This Week in USBP History, Vol. 106

September 10 - September 16

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Intro

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

Organizational Pride
​The Newton-Azrak Award and the USBP Legacy

Border Patrol Agent Javier A. Padilla's Newton-Azrak Award Set

This week, I'd like to dive deep into a matter close to my heart - the sense of pride and history we share as members, both past and present, of the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP). I've always believed that to truly appreciate where we are, and to effectively chart our path forward, we must understand where we've been. This understanding roots us, gives us a unique identity, and embodies the spirit of esprit de corps.

On that note, let's discuss the Newton-Azrak Award. It is one of the most significant awards in the USBP, commemorating agents Theodore Newton and George Azrak, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This award symbolizes the courage, commitment, and sacrifice that our agents exhibit, qualities that are at the very core of what the Border Patrol stands for.

Now, here's a synchronistic twist: While last week's blog was highlighting the heroics of Border Patrol Agent George E. Evancheck—a Newton-Azrak Award recipient from 1986, whose valorous action had been forgotten for decades— a planning meeting was concurrently taking place at USBP Headquarters for an upcoming ceremony, where the history and recipients of the Newton-Azrak Award was proposed to be presented. I was taken aback to be told that the individual responsible for USBP history, and the HQ division overseeing awards and recognitions, did not possess a history of the awards, an updated list of recipients, or details about the courageous actions that led to the awards It's somewhat unsettling to think that such foundational information wasn’t immediately accessible or championed by those who should be the keepers of that information.

This revelation underscores a concerning gap in our institutional memory and emphasizes the crucial need to uphold and revere our traditions and accolades. As a retired agent and steadfast advocate for the Border Patrol's rich legacy, I felt it was my duty to bridge this knowledge divide. I reached out, emailing three high-ranking USBP HQ employees, offering them access to the extensive volumes of historic information meticulously curated on HonorFirst.com, especially the intricate details surrounding the Newton-Azrak Award. Much to my dismay, these efforts to share such a pivotal facet of our history were met with silence, with no acknowledgment or response to my outreach.

But why does this matter? The answer is multi-faceted: Beyond honoring our past, organizational pride plays a pivotal role in fostering a cohesive, motivated, and committed workforce. When employees understand and take pride in the legacy they're a part of, it boosts morale and job satisfaction. This can, in turn, lead to improved retention rates, as agents feel a deeper connection and commitment to the organization's mission and values. Furthermore, a thorough grasp of our accolades, awards, and traditions is not just about facts and dates; it's about keeping the flame of pride, commitment, and sacrifice alive.

​So, here's a call to action. Let us take the initiative to value, document, and share the rich tapestry of stories, achievements, and sacrifices that define the U.S. Border Patrol. After all, Honor First is not just a motto; it's our guiding principle

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This week, we journey further into the U.S. Border Patrol's compelling history. We start our exploration in 1911, where an insightful memo by Acting Commissioner-General Frank H. Larned illuminates discussions about the compensation of "mounted inspectors", shedding light on a prelude to the formation of the Border Patrol. Moving on to 1924, we delve into the tragic accidental death of Patrol Inspector James Mankin, a poignant chapter in our agency's lore. From there, we advance to 1926, where we’ll uncover the determination and grit of Inspector Frank Edgell as he skillfully and peacefully resolves a tense standoff with 47 hostile Yaqui Indians. Fast-forwarding to the 1980s, we touch on the foundational year of 1982 for the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), showcasing the agency’s commitment to adapting and evolving in the face of new challenges.

This week, we honor five Border Patrol Agents on the anniversary of their Newton-Azrak Award action.

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.

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ESPRIT DE CORPS

The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

• Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
• Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employee based in part on their perception of:
  • Being valued by the organization,
  • Fairly compensated, and
  • Performing meaningful work.

 
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.

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THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Throwback Rhythms
​CBP Drummers, St. Patrick's Day 2016

A rhythmic flashback to Savannah's St. Patrick's Day 2016. All drummers, identifiable by the distinct check pattern on their glengarries, from CBP's Air and Marine Operations, Office of Field Operations, and the United States Border Patrol come together. Their smiles and confidence beat as one, echoing unity and pride.

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DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

1911

• On September 16, 1911, Acting Commissioner-General Frank H. Larned (1861-1937) wrote a memo to the Secretary of Labor concerning the compensation of "mounted inspectors", specifically their per diem rates.
  • I searched each of the mentioned Mounted Inspector names. I can find no evidence that any of them became Border Patrol Inspectors.

1924

• On September 14, 1924, the new Immigration Border Patrol suffered its first line of duty death. Although it was a result of gunfire, Patrol Inspector James Mankin’s death was an accident resulting from the discharge of a .30 caliber government rifle which slipped out of the vehicle as two of Mankin’s partners were loading it after “cutting sign” on the banks of the Rio Grande River near Laredo Texas. The hammer of the rifle struck the running board causing the rifle to discharge, with the round striking Patrol Inspector Mankin behind his right ear.
  • ​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
  • 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).

1926

• On September 16, 1926, Border Patrol Inspector Frank Edgell induced 47 hostile Yaqui Indians to surrender peacefully to him. Back then, the press initially carried a different version of events, with the Yaquis kidnapping federal agents. The condensed version of the actual events is as follows and is primarily from the accounting of Mary Kidder Rak from her 1938 book, Border Patrol.
  • ​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1927

• Organizationally, the USBP has always prided itself on its involvement in various activities not exactly aligned with its primary mission set.  Examples include thwarting an aircraft hijacking, providing assistance to the USMS during segregation issues, deploying to Los Angeles during the riots, etc, etc, etc...  This September 17, 1927 document  is the earliest example of which I have found where the USBP stepped out of its traditional role.  In this case, Border Patrol Inspectors were making plans to provide security for Colonel C. Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis which was schedule to land in Tucson.
  • The document was written by Tucson Sub-district Chief Patrol Inspector Samual F. Gray (1897-1966).  He was in the USBP for only 3.5 years.  

