September 25 - October 1Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week I stumbled upon a pretty significant document, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Fiscal Year 2023 Congressional Justification. Basically, this is CBP's fiscal plan which of course includes the U.S. Border Patrol. I know this 563-page document may be a dry read for some. So, I took the liberty of reviewing it for you... Below is a highlight of some the funding for the Patrol. Keep in mind that not all of the funding is under he control of the Patrol such as the line items for facilities and uniforms. USBP's total budget - $5.4 billion
Man, that's a lot of money! Of course, me being me, I searched the document for the concepts of employee recognition, morale, retention and attrition. Sadly, there wasn't much. The document provides this overview:
As I had spoken of in the email a couple of weeks ago, the USBP is great at responding to a crisis. However, the workforce needs an organization and leaders that are present and supporting them, every day, not just during a crisis. A change in organizational culture is needed. If I had a voice with USBP leadership, I'd recommend that they work to instill the tenets of Esprit de Corps as defined below. But, to bring this back to Border Patrol history, in its first year, the Patrol's authorized strength was 450 Inspectors with a $1.0M budget. 99 years later, its authorized strength is 19,555 agents with a $5.4B budget! As always, this week's update brings us interesting occurrences in Border Patrol history. In 1918, we have a document written by the Father of the Border Patrol recommending that the immigration district partner with the military to address illegal crossings. We have the official birth of the Voluntary Return in 1927. There's an organizational chart from 1936, and the finalization of the BORTAC device in 2001. But, what commonly receives no more than a footnote in many conversations is the Patrol's contributions and sacrifices during the 1962 riots at the University of Mississippi. Consider purchasing Joe Banco's book, HONOR FIRST: The Unsung Heroes of Oxford, for a deeper dive of the story of the, "...U.S. Border Patrol deployment to the University of Mississippi in 1962 to defend the U.S. Constitution and ensure the enrollment of the first African-American at Ole Miss." There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week. But, I am highlighting two recipients from 1987 whose exact dates of action are unknown. I should also mention that a Newton-Azrak Award recipient, George E. Evancheck (award statuette, notification letter), had somehow been omitted from any lists and was at risk of being forgotten. I have added him to the HonorFirst Newton-Azrak Award page and will add more information once it’s found. Finally, we remember two of our fallen on the first anniversaries of their deaths. Enjoy the update and have a great week! Cliff PS -
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 1918
 Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries for the week. However, there are many actions for which the date is unknown. I will highlight some of those below. In 1987, two people were presented Newton-Azrak Awards and their dates of action are not known. Lee R. Prejean Criminal Investigator Seattle, Washington Criminal Investigator Lee R. Prejean conducted undercover activities as part of Operation Castoron, which commenced as a marriage fraud investigation and grew into a visa fraud, smuggling, gunrunning, narcotics and terrorist investigation. Through his devoted and selfless efforts, he was able to infiltrate the large-scale conspiracy organization posing as a corrupt immigration officer. During the period of his undercover activities, he held hundreds of consensually monitored conversations, both telephonic and in person, with criminal elements involved in the investigation. He received pay-offs for alleged misconduct on his part, and was able to elicit the support and fidelity of the criminal principals in the case to such an extent that much valuable information was supplied to him willingly by these individuals which, in effect, led to the successful conclusion of this investigation. His involvement was so thorough that he placed a separate telephone and answering machine in his home in order that he might be available to the principals at any time. Mr. Prejean demonstrated unusual courage and competence while in the line of duty and under very trying circumstances. George E. Evancheck - award statuette, notification letter Border Patrol Agent Del Rio, Texas No description available. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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.
