August 20 - August 26IntroGood Morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Ray Harris A Legacy of Service, Innovation, Fellowship, and Community Building The week of August 20-26, 2023, is a fitting time to reflect on the legacy of Retired Immigration Special Agent Ray Harris. This week not only commemorates the 25th anniversary of his innovative Delphi forums but also celebrates a pioneering effort that transformed the landscape of communication within the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP). Harris's creation of two distinct forums—one dedicated to Border Patrol applicants and the other to current and former agents—served as more than a mere platform. It became a virtual meeting ground that not only facilitated the unofficial engagement with potential recruits but also nurtured a sense of camaraderie and community among those who have worn, and continue to wear the badge. His vision, still resonant today, continues to honor the principles of connection and unity that are at the heart of the USBP's mission A Life of Service
Innovation in Recruitment and Community Building: The Creation of HonorFirst.com and Delphi Forums In the mid-1990s, Harris recognized a gap in information about the USBP's hiring process. He created a simple website, leading to an overwhelming response from applicants. To manage the flood of inquiries, Harris turned to Delphi forums, launching the first forum for Border Patrol Agents on August 25, 1998.
A Longtime Member and Supporter of FORBPO Ray's influence within the Border Patrol community reaches far and wide. As a former Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, his innovative creation of Delphi forums has been a landmark achievement. Yet, his contributions don't end there. Ray continues to lend his expertise to the Fraternal Order of Retired Border Patrol Officers (FORBPO), where he once served as a webmaster and still provides invaluable behind-the-scenes assistance. His unwavering commitment to both active and retired Border Patrol professionals is evident in every aspect of his work. Whether through fostering online engagement or his steadfast support of FORBPO, Ray's multifaceted involvement underscores a willingness to contribute in various capacities. His enduring legacy is a beacon of community and collaboration that inspires all who serve. A Lasting Impact Ray Harris's legacy is a testament to innovation, dedication, fellowship, and community building. His creation of HonorFirst.com and the Delphi forums has had a profound impact on U.S. Border Patrol recruitment efforts and has fostered a sense of camaraderie among agents. Ray's efforts have brought great credit upon himself and have benefited the U.S. Border Patrol in immeasurable ways. As we celebrate the anniversary of the Delphi forums, we honor Ray Harris's enduring contributions to the USBP, FORBPO, and the broader community. !!! Thank you Ray !!! This week, we journey through the multifaceted history of the U.S. Border Patrol. We'll explore the 1921 debate over unifying federal agencies along the Mexican border, the 1935 request to build a fence in Nogales, Arizona, and the 1942 memos concerning 12-hour workdays for Patrol Inspectors. These highlights, and much more, deepen our understanding of the Border Patrol's evolution and legacy. This week, we honor Criminal Investigator Lee R. Prejean for his courageous and selfless efforts in 1987 as part of Operation Castoron. His undercover activities led to the successful conclusion of a large-scale conspiracy investigation, demonstrating unusual courage and competence. During this week, we take a moment to reflect, as there are no line-of-duty death anniversaries. Let us continue to remember and honor all those who have served. Enjoy and have a great week! Cliff P.S. - As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages. I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to [email protected]). As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the documents and pages. Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it. ESPRIT DE CORPSThe workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees. The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale. Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees. Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps. THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEKGuardians of the Border A Legacy in Flight Taken around 2003, this striking image showcases five Eurocopter AS350 AStar helicopters, proudly bearing U.S. Border Patrol branding. A symbol of a bygone era, these aircraft embody decades of pride, tradition, and a unique connection between air and ground agents. Before taking to the skies, Border Patrol pilots were required to serve as regular agents for three years, forging a bond that transcended their roles. In 2006, all USBP pilots were absorbed into CBP's Air and Marine Operations, marking the end of an era but leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate. DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS1921
1931
1935
1942 - A special thanks to Joe Banco for sharing the documents for the entries below.
1956
1998
NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD |
Clifford GillBlog author, retired U.S. Border Patrol Assistant Chief and, current U.S. Border Patrol employee advocate. Ray HarrisSite founder and owner, former Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent. Joseph BancoU.S. Border Patrol historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent. Archives
October 2024
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