1929

• On September 10, 1929, Inspectors of the Big Bend Sub-district authored and signed a testimonial memorializing their friend and coworker, Senior Patrol Inspector Myles J. Scannell who had been killed the day before.

1931

• On September 10, 1931, the second BP Uniform Policy, General Order 179 (GO179), was implemented.  Many of the amendments from the BP's first Uniform Policy, GO42, were incorporated into GO179.  An interesting point in GO179 was that the Sam Brown belt colors differed between the northern border (black) and the southern border (cordovan).
  • Similar to GO42, GO179 underwent several amendments from 1932 to 1935:
    • 1932 - Double breasted coat authorized
    • 1934 – Trousers were authorized in place of riding crops on the southern border.
    • 1935 – Double breasted leather coat authorized

​1942

• USBP time-in-service insignia was implemented in 1928 with an amendment to its first Uniform Policy, General Order 42. By 1942, the old bars and stars embroidered insignia (the image changes every 7 seconds) was was replaced by the modern stars as is evident in this September 16, 1942 document written by William H. Wagner (1877-1956). 

1943

• On September 15, 1943, INS Commissioner Earl G. Harrison (1899-1955) forwarded a memo describing the reorganization of agency's field offices from 22 districts to 16 districts.  The document also includes a map of the districts.
  • In 1924, the Immigration Service has 35 districts (See this document, pg. 93-94). Eleven of those districts were adjacent to the border and received Border Patrol Inspectors when the USBP was created.

1954

• As previously noted, a U.S. Border Patrol Air Transport fleet was established on September 17, 1954, with the transfer of a C-46 military surplus plane (N-1804M) from the U.S. Air Force. Two additional C-46s with a 50-passenger capacity were transferred in September 1954, providing the U.S. Border Patrol with an economical means of air transport for large numbers of aliens and other passengers where and when needed.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1965

• ​Beginning on September 15, 1965, Mexican Passports and nonimmigrant visas were no longer required from Mexican nationals in possession of a border crossing card wishing to enter the U.S. for business or pleasure not to exceed six months.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1982

• According to this document, the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) was authorized on September 16, 1982.
  • The document was written by Thomas C. Leupp (Class 91)

1989

• ​On September 15, 1989, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Houlton Sector (Maine) assisted the Edmundson Police and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in a cross-border weapons and terrorism investigation involving four members of a Colombian hit team arrested with machine guns, sniper rifles, pistols, and other weapons which they smuggled across the border into Canada. The Colombian hit team was tasked with freeing the nephew of Pablo ESCOBAR, who was in a Canadian jail for smuggling 500 kilograms of cocaine into Canada.
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco

2001

• Within 36 hours following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the U.S. Border Patrol deployed 318 agents to nine U.S. international airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Detroit, and Seattle) for security as part of Operation Safe Passage to aid in heightened security and to provide a visible uniformed presence.  The highly visible deployment of uniformed Border Patrol Agents aided in safeguarding civilian passengers, employees and property at the identified locations. This operation involved coordinating efforts with the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, and many state and local law enforcement agencies.
  • Information provided by Joseph Banco in an unpublished document

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NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD
​ACTION ANNIVERSARIES

Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

• An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important.  It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce.  Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll

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 encountered hostile gunfire while on duty. During this confrontation, Agent Rodelfo Martinez was shot in his right arm. Nearby, Agents Michael W. Richardson, Joseph E. Kempa, Andrew W. Schutt, Austin L. Skero II, and Richard B. Holmes were patrolling an area along the Rio Grande River, notorious for illegal activities, about seven miles east of the Gateway International Port of Entry in Brownsville, Texas. They quickly responded to assist during the crisis.

The immediate and decisive actions of these responding agents were instrumental in saving Agent Martinez's life. Their exemplary bravery and resilience were evident as they navigated the intense situation.

As events unfolded, Agents Skero and Holmes found themselves directly in the assailants' line of fire. Agents Kempa and Martinez were initially trapped by the gunfire. However, when the assailants shifted their focus to Agents Richardson and Schutt, Skero and Holmes, disregarding their own safety, moved to assist Martinez and Kempa. Holmes took a protective stance over them and, alongside Kempa, administered first aid to the injured Martinez. Skero engaged the assailants, ensuring Richardson and Schutt remained unharmed. Once the immediate threat was neutralized, Skero also helped in attending to Martinez's wound.

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U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN 
ANNIVERSARIES

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band

As of March 6, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 155* fallen.
Titles

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 50 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
• 101 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
• 1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

The following names hold a distinguished position, as they have made the ultimate sacrifice in their unwavering commitment to uphold the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.

The facts concerning each officer are presented with minimal editing to preserve the "language of the day" found in the original reports, providing readers with a sense of historical context.

In compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the cause of death for employees who lost their lives in the line of duty due to exposure to lethal illnesses will not be disclosed.

​* Please note that despite their deaths meeting the criteria for Line-of-Duty-Deaths at the time, Patrol Inspector Garvis Field Harrell and Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax are not officially recognized as fallen by either the Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol.  However, HonorFirst.com respectfully recognizes and includes both Inspector Harrell and Agent Gigax among those who have fallen in the line of duty.

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 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

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