November 12 - November 18INTROGood morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! When Leadership is About People Not Just the Mission There's a common adage in leadership circles: to lead people, walk beside them; for the most part, they don't need to be managed—they need to be unleashed. The best leaders are those who prioritize their people over the process, understanding that trust and relationships are the bedrock of a successful team. This week, I'm taking a leaf out of that book to share a tale of leadership from my own experience with the Border Patrol, infused with a little humor to lighten the lesson. Back in 2006, under the wing of Assistant Chief Rich Hudson, I found myself grappling with a sudden health scare—what I suspected to be a ticking time bomb in the form of appendicitis. When I requested emergency leave, Rich, with a perfectly straight face, pretended to deny it. I quipped back, half-jokingly, that he could find my unconscious body in the cubicle when my appendix burst. Of course, he was only pulling my leg before granting the leave, but in that moment, the blend of humor and concern he showed was leadership personified. Fast forward to my emergency surgery, alone and far from familiar support systems, I was bracing myself to face the aftermath solo. But when I awoke, groggy and disoriented, the unexpected figure of Rich, still donned in his dress uniform, was a sight that cut through the haze of anesthesia. It was 10 PM, well past the end of any typical workday, yet there he was. Despite facing a two-hour commute back home and his own family needs waiting for him, he chose to be there for me—a true leader in action. Now, after retiring from the Border Patrol as the Deputy Chief of the Law Enforcement Operations Directorate—a Senior Executive Service level position—Rich has continued to exemplify steadfast leadership in law enforcement. In 2021, he was promoted to Detective in the Fauquier County Sheriff's Department, demonstrating that his dedication to serving and protecting the community remains as strong as ever. His ongoing commitment to leadership, both in scale and scope, is a testament to his character: It's not the title that defines leadership, but the relentless drive to make a positive impact, whether on a national scale with wearing a Border Patrol badge or within the heart of Fauquier County wearing a deputy's star.  In a steadfast tribute to service and duty, retired Border Patrol Agents Clifford Gill, Richard Hudson, and Maria Ibanez are depicted during their tenure as members of the Honor Guard. This 2006 photograph captures a moment of their commitment as they performed in the Color Guard at a ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. In the Border Patrol, we're not just managing the mission—we're leading people. And when the mission gets tough, it's the laughter shared, the personal connections, and the leaders who show up unexpectedly that make all the difference. Leaders like Rich Hudson are the ones who inspire us to become leaders of people, not just managers of mission. They demonstrate a bias towards the workforce, proving that when you take care of your people, they take care of the mission. So here’s to the unsung heroes who lead with a joke ready to defuse tension, with a phone call to check-in, with a surprise visit when you're down. Here's to the Rich Hudsons of the world who lead not just with strategies and objectives, but with empathy and a genuine concern for their people. As we continue to navigate our vital mission, let's do so with the understanding that leadership is about relationships. It's about being there—in the brush, in the recovery rooms, and in the moments that matter most.  Retired Deputy Directorate Chief Rich Hudson being promoted to Detective with the Fauquier Country Sheriff's Department. In this installment of "This Week in USBP History," we remember 1905, when Jefferson Davis Milton solidified his role, influencing the nascent Border Patrol's character. Fast-forward to 1918, George Harris pens a pivotal memo granting officers discretion on Passport Act violations, a notable shift in policy. The year 1928 highlights both the training focus with language instruction materials and the valor of Inspector Ivan Scotten. By 1956, a detailed uniform policy further defines the Border Patrol's professional image. These snapshots, among others, contribute to the storied legacy of the Border Patrol. There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week. However, some Newton-Azrak Award recipients do not have a date associated with their actions. Such is the case with Border Patrol Agent Lazaro Alvarez, who is highlighted this week. 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 WEEK Legacy of Endurance The Sea Foam Green "War Wagon" Steeped in the legacy of the 1980s, this sea foam green Border Patrol SUV — known among agents as a 'War Wagon' — stands as a rugged icon of tenacity. Though the make and model have evolved, the 'War Wagons' remain integral to the force, their window grates a steadfast shield against the adversities of border patrol. This throwback, from the collection of historian Joseph Banco, mirrors the unwavering spirit that continues to drive the Border Patrol today. DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS1905
1918
1928
1929
1930
1937
1940
1956
1989
2000
 The plaque on the Theodore Newton and George Azrak Memorial. NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD ACTION ANNIVERSARIESFollow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
 The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week. However, some Newton-Azrak Award recipients do not have a date associated with their actions. Such is the case with Border Patrol Agent Lazaro Alvarez, who is highlighted this week. 1993 Lazaro Alvarez Border Patrol Agent McAllen Sector In 1993, while off-duty at home, Border Patrol Agent Lazaro Alvarez heard a loud explosion at the Wagon Wheel Mobile Home Park across from his residence. Agent Alvarez quickly assisted three elderly individuals who had been burned, helping them to safety away from the burning building. Upon learning that another elderly woman was trapped under the collapsed structure, he rallied additional help to remove debris. He successfully extracted her from the blaze and carried her to safety. Agent Alvarez then continued to provide first aid to other injured residents until emergency medical technicians arrived. 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 156* fallen. Titles
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 although the circumstances surrounding their deaths met 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. Additionally, despite Border Patrol Pilot Howard H. Gay losing his life in the action that earned him the Newton-Azrak Award, his death is not officially recognized either. Nonetheless, HonorFirst.com respectfully recognizes and includes Inspector Harrell and Agent Gigax among those honored as having fallen in the line of duty. 1945 Ned D. Henderson Date of Birth: December 19, 1905 Entered on Duty: December 26, 1929 Title: Autogiro Pilot End of Watch: November 18, 1945 Details: Ned D. Henderson, Autogiro Pilot, died on November 18, 1945, from injuries he received two days earlier when the autogiro he was piloting crashed near Sullivan City, Texas. Pilot Henderson was enroute to his official station at McAllen, Texas, following a detail to San Antonio. He was alone in the plane when it crashed at about 1:00 p.m., November 16, 1945. A witness to the accident, Mr. Francisco Flores, stated that he noticed the aircraft coming from the west just before or about the time it hit an electric highline. The autogiro hit the ground and turned over about two times before it came to rest. Mr. Flores stopped his truck and ran over to the aircraft. He rushed over to Pilot Henderson, who was rolling on the ground just outside of the autogiro, his clothes and gloves on fire. Mr. Flores extinguished the flames and then improvised a shade from a blanket he had in his truck. Pilot Henderson was later removed to the McAllen Municipal Hospital by ambulance. A physician's certificate indicates that Pilot Henderson suffered extensive burns about the face, neck, arms and legs; fracture of the right arm below the shoulder; and a deep cut across the forehead and right cheek. Death occurred at 1:30 a.m., November 18, 1945, about 36 hours after the accident. Gravesite 1954 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 2016 David Gomez Date of Birth November 7, 1972 Entered on Duty: February 12, 1996 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 16, 2016 Details: On November 15, 2016, Agent Gomez suffered a heart attack while on bicycle patrol duty near El Paso, Texas. He subsequently passed away at a local hospital on November 16, 2016. Border Patrol Agent Gomez was assigned to the El Paso Station of the El Paso Sector. He entered on duty on February 12, 1996, as a member of Border Patrol Academy Class 299. He is survived by his wife, three children and parents. Gravesite
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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
September 2024
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