost prohibitive at the time.  Therefore, it is believed that the patch shape was changed to a less expensive circle and the outline of the United States sewn onto it.

* A special thanks to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy for providing the 1944 photograph.

• On August 4, 1942, the U.S. reached an agreement with the Mexican government for the importation of Mexican agricultural workers. The bilateral agreement was officially known as the Mexican Farm Labor Program and would evolve to be the Bracero Program.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1956

• On July 31, 1956, Frank H. Partridge (1893-1994) authorized the routine transfer of Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector Richard E. Batchelor (1919-2015) from Tucson Sector (GS-9) to Miami Sector (GS-11) to be assigned as the Intelligence Officer. The memo informed George F. Klemcke (1915-1967).  Points of interest in the memo are:
  • Similar to today's Chief Patrol Agent position with two classes (GS-15s and SESs), there were two classes of Assistant Chief Patrol Inspectors (GS-9 and GS-11),
  • George Klemcke had the title of "Chief of Border Patrol" in the memo (this may have been in an acting role).  Various newspaper obituary sources list him as the Deputy Chief of Border Patrol at the time of his death.

1961

• On August 3, 1961, a father and son highjacked an airplane that was en route to El Paso, Texas.  The skyjacking ended when Border Patrol Agent Leonard Gilman (1918-2012) punched the father hard enough to knock him unconscious, breaking his hand, and FBI Special Agent Francis Crosby (1913-1974) took custody of the son.
  • At the time, Gilman was the Associate Deputy Regional Commissioner for the Southern Region.  As part of the U.S. Border Patrol’s 75th Anniversary, Leonard Gilman was interviewed and had the following to say about the incident,
    • The plane landed in El Paso to refuel and the Border Patrol was called into secure the area. And that was when it became quite tense. President Kennedy had ordered that there would be no negotiations and that the plane was not to leave the ground. The Border Patrol then stopped the plane from taking off and shot the air out of the plane’s tires. I had been standing in position to watch the father and I could see he was becoming hysterical. At that time. I had signaled the engineer with my eyes that I was going and as I came back across, I had to hit at a bit of an angle which did break the bone in my wrist. But I had to hit at an angle so I could knock him into the son so we could be sure we wouldn’t have a serious accident or someone to have the opportunity to fire the guns. You go through the training we have all had and the background and training I had had in the physical world. It is what you would expect, you had to try at least​
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

​2010
 
Jose M. Martinez
Border Patrol Agent
Buffalo Sector
On August 4, 2010, Border Patrol Agent Jose M. Martinez was on patrol near Sackets Harbor, New York, in the Wellesley Island Border Patrol Station’s area of responsibility within Buffalo Sector. At about 0200 hours, Agent Martinez heard an urgent request for assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department regarding a domestic disturbance with shots fired in Sackets Harbor. Law enforcement presence in this rural area is minimal at best, with no local police, and few deputies or State Police troopers on duty or nearby in such early morning hours. Area law enforcement agencies depend upon each other for assistance when needed, and this morning was no exception. Agent Martinez was one of the first back-up officers to arrive.
 
Prior to Agent Martinez’ arrival, a male subject had shot his wife multiple times with an assault rifle, leaving her lying critically wounded in the common hallway vestibule of an apartment building. Two Jefferson County Deputies, the only officers then at the scene, had just attempted to rescue the woman, but were forced to retreat when the male subject threatened them at gunpoint from the doorway of his apartment, near where the woman was lying.
 
Understanding this, and in the face of the still threatening active shooter, Agent Martinez demonstrated outstanding courage and volunteered without hesitation to attempt a rescue of the woman. Acting quickly, decisively, and selflessly, Agent Martinez and two deputies made a tactical approach towards the building. 
As one deputy covered them, Agent Martinez and the other deputy entered the immediate danger area, still threatened by the assailant. They grabbed the motionless and defenseless woman, and dragged her out of the building to safety and a waiting ambulance.
 
Agent Martinez then remained at the scene to assist the local agencies with perimeter security while negotiators attempted to talk the now barricaded assailant out of the building. The subject finally surrendered without further incident when local officers entered the residence at about 0645 hrs.
  
Border Patrol Agent Jose Martinez’ extraordinary bravery and intrepidity in the face of recognized, real, and eminent danger saved the life of Sherry Morris, at the extreme risk of his own life.

1925
 
Augustin de la Pena
Date of Birth:                     October 9, 1882                                                       
Entered on Duty:               August 9, 1923
Title:                                  Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                    August 2, 1925

Details:
On August 2, 1925, Patrol Inspector Augustin De La Pena was shot and killed by an insane Mexican at Rio Grande City, Texas. While eating supper in a restaurant, the officer, accompanied by Patrol Inspector Fred Neale, noticed a Mexican enter the restaurant and get into an argument with the proprietor. It was later learned the Mexican's name was Macario Pena. The Mexican acted very peculiarly, and the officers noticed that he was armed with a revolver. After he left the restaurant, Patrol Inspector De La Pena decided to follow him and question him in regards to his immigration status. Inspector De La Pena followed him into the drug store and started to question him when the Mexican drew his revolver. The officer ordered him to drop the gun, but instead the Mexican fired the bullet struck De La Pena in the abdomen. Wounded, he attempted to take the revolver away from the Mexican. The two struggled behind a counter in the store, which made it impossible for others to assist. De La Pena became weakened by the loss of blood, and in order to protect others, drew his own revolver and shot the Mexican, killing him. Inspector De La Pena died on the operating table a few hours later.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $96.67 per month for her and their eight children.  After 7 children turned 18, his wife received $65.25 per month for her and one child.  The document states that after being shot, his last words were, "My poor family."

​Gravesite
 
 
1986
 
Norman R. Salinas
Date of Birth:                February 18, 1960
Entered on Duty:          December 9, 1984
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               August 4, 1986
 
Details:
Border Patrol Agent Norman Ray Salinas died on Monday, August 4, 1986, at approximately 1:20 a.m., when the government van he was driving went out of control on Interstate 35, south of Cotulla, Texas.
 
Agent Salinas was transporting Carlos Martinez Alvarenga, an illegal alien from El Salvador, to the Lasalle County Jail in Cotulla from Laredo. Lasalle County Sheriff Darwin Avant stated that Agent Salinas apparently failed to negotiate a curve. The van left the road running onto a median, rolling over several times before finally bursting into flames. Both Agent Salinas and Martinez Alvarenga were thrown from the van. They were dead before the first officers arrived on the scene.

​Gravesite
 
 
2014
 
​Javier Vega, Jr.
Date of Birth                 June 17, 1978
Entered on Duty:          February 11, 2008
Title:                             Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:              August 3, 2014
 
Details:
On Sunday, August 3, 2014, Border Patrol Agent Javier Vega, Jr. was shot and killed near Santa Monica, Texas, as he attempted to take a law enforcement action during a robbery while he was fishing with his wife, children, and parents. Two illegal aliens approached them and attempted to rob them. Agent Vega was shot in the chest when he attempted to draw his weapon. His father was also shot and wounded as he returned fire at the men.

