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This Week in USBP History, Vol. 72

1/15/2023

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January 15 - January 21

HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999
Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

 
Let me start out with an announcement.  Joe Banco's newest book is ready for purchase from Amazon!
 
HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​
HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol is the first comprehensive history of the U.S. Border Patrol. It is divided into five volumes, each covering a critical stage in its development. In this Volume Three, the story continues covering the period of 1975-1999. Volume Three begins with the story of “The Originals,” those trailblazers that were first during this period of U.S. Border Patrol history. The first women to become part of the U.S. Border Patrol’s legacy, the first female, Hispanic, and black Chief Patrol Agents, and the first naturalized citizen to lead the U.S. Border Patrol. The story continues with openings, closings, and renaming of Sectors, the addition of helicopters, and the reimplementation of the Canine and Horse Patrol programs, the evolution of BORTAC and BORSTAR, operations dealing with mass migrations and refugee crises including the Cuban boatlift and processing of Vietnamese refugees. Covered are the impacts of immigration reform initiatives of the 1980s and 1990s, and the implementation of the 1993 Southwest Border Strategy with Operation Hold the Line, Operation Gatekeeper and others. Closing out Volume III is a reflection on the U.S. Border Patrol as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and a tribute to our Heroes and Fallen.

Where possible and available, actual quotes from Border Patrol Agents, leadership and historical documents are utilized. Background information is also provided to give additional perspective. Historical photographs are included to complement the writing and hopefully add value to Volume III of Honor First: The Story of the United States Border Patrol.

​Today's update is going to highlight an area for improvement covering organizational pride.  Remember, the building blocks of organizational pride are:
  • History - Factual occurrences from the past, e.g. the USBP began with 32 "sectors", not with one or two,
  • Tradition - Customs, rituals and ceremonies passed down through the years, e.g. oral interviews, and attending the Academy (shared experiences through the generations), and
  • Culture - The aggregate personality, and shared beliefs and values of the organization and its members, e.g. rugged independence, and a fearlessness to step outside of constraint and expectations to do right.
 
In the Border Patrol, no one thing embodies the Patrol's organizational culture more than it's uniform.  It is paramount!  Let me give you a few pictures...
​So, I've given you nine pictures spanning the earliest time in the Patrol up to 2007.   What might not be evident is that every agent and inspector is performing their duties while wearing their dress uniform.  
 
What many people do not know is that Chief of the Border Patrol Roger P. Brandemuehl (pictured bottom center), began having all USBP headquarters personnel wear dress uniforms to work at HQ in the early 1980's.  They looked sharp! A tradition that continued until about 2010.  We looked sharp! Then something happened...
 
In the late 2000's all USBP HQ personnel and Sector staff wore dress uniforms.  Dress uniforms were mandated throughout the sectors for various duties that didn't require rough duty.  Then in 2009, the USBP pulled the trigger and fully implemented a new rough duty uniform.  It had cargo pockets, was made from more durable fabric, nylon duty belts, and cloth badges.  I was assigned to HQ at the time and to herald in this new era, all HQ folks were mandated to wear rough duty uniforms for the week.  That was a departure from the dress uniform and a nice gesture...
 
Now at the same time, our brothers in Air and Marine Operations (AMO) started wearing flight suits while performing their HQ duties.  It was very common for us BP folks to make fun of them for wearing such an informal uniform.  We would say things like, "I love your AMO pajamas!"  Or we'd say, "I see you're wearing your AMO onesie today." The contrast between them and us was great!  The Patrol looked sharp and AMO looked...  Sloppy.
 
The thing that happened was that all agents at HQ were mandated to wear rough duty uniforms in 2010!  We started wearing BP pajamas to work similar to AMO, and all of the sectors followed the example.  Don't get me wrong, the rough duty uniform is functional and needed, but only in those places that duty dictates.  With that far reaching change from dress uniforms to rough duty, our culture began to change...  Tradition that had been in place for decades died...  A piece of USBP history began to fade..  Organizational pride suffered a detrimental hit.  Pride began to diminish...
 
You see, that dress uniform instilled pride in the wearer because they knew that they looked sharp.  When two or more agents were together in dress uniform, their individual pride also became organizational pride.  Because we knew that we looked sharp!  Since those in leadership positions possessed that simple pride, they naturally passed that down to the rest of the workforce.  It was fundamental. 
 
Now, I heard excuses that went along the lines of (with my responses below them)...  
  • The military is wearing field uniforms at the Pentagon.
    • I think that the military was and is wrong to do that.  Their organizational pride has suffered too because they don't have the pride of looking sharp!
  • Wearing rough duty at HQ helps us stay in touch with the field.
    • Ridiculous! Meaningful conversations and interactions with field personnel keeps one in touch with the field.
  • The dress uniform isn't comfortable.
    • Then buy new uniforms in the right size.
In closing this, let me give you something to ponder.  Whenever any unit is suffering from poor morale, the very first correction to make is with appearance.  Get a haircut.  Shave.  Put on a clean, pressed and polished uniform.  In other words, look sharp and be sharp!
 
In 2014, Admiral McRaven gave a commencement speech at the University of Texas.  He started it with the words, "If you wanna change the world, start off by making your bed."  
 
Along that same thinking, the first step in making the Patrol better is by making the Patrol look better.  Agents assigned to HQ in DC, a Sector HQ, or performing purely administrative duties should be mandated to wear dress uniform.
 
Pride starts with appearance and the Patrol is missing the train!
 
One last set of photos to really drive the point home.  It should NEVER be the case that the President of the United States is greeted by agents in rough duty.  It is a horrible precedent, and a missed opportunity to look sharp and to be sharp for the rest of the workforce.
 
