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Picture

This Week in USBP History, Vol. 70

1/1/2023

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January 1 - January 7

U.S. Border Patrol flag gif
Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!  
 
!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!
 
In beginning the New Year, I want to start week’s newsletter by repeating an answer to a question that was posed to me, “Why do you do this?”  That question was in reference to helping Ray Harris manage HonorFirst.com, moderating the Applicant's Forum and Agent’s Forum, regularly contacting some you active folks, and generally remaining very engaged with the U.S. Border Patrol.  For example, it takes me hours to create these newsletters, archive them in the blog, and messaging them on social media (and I still don’t catch all of the typos).  Here’s the answer...
 
The last three years of my career my motivation for doing the job, and pushing my chain of command was because I cared, in an Honor First and Esprit de Corps sense, for the Patrol and the workforce (uniformed and non-uniformed).  Interestingly, in a know thyself moment, I realized that I cared about the workforce more than the work.  I cared more about those doing and who had done the job, than the job.  That's what keeps me here.  That's why I send emails to the active folks, author these newsletters, take daily USBP phone calls/emails, etc...  I care because I care about the U.S. Border Patrol and its current and former employees, just like you.  I send emails to current leadership and take calls nearly every day, in the belief that I may have just a smidgeon of influence to make the being part of the USBP better for the workforce (past and present).  The value to me is intrinsic.  It makes me feel good to do good for “them".  It makes me feel good when I can right wrongs or merely offer assistance. 
My approach is pretty transparent.  I try to follow the two pillars of Esprit de Corps:
  1. Organizational Pride - I highlight history and other interesting aspects of the Patrol, and
  2. Employee Morale - I focus on the items that benefit the workforce, like true leadership (having a bias for the workforce, not being the a$$hole, etc) and appropriate recognition.
 
Sometimes, my approach is well received such as the numerous updates to HonorFirst.com and these newsletters. Other times, my approach is sharper when I cast the light on areas in need of improvement such as the 2021 Open Email to Chief Ortiz (I've retired that page) and the perpetual reminder that fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax not being remembered as he should.
 
Before I retired, I had two sayings that I really tried to live by:
  1. "There's a line the separates stupidity from tenacity and I'm going to find it!"
    • That statement, for me, was a reminder to never stop pursuing what I believe to be right.  I felt that as long as I was still pursuing, that I was being tenacious.  If I gave up before achieving the goal, my tenacity would turn to stupidity. Once I achieved the goal, it proved I had been tenacious!
  2. “I’m an unapologetic advocate for the workforce.”  
    • I never had problem passionately sticking up for the workforce.  Sometimes my advocation would employee finesse, such as offering senior leadership a different perspective.  Sometimes my advocation would be a bit unrestrained as I bluntly informed a ranking agent that they were part of the problem (with low employee morale). I like to think that I was relentless in that support.
 
In retirement, I like to think that both of those statements still stand true.
 
Thank you for your patience. Now to the update!
 
The week we have two activity reports from the Marine City Sub-district for 1925 and 1926, and one for the New Orleans District from 1929.  We have a proposed 1930 El Paso District reorganization map, and the short-lived Border Districts started in 1932.
 
We remember three Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions.
 
We also remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.
 
Happy new year and have a great week!
 
Cliff
PS - 
  • 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 documents and pages.
  • Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.


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.