Both men fled the scene, but were arrested a short time later. They were charged with capital murder, attempted capital murder, and other crimes. It is believed the same subjects had committed numerous similar robberies at the direction of a Mexican cartel. Both men had been previously deported numerous times.

On September 20, 2016, it was determined that, 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. His death was re-determined to have been in the line of duty.

Agent Vega, who was 36 years old, entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on February 11, 2008, as a member of Academy Class 745.  Agent Vega was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the United States Border Patrol for six years. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents and brother.

​Gravesite
 
 
2020
 
Marco A. Gonzales
Date of Birth:                October 19, 1970                              
Entered on Duty:          November 14, 2005
Title:                             Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:               August 5, 2020
 
Details: 
Border Patrol Agent Marco A. Gonzales passed away on August 5, 2020.  The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Gonzales will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
 
BPA Gonzales entered on duty on November 14, 2005, as part of the 606th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He served as an agent at the Brackettville, Texas Station throughout his career. During his tenure, Agent Gonzales also served his fellow agents as a union representative.
 
Prior to becoming a Border Patrol agent, Agent Gonzales honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He is survived by his wife, Maria, three children and his parents.

​Gravesite
 

2021
 
Daniel P. Cox
Entered on Duty:         July 28, 1997
Title:                            Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:             July 31, 2021

Details:
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Cox and another driver were killed on July 31, 2021 in a head-on crash on State Route 86 near Sells, Arizona.  Agent Cox and the other driver were pronounced dead about 12:20 a.m.  

Agent Cox entered on duty on July 28, 1997 at the Eagle Pass Station in Del Rio Sector as part of the 346th Session of the Border Patrol Academy.  At the time of his death, he was assigned to the BORSTAR unit in Tucson Sector as a Canine Handler and Canine Instructor.

Prior to becoming a Border Patrol Agent, Agent Cox served in the U.S. Army, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1998.

He is survived by his daughters, Alexandria and Elizabeth: sister, Sonia: brother Gilbert: father Stacey: and half-brother, Lucas.

Cremated​
 

​Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano
Entered on Duty:          July 3, 2006
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               July 31, 2021

Details:
Agent Acosta-Feliciano died on July 31, 2021.  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.

Agent Acosta-Feliciano entered on duty on July 31, 2021 as part of the 626th Session of the Border Patrol Academy.  At the time of his death he was assigned to the Deming Station in the El Paso Sector.

Prior to becoming a Border Patrol Agent, Agent Acosta-Feliciano served in the U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs and completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2004.

He is survived by his wife, Astrid; daughter, Veronica; sons, Adrian and Adner; father, Eduardo; sisters, Gloribel and Maribel; and brothers, Eduardo, Ricardo, and Reynaldo.
​
Gravesite

​Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!  
 
I'm going to start this email with a focus on righting past wrongs.  Specifically, I'm speaking of recognizing the worthy past actions of employees that were unrecognized or under-recognized.
 
Let's start with a few recent military examples.  Although I'm using just the Medal of Honor, these types of recognitions regularly occur with several other decorations as well.  All of these heroes' actions were under-recognized and subsequently corrected with the presentation of the Medal of Honor:

• Spc. 5 James McCloughan​ - Awarded 2017, 48 years after his action.
• Captain Gary Michael Rose - Awarded 2017, 47 years after his action.
• Sgt. Maj. John Canley - Awarded 2018, 50 years after his action.
• Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe - Awarded 2022, 16 years after his action.
• Spc. 5 Dwight Birdwell - Awarded 2022, 54 years after his action.
• Maj. John Duffy - Awarded 2022, 50 years after his action.
• Spc. 5 Dennis Fujii - Awarded 2022, 51 years after his action.

 
When the Patrol implemented the USBP Honorary Awards Program in 2018, it was better equipped to value the workforce and to correct its past wrongs similar to the military.  Below are a few examples of USBP employees being recognized for past actions; examples of wrongs being corrected:

Newton-Azrak Awards

• Assistant Chief Tony Miranda - Awarded 2019, 12 years after his action.
• Assistant Chief Clifford Gill - Awarded 2020, 20 years after his action.
• Border Patrol Agent John Marquissee - Awarded 2021, 9 years after his action.
• Border Patrol Agent Gregory Stecher - Awarded 2021, 16 years after his action.
• Border Patrol Agent George Woodward - Awarded 2021, 16 years after his action.  
  • It should be noted, George received his recognition years after he had retired.

USBP Commendation Medals

• Associate Chief Joseph Banco - Awarded 2019, 6 years later.
• Border Patrol Agent Leeroy Amaya - Awarded 2021, 7 years after his action.
• Border Patrol Agent Raymond Overholt - Awarded 2019, 16 years after his action.
• Assistant Chief Edward Wagner - Awarded 2019, 14 years after his action.

 
Unfortunately, since April 2020, the Border Patrol has all but ceased recognizing past actions older than 2 years, contrary to the USBP Honorary Awards policy.  That choice to stray from valuing the workforce has been and continues to be to the detriment of literally hundreds upon hundreds of employees.  Strikingly, the decision wasn't forced upon the Patrol from an outside organization or individual, but was the sole choice of Raul Ortiz, Chief of the Border Patrol. 

It is my sincere hope that, in these times when the morale of the workforce is so low, that there is a renewed effort to value the workforce, in all that that simple phrase entails. Employee recognition does not fix morale problems, but they are a low hanging fruit that have many orders of effect.  It's worth mentioning again, the USBP completely controls the USBP Honorary Awards Program.
 
Recognizing Past Events with USBP Honorary Awards

• Provides uniformed employees with a recognition item authorized for wear.
• Enables the recognition of employees for worthy actions occurring before the implementation of the USBP Honorary Award Program.
• Provides a tangible representation to the recipient that their action is appreciated and worthy of recognition.
• Affirms to the recipient that their actions were acceptable and correct.
• Communicates to non-recipient employees that the Border Patrol values the actions of its workforce.
• Appropriately addresses equity and expectancy perceptions.

 
Now to This Week in USBP History!
 
I am happy to continue to include references from Joe Banco's books in the history update.  He is currently in the DC area conducting research for Volume III of his four book series on USBP history.  Please visit the Border Patrol Museum's Gift Shop and purchase his books if you haven't already.

This week's update includes:

• Documents describing two separate shootings that occurred in 1927,
• Documents of early Patrol Inspectors' involvement in shooting competitions,
• Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries of three agents,
  • Including mine that I received 20 years later.  Please see the interview I gave to Chief Patrol Agent Jason Owens where I speak of my action at the 41:55 mark.

 
Also, we remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of the 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.