2021
David B. Ramirez Entered on Duty: April 6, 2003 Title: Border Patrol Agent-Intelligence End of Watch: September 26, 2021 Details: Agent Ramirez entered on duty on April 6, 2003, as part of the 546th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Sector Intelligence Unit/Joint California Forensics Center in San Diego, California. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife Rosemary; children: David, Cristian, and Castiel; and father: Modesto. Cremated Alfredo M. Ibarra Entered on Duty: February 9, 2011 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 27, 2021 Details: Agent Ibarra entered on duty on February 9, 2011, as part of the 963th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Blythe Station, Yuma Sector, Arizona. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife Monica; children: Alfredo, Aydan, and Adrian; and mother: Evangelina. Cremated September 18 - September 24Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! A couple of weeks ago I wrote of the Patrol's culture. Here's a web version of that email. In that email I describe those aspects of the Patrol that I think make the it special. For the Patrol to maintain its unique culture, it's important to attract applicants that posses or can assimilate the characteristics of the Patrol's culture. I would expect a recruitment announcement to be something along the lines of: Are you the kind of person that:
That is type of announcement attracts people because of who they are. It attracts people who will be a good fit in the Patrol. I did a quick internet search to see what recruitment announcements are out there. Here are the two main ones: First - Current Openings - U.S. Border Patrol
Second - Join Our Team
Here's another approach... And I'm not going to give the answer(s), I'm only going to ask questions...
It is the answers to those questions that will provide the best material to attract the best candidates. BUT, the Patrol must first know thy self. If the Patrol has not defined its culture and values, then it will not be able to attract fitting candidate. Further, it will miss a great opportunity to instill organizational pride into the workforce. Now to this week's update! We start with a memo from 1918 that refers to the Passport Act of 1918 and regulations of August 8, 1918 concerning passports and permits. It was those that really caused the first dominos to fall that would lead to the formation of the Patrol. We have a brief account from retired Senior Patrol Inspector Edwin M. Reeves first day on the job in 1924. We finish the documents with the fourth anniversary of the USBP Honorary Awards! We celebrate the 30th anniversary of William C. Spencer's Newton-Azrak Award action. We also remember the loss of three of our fallen, including two that fell in the same event. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson fell due in the same incident in 2004. A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen). Their names are listed below:
Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021. However, their causes of death were not related. Enjoy the update and have a great week! Cliff PS -
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 1918
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1992 William C. Spencer Jr. Senior Patrol Agent Buffalo Sector On September 19, 1992, Senior Patrol Agent William C. Spencer Jr. performed a truly remarkable feat of strength, endurance, and bravery to rescue a woman who was seconds from drowning in the swift currents of the Niagara River at Buffalo. After noting the woman’s lack of effort to save herself, and when she slipped beneath the surface and returned in a face down position, Agent Spencer dove into the river, without a floatation device. He swam about 30 yards to her, raised her head out of the water, and administered resuscitation. Agent Spencer then had to support himself and the woman while ladders could be rigged by the Buffalo Fire Department for removal from the water. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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.
1988
Josiah B. Mahar Date of Birth: August 29, 1948 Entered on Duty: February 22, 1983 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 23, 1988 Details: At about 3:15 p.m. on September 23, 1988, Senior Border Patrol Agent Josiah B. Mahar was involved in an automobile accident on Star Route #27 near Eustis, Maine. Agent Mahar was driving a Service vehicle and was patrolling in a southbound direction when an oncoming vehicle crossed over the centerline and struck his vehicle head-on as he rounded a bend in the road. The impact to Agent Mahar's vehicle was directed along the driver’s door and front fender area. Senior Patrol Agent Mahar died at the scene from massive head injuries sustained in the accident. Burial Details Unknown 2004 Travis W. Attaway Date of Birth: May 3, 1973 Entered on Duty: December 1, 1997 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 19, 2004 Details: On September 19, 