August 27 - September 2IntroGood Morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Why I Volunteer and Invest A Commitment to Honor First and Esprit De Corps As I pen the 104th consecutive weekly blog on its second anniversary, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought me here. When someone asks me, "Why do you do this?" in reference to managing HonorFirst.com, moderating forums, and staying engaged with the U.S. Border Patrol, my answer is simple yet profound: I care. But this commitment goes beyond volunteering hours and hours of time; it's also a financial investment. Each year, I dedicate resources to cover the costs of HonorFirst and its associated subscriptions, totaling around $1,000. This financial investment represents a tangible commitment to preserving and promoting the values I hold dear. It's not just about money; it's about investing in a legacy that matters. But it's not the legacy as much as it is the people. Not a specific person, but people in the abstract. It's a nuanced understanding that while I may have disagreements with an individual member of the workforce, I care deeply for the whole workforce. The cornerstone of this legacy is "Honor First," a motto deeply embedded within the United States Border Patrol's ethos. It emphasizes the significance of integrity, encompassing various traits such as honesty, good character, principles, ethics, morals, righteousness, virtue, decency, fairness, sincerity, truthfulness, and trustworthiness. "Honor First" serves as a commitment to uphold integrity while adhering to established laws, regulations, directives, policies, and rules—even in challenging situations. It's a watchword that has been part of the Border Patrol's rich history since 1926. What drives you to dedicate your time and resources to something you believe in? For me, it's a profound sense of care and a belief in the power of Esprit De Corps. In the context of the Patrol, Esprit de Corps is defined as the workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale. It's a formula that can be expressed as: Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale My concern for the morale of the workforce began as early as 2000, marked by two life-saving actions that were recognized nearly two decades later with the USBP Commendation Medal with "V" device and the Newton-Azrak Award. The original recognitions were sincere but modest—a $100 cash award, a scratched coffee mug, and a simple certificate. They left me pondering how many other agents had been under-recognized or unrecognized for their heroic deeds, hundreds? These experiences ignited a realization that the Patrol could do better at taking care of the workforce, leading to an all-encompassing approach to valuing those who serve. From recognizing bravery to nurturing a culture of respect and value, my journey with the USBP has taught me that true honor goes beyond awards. It's about creating a community where everyone feels seen, appreciated, and part of something greater. A crucial part of Esprit De Corps is organizational pride. That's why I dove into USBP history and continue to research and share it. Even when dispelling folklore and inaccurate history, I believe that understanding our true heritage helps increase organizational pride and employee morale. It's about giving for the betterment of the workforce, whether through an immediate impact or as an investment for future generations. I'm also honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the USS John Young Veteran's Association, Northern Virginia Firefighter's Emerald Society Pipe Band, and the Fraternal Order of Retired Border Patrol Officers. These roles allow me to extend my advocacy and passion for service beyond HonorFirst, contributing to causes that resonate with my values. Reflecting on my last three years of service, I realized that my motivation was driven by a deep care for the Patrol and the workforce, both uniformed and non-uniformed. In a "know thyself" moment, I understood that I cared more about those doing and who had done the job, than the job itself. The value to me is intrinsic. It makes me feel good to do good for “them." Before I retired, I used to say, “I’m an unapologetic advocate for the workforce.” In retirement, I realize that I never shed that identity. Conclusion The principles of Esprit de Corps are not confined to the workplace; they are universal values that guide my actions and fuel my passion for making a positive impact. My work with HonorFirst.com, my engagement with the USBP, and my advocacy for the workforce are all driven by this belief in the power of Esprit De Corps. It's a belief that resonates with anyone who values community, respect, and a sense of belonging. What values guide your actions? How do you invest in what matters to you? I invite you to reflect on these questions and consider how you can make a positive impact in your community. Thank you for your patience. Now to the rest of the blog... This week, we delve into the rich tapestry of the U.S. Border Patrol's past. We'll examine the 1924 memo that questioned the legal authority of Patrol Inspectors, and how it led to a proposal to rename them as Junior Immigrant Inspectors. We'll also explore the 1931 memos that discuss the Border Patrol's involvement with the National Rifle Association and the evolution of their uniforms. Additionally, we'll touch on the Mexican Government's 1955 complaints about the use of canines by the Border Patrol and the 1972 decision to terminate the Border Patrol Air Transport Operation. These stories, and much more, offer a nuanced look into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the Border Patrol over the years. This week, we honor four Border Patrol's heroes on the anniversary of their Newton-Azrak Award actions. During this week, we solemnly remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. 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 WEEKThe Oath That Shaped a Legacy This week, we're taking you back to June 21, 1924, a date that holds dual significance. Not only is it the birthday of Willard F. Kelly, born in 1903, but it's also the day he took his Oath of Office as a Patrol Inspector for the Immigration Field Service. The oath is a solemn commitment, one that laid the foundation for a career that would see Kelly rise to become the fourth Chief of the Border Patrol in 1933. His oath reads: I, Willard F. Kelly, having been appointed to duty as Patrol Inspector Immigration Field Service do solemnly swear that I will use my best endeavors to prevent and detect frauds against the laws of the United States regulating immigration, forbidding the importation of aliens under contract to labor, and relating to the exclusion of Chinese persons. And I do further swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God. This oath not only encapsulates the duties and responsibilities of a Patrol Inspector but also serves as a timeless reminder of the commitment that Border Patrol agents make to uphold the laws and Constitution of the United States. As we reflect on this historical document, let's remember the men and women who have taken similar oaths, dedicating their lives to service and upholding the values that make this nation great. DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS1924
1931
1955
1972
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2019
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
February 2025
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