​2010

Salvatore Caccamo
Border Patrol Agent 
Buffalo Sector
Raul Tamayo
Border Patrol Agent
Buffalo Sector
On July 25, 2010, Border Patrol Agents (Marine) Salvatore Caccamo and Raul Tamayo were conducting Riverine patrol operations on the Lower Niagara River in the Niagara Falls area of responsibility within Buffalo Sector. At about 1830 hours, the agents heard a MAYDAY call over the marine radio.
 
Earlier in the day, a Canadian family of four and a family friend had ventured onto a calm Lake Ontario in a 24-foot vessel for a pleasure cruise. As the afternoon progressed, a strong wind began building, quickly changing the nature of the lake. Sudden changes in weather and lake conditions are a frequent hazard on the Great Lakes, contributing to an estimated six to ten thousand shipwrecks and great loss of life in the time since sailing began on the lakes.
 
The family struggled to maintain control of their boat as Lake Ontario quickly turned treacherous with four to five foot breakers. Their small vessel began to take on water and founder in the unforgiving wind and waves, causing one of the occupants to give the universal MAYDAY call of a vessel in distress.
 
Knowing the treacherous conditions on the Lake, and without hesitation, Agents Caccamo and Tamayo responded to the distress call, communicating with the boaters as they expressed their concern that their boat would sink in short order. The Canadians’ boat was about one mile from the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario. Disregarding the perilous conditions, the agents demonstrated exceptional bravery and entered the swells and breakers on their 25-foot government vessel, in a desperate search for the sinking boat and the civilians.
 
The white-capped waves made the search difficult, however the agents were able to spot the vessel at some distance, and as they approached, they saw that it was in danger of capsizing, the occupants near panic.
 
Demonstrating superb skill and extreme courage, Agent Caccamo maneuvered the Border Patrol vessel close to the sinking boat, despite the violent pitching of the two vessels in the rolling waves and breakers. At the same time, Agent Tamayo was perilously located on the rear of the pitching Government vessel in order to affect the rescue, in constant danger of being thrown overboard into the violent lake and being crushed between the two vessels. The agents timed the movement of the two vessels and Agent Tamayo was able to pull the three children from the already half-sunken civilian boat, onto the government vessel. 
 
Almost immediately after rescuing the children, the civilian boat began to sink at a greater rate, forcing the agents to maneuver away from its immediate proximity. The adults were forced into the water, and Agent Tamayo threw them a rescue line. One of the adults panicked, and tied the rescue line to his sinking vessel, which threatened to pull the government vessel under the surface of Lake Ontario with it. Reacting quickly, Agent Tamayo cut the rescue line. Agent Caccamo then skillfully maneuvered the government vessel in the treacherous waters so that Agent Tamayo could pull the two adults aboard, just as their boat disappeared below the waves.
 
​
​2020

Clifford A. Gill - ​photo, award set
Assistant Chief
Washington D.C.
Past Event
On July 24, 2000, Agent Gill attempted to apprehend a person who had just illegally entered the United States near Laredo, Texas. The person fled, jumped into the flooded Rio Grande and immediately began screaming for help. Facing grave danger and beyond the call of duty, Agent Gill entered the turbulent water. Swimming in his uniform and boots, he approached the victim. Before he could reach the victim, the victim disappeared under the murky water. Agent Gill saw a large air bubble break the surface of the water. Believing the bubble to have come from the victim, Agent Gill dove approximately 5’ below the surface of the water and grabbed the victim. Due to the turbulence and the victim’s struggles, Agent Gill was unable to establish a secure hold on the victim. For the remainder of the rescue, Agent Gill struggled to keep the victim above water, which pushed Agent Gill below the surface. Agent Gill was only able to take gasping breaths as he swam them to shore. Agent Gill’s actions brought great credit upon himself and United States Border Patrol.

​
1926

William Llonzo “Lon” Parker
Date of Birth:                     April 26, 1892
Entered on Duty:               September 26, 1924
Title:                                   Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                   July 25, 1926

Details:
​​Patrol Inspector Lon Parker was killed in a battle with alien liquor smugglers 2 1/2 miles south of Wills Ranch, west of the Huachuca Mountains, in Arizona, on July 25, 1926. Late that afternoon he left camp alone to take up the trail of mounted liquor smugglers. Tracks of a man and a horse had been discovered with evidence that the man had ridden the horse where the terrain was smooth and walked over rough places, indicating that the horse was loaded with liquor or other contraband. Nothing was heard from Inspector Parker until the Wills family returned to their ranch at about 6:00 p.m. the same day, and found him on their wood pile dying from a gunshot wound. He had been shot in the back with a rifle bullet. He died within a few minutes without regaining consciousness. During the investigation, the body of a Mexican was found about 2 1/2 miles from the Wills' home. The Mexican was identified as Artilio Espinosa, a well-known smuggler. Espinosa's horse, with 20 gallons of mescal in cans strapped on his back, was found dead of a bullet wound.
 
From the tracks in the area and the position of Espinosa and his horse, the investigating officers theorized that Espinosa was accompanied by another smuggler. Officer Parker rode up to Espinosa, covered him with a pistol and was shot by Espinosa's companion, who had been riding at some distance, for the purpose of protecting Espinosa and the liquor. Inspector Parker, though mortally wounded, retained sufficient command of himself to kill Espinosa and his horse, using only one shot for each, and then rode 2 1/2 miles to Wills Ranch, where he collapsed.
​
Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $52.50 per month.

​Gravesite​

 
2007

Eric N. Cabral
Date of Birth:                June 27, 1976
Entered on Duty:          September 25, 2005
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               July 26, 2007
 
Details:
On July 26, 2007, Border Patrol Agent Eric Cabral suffered a fatal heart attack as the result of heat exposure when he and another agent were tracking a group of illegal aliens north of I-8 near Jacumba, California. He had been separated from his partner when a third agent found him.
 
Agents initiated CPR and emergency medical services were rendered. Agent Cabral was flown to a hospital in San Diego, where he was pronounced dead.  Agent Cabral had served with the Border Patrol for less than two years.

​Gravesite
 

2020

Agustin Aguilar, Jr.
Date of Birth:                September 13, 1973                              
Entered on Duty:          April 16, 2001
Title:                             Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:               July 25, 2020 
 
Details: 
Border Patrol Agent Agustin Aguilar Jr. passed away on July 25, 2020.  The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Aguilar will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
 
Agent Aguilar served as a canine instructor and handler assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station, Del Rio Sector, Texas. He started his CBP career on April 16, 2001 and served in Eagle Pass and Eagle Pass South for his entire career.
 
BPA Aguilar was from Lufkin, Texas, and was the eldest of 11 siblings. He was a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America, and regularly coached Little League Baseball and football.  He is survived by his wife, three children, his mother and father and siblings.

​Gravesite

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

                                                       *** NEWS FLASH ***
 
On Friday, July 15, 2022, Border Patrol Agent (BORTAC) John N. Leslie was presented the Newton-Azrak Award for performing above the call of duty while facing grave danger. I have not yet received the details of his action but will populate the HonorFirst Newton-Azrak Award page when I do.  Including him, there have been 185 recipients of the Newton-Azrak Award; 159 Border Patrol Agents and 26 INS employees.  In context, there have only been about 50,000 people who have ever been a Border Patrol Agent or a Border Patrol Inspector.