2004, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Travis W. Attaway was part of a three-man team conducting marine Border Patrol Operations on the Rio Grande River near the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios, Texas when their boat capsized. Agents Attaway, Wilson, and Sandoval were ejected from the boat into the fast moving waters of the Rio Grande. Agents in a nearby boat responded to the distress calls and were able to rescue Agent Sandoval, but they could not locate Agent Attaway or Agent Wilson. An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation that included the Government of Mexico was initiated, and on September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the body of Agent Attaway was recovered. At approximately 3:05 a.m., the body of Agent Jeremy Wilson was also recovered. Both agents were located within 150 yards of where their boat initially capsized. Agent Attaway was 31 years old and was a graduate of the 359th session of the Border Patrol Academy. Gravesite Jeremy M. Wilson Date of Birth: July 31, 1975 Entered on Duty: November 3, 1997 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 19, 2004 Details: On September 19, 2004, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Jeremy M. Wilson was part of a three-man team conducting marine Border Patrol Operations on the Rio Grande River near the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios, Texas when their boat capsized. Agents Wilson, Attaway, and Sandoval were ejected from the boat into the fast moving waters of the Rio Grande. Agents in a nearby boat responded to the distress calls and were able to rescue Agent Sandoval, but they could not locate Agent Wilson and Agent Attaway. An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation that included the Government of Mexico was initiated, and on September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the body of Agent Attaway was recovered. At approximately 3:05 a.m., the body of Agent Jeremy Wilson was recovered. Both agents were located within 150 yards of where their boat initially capsized. Agent Wilson was 29 years old and was a graduate of the 356th session of the Border Patrol Academy. Gravesite September 11 - September 17Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! *** News Flash ***  On September 8, 2022, Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin presented Newton-Azrak Awards to the following Border Patrol Agents:
I do not have a description of their actions yet, but will update the HonorFirst Newton-Azrak Award page once I receive them. Including them, there have been 190 people that have received the Newton-Azrak Award; 164 Border Patrol Agents and 26 INS employees. See the Honor First Newton-Azrak Award page for more information. *** Recently, I have been referencing retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joe Banco's USBP history books in the these emails. If you haven't already, please visit and explore his website at - www.migrajoe.com and visit the Border Patrol Museum's Gift Shop to purchase his books. Thanks! Now to the intro... Yesterday, I watched the latest What's Important Now (WIN S2 E9) video from the Border Patrol Academy. Academy Chief Patrol Agent Ryan Landrum interviewed Tony Barker, the Acting Chief of the Law Enforcement Operations Directorate which is the USBP's #3 position. Near the end of the video, at the 42:30 mark, Chief Barker speaks of what keeps him up at night. He began his answer with, "the health of the organization". He was referring to the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol, the workforce. He wants them to be, "healthy, resilient, strong, confident." Which got me thinking... Every week, I include the Esprit de Corps section. That's how important I believe it to be. The interesting thing about Esprit de Corps, organizational pride, and employee morale, is that they are not based on facts... They are based on employees' perceptions. They are based on how employees feel. They may be gauged, in large part, on the employees' answers to the following questions:
It is the challenge of every leader that their employees answer each of those questions with a resounding "Yes". Anything short of a resounding "Yes" may be evident in such things as:
