August 4 - August 10Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week, we delve into several pivotal moments that illustrate the resilience, dedication, and heroism of our agents. On August 4, 1920, Frank Berkshire, the future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol, wrote a significant memo that highlighted the challenges and accomplishments of the early Immigration Patrol, setting the stage for the modern Border Patrol. Fast forward to August 4, 1980, when the dedicated work of the FORBPO bore fruit with the issuance of a Certificate of Incorporation, marking the official tax-exempt status of the U.S. Border Patrol Museum. Heroic acts are also remembered this week, such as Border Patrol Agent Jose M. Martinez’s extraordinary bravery on August 4, 2010. Martinez saved a critically wounded woman during a dangerous domestic disturbance, showcasing the selflessness and courage that define our agents. On August 5, 2012, Agent Travis Creteau demonstrated similar valor by rescuing two children from a submerged vehicle, risking his life in zero-visibility waters to save others. Other Newton-Azrak Award recipients honored this week include James E. Lassiter Jr., Joseph P. Martin, Robert B. LaBelle, Peter R. Moran, Donald A. Peck, Armando Moralez, and Arthur G. Lopez. We also solemnly remember the sacrifices of our fallen agents. This week, we honor the memories of Agents Norman R. Salinas and Marco A. Gonzales, whose dedication to duty ultimately cost them their lives. Their commitment and bravery are a testament to the enduring spirit of the U.S. Border Patrol. Join us in reflecting on these and more historical moments in this week’s blog. 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. THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONESAugust 4
On August 4, 1920, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) wrote a strongly worded memo to the Commissioner-General. The memo recommended that the Inspector in Charge in Laredo not attend a meeting scheduled in Galveston, Texas. The memo contained several items of interest:
On August 4, 1942, the U.S. reached an agreement with the Mexican government for the importation of Mexican agricultural workers. The bilateral agreement was officially known as the Mexican Farm Labor Program and would evolve to be the Bracero Program.
The dedicated work of the FORBPO to preserve the history of the U.S. Border Patrol began to bear fruit and on August 4, 1980, when the Texas Secretary of State issued a Certificate of Incorporation Number 527890-1. This certificate identified the Museum as a tax-exempt entity under Section 501 C of the Internal Revenue Code.
Line of Duty Death anniversary Norman R. Salinas Date of Birth: February 18, 1960 Entered on Duty: December 9, 1984 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: August 4, 1986 Details: Border Patrol Agent Norman Ray Salinas died on Monday, August 4, 1986, at approximately 1:20 a.m., when the government van he was driving went out of control on Interstate 35, south of Cotulla, Texas. Agent Salinas was transporting Carlos Martinez Alvarenga, an illegal alien from El Salvador, to the Lasalle County Jail in Cotulla from Laredo. Lasalle County Sheriff Darwin Avant stated that Agent Salinas apparently failed to negotiate a curve. The van left the road running onto a median, rolling over several times before finally bursting into flames. Both Agent Salinas and Martinez Alvarenga were thrown from the van. They were dead before the first officers arrived on the scene. Gravesite Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Jose M. Martinez Border Patrol Agent Buffalo Sector On August 4, 2010, Border Patrol Agent Jose M. Martinez was on patrol near Sackets Harbor, New York, in the Wellesley Island Border Patrol Station’s area of responsibility within Buffalo Sector. At about 0200 hours, Agent Martinez heard an urgent request for assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department regarding a domestic disturbance with shots fired in Sackets Harbor. Law enforcement presence in this rural area is minimal at best, with no local police, and few deputies or State Police troopers on duty or nearby in such early morning hours. Area law enforcement agencies depend upon each other for assistance when needed, and this morning was no exception. Agent Martinez was one of the first back-up officers to arrive. Prior to Agent Martinez’ arrival, a male subject had shot his wife multiple times with an assault rifle, leaving