 
Today's blog is going to start with a two related questions.
 

• What is the function or duties of the USBP? What is success for the USBP?

​
Let's take a very brief walk through history...  One of the earliest documents that defines the duties of the Border Patrol can be found in General Order 61 from 1926:

• The Border Patrol is an auxiliary branch of the regular Immigration Service. The Patrol is established primarily to prevent and detect the surreptitious entry of aliens into the United States. It will, however, aid in the enforcement of all federal laws designed to safeguard our country against the introduction of contraband. The Patrol will, in general, operate along and in the vicinity of the international and maritime borders of the United States.

Based on that document, organizational success would have been anchored to the amount and efficiency in preventing and detecting the surreptitious entry of aliens into the United States.

Skipping decades of evolving regulations and laws...  Today, many people apply their personal definitions of the function and success of the USBP.  Simply put, many have the concept that the Patrol's function and measure of success are the same. Something along the lines of, locking them up and kicking them out. Others may have a more refined and generalized concept, border security is national security.  Further, others may focus on humanitarian roles that the workforce performs.

So, what is the legal functions/duties of the USBP?  That answer is found in federal law:

6 U.S. Code § 211 - Establishment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and operational offices
(3) Duties The U.S. Border Patrol shall--
(A) serve as the law enforcement office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection with primary responsibility for interdictingpersons attempting to illegally enter or exit the United States or goods being illegally imported into or exported from the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry;
(B) deter and prevent the illegal entry of terrorists, terrorist weapons, persons, and contraband; and
(C) carry out other duties and powers prescribed by the Commissioner.

That's it. The USBP is to interdict, deter, prevent...  And whatever the else the Commissioner wants.  Building on that, I would say that the implied function of the USBP is to apprehend violators and process them according to higher level authority.  Higher level authority may be law, regulation or policy.  Or higher level authority may be a person with a title of Supervisor, Chief, Secretary or President.  Organizational success should be anchored to the efficiency in which the Patrol performs its duties assigned by law and the Commissioner. 

I present the above for a perspective in defining success as it relates to shaping organizational culture and employee morale.  Using the law as the bar to measure success, the Patrol is performing exemplary.  These measures are static, regardless of the political winds... Interdict, deter, prevent...  Border Patrol leaders must neither define success nor allow success to be defined on measures that are outside of the Patrol's control.  Deportations/removals, prosecutions/sentences, detentions versus releases, etc, etc, etc, are all outside of the Patrol's control.  If success is defined or allowed to be defined on those or similar measures, there will be a disconnect between employee expectation and reality which inevitably will harm organizational pride and employee morale. 

Now to this week's update!

• This week includes what was most likely the largest gun battle in USBP history!  Four Patrol Inspectors engaged at least eight smugglers, leaving five of them dead.  No Patrol Inspectors were injured.
• We get a glimpse of the Immigrant Inspector uniform of the mid-1920's to compare with the USBP uniforms of the time.
• Starting this week, I am using two of Joe Banco's books as references.  I hope to bring in HONOR FIRST: The Unsung Heroes of Oxford​ in the near future.  Until then, I'm using:
  • HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I 
  • HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II

We remember the Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for thirteen agents, one of which was given posthumously.

Also, we remember six of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.  Among the anniversaries are Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew who fell due to the same incident in 1954.  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:

1. Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
2. Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
3. Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
4. Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
5. Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
6. Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998
7. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
8. Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
9. 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.

Thank you for reading 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.

​2009

Robert W. Rosas Jr. - ​photo
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego Sector
Posthumously Awarded
On July 23, 2009, Border Patrol Agent Robert W. Rosas Jr. of the Campo Border Patrol Station was responding to suspicious activity in an area notorious for alien and drug smuggling when he was shot and killed by unidentified assailants.  The murder occurred in a remote border area near Campo, California.  A suspect was later identified, tried, and convicted of Agent Rosas’ murder.


Steven Kartchner
Senior Patrol Agent
Spokane Sector
Senior Patrol Agent Steven Kartchner was recognized for displaying true heroism in a harrowing emergency that nearly claimed two lives. On July 22, 2009, Agent Kartchner responded to an emergency dispatch call. A woman and a child who were rafting in the Kettle River near Danville, Washington were trapped in a pile of logs and debris by the riverbank. As Agent Kartchner made his way through the swift-moving water, he saw that the woman was pinned between two logs and was dangerously close to being pulled into the current and under the log jam. He first rescued the child. Then he returned to help the woman, lifted her from the tangled logs, and brought her to safety.
 

2011

Christopher J. Dlugokinski - ​photo, photo
Border Patrol Agent
Houlton Sector
Michael Mielnicki - ​photo
Border Patrol Agent
Houlton Sector
Gabriel Pratt 
Border Patrol Agent
Houlton Sector
Erich S. Rohr - ​photo
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Houlton Sector
Abraham Reeder - ​photo
Border Patrol Agent
Houlton Sector
Border Patrol Agent Christopher J. Dlugokinski, along with Border Patrol Agents Gabriel Pratt, Michael Mielnicki, Abraham Reeder and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Erich S. Rohr, received the Newton-Azrak Award for the bravery they displayed during the Mahaney rescue efforts on July 19, 2011, in Jackman, Maine.
 
The Mahaney family’s home was virtually destroyed by a truck carrying a full load of tree-length logs that flipped over on its side, crashing into the two-story residence in which the family of six slept.  Agents disregarded their own safety as they courageously crawled and dug through the wreckage and rubble during the unsuccessful attempt to rescue Border Patrol Agent Mahaney’s 5-year-old son Liam.
 

2012

Eric C. Gough - photo
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Advanced Training Center 
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 
On July 22, 2012, at approximately 7:00 p.m. in Herat, Afghanistan, an armed assailant, alleged to be an Afghan National Policeman, opened fire on government contractors and CBP personnel at the Herat Regional Training Center in Afghanistan. The assailant approached from a blind spot behind a vehicle and opened fire with an AK-47 assault rifle, killing two people immediately. As the assailant continued his attack, personnel attempted to take cover in a nearby bunker, and three additional people were shot, one fatally. Hearing the gunfire, Agent Eric Gough swiftly headed toward the location. As the assailant continued to fire, Agent Gough tactically approached and then stopped the threat by returning fire, which resulted in the death of the assailant. 
 
Upon stopping the threat, Agent Gough, also a Border Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) member, administered aid to the wounded. The combat medical care he provided to Border Management Task Force member Dana Hampton is credited with saving his life. Hampton was shot three times and was in critical condition, including a severe wound to the abdomen. Agent Gough stabilized Hampton’s injuries, assisted with transport, and remained with him until proper medical attention could be provided. In the course of the transport, Agent Gough had to overcome security obstacles caused by a lockdown of the compound and medical facility. Agent Gough’s perseverance and tenacity ensured that Dana Hampton was given proper medical care in a timely manner. 
 