There are other examples I could provide, but you get the point... Now, the USBP is second to none in responding to emergencies experienced by the workforce. There is a cadre of incredible Border Patrol Chaplains and Peer Support members to respond at a moment's notice, especially when an employee suffers a crisis. When a USBP employee is killed in the line of duty, the Honor Guard will never leave the fallen's side until the time of interment. These are great and fantastic supports! But, valuing the workforce is more than supporting them during emergencies, it's being there, supporting them, every day. Using myself as an example... I retired at 51 years old, from a position that I had proposed and was approved, and that I absolutely loved. I was the USBP's Historian, regularly visiting the National Archives, uncovering gems of the Patrol's history that had been lost. I was Patrol's Awards Coordinator, tirelessly advocating to better recognize the incredible and worthy actions of the workforce. But I answered one of the questions above in the negative. My perception remained unchanged until retirement was the best option for me. However, it would have been very easy for my leadership to have changed my perception... While assigned to HQ, we would commonly brief leadership on various initiatives. There was a catch phrase, Getting them to the "yes", which meant convincing leadership to approve the proposal. Years later and I realize, Getting them to the "yes", has another meaning that may be more important to the Patrol. It's not about getting leadership to the "yes", it's about leadership getting the workforce to the "yes". Leadership, for the benefit of the workforce and the organization, must get employees to the "yes"! Employees ask themselves:
Forgive me for getting a bit soapboxy there. My passion for the Patrol and the workforce was ignited. Hopefully, you found it informative and/or inspiring. Now to this week's email! This week begins with a 1911 document modifying the per diem rate for Mounted Inspectors. It was 43 years ago this week that authorization was given to create BORTAC. We also celebrate the Newton-Azrak Award anniversary by which 8 Blythe Station agents were involved in a harrowing gunfight. We also remember four of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. Have a great week! Cliff PS -
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 1911
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
2017 Felix A. Ortiz Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Rafael De Leon Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Juan Zuniga Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Alberto Lorona Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Victor H. Herrera Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Erik Herrera Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Reyes Fimbres Border Patrol Agent - Intelligence Blythe, California Michael Rosamond Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California On September 13, 2017, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Arizona's La Paz County Sheriff s Office called requesting assistance. The Arizona Department of Public Safety had a subject being held at gunpoint subsequent to a traffic stop on Interstate 10 westbound at Mile Marker 57 in Arizona. Shots were fired at the trooper by the driver of a vehicle, who then fled the scene. The trooper remained on scene with one subject at gunpoint, unable to initiate pursuit of the fleeing vehicle. Agents from the Blythe Integrated Targeting Team (ITT) responded to the call for assistance. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Michael Rosamond assigned Blythe ITT agents to areas he believed the vehicle may be fleeing. Agent Rosamond witnessed a vehicle matching the description of the fleeing vehicle pass his position. Agent Rosamond tried to initiate a vehicle stop; Border Patol Agents Juan Zuniga and Felix Ortiz assisted as secondary/backup agents. The driver failed to yield. Then, the vehicle began to pull to the shoulder, then slow rolled to a stop, in the westbound lanes. As the subject rolled to a stop, the driver exited the vehicle, shooting at the agents approximately four to five times. While under fire and with their vehicle being struck by gunfire, Agent Zuniga was able to return two rounds of fire. The driver fled toward the eastbound lanes on foot and hijacked a big-rig. Agents Zuniga and Ortiz continued the pursuit of the big-rig; Agent Rosamond remained with the vehicle and the driver of the big-rig to secure the scene as evidence. As the driver was absconding in the hijacked big rig there was an exchange of gunfire with Border Patrol Agent Reyes Fimbres on the Exit 17 off-ramp. Blythe ITT Border Patrol Agents Victor Herrera, Erik Herrera, Juan Zuniga, and Felix Ortiz experienced a further exchange of gunfire with the subject on Main Street in Quartzsite, Arizona. At this time the subject was driving the big-rig in reckless regard for public safety, creating the potential of injury, death and significant property destruction. Blythe ITT agents Rafael De Leon and Alberto Lorona arrived on scene to assist. After the final exchange of gunfire, the subject was in custody. Agents rendered first aid on the scene and Emergency Medical Service responded shortly thereafter. Despite their life-saving efforts, the subject succumbed to his injuries while in route to the hospital. Honor First note - This is the last Newton-Azrak Award given to a group. In 2018, the award's criteria changed. Since then, the award can only be given to individuals based on their specific actions during an event. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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.