her lying critically wounded in the common hallway vestibule of an apartment building. Two Jefferson County Deputies, the only officers then at the scene, had just attempted to rescue the woman, but were forced to retreat when the male subject threatened them at gunpoint from the doorway of his apartment, near where the woman was lying. Understanding this, and in the face of the still threatening active shooter, Agent Martinez demonstrated outstanding courage and volunteered without hesitation to attempt a rescue of the woman. Acting quickly, decisively, and selflessly, Agent Martinez and two deputies made a tactical approach towards the building. As one deputy covered them, Agent Martinez and the other deputy entered the immediate danger area, still threatened by the assailant. They grabbed the motionless and defenseless woman, and dragged her out of the building to safety and a waiting ambulance. Agent Martinez then remained at the scene to assist the local agencies with perimeter security while negotiators attempted to talk the now barricaded assailant out of the building. The subject finally surrendered without further incident when local officers entered the residence at about 0645 hrs. Border Patrol Agent Jose Martinez’ extraordinary bravery and intrepidity in the face of recognized, real, and eminent danger saved the life of Sherry Morris, at the extreme risk of his own life. August 5 On August 5, 1931, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent the Commissioner-General a memo concerning Border Patrol pistol teams. In the memo, Wilmoth requested the issuance of a challenge to all pistol teams in the Patrol. The Central Office did not issue El Paso District's challenge.
The official design of the USBP patch was finalized on August 5, 1942. The earliest evidence of the patch on a Border Patrol uniform is a photograph from 1944. See this picture* and this document.
August 5, 2018, “Carla Provost was appointed as the 23rd Chief of the United States Border Patrol, becoming the first woman to hold the position.”
Line of Duty Death anniversary Marco A. Gonzales Date of Birth: October 19, 1970 Entered on Duty: November 14, 2005 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: August 5, 2020 Details: Border Patrol Agent Marco A. Gonzales passed away on August 5, 2020. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Gonzales will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger. BPA Gonzales entered on duty on November 14, 2005, as part of the 606th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He served as an agent at the Brackettville, Texas Station throughout his career. During his tenure, Agent Gonzales also served his fellow agents as a union representative. Prior to becoming a Border Patrol agent, Agent Gonzales honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife, Maria, three children and his parents. Gravesite Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Travis Creteau - award certificate, photo 1, photo 2, photo 3 Border Patrol Agent San Diego, California On August 5, 2012, at Otay Lakes Reservoir near San Diego, California, Border Patrol Agent Travis Creteau was alerted by frantic bystanders about an SUV submerged in the water with two children trapped inside. He requested emergency services and without regard for his personal safety, immediately dove into the murky, zero-visibility waters to locate the overturned vehicle. Performing beyond the call of duty while facing grave danger, Agent Creteau displayed extraordinary courage as he dove underwater to locate the vehicle where he managed to open a door and locate one of the girls, still strapped in her booster seat. Despite the challenging underwater conditions and doors embedded in mud, he took multiple dives to cut the restraints and bring her to the surface. Unyielding in his rescue efforts, Agent Creteau located the second child after several dives and, successfully freed her from entanglement and brought her to the surface. Exhausted, but compelled to continue assisting, Agent Creteau swam to shore and performed CPR on one of the girls until relieved by emergency medical services. Despite facing intense fatigue, hazardous conditions, and personal risk, he showcased remarkable determination and dedication to saving lives. Agent Creteau's conspicuous heroism and extraordinary courageous actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. August 6 On August 6, 1913, a job announcement was issued for "Mounted Inspector (Male)".