U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker lauded Agent Gough’s heroic actions and acknowledged that his decisiveness saved numerous lives. Additional accolades were received from the Department of Defense’s U.S. Central Command, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security.
 

2014

Steven H. Tinder
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen, Texas
Justin L. Garza
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen, Texas
Enrique A. Doster Jr.
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen, Texas
On July 22, 2014, Border Patrol Agents Steven Tinder, Justin Garza, and Enrique Doster were conducting line watch operations in the McAllen Stations' area of responsibility. At approximately 4:40 p.m., sector radio communications reported shots fired and officers down in nearby La Joya, Texas. When the three agents arrived at the scene, they learned that the assailant had barricaded himself in a residence off of Leo Avenue. Multiple law enforcement officers and agents were taking cover in the "hot zone," and two police officers, who had been shot, had been extracted. From their position, the three agents observed a Hidalgo County Sheriff's deputy take cover behind his vehicle as the assailant fired multiple rounds in his direction. Immediately following the volley of shots, they saw the officer holding his rib cage as if in severe pain. They feared he had been shot, so they formulated an emergency evacuation plan and relayed their plan to other law enforcement agencies on the scene. 
 
Agent Doster then took position as the driver of the mobile evacuation vehicle. Agents Tinder and Garza placed themselves in the front and rear passenger side of the vehicle. While other law enforcement officers provided cover, the three Border Patrol agents placed their own lives in danger as Agent Doster drove them into the hot zone to extract the deputy. Agents Tinder and Garza exited the vehicle and assisted the deputy into the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Agent Garza re-entered the rear passenger side of the vehicle and Agent Tinder joined other law enforcement personnel in the hot zone to assist with providing cover. They transported the deputy to safety. He was treated at a local hospital for the cracked ribs he sustained when he dove for cover.
 

2016

​Anthony Anderson
Border Patrol Agent
Laredo, Texas
Remigio Guerra III
Border Patrol Agent
Laredo, Texas
On July 22, 2016, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Border Patrol Agents Anderson and Guerra responded to a responded sensor activation in the Zachary Ranch located in a remote area of Webb County, Texas. Upon arriving to the area close to the Rio Grande river landing, Anderson and Guerra set up a listening post/observation post in an area that provided tactical advantage. After a short time, they heard what appeared to be people splashing in the river. Anderson and Guerra approached the river landing and observed four subjects in the river that were having trouble staying afloat. The agents immediately accessed the situation and determined immediate action was needed. Anderson entered the swift moving current and pulled the four subjects to the riverbank and handed them to Guerra, who helped get the four subjects onto dry land. Anderson and Guerra rescued the four subjects, preventing them from drowning. 
 
The Zachary Ranch is located approximately 15 miles south of Laredo, Texas, on U.S. Highway 83. In addition to the long highway travel to get to the Zachary Ranch, you need to enter the ranch and travel approximately 2 miles on unimproved ranch roads just to get to the river’s edge making it an extended period of time before any help or assistance can arrive. Anderson and Guerra have proven to be a valuable asset to the Laredo South Station and should be recognized and commended for their heroic actions. The actions Anderson and Guerra took on July 22, 2016, serves as a reminder to all of us that we are all here to do our jobs regardless of the threat knocking at our door on a daily basis. Anderson and Guerra relied on their training, morals, and dedication to duty to properly manage the situation as it quickly unfolded. Their rapid assessment of the situation, quick, accurate response, and selfless actions prevented four individuals from drowning. These heroic actions far too often go unnoticed. These selfless actions make these agents stand out from their peers and should serve as an example to others and be rewarded.

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).

1929
Ivan E. Scotten
Date of Birth:                     June 17, 1903
Entered on Duty:               October 29, 1928
Title:                                   Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                    July 20, 1929
Historic photograph of the scene of the shooting.

Details:
Patrol Inspector Ivan E. Scotten was shot and killed in the early morning of July 20, 1929. Scotten and three other Patrol Inspectors were ambushed by approximately 15 to 20 smugglers while patrolling at the upper Los Pompos crossing on the Rio Grande River, near San Elizario, Texas. The smugglers, who had come off second best in a brush with Patrol Inspectors earlier in the night, saw the lights of the returning patrol car, crossed the river to the American side, and hid themselves in the brush at the side of the narrow road along an irrigation ditch that the road crossed. They opened fire on the patrol car from two sides at almost point blank range, killing Scotten before the other officers succeeded in driving them off. One of the smugglers fired a shot through Scotten's head while Scotten lay wounded in the road.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother receive $18.75 per month.

Gravesite
 
1954
Donald Kee
Date of Birth:                July 29, 1912
Entered on Duty:          July 31, 1944
Title:                             Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:              July 23, 1954
 
Details:
Patrol Inspector Donald Kee's official station was Mission, Texas; however, at the time of his death, he was on official detail, assigned to the Special Mobile Task Force with headquarters at McAllen, Texas. This task force was engaged in a special program conducted by the Service to bring the "wetback" situation under control.
 
On July 23, 1954, Patrol Inspector Kee was assigned to serve as observer during a flight wherein the aircraft worked in conjunction with ground units checking laborers on farms in the vicinity of Rio Grande City, Texas. The aircraft was piloted by William F. Buckelew.
 
The joint operation had resulted in ten aliens being taken into custody by the ground teams. The patrol aircraft had just made a low pass over a cotton field near the Rio Grande River and was banking to return to the field when it was seen to spin and plunge into the river. The plane burst into flames, which hampered rescue operations by officers and bystanders in the area. Several persons were hospitalized suffering from burns sustained in the rescue efforts. Patrol Inspector Kee was killed instantly. A Justice of the Peace held an inquest upon arrival at the scene of the accident and pronounced Inspector Kee dead. Pilot Buckelew was still alive when removed from the plane but was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

​Gravesite
 
William F. Buckelew
Date of Birth:                December 21, 1918
Entered on Duty:          December 28, 1944
Title:                              Airplane Pilot
End of Watch:               July 23, 1954

Details:
Airplane pilot William F. Buckelew was stationed at Laredo, Texas; however, at the time of his death, he was on official detail, assigned to the Special Mobile Task Force with headquarters at McAllen, Texas. This task force was engaged in a special program conducted by the Service to bring the "wetback" situation under control.
 
On July 23, 1954, Airplane Pilot Buckelew was assigned to serve as pilot during a flight wherein the aircraft worked in conjunction with ground units checking laborers on farms in the vicinity of Rio Grande City, Texas. Patrol Inspector Donald Kee was on the flight as an observer.
 
The joint operation had resulted in ten aliens being taken into custody by the ground teams. The patrol aircraft had just made a low pass over a cotton field near the Rio Grande River and was banking to return to the field when it was seen to spin and plunge into the river. The plane burst into flames, which hampered rescue operations by officers and bystanders in the area. Several persons were hospitalized suffering from burns sustained in the rescue efforts. The crash occurred about 4:00 p.m., approximately two miles downstream from the Rio Grande City Bridge. Pilot Buckelew was still alive when he was removed from the plane but died 45 minutes later at the hospital.