1924
James F. Mankin Date of Birth: April 5, 1902 Entered on Duty: July 28, 1924 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: September 14, 1924 Details: At about 4:30 p.m., September 14, 1924, Patrol Inspector James F. Mankin was killed by the accidental discharge of a service rifle. The accident occurred about 18 miles northeast of Laredo near the Rio Grande River where Patrol Inspector Mankin, along with Patrol Inspectors Buck West and Ralph R. Dockum, were patrolling in a government vehicle. The officers, upon reaching the banks of the river, alighted from the car to determine whether any crossings had been made. Upon returning to the car, Patrol Inspector Mankin, who had been driving, entered the vehicle and seated himself behind the steering wheel. Patrol Inspector Dockum prepared to enter the back seat of the car from the left side and Patrol Inspector West was to enter the back seat from the right side of the automobile. There were two rifles in scabbards in the back of the car along with camping gear and other articles. The two officers were rearranging the items in the back of the car in order to make more room for themselves when a .30 caliber government rifle slipped out of the car, the hammer striking the running board and discharging the gun. The bullet struck the back of the front seat about six inches below the top. The bullet split, one part ricocheting to the left, striking the bow over the back seat and passing within a few inches of Dockum's face. The other part of the bullet ricocheted to the right through the upholstering of the front seat, striking Inspector Mankin behind the right ear. Inspector Mankin died less than thirty minutes after the accident. NOTE: For several years, Inspector Mankin was not carried in the rolls of the Immigration Service's honored fallen. This is evident by his name being omitted in the 1927 Commissioner-General's Annual Report to the Secretary of Labor (pg 18). Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother received $20 per month for 8 years. Gravesite 2009 Trena R. McLaughlin Date of Birth: April 3, 1950 Entered on Duty: October 14, 1984 Title: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 14, 2009 Details: On July 14, 1994, Border Patrol Agent Trena McLaughlin was stuck with a syringe while searching a vehicle in Temecula, California. As a result of this incident, Agent McLaughlin tested positive for Hepatitis C in 1998. After medically retiring from the Border Patrol in 2002, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Trena McLaughlin died of liver failure on September 14, 2009. Agent McLaughlin served with the United States Border Patrol for 18 years and was a member of the 167th session of the Border Patrol Academy assigned to the Temecula Station later renamed the Newton-Azrak Station in the San Diego Sector. Burial Details Unknown 2012 Jeffrey Ramirez Date of Birth February 6, 1987 Entered on Duty: September 1, 2008 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 15, 2012 Details: On September 15, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Jeffrey Ramirez, died at the age of 25. Agent Ramirez had been hospitalized in Laredo, Texas since the onset of a heat-related illness on August 22, 2012. Agent Ramirez entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on September 1, 2008, as a member of Border Patrol Academy Class 810. Following graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to the Hebbronville Station in the Laredo Sector. Agent Ramirez is survived by his parents, sister, two brothers, son and a girlfriend. His brother is a Border Patrol Agent at the Freer Station. Gravesite 2014 Tyler R. Robledo Date of Birth May 1, 1980 Entered on Duty: September 8, 2011 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 12, 2014 Details: On September 12, 2014, Border Patrol Agent Tyler R. Robledo was involved in a two-vehicle accident near Carrizo Springs, Texas. Agent Robledo died of his injuries at the hospital shortly after the accident. The driver of the other vehicle also died. Agent Robledo was 34 years old at the time of his death and leaves behind his wife and two children. Agent Robledo entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on September 8, 2011, as a member of the 988th session of the Border Patrol Academy. He was stationed at the Carrizo Springs Station at the time of his death. Gravesite September 4 - September 10Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Before I jump into this week's intro, let me acknowledge that This Week in USBP History celebrates its first anniversary on September 6. The first email I sent was unsolicited to three HQ GS-15s. Today, there are 224 recipients and each one a subscriber. Thank you for reading! Now to the intro... What is the Border Patrol's culture and how did it originate? Admittedly, what I am about to write will provide only the barest framework of an answer and would best be covered in detail in a book (what do you think Joe, maybe Volume IV?). So, it's not going to provide a complete answer but hope to entertain and stimulate thought. As you read the following, remember that an organization's culture is defined by its leadership but lives in its workforce. If leadership fails to define culture, it will meander and undesirable characteristics may emerge. When I think of the beginnings of the Patrol's culture, the first thing that comes to my mind is the January 1986 interview of Wesley Stiles (1898-1987). Wesley was one of the earliest Patrol Inspectors (PI) having entered on duty July 28, 1924 in Del Rio, Texas. Concerning performing the job of a PI, Wesley said, "No one knew what we were supposed to do or how we were supposed to do it... So we just walked around and looked wise." I jokingly