August 7 Act of August 7, 1946 (60 Stat. 865; 8 U.S.C. 110), which amended the Act of February 27, 1925 (43 Stat. 1049-1050; 8 U.S.C. 110), continuing the basic authorities and finally codifying the following authorities:
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary James E. Lassiter Jr. Immigration Officer Rome District Mr. James E. Lassiter, while on official duty as the Assistant Officer-In-Charge, Nairobi, Kenya, Rome District, Office of International Affairs, courageously saved the life of Foreign Service National employee of the United States Government following the attack of the U.S. Embassy on August 7, 1998. Mr. Lassiter was in an interior section of the main floor of the Embassy when the explosion occurred. Mr. Lassiter was buried under four feet of concrete bricks and ceiling material. He was in total darkness, pinned to the floor from the waist down, and forced to breathe toxic, smoke-filled air. When the smoke and dust cleared, Mr. Lassiter forcibly extricated himself from the heavy rubble and, although in shock, began climbing over bricks, glass, broken furniture, and mangled security bars towards daylight at the rear of the Embassy. When Mr. Lassiter reached the INS office and adjacent foreign commercial Service office areas, he could see that all interior walls had been blown down and broken desks and files were piled from two to eight feet deep. Still in shock, he continued to make his way toward the light when he heard a cry for help from a Foreign Service National employee of the Foreign Commercial Service. When Mr. Lassiter found the employee, he had blood streaming from his head and face and his left hand was partially severed at the wrist. Mr. Lassiter assisted him to his feet, put the Kenyan’s arm around his neck, and helped him to reach the back wall. Mr. Lassiter assisted him in climbing onto a high window ledge and then dragged and verbally directed the employee to crawl approximately 15 feet to a place where they could safely exit the building and then assisted him into an ambulance. Despite severely bruised ribs and a smashed lower leg, Mr. Lassiter remained at the scene to assist in further rescue efforts. He gave direction and information to rescue workers and security personnel regarding those individuals who were present on the main floor at the time of the blast, and the layout and condition of the interior of the main floor. The Foreign Service National Employee was evacuated to Germany for medical treatment and has since regained his eyesight and use of his left hand. Joseph P. Martin (1950-2022) Immigration Officer Rome District Mr. Joseph P. Martin, Officer-in-Charge, Nairobi, Kenya, Rome District, Office of International Affairs, is recognized for his unusual courage and bravery in his reaction to the terrorist bombing of the United States Embassy in Nairobi on August 7, 1998. Mr. Martin was in the Embassy at the time of the explosion and was able to exit the building; however, on three occasions, ignoring his own safety, he returned into the building to assist in the rescue operation of other trapped, injured, and deceased Embassy personnel. Mr. Martin assisted in the evacuation of several Embassy personnel, including the wife of his Assistant Officer-in-Charge. Additionally, concerned about the fate of another INS employee, Mr. Martin returned to the INS area of the building in an attempt to locate her. The INS office was one of the hardest hit at the Embassy; however, Mr. Martin climbed a ladder back into the Embassy in an attempt to ensure the employee’s safety. August 8 On August 8, 1950, the El Paso District entered into a lease agreement with El Paso County for land near Ascarate Park to house the Border Patrol Training School. The lease agreement was for $1.00 per year.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Robert B. LaBelle Border Patrol Agent Swanton Sector Peter R. Moran Border Patrol Agent Swanton Sector Donald A. Peck Patrol Agent in Charge, Swanton Station Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agent Robert B. LaBelle was recognized for his exceptional courage in rescuing two Canadian residents whose boats had capsized in the midst of one of the most violent summer storms ever experienced in the Lake Champlain region. On August 8, 1983, despite the extremely hazardous and life threatening weather conditions, he, along with Border Patrol Agents Peter Moran and Donald Peck, made numerous attempts before successfully rescuing the victims. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Armando Moralez Supervisory Border Patrol Agent San Diego Sector On the morning of August 8, 1998, at approximately 8:05 a.m., a serious injury two-vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of Ballantyne and Main in the city of El Cajon. As a result of the accident, one of the vehicles which was occupied by an adult female driver and a three-year-old passenger, burst into flames. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Armando Moralez was on duty at the time of the two-vehicle accident. As he came upon the scene, he positioned his vehicle to block the traffic flow to keep other vehicles from becoming involved in the accident scene. Upon observing the fire and that the vehicle was occupied, SBPA Moralez immediately retrieved his fire extinguisher from his Border Patrol vehicle and began attempting to extinguish the fire. During this time, SBPA Moralez and other law enforcement officers exposed themselves to the danger of the fire and possible exploding fuel. SBPA Moralez continued to fight the fire until the rescue of the two victims was complete. During this stressful emergency, SBPA Moralez exercised great courage and bravery in the pursuit of a worthwhile objective fully knowing that he was placing himself in imminent peril of loss of life or great bodily injury in the line of duty. August 8, 2002, “The Border Patrol initiated its awards/medals program, laying the foundation for the USBP Honorary Awards Program. Chief Gustavo De La Viña presented the inaugural Purple Cross Medal and Chief’s Commendation Medal in Vermont, recognizing exceptional service and meritorious achievement in line-of-duty actions and security operations.”