​Gravesite
 
James M. Kirchner
Date of Birth:                December 15, 1931
Entered on Duty:          November 3, 1954
Title:                              Patrol Inspector (Trainee)
End of Watch:               November 15, 1954
 
Details:
While waiting to attend a training session at the Border Patrol Academy that was scheduled to commence in December, Trainee Kirchner and other new appointees were assigned to work with older and more experienced officers in and around El Paso.
 
On November 15, 1954, Trainee Kirchner was assigned to work the 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with Inspector Dove. Trainee Kirchner saw three persons coming from the direction of Mexico. The persons were up in the hills and estimated to be about 1/2 mile away. Inspector Dove and Trainee Kirchner proceeded on foot, separating.  Inspector Dove intercepted the suspects and determined that they were of Mexican extraction and citizens of the United States. Trainee Kirchner was observed near the top of the hill and instructed, through hand signals, to return.  During the descent, Trainee Kirchner was out of the view of Inspector Dove. When Trainee Kirchner did not return in a reasonable time and did not respond to being called, Inspector Dove began searching for him. Trainee Kirchner was found slumped to the ground, face forward. After a hurried examination, Inspector Dove applied artificial respiration in an effort to revive Trainee Kirchner but was unsuccessful. Leaving one of the citizens with the body. Inspector Dove went to the McNutt Oil Refinery and called Border Patrol Headquarters. He then returned to the scene and waited until Trainee Kirchner's body was removed.

Gravesite
 
2009
Robert W. Rosas, Jr.
Date of Birth:                June 19, 1979
Entered on Duty:          May 22, 2006
Title:                             Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:              July 23, 2009
 
Details:
On July 23, 2009, Agent Rosas was shot and killed near Campo, California, after responding to suspicious activity in an area notorious for alien and drug smuggling. Agent Rosas exited his vehicle approximately 18 miles east of the Tecate Port of Entry, near the Shockey Truck Trail, a short distance from the border. Agents working nearby heard gunshots and tried to contact Agent Rosas. When he did not respond, his fellow Agents rushed to the area to locate him, and found his body on the ground near his vehicle.
 
On November 20, 2009, a 17-year old Mexican National was convicted of murder of a federal officer committed in perpetration of a robbery and aiding and abetting a felony after entering a guilty plea in connect with Agent Rosas’ murder. According to the plea agreement, the convicted felon and co-conspirators illegally entered into the United States and lured Agent Rosas out of his vehicle for the purpose of robbing him. During the course of the robbery, Agent Rosas and the defendant struggled over a firearm and the defendant and one or more of the co-conspirators shot Agent Rosas multiple times. Agent Rosas died as a result of his wounds.

​Agent Rosas graduated with the 621st session of the Border Patrol Academy and was assigned to the Campo Border Patrol Station in the San Diego Sector.

​Gravesite
 
2012
James R. Dominguez
Date of Birth                 April 5, 1971
Entered on Duty:          May 7, 2000
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               July 19, 2012
 
Details:
On July 19, 2012, Border Patrol Agent James R. Dominguez succumbed to injuries received when he was struck by a passing vehicle along Highway 90 near Cline, Texas.  At the time of the accident, Agent Dominguez was on duty.
 
Agent Dominguez, age 41, entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on May 7, 2000, as a member of the 434th session of the Border Patrol Academy. Upon graduating from the Academy, he was assigned to the Uvalde Station in the Del Rio Sector.
 
Agent Dominguez is survived by his wife and four children.

​Gravesite​

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

Today I want to highlight fellow USBP historian, Joseph Banco. I have given him a permanent section that he shares with the Border Patrol Museum near the bottom of these emails.  I must admit, I'm not so sure I'd place myself on par with him. Joe is an absolute professional when it comes to researching and writing about USBP history.  Whereas my blog and emails highlight a document, may have sub-bullets giving greater context, and provide a steady trickle of weekly USBP history...  Joe has collected hundreds upon hundreds of documents and has used them to author the finest books on USBP history available, offing a vast ocean of information from the most reliable sources.  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.

On to this week's blog!

There are only six documents in this week's update. But one of them is pretty impactful to Border Patrol folklore concerning Jefferson Davis Milton.  Also, I have listed the historic and modern locations of the Border Patrol Academy (make sure you click on the Camp Chigas link to see where the building would be located today).

Finally, realizing the limits of my research, I am working to expand and incorporate other, quality sources of USBP history so that these weekly blogs and emails will include even more USBP events.

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.

​1997
Guadalupe Chacon
Senior Patrol Agent 
San Diego Sector
Elizabeth M. Ebisuzaki
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego Sector
On July 16, 1997, Senior Patrol Agent Guadalupe Chacon and Border Patrol Agent Elizabeth Ebisuzaki had initiated an immigration stop on a car.  The car failed to yield and the pursuit was terminated.  A few moments later, the vehicle was found on the shoulder of the road.  As the agents pulled over, several people fled from the car into the heavy brush. After returning to the car with apprehensions, the agents noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment.  They were then informed that there were four people locked in the trunk.  
 
Flames and acrid smoke quickly filled that passenger compartment.  Agent Ebisuzaki attempted to fight the fire and open the trunk with a crowbar.  Simultaneously, Agent Chacon was able to pry off the back seat and rescue the four from the trunk.

1989

​David F. Roberson
Date of Birth:                January 9, 1941
Entered on Duty:          April 11, 1966
Title:                              Air Operation Supervisor
End of Watch:               July 14, 1989
 
Details:
On July 14, 1989, Pilot David F. Roberson departed the Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, at 5:50 a.m., in Service aircraft N29162. Shortly after takeoff, he responded to a request for assistance in the Yuma freight yards where Border Patrol units were conducting freight train check operations. At 6:10 a.m., Pilot Roberson departed the freight yard area and proceeded south to County 23rd and Avenue 2E to assist ground units in working a trail of three aliens.
 
Upon arrival, Pilot Roberson commenced “sign cutting” while maintaining radio contact with Senior Patrol Agent David Ramirez and Patrol Agent Rosendo Guillen, who were working in the immediate area on the trail. At 6:24 a.m., Pilot Roberson stalled the aircraft and crashed. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and post-crash fire.  Pilot Roberson died instantly.
Gravesite​
 

2020

Enrique J. Rositas, Jr.
Date of Birth:                June 3, 1967                              
Entered on Duty:          September 8, 1997
Title:                             Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:               July 11, 2020
 
Details: 
Border Patrol Agent Enrique Rositas Jr. passed away on July 11, 2020.  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.  Agent Rositas will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
 
BPA Rositas was assigned to the McAllen Station, Rio Grande Valley Sector, where he served as a primary field training officer, collateral duty safety officer, certified ATV rider, a member of the Horse Patrol Unit, and vice-president of the McAllen Station Morale, Welfare and Recreation Association. He began his career with the United States Border Patrol on September 8, 1997 after serving nearly 12 years in the United States Air Force attaining the rank of staff sergeant. 
 
