January 21 - January 27INTROGood morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! The Path to Fulfillment Discovering and Sharing Our Gifts In our journey, both in uniform and beyond, we find guidance in a profound truth: "The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away." These insightful words, attributed to David S. Viscott, resonate with our experiences as Border Patrol agents and as individuals seeking fulfillment in life. This philosophy of discovering and sharing our gifts is exemplified not only by individuals like Ray Harris with HonorFirst.com but also by leaders within our own ranks. Ray's dedication to HonorFirst.com extends far beyond maintaining a website; it's a labor of love that preserves the rich history and traditions of the Border Patrol. His efforts in creating a space for agents, past and present, to connect, share stories, and honor our fallen comrades have been instrumental in keeping the spirit of the Border Patrol alive. This commitment mirrors the ethos of service and giving back, as eloquently expressed by Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Jason Owens: "This role as the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol is not a prize that I won. It's an opportunity to give back and serve my brothers and sisters that do this job today and the ones that came before me." Chief Owens' commitment to the Border Patrol's workforce further illuminates this path of service: "My biggest mission is to be their biggest fan, to make sure everybody sees who they are and what they're about. At the end of the day, when I'm done with this role, if I feel like that's been accomplished, I will feel like my job has been a success." These words from our Chief underscore the essence of our mission – it's not just about the role we play; it's about the impact we make and the support we provide to our fellow agents and, importantly, to our families and friends. Whether it's through visible service like Ray's work with HonorFirst.com, leadership roles like Chief Owens', or the more private, yet equally significant, support we provide to our loved ones, we embody the essence of Viscott's words. By discovering our unique talents and using them to positively impact those around us, we find a path to true fulfillment. It's important to remember that giving our gifts away may not always save the world, our country, or even our community. But if our actions make the lives of our friends, family, or loved ones better, then we have truly made a difference. It's in these acts of giving – both big and small, public and private – that we find the deepest joy and contentment. So, let us continue on this path of discovering and sharing our gifts. In doing so, we not only uphold our commitment to service but also embrace a journey that leads to genuine happiness and fulfillment. It's a journey that reminds us that sometimes, the most profound impact we can make is in the hearts and lives of those closest to us. This week in USBP history, we begin on January 27, 1925, with a memo from Commissioner-General William W. Husband, reinforcing the Border Patrol's unique identity and autonomy. Then, on January 21, 1929, we see the issuance of the Second Supplement to General Order 4, shaping the inspection process and leadership within the organization. Fast forward to January 24, 1997, Jennifer A. Parra becomes the first second-generation female agent to graduate from the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, marking a significant step for women in the force. Join us as we explore these milestones and much more, tracing the footsteps of the United States 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 Michael G. McManus who was one of the first two recipients from 1973 and whose action is highlighted this week. Also, we remember one of the Patrol's fallen, Border Patrol Agent Aurelio E. Valencia, on the anniversary of his death. 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 cliff@honorfirst.com). 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 WEEKPrecision and Pressure Training Techniques at Camp Chinas This 1941 photograph, courtesy of the Border Patrol Museum, captures a moment of intense training at the Border Patrol Academy in El Paso, Texas. It shows Border Patrol Inspectors mastering pressure point compliance techniques, a crucial skill for their demanding duties. One inspector is seen applying targeted pressure under the mandible, the lower jawbone, while another focuses on the suprasternal notch, the sensitive area at the base of the neck above the sternum. This image also humorously recalls a unique training method: instructors would ask students to close their eyes and guard a specific pressure point, such as the common peroneal. A swift, unforgettable lesson followed for those who failed, ensuring these critical techniques were indelibly etched in their memory. This historic photo not only highlights the rigorous training regimen but also the enduring legacy and camaraderie of the Border Patrol Inspectors. DOCUMENTS AND EVENTSJanuary 21
January 22 - No entries January 23 - No entries January 24
January 25
January 26 - No entries January 27
NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD ACTION ANNIVERSARIESFollow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
Michael G. McManus (1937-2019) Border Patrol Agent Houlton Sector Border Patrol Agent Michael G. McManus was honored for his extraordinary courage and selfless dedication in saving a man from a blazing inferno. Initially summoned by the Calais Police Department in the wee hours to interrogate a Canadian national, McManus noticed suspicious activity in his neighbor's yard as he was leaving his home. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the individual was not an intruder but a visitor fleeing from his neighbor's house, which was engulfed in flames. Undeterred by the peril, McManus bravely ventured into the fiery residence not once, but twice. After being forced back by the intense heat and smoke during his first attempt, he re-entered the house, persisting until he located the unconscious resident and carried him to safety. But McManus' heroism didn't stop at the doorstep. Exhausted but resolute, he immediately began life-saving resuscitation measures. He further extended his assistance by accompanying the victim to the hospital, where he aided medical staff in the delicate task of removing the victim's charred clothing. U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN ANNIVERSARIESAs of November 14, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 157* 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, Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax, and Border Patrol Pilot Howard H. Gay, who lost his life in the action that earned him the Newton-Azrak Award, are not officially recognized as fallen by either the Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. Nonetheless, HonorFirst.com respectfully recognizes and includes Inspector Harrell, Agent Gigax, and Pilot Gay among those honored as having fallen in the line of duty. 1996 Aurelio E. Valencia Date of Birth: November 12, 1963 Entered on Duty: February 28, 1985 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: January 25, 1996 Details: On January 25, 1996, Border Patrol Agent Aurelio E. Valencia was involved in a vehicle accident on California State Route 78, near Glamis, California. Permanently assigned to the Blythe Station, Agent Valencia was working backup for the Highway 78 checkpoint. As he attempted a U-turn to get behind and investigate a suspected smuggling vehicle parked south of the checkpoint, his Service vehicle was struck broadside by a southbound motorist. Agent Valencia died at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident. Agent Valencia began his career with INS as a student aide at Tucson Sector Headquarters. He was promoted to Clerk two months later. After a short break in service, he entered on duty as an Immigration Detention Officer at Wilcox Station, Tucson Sector, on November 26, 1986. On June 13, 1988, he entered on duty as a Border Patrol Agent at Blythe Station, Yuma Sector, the position he was filling at the time of his death. 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
April 2024
I prefer that you leave comments. However, if you wish to contact me, please do so by emailing Cliff@HonorFirst.com.
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