August 9 On August 9, 1933, as part of the reorganization that created the Immigration and Naturalization Service, all Border Patrol personnel were separated from the service and temporarily rehired the next day for a maximum of four months. This was the beginning of the Benzine Boards in the Border Patrol.
August 10 On August 10, 1929, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning a gunfight that occurred between alcohol smugglers, and Patrol Inspectors Charles W. Hayes and Richard R. Costa. 18 gallons of alcohol were seized. The Inspectors believed that at least one smuggler was injured or killed.
On August 10, 1929, Commissioner-General Harry E. Hull (1864-1938) sent a memo to the Secretary of Labor concerning pay raises for the Patrol Inspectors in District #1 (Montreal District). The memo contains the names, titles, locations, and salaries for the affected employees. Further, it shows that the district had four sub-districts at the time, down from the five it had in 1924. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Arthur G. Lopez Border Patrol Agent Tucson Sector On August 10, 1995, Border Patrol Agent Arthur G. Lopez displayed unusual courage during an incident in which he was critically wounded by gunfire along the U.S./Mexico international boundary. At approximately 2:00 pm, Agent Lopez proceeded to an area along the border commonly known as Smuggler’s Gulch. He was accompanied by BPA (T) Ronal Wehr and was assigned routine linewatch and patrol duties. Agents Lopez and Wehr observed activity on the Mexican side of the international boundary fence that appeared to be Mexican police chasing individuals on foot. The Smuggler’s Gulch area is a notoriously known canyon leading into the U.S. from Mexico that empties near the residential and business areas of Nogales, Arizona. It is frequently used by organized criminal groups for the purpose of smuggling undocumented foreign nationals, narcotics, and other contraband. It is also a favorite lair for border bandits who prey on their victims (other illegal aliens) as they cross from Mexico into the U.S. As Agents Lopez and Wehr arrived at a high point on the U.S. side of the border that overlooks Smuggler’s Gulch, they observed armed, uniformed individuals chasing and shooting at other individuals. The agents saw these uniformed individuals capture two, and then push and kick one of the people they were chasing. Upon discovering that they were being observed by Agents Lopez and Wehr, at least one of the individuals, later identified as Mexican police officers, began shooting at Agents Lopez and Wehr. BPA Lopez was critically wounded while attempting to run toward the steel border fence for cover. Agent Lopez fell to the ground but was able to crawl to the fence. He continued to give clear verbal instruction to BPA (T) Ronald Wehr the entire time. After ensuring the safety of his trainee partner and himself, Agent Lopez proceeded to call for assistance via his hand-held radio. He informed other units that he had been shot and that he was continuing to receive gunfire from the Mexican police. He verbally directed the responding units to his location, advising them when it was clear to approach and the originating point of the assailant’s gunfire. His calm and composed actions during a very traumatic, critical moment most assuredly contributed to the safety of his partner, the responding units, and likely played a key part in saving his own life, as he was racing the clock against rapid loss of blood. He never lost consciousness, did not panic, and was able to clearly communicate the situation to the benefit of the responding Border Patrol units and other agency units.
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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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