Documents/Events

1925
  • On January 3, 1925, District Director of the Detroit District, Percy L. Prentis (1870-1928), forwarded an activity report of the Marine City Sub-district to the Commissioner-General.  The report was written by Ruel Davenport (1878-1961) who was the Patrol Inspector in Charge (PIIC) for the sub-district.
    • A little over a year later, General Order 61 (GO61) would be implemented and Ruel Davenport and George Harris (1876-1941) would become the first “Chiefs” of the Border Patrol.  The Order would also change the name of “Patrol Inspector in Charge” to “Chief Patrol Inspector”.  Sub-districts would be renamed sectors in the 1940’s.
1926
  • On January 4, 1926, PIIC Ruel Davenport submitted a Report of Activities for the Month of December 1925 for the Marine City Sub-district.  Like the report from a year earlier, this offers an interesting glimpse into the early work conducted by the Border Patrol in the Detroit area.
  • On January 5, 1926, George T. Montague, the PIIC of the Detroit Intelligence Division submitted an activity report to District Director Prentis.  This is the earliest Border Patrol intel unit of which I am aware.
    • This 1925 document is the earliest document of the “so-called Intelligence Division” the Detroit District and in the Border Patrol.
    •  I could not locate the gravesite of George T. Montague.  However, I di find newspaper articles that showed he was transferred to Baltimore as an Immigrant Inspector in 1927.  He resigned from the Immigration Service approximately two months after that transfer.  In 1929, he was detained and subsequently release for suspicion of bootlegging while he was assigned to Detroit.  Although, I could locate other people with the same name, I could not confirm any of them were this George T. Montague.
1927
  • On January 5, 1927, Supervisor of the Border Patrol George Harris wrote to the Commissioner-General his recommendations for Border Patrol uniform fabric.
    • The position “Supervisor of the Border Patrol” is synonymous with the modern position “Chief of the Border Patrol”.  Later in 1927, Harris would be reassigned leaving only Davenport as the sole “Chief” until 1932 (see 1932 below).
  • On January 7, 1927, the Commissioner of Immigration of District #1, the Montreal District, Harry R. Landis (1880-1950), wrote a request to the Commissioner-General to rent approximately 20 horses from the U.S. Army so that Border Patrol Inspectors could use them to patrol the border in the winter months.
    • It should be noted that the district was headquartered in Montreal, Canada.  The district included the Houlton, Newport, Rouses Point and Massena Sub-districts.
1929
  • Another incident from Arizona shows the tenacity and drive of those early Patrol Inspectors to “stay in the fight.” On January 1, 1929, Senior Patrol Inspector Carson Morrow (1896-1959) of the Nogales, Arizona Station had apprehended two Mexican liquor smugglers in a canyon and during a struggle, one of the smugglers “imprisoned Inspector Morrow’s arms” behind his back as the other stabbed him in the chest with a large knife. The two stepped back expecting Morrow to fall dead, but he quickly drew his revolver and shot the alien that had stabbed him dead as the other made his escape. The knife wound was “an inch and a quarter in length and had pierced Morrows’ chest wall and punctured the pleural sac around the left lung.” Although severely injured, Morrow managed to get back to his horse, ride back to his station in Nogales to make a report, and then proceeded to “St. Joseph’s Hospital for medical and surgical attention.” Morrow made a full recovery and would later become the Chief Patrol Inspector of the Tucson Sector.​
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
  • On January 2, 1929, the Commissioner of Immigration for District #17, the New Orleans District, William W. Tuttle (1878-1948), wrote a 10-page paper concerning the activities of the Border Patrol Inspectors under his supervision.  At the time, the district contained two sub-districts (sectors), New Orleans and Gulfport.
1930
  • Although difficult to see clearly, this map from 1930 presents a reorganization plan for the El Paso District (covering modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors).  The plan was to have three sub-districts (sectors) just like modern times with each sub-district having only three stations (referred to as sectors on the map).
1932
  • On January 5, 1932, GO61 was superseded with two other General Orders which created two Border Districts, and the position of Supervisor of the Border Patrol was change to Director, Border Patrol. The two-border district approach was very short lived, beginning in 1932 and ending in 1933 when the General Orders below were superseded with General Order 203 which reinstated GO61 effective June 1, 1933.
    • General Order 183 - Created the Director of the Border Patrol for the Mexican Border, Gulf and Florida immigration districts.  The district was headquartered in El Paso and George Harris came back to be the "Chief" for a nonconsecutive term.
    • General Order 184 - which created the Director of the Canadian Border District.  The district was headquartered in Detroit and Frank Berkshire (1870-1934), the Father of the Border Patrol, became the third person to be "Chief" of the Border Patrol.
1934
  • On January 6, 1934, William P. Blocker (1893-1947), the American Consul in Ciudad Juarez, wrote, "Since January 16, 1920, according to Border Patrol records, fifty smugglers have been killed in the El Paso vicinity, and nineteen immigration and customs officers have met death at the hands of the smugglers. Besides these figures of actual deaths, a number of persons have been wounded on both sides of the river."
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

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
The USBP Newton-Azrak Award
2022​

Raul A. Rodriguez - ​photo, award certificate, award set
Border Patrol Agent
Del Rio, TX
On January 3, 2021, Border Patrol Agents (BPA) Ruben Castillo and Raul A. Rodriguez placed themselves in harm's way in pursuit of a black Chevy SUV.  After and exhaustive pursuit including a deadly force encounter and search through multiple counties with various agencies, resources and personnel in tow, BPA Castillo and BPA Rodriguez were able to apprehend all of the subjects without further incident.  BPA Castillo and BPA Rodriguez demonstrated heroism in the face of grave danger.  The agents' actions brought great credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol. 