tell people that not much has changed in 98 years, and that would be a great quote for a signature block. But, on a serious note, it lays a cultural foundation that is still part of the Patrol today. In the absence of guidance, the Patrol and its employees will show initiative by stepping forward, making it up, and doing what they think is right. Along the lines of Wesley, I think of Jeff Milton (1861-1947). As per documents that supported his retirement in 1932, he was neither a Border Patrol Inspector nor a member of the Border Patrol. He was a well-known law enforcement officer in the El Paso District, which encompasses modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors. It is thought that the leaders of the newly formed Border Patrol used Jeff Milton's rugged independence as an example for new inspectors to follow which may have led to him mistakenly being considered the first Border Patrol Inspector. Jeff's rugged independence provided an example of confidence and bravery, individual and organizationally, to make decisions and charge forward. Not to mention that he was a tough-as-nails gunfighter in his younger years. Concerning the Patrol's motto, Honor First, I have to wonder if it was created to guide the Patrol and its PI's, so that their rugged independence wouldn't run amok, providing a higher purpose and authority. Unfortunately, today the Patrol continues to miss the cultural opportunity to define Honor First. However, Chief of the Border Patrol Rodney Scott had a vision to create an op-ed and Live Honor First was the result. The paper was disseminated via email but without any follow-up to the workforce. The Patrol's values are codified in its awards system, the USBP Honorary Awards. The system is designed to recognize administrative excellence, heroism and valor, law enforcement actions, lifesavings efforts, and service. If you're curious about an organization's values, look no further than why and how they recognize their employees. My experience and observations, have led me to say, "The Patrol's greatest strength is also its greatest weakness. It is the Patrol's fearlessness to confidently step outside of its assigned lane to do what it perceives to be right." To me, that statement embodies the sentiments of Stiles, Milton and Honor First. Further, far more often that not, the Patrol and its employees achieve greatness when stepping outside of its lane due to the caliber and competence of the workforce. Wrapping up this intro, I remember one of my peers at HQ telling me that the Border Patrol, individually and organizationally, is a great partner, supportive and steadfast... But only as long as the Patrol's goal is shared by the other. If the other individual or organization does not share the Patrol's goal, the Patrol will still pursue its goal by going around, over, under or through any obstacle. I present that the incredible competence of the workforce coupled with the following provides a great foundation for describing the Patrol's culture:
I'm sure there's much more I could have added. I hope you enjoyed the intro and it got you thinking... Now to this week's email! We have tons of documents, We celebrate the heroism of five Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their action. We also remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. Have a great week! Cliff PS -
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 1918
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1996 Richard B. Holmes Border Patrol Agent McAllen Sector Joseph E. Kempa Border Patrol Agent McAllen Sector Michael W. Richardson Border Patrol Agent McAllen Sector Andrew W. Schutt Border Patrol Agent McAllen Sector Austin L. Skero II - photo Border Patrol Agent McAllen Sector On September 10, 1996, agents from the Brownsville Station came under hostile fire while in performance of their assigned duties. During the encounter, Agent Rodelfo Martinez was wounded on the right arm. His fellow agents, Michael W. Richardson, Joseph E. Kempa, Andrew W. Schutt, Austin L. Skero II, and Richard B. Holmes, were performing line watch duties in an area along the Rio Grande River, approximately seven miles east of the Gateway International Port of Entry at Brownsville, Texas. The agents were working an area notorious for illegal alien and narcotics smuggling. The immediate actions of the agents involved in the fire fight resulted in saving Agent Martinez’s life and not allowing themselves to succumb to the hostilities brought against them during the exchange of gunfire. These agents performed heroic and human acts during an emergency while under extreme stress and displayed exemplary courage under fire. Agents Skero and Holmes were directly in line with the assailants, and Agents Kempa and Martinez and were initially pinned down by gunfire directed at Agents Kempa and Martinez. Bullets were landing all around them in their semi-covered position; however, when the assailants directed their gunfire at Agents Richardson and Schutt, Agents Skero and Holmes, without regard for their personal safety, moved to assist Agents Martinez and Kempa. Agent Holmes took up a position to protect Agents Martinez and Kempa. He assisted Agent Kempa in administering first aid to Agent Martinez. Agent Skero continued to engage the assailants who were still firing at Agents Richardson and Schutt. After the shooting had stopped, Agent Skero returned to assist in administering first aid to Agent Martinez. HonorFirst Note - Agent Rodelfo Martinez would be awarded the USBP Commendation Medal with a "V" device for extraordinary heroism and the USBP Purple Cross for wounds received in the scope of duty. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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.