During his nearly 23-year career, BPA Rositas was known to many as "the very essence of what a USBP agent should be," and "was a loving husband and father who often spoke about his kids with such pride and joy."
 
BPA Rositas is survived by his wife and two children.
​Gravesite
 

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!  

I want to start today by highlighting former U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, 17-year U.S. Border Patrol Agent (and SBPA), and retired Immigration Special Agent Ray Harris.  HonorFirst.com, the Applicant's Forum and the Agent's Forum are the fruits of his efforts.  It is my proud privilege to assist him, and these emails would not be possible without him.  As is stated in Ray's USBP Commendation Medal certificate, "No single person has had a greater, positive impact on U.S. Border Patrol recruitment efforts than Ray Harris."  He has been and continues to be a tremendous asset to the Patrol.  His daily contributions to the future, current and former workforce is unique and without comparison.  I have added a permanent section near the bottom of the email that gives a brief overview of Ray's federal career and provides a history of HonorFirst.com, the Applicant's Forum and the Agent's Forum.  Please take a few moments to read it. 

Another email and more interesting tidbits of USBP history.  This week brings us:

• A 1913 recommendation that would be revived in 1924 and almost lead to Patrol Inspectors being called Junior Immigrant Inspectors!
• Memos from the El Paso District touting the successes Patrol Inspectors were achieving in shooting competitions in the early 1930s,
• A 1936 document that provides the titles, pay grades and salary ranges of all positions in the Patrol, and
• Much more!

We remember the Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for six agents, two awards given posthumously.

Also, we remember five of our fallen on the anniversaries of the deaths.  Among the anniversaries are Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas who fell due to the same incident in 1998.  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:

1. Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
2. Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
3. Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
4. Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
5. Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
6. Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998
7. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
8. Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
9. 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.
 
thank you for reading 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 to whomever you think may enjoy it.

Documents/Events

1913

• On July 5, 1913, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) wrote a 5-page memo​ with recommended modifications to the position of Mounted Inspector.
  • One of the recommendations in the memo was to rename the the Mounted Inspectors to "Junior Inspectors".  
  • On a related note, in 1924, Border Patrol Inspectors had no immigration authority.  By law, authority rested with employees who had the title "Immigrant Inspector" who were paid more than Border Patrol Inspectors.  In order that Border Patrol Inspectors might receive legal authority without being paid more, the Commissioner-General wrote a proposal to the Second Assistant Secretary of the Department a Labor requesting to resurrect a plan that was used in 1913 for Mounted Watchmen, and to rename Border Patrol Inspectors, "Junior Immigrant Inspectors". See this document.

1928

• On July 3, 1928, the Thirteenth Supplement to General Order 10 was issued.  This documents detailed when an alien's voluntary departure could still be in compliance with an order of deportation.
  • It should noted that many of the Bureau of Immigration General Orders have not been located, including General Order 10 that is referenced above.  I am unaware of any publication or location that contains all of the orders.

1931

• On July 6, 1931, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent a memo to the Commissioner-General.  The report was written by Senior Patrol Inspector Gottlieb Widmer Linnenkohl (1891-1952). Mentioned in the memo are:
  • Chief Patrol Inspector Herbert Horsley (1878-1962),
  • Senior Patrol Inspector Ammon M. Tenney (1897-1961),
  • Patrol Inspector Orin A. Toole (1901-1980), 
  • Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr.​ (1907-1999)

1934

• On July 5, 1934, the Acting District Director of the El Paso District wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General touting the successes of the the El Paso and Marfa Sub-district shooting teams.  the memo provide the scores of a competition between the two sub-districts where Marfa was the winner.

1936

• On July 3, 1936, a memo​ was sent to the Secretary of Labor that identified the titles, pay grades and salary ranges of all Border Patrol positions.  There are several items of interest in the memo:
  • The pay grade "CAF" stands for Clerical, Administrative and Fiscal Service from the Classification Act of 1923​, see page 1494.  
    • The CAF pay scale was superseded with the General Schedule pay scale when the Classification Act of 1949 was passed.  the 1929 act was codified in  Chapter 51 of Title 5, United States Code,
  • Similar to today's Chief Patrol Agent position with two classes (GS-15s and SESs), there were two classes of Chief Patrol Inspectors (Class 1 paid at CAF-9, and Class 2 paid at CAF-8),
  • Unlike today, there were two classes of Assistant Chief Patrol Inspectors,
    • It should be noted that there is a modern misconception that a supervisory status differentiates an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent from an Assistant Chief.  In reality, the supervisory status of both positions is definite in the specific position description.  Both positions may be either supervisory or non-supervisory based on the position description.  The true difference between the positions is the title of the person they "assist".  A Chief Patrol Agent's assistant is an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent.  The Chief's (Chief of the Border Patrol) assistant is an Assistant Chief.

1989

Thomas W. Slowinski
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
On July 8, 1989, the roof of the Amigoland Department Store in Brownsville, Texas collapsed trapping several customers and employees inside the store.  Border Patrol Agent Thomas W. Slowinski and his Service Canine “Barco” quickly deployed to Brownsville on a search-and-rescue operation and were able to rescue numerous survivors.  While inside the building, searching for other trapped victims, another part of the roof and building collapsed; but, thankfully, Agent Slowinksi and Barco were able to find their way out of the rubble with no injuries.
 

1992

Darrel Welsh
Senior Patrol Agent
Tucson Sector
On July 5, 1992, the largest manhunt in the history of the State of Arizona ended when escaped fugitive Danny Ray Horning was captured by Senior Patrol Agent Darrel Welsh.  The actions of Agent Welsh were the result of a great deal of professionalism and devotion to duty.  Horning was serving multiple life sentences for armed robbery, aggravated assault, and kidnapping and burglary.  He had also been indicted for murder and dismemberment of the body of a witness against his brother in the State of California.  Following what the FBI believed a frivolous lead, Agent Welsh responded to the area of a reported sighting.  He confirmed the boot-print left by Horning and concluded he was indeed in the area.  A short time later, Agent Welsh leaped into the ditch where Horning was huddled and single-handedly took him into custody.
 

1998

Susan L. Rodriguez
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
Posthumously Awarded
Ricardo G. Salinas
Border Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
Posthumously Awarded
Orlando Sanchez
Senior Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
Border Patrol Agent Susan L. Rodriguez and Border Patrol Agent Ricardo G. Salinas lost their lives in the line of duty on July 7, 1998.  Agent Rodriguez was the first woman female killed in the line of duty in the history of the Border Patrol.  
 
