February 4 - February 10INTROGood morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! The Heart of Honor Celebrating Over 25 Years of Community and Pride in the Border Patrol The Essence of "Honor First" in the Border Patrol In the heart of the U.S. Border Patrol beats a powerful motto: "Honor First." More than a slogan, it's the soul of our ethos, a beacon guiding us in integrity, character, and trustworthiness. This motto, born in 1926, has woven itself into the fabric of our culture, reminding us of the deep responsibility and sacred trust inherent in our duty. Bridging the Gap: The Evolution of HonorFirst In the mid-90s, Ray Harris identified a significant gap in information about the USBP's hiring process and responded by creating HonorFirst. This initiative led to the establishment of two distinct forums: an Applicant's Forum and an Agent's Forum. Each served a unique purpose – the Applicant's Forum became a guiding light for those aspiring to join the Patrol, while the Agent's Forum evolved into a vibrant community for current and former agents to share, support, and connect. These forums weren't just platforms for discussion; they became a family room for the Border Patrol, a place where stories, advice, and camaraderie flourished, strengthening the bonds within the community. Fostering Organizational Pride and Morale through HonorFirst: The Evolution of the Agent's Forum The journey of the Agent's Forum on HonorFirst has been one of growth, learning, and adaptation. In its early days, the original forum, vibrant and bustling with activity, faced challenges. Discussions of it +7,000 members, sometimes spiraled into vitriol, a reflection of the intense passions and diverse perspectives within our ranks. This period was a crucial learning curve, underscoring the need for balance between open dialogue and maintaining the respectful, honorable spirit of the Patrol. In response to the evolving dynamics within our community, Ray made a strategic decision to close the old forum and start anew. This transition to a new forum, now with over 1,300 members and about 25% daily engagement, was more than just a technical update; it was a renewed commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment. In this refreshed space, we continue to welcome a wide range of opinions and lively debates. However, our role as moderators is to ensure that discussions, while robust, are conducted with a sense of responsibility and respect for our members. Our goal is to balance open expression with the well-being and cohesion of our community. Personal Reflections and Future Outlook: Adapting with Time Reflecting on over a quarter of a century with HonorFirst, my journey from a young applicant in Laredo to a retired agent deeply involved in this community has been filled with growth, challenges, and fulfillment. HonorFirst has been a constant companion, evolving alongside my own path in the Border Patrol. This platform has transformed from a simple website and forum into a comprehensive resource, paralleling the dynamic changes within the Border Patrol and the world of technology and communication. As we look to the future, I'm excited about the potential for further evolution. We're considering enhancements to integrate the forums more seamlessly with the main website, making it easier for our community to connect and access information. These considerations are driven by a desire to ensure that HonorFirst remains a relevant, valuable resource for the Border Patrol community. As I look back on the years spent with HonorFirst, I'm filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. The journey ahead is promising, and I'm committed to ensuring that HonorFirst continues to serve as a beacon of support, information, and community for all those connected to the Border Patrol. Conclusion and Call to Action: A Collective Journey Forward HonorFirst is more than a website; it's a legacy of honor, a living chronicle of our shared journey. I invite you to join us in this ongoing story. Share your experiences, engage in our forums, and be a part of this proud community. Together, let's continue to build on this legacy, fostering a sense of pride and belonging that resonates with every member of the Border Patrol family. This week in USBP history begins with a notable memo from Assistant Superintendent L. Antonio Bonazzi on February 4, 1929, shedding light on the early days of the Border Patrol in the Montreal District. We then move to February 5, 1918, where future Chief Frank Berkshire offers a detailed summary of the border's status. The week continues with internal dynamics and hierarchy insights from a February 6, 1929 memo by Montreal District Commissioner Harry R. Landis. The week concludes with a historical highlight on February 8, 1962, involving the U.S. Border Patrol's role in the spy exchange of Francis Gary Powers for Rudolph Ivanovich Abel. Join us as we delve into these events and much more, tracing the evolving journey 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 Criminal Investigator Lawrence V. Granelli and Investigator James E. Kibble whose action is highlighted this week. Also, we remember two of the Patrol's 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 WEEKEchoes of the Past Marfa Checkpoint, 1980 Step back in time to 1980 with this rare glimpse of the Marfa Checkpoint, captured in its authentic simplicity. Pictured here is the iconic two-tone seafoam green and white Border Patrol bread truck, a classic symbol of early border enforcement. Parked alongside, the traditional Border Patrol sedan stands guard, complete with its distinctive red and blue lights. This temporary checkpoint, set against the vast expanse of the open desert, reflects a simpler era in Border Patrol history. Interestingly, the concept of immigration checkpoints predates the Border Patrol itself, with records of an immigration checkpoint manned by an Immigrant Inspector and Mounted Patrolmen as early as 1922. This photo not only captures a moment in time but also a significant piece of our border enforcement heritage. DOCUMENTS AND EVENTSFebruary 4
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February 9 - No entries February 10
NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD ACTION ANNIVERSARIES Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
Lawrence V. Granelli (1946-2022) Criminal Investigator New York, New York James E. Kibble Investigator New York, New York Criminal Investigator Lawrence V. Granelli and Investigator James E. Kibble were recognized for their unusual courage and competence during the course of an extended under-cover investigation, which led to the arrest of 22 persons, the seizure of $46,000 in bribe monies, and the development of pertinent intelligence concerning other criminal activities in the Chinese community of New York City. Their achievements involved great personal risk. (No Date of Action) 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. 1928
Norman G. Ross Date of Birth: May 15, 1901 Entered on Duty: February 23, 1926 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: February 10, 1928 Details: Patrol Inspector Norman G. Ross was shot and killed near Kane Springs, California, on the afternoon of February 10, 1928. He had arrested two Mexican aliens and was attempting to convey them to Patrol Headquarters at El Centro. The aliens, in whose car they were being transported, had a revolver concealed in the automobile, which one of the aliens used to kill Inspector Ross. His body was found on the back seat of the aliens' abandoned car. He had been shot through the head. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $67.50 per month for her and one child. Gravesite 1974 Edwin C. Dennis Date of Birth: March 3, 1912 Entered on Duty: April 17, 1941 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: February 4, 1974 Details: At 7:10 p.m. on February 4, 1974, Senior Patrol Agent Edwin C. Dennis was in a van driven by Border Patrol Agent Richard Marroguin with one alien in custody. They were enroute from Ysleta to El Paso, Texas, on the border highway. They were traveling without lights when the vehicle struck some rocks that had been left by a construction crew. The vehicle turned over and Dennis was thrown out of the van and it rolled over him, crushing the upper part of his body. The other occupants in the vehicle were shaken up but not seriously injured. 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
February 2025
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