1929
Myles J. Scannell Date of Birth: December 19, 1895 Entered on Duty: September 27, 1921 Title: Senior Patrol Inspector End of Watch: September 9, 1929 Details: Senior Patrol Inspector, Myles J. Scannell, Marfa, Texas, was shot and killed on September 9, 1929, on the banks of the Rio Grande River near Polvo, Texas, southeast of Presidio. Inspector Scannell was working alone and apparently was attempting to arrest several aliens. Signs indicated that, while walking with the individuals he had in custody, Inspector Scannell was shot from ambush by someone else. His body bore two bullet and fifteen stab wounds. There is no information available concerning whether or not the killer or killers were identified or apprehended. Inspector Scannell had entered the Service as a Mounted Watchman in September 1921, at Presidio. He was among the first Patrol Inspectors to be appointed to the Border Patrol in 1924, and became a Senior Patrol Inspector in July 1926. See this 1929 testimonial from his brother officers written the day after his murder. Here is a cleaner version of the document. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $78.74 per month for her and their child. Gravesite 1941 Robert J. Heibler Date of Birth: January 28, 1916 Entered on Duty: April 30, 1941 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: September 7, 1941 Details: During the evening of September 7, 1941, Patrol Inspectors Robert J. Heibler and Eldon C. Wade were on duty inspecting traffic on U.S. Highway #90 about three miles west of Uvalde, Texas. At approximately 9:00 p.m., one of the road flares used to warn approaching traffic was blown out by the wind, and Patrol Inspector Heibler, while relighting it, was struck by a passing automobile and dragged about 20 feet. The automobile did not stop and Inspector Wade did not pursue it at the time feeling that it was more important that he render first aid to Inspector Heibler. He began artificial respiration. About 15 minutes later, a physician reached the scene of the accident, gave Inspector Heibler an injection of adrenalin, and continued artificial respiration; however, the officer died within a few minutes. Gravesite 1946 Keith Connelly Date of Birth: December 11, 1946 Entered on Duty: June 21, 1971 Title: Special Agent (Anti-Smuggling) End of Watch: September 6, 1989 Details: On September 6, 1989, at 1:45 a.m., Anti-Smuggling Agent Keith Connelly was shot by alien smugglers in the city of Fresno, California, where he died shortly thereafter. He was working an undercover operation accompanied by his partner, Ted Jordan, who was also shot but survived the ordeal. The Fresno, California Police Department responded to the emergency assistance call and apprehended the suspects who were turned over to the FBI for prosecution. Keith Connelly joined the U.S. Border Patrol in June 21, 1971, in Chula Vista, California, being assigned to the San Clemente Station. He then transferred to Rouses Point, New York, in September 1975, and worked along the Northern Border until reassigned to San Clemente in May 1978. In 1983, he was transferred to Fresno, California, where he became a Senior Border Patrol Agent in December 1986. In August 1988, he was promoted to Special Agent assigned to the Fresno Anti-Smuggling Unit where he served until the time of his death. Burial Details Unknown |