Agent Rodriguez, Senior Patrol Agent Orlando Sanchez, and Border Patrol Agent Ricardo G. Salinas had responded to assist the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office in the search for a double-murder suspect in Rio Hondo, Texas. As the agents were leaving the house where the murders took place, the suspect fired from a cornfield across from the residence and adjacent to the agent’s vehicles, and immediately hit Agent Salinas in the head.  The suspect continued firing, hitting Agent Rodriguez in the leg and neck.  The suspect continued to fire, hitting Cameron County Deputy Raul Rodriguez in the upper torso.  The suspect also directed fire at SPA Sanchez as he sought cover in an adjacent field.  SPA Sanchez returned fire.  A barrage of gunfire was exchanged between the suspect, the Sheriff’s deputies, two Harlingen Police officers and SPA Sanchez.  The suspect was hit and finally fell to the ground, dropping his weapon.
 
Agent Salinas died immediately after being shot in the head and Agent Rodriguez died enroute to the hospital.
 
SPA Sanchez was not only directly responsible for taking the suspect down, but he also tried to render aid to the fallen agents.  He radioed for help, assisted EMS personnel and continued to do all he could up until Agent Rodriguez was airlifted to the hospital where she later died.
 
Without SPA Sanchez’s quick and decisive actions, more people would have suffered injury or even death.
 

2019
​
Jason S. Weatherby - photo​
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Spokane, WA
On July 9, 2019, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Jason Weatherby responded to assist a 70-year woman whose kayak had capsized in the swift, frigid current of the Kettle River. The women was ejected from her kayak, causing her to be swept underwater for an extended length of time. She eventually emerged and ultimately became entangled with a fallen tree in a fast moving, turbulent region of the water. Due to the extended length of time that had passed, paired with the extremely hazardous environment, and the women’s increasing physical exhaustion, she was unable to make it to shore.  Determining that the woman would not be able to save herself, Agent Weatherby, beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger, entered the fast moving waters and swam to her.  As he freed the victim from the log jam, the branches snapped and both were swept further down the river in the fast current. At great effort, Agent Weatherby maneuvered into a rescue arm position and swan across the current to the adjacent shoreline saving both of their lives. Agent Weatherby’s actions brought great credit upon himself and United States Border Patrol.

1952

Edwin H. Wheeler
Date of Birth:                November 1, 1908
Entered on Duty:          November 12, 1940
Title:                             Patrol Inspector in Charge
End of Watch:              July 6, 1952
 
Details:
At about 9:45 p.m. on July 6, 1952, Patrol Inspector in Charge Edwin H. Wheeler was involved in a head-on auto collision on Highway 59 near a bridge spanning the Nueces River approximately four miles south of Mathis, Texas, in San Patricio County. Inspector Wheeler was in a government automobile traveling in a southerly direction after having been in Mathis on official business. It collided with an automobile driven by Milton Mareth, who was hospitalized with a fractured left arm. Three other passengers with Mareth received superficial cuts and bruises.
 
Shortly after the accident, Inspector Wheeler's body was discovered lying on the front seat of the automobile, which had traveled over 400 feet beyond the point of original impact. His body was positioned as though it had fallen from behind the steering wheel, giving the appearance that he had been driving the automobile.
 
Inspector Wheeler was pronounced dead by a nurse who stopped at the scene of the accident. The body was removed to a mortuary in Alice, Texas, where, at 1:30 p.m. the following day, a bullet hole was discovered in Inspector Wheeler's head. An autopsy performed on July 7, 1952, revealed death was instantaneous from a bullet wound in the head above the right ear.
 
Investigation into various aspects of the case led to the conclusion that Inspector Wheeler was shot to death by an unknown person or persons.

Gravesite
 

1974

Glenn A. Phillips
Date of Birth:                July 25, 1948
Entered on Duty:          April 30, 1973
Title:                              Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               July 8, 1974
 
Details:
Border Patrol Agent Glenn A. Phillips of the Chula Vista Station, Chula Vista Sector, was killed in a jeep accident on July 8, 1974. He was traveling alone on the Tijuana Street Extension, a dirt road located near the international boundary approximately one mile west of the Port of Entry at San Ysidro. Agent Phillips was responding to a call for assistance from Patrol Agent Petraglia who had spotted a group of aliens entering the United States illegally.
 
The San Diego Police Department's report indicates that Agent Phillips was traveling at approximately 20 miles per hour, probably without lights, when his jeep crashed into the front end of a parked flatbed trailer. The jeep was badly damaged and the front of the trailer extended well into the interior and to the rear of the jeep. The bed of the trailer struck the right side of Agent Phillips' face, apparently killing him instantly.

Gravesite​
 

1998

Susan L. Rodriguez
Date of Birth:                July 11, 1969
Entered on Duty:          September 20, 1992
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               July 7, 1998
 
Details:
On July 7, 1998, Border Patrol Agent Susan Lynn Rodriguez and several other agents responded to a call for assistance from the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department south of Benito, Texas. The Sheriff’s deputies were pursuing a double homicide suspect. Agent Rodriguez was helping to set up a perimeter in an attempt to contain the fleeing suspect in a wooded area where he was believed to be hiding.
 
As Agents Rodriguez and Ricardo Salinas walked back to their vehicle, the suspect emerged from a cornfield and began firing on them and the other law enforcement officers on the scene. During the ensuing gun battle, Agents Rodriguez and Salinas were killed.
 
Agent Rodriguez was the first female agent in the history of the United States Border Patrol to lose her life in the line of duty. At the time of her death, she was assigned to the Harlingen Station of the McAllen Sector. She was a graduate of the 261st session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia.

Gravesite
 

Ricardo G. Salinas
Date of Birth:                April 29, 1974
Entered on Duty:          September 8, 1997
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               July 7, 1998
 
Details:
On July 7, 1998, Border Patrol Agent Ricardo G. Salinas and several other agents responded to a call for assistance from the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department south of Benito, Texas. The Sheriff’s deputies were pursuing a double homicide suspect. Agent Salinas was helping to set up a perimeter in an attempt to confine the suspect to a wooded area where he was believed to be hiding.
 
As Agents Salinas and Susan Lynn Rodriguez walked back to their vehicle, the suspect emerged from a cornfield and began firing on them and other law enforcement officers at the scene. During the ensuing gun battle, Agents Salinas and Rodriguez were killed.
 
At the time of his death, Agent Salinas was assigned to the Harlingen Station of the McAllen Sector. He was a graduate of the 351st session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.
Gravesite
 

​2012

Leopoldo Cavazos, Jr.
Date of Birth                 May 12, 1983
Entered on Duty:          May 22, 2006
Title:                              Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:               July 6, 2012
 
Details:
On July 6, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Leopoldo Cavazos Jr., a six-year veteran posted at the Fort Hancock Station, died from injuries sustained in an on-duty, all-terrain vehicle accident near the Fort Hancock Port of Entry.  Agent Cavazos is survived by his wife, two daughters and a third child expected later this summer.
 
Agent Cavazos entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on May 22, 2006, as a member of the 621st Session of the Border Patrol Academy. After graduating from the Academy, he was assigned to the Fort Hancock Station in the El Paso Sector.

Gravesite​