Ruben Castillo
Border Patrol Agent
Del Rio, TX
On January 3, 2021, Border Patrol Agents (BPA) Ruben Castillo and Raul A. Rodriguez placed themselves in harm's way in pursuit of a black Chevy SUV.  After and exhaustive pursuit including a deadly force encounter and search through multiple counties with various agencies, resources and personnel in tow, BPA Castillo and BPA Rodriguez were able to apprehend all of the subjects without further incident.  BPA Castillo and BPA Rodriguez demonstrated heroism in the face of grave danger.  The agents' actions brought great credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol.

 

2021

John P. Marquissee - photo, award set, certificate
Border Patrol Agent
Westmore, VT 
On January 5, 2012 at approximately 4:00 PM, off-duty Border Patrol Agent John Marquissee saw a vehicle accident in which a car was overturned and partially submerged in Lake Willoughby near Westmore, VT. Knowing a person was in dire need of help, Agent Marquissee, beyond the call of duty while facing grave danger, entered the partially frozen lake. Once at the vehicle, Agent Marquissee saw that a female victim was trapped in the car. Agent Marquissee then broke out the rear window of the car and helped the victim escape the vehicle. Agent Marquissee took the victim to shore saving her life. Agent Marquissee’s actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.


U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning BandU.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band
USBP Fallen

As of December 7, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 153* fallen.
Titles:
  • 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
  • 48 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
  • 101 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
  • 1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist
 
The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.
 
The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.
 
Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:
  • National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
  • Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
  • Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).
 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background.
Fallen Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's tombstone. Fallen Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides' tombstone in is the background.
1930
 
William D. McCalib
Date of Birth:                        December 20, 1895               
Entered on Duty:                  December 4, 1928
Title:                                          Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                        January 7, 1930

Details:
On January 7, 1930, Patrol Inspector McCalib, together with Senior Patrol Inspector West, apprehended Pedro Rendon, at Alice, Texas. Rendon was suspected of being an alien unlawfully in the United States. Rendon claimed that the proprietor of a restaurant in Alice could vouch for him and, accordingly, the officers put Rendon in the back seat of the car and drove to the restaurant. Senior Patrol Inspector West entered the establishment to interview the proprietor while Inspector McCalib remained in the car with Rendon. During West's absence, Rendon drew a pistol and shot McCalib in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Rendon was subdued and taken into custody by Senior Patrol Inspector West. It was later discovered that Rendon, alias Jose Ramirez, was an escaped convict.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $69.75 per month for her and their child.  Upon the death of his wife, his child received $38.75 per month.

​Gravesite
 
 
1985
 
Manuel Salcido, Jr.
Date of Birth:                    April 25, 1950
Entered on Duty:             March 12, 1984
Title:                                     Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                    January 2, 1985
 
Details:
On January 2, 1985, Agent Salcido was enroute to Del Rio Sector Headquarters and travelling in a seized 1975 Ford sedan. Agent Salcido’s vehicle went out of control on an ice-glazed concrete bridge and was struck broadside on the driver’s side by a southbound vehicle in the southbound lane. The other vehicle was a 1984 Suburban enroute to Eagle Pass, Texas. Agent Salcido was killed and the driver of the second vehicle was hospitalized with head and chest injuries. No other persons were involved in the accident.

​Gravesite
 
 
1995
 
Jose A. Nava
Date of Birth:                   July 6, 1958
Entered on Duty:            January 27, 1987
Title:                                    Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                  January 7, 1995
 
Details:
On January 6, 1995, Agent Jose A. Nava was on his way to conduct a train check. He was traveling on Farm Road 1572, 45 miles east of Del Rio, Texas. His Service vehicle struck a deer causing him to lose control. The vehicle overturned several times and Agent Nava was thrown from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:40 a.m. on January 7, 1995.
 
Jose Nava was born in Brownsville, Texas. He began his career with the Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas. On April 9, 1989, he transferred to the Del Rio Sector and was assigned to the Brackettville Station.

​Gravesite
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    Clifford Gill

    Blog author, retired U.S. Border Patrol Assistant Chief and, current U.S. Border Patrol employee advocate.

    ​Read more about Cliff here.


    Ray Harris

    Site founder and owner, former Senior Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent.

    ​Read more about Ray here.


    Joseph Banco

    U.S. Border Patrol historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent.

    ​Read more about Joe here.


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