Do better folks!
​We used to do it right..
 
It might seem small, but it's huge!
Border Patron Agents in dress uniform with President Bush
This week starts with an Immigration Guard announcement from 1908.  We have an interesting memo from 1929 dealing with employees having a dual appointment as a Border Patrol Inspector and a mechanic. We have fencing from 1956, and the Patrol being deployed to provide security for a presidential inauguration in 1996, and more!
 
We remember three Newton-Azrak Award Recipients on the anniversary of the day of their action.
 
We remember five of the fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.
 
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

1908
  • On January 15, 1908 an announcement for a Guard with the Immigration Service was issued.  Those guards shouldn’t be confused with the Mounted Guards.  The position of Guard would be long serving with the Immigration Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service.  
1929
  • On January 15, 1929, Assistant Commissioner-General (Deputy Commissioner today) and former “Chief” of the Border Patrol George Harris (1876-1941) , wrote a memo to all border district heads concerning uniform wear for employees who were both Border Patrol Inspectors and mechanics.  It is interesting to see the addressees separated by title, Commissioners of Immigration and District Directors.  It should be noted that the concept of an employee possessing the dual appointment of Patrol Inspector and mechanic had occurred as early as 1925, even in acting compacities in 1928.
  • On January 21, 1929, the Second Supplement to General Order 4 was issued.  It basically stated that district heads would not meet or accompany supervisors on inspection trips unless asked.  This is interesting for a few reasons:
    • When General Order 4 (which has not been found) was written in 1922, only one person in the Immigration Service is known to have held a title including the word “Supervisor”.  That was Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) who was the Supervising Inspector of the southern border.  Coincidentally, he retired from federal service in 1922 and the position of Supervising Inspector was discontinued. However, he would return to federal service and later become the third person to have been Chief of the Border Patrol in 1932 as the Director of the Canadian Border District.
    • In 1929, the only position known to have “Supervisor” in its title was, Supervisor, Border Patrol (Chief of the Border Patrol).
    • Therefore, this supplement appears to have been designed to allow the Chief of the Border Patrol to inspect the field without the interference of local leadership.
1930
  • This January 17, 1930 document clearly shows the total manpower, location and hierarchy of the Border Patrol.  32 sub-districts (sectors) with 875 employees of all titles (not just inspectors.)
1932
  • This January 21, 1932 document lists the immigration stations in the Montreal District covering modern day, Houlton, Swanton and Buffalo Sectors.  It gives an interesting look at the simple rental spaces that were used as sub-district headquarters.
1939
  • On January 18, 1939, the Central Office (HQ) issued a memo to the field to inventory all badges and cap insignia for all positions. All of the field responses have been collected from the National Archive giving the most complete list of badges and cap insignia available for that time.
1956
  • On January 18, 1956, a memo was addressed to Chief of the Border Patrol Harlon Carter (1913-1991​) outlining the border fencing projects that were being planned. There were projects in all four southern border states.
    • It should be noted that Harlon Carter was 8th Chief of the Border Patrol (1950-1957).  Further, he was the first Chief to have graduated the Academy having EOD’d on May 16, 1936 and attended an unnumbered session.
1969
  • The inauguration of Richard Nixon on January 20, 1969, saw the first large contingent of Patrol Inspectors deployed to provide security for a presidential inauguration, a trend that would be repeated every four years up to the present.
    • ​​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco
1989
  • On January 20, 1989, ten members of the U.S. Border Patrol Horse Patrol from the Laredo and McAllen Sectors and their horses would make history and begin a trend for the future by participating in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, DC, for the inauguration of President George H. Bush. Of interest, the USBP Horse Patrol members held the flags of Texas, the INS, and four U.S. Border Patrol flags as they paraded down Pennsylvania Avenue and in front of the reviewing stand as they were saluted by President Bush.
    • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco
1999
  • A 75th Anniversary Planning Committee was formed on January 17, 1999, and began working on the largest national observance in the history of the INS.  The San Diego Convention Center was selected for the anniversary ball and the 75th Anniversary Planning Committee, in cooperation with the U.S. Border Patrol Museum, developed exhibits recognizing significant events in Border Patrol history and honoring the employees who made this agency successful.
    • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ 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 Scroll
1986

John J. Burgmeier, III - photo, memo
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma, Arizona
On January 19, 1985, while on duty, Border Patrol Agent John J. Burgmeier observed a house engulfed in flames.  He reacted by notifying the Border Patrol Radio Operator and requested the Yuma Fire Department.  He then proceeded to the front door of the house and encountered a woman who informed him that her mother and son were still in the burning house. Without hesitation, he entered the burning. Smoke filled home and attempted to rescue the individuals.  Almost overcome by smoke, he came outside, at which time the woman who he initially encountered pointed out a man nearby and indicated he was the one who started the fire.  Agent Burgmeier immediately took the suspect into custody.  At this time a second officer appeared, to whom Agent Burgmeier turned over the suspect and again entered the burning house.  He courageously reentered the house many times in the attempt to rescue the individuals believed to be inside, until he was so overcome by smoke that he had to be taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.  

​One of the persons inside the house managed to escape while the other was overcome and died in the blaze.
 
Agent Burgmeier’s valiant efforts resulted in the arrest of an arson/murder suspect and displayed courage beyond that expected in normal line of duty.

  
1996

Jefferson L. Barr
​(1962-1996)
Senior Patrol Agent
Del Rio Sector

Posthumously Awarded                      
On January 19, agents out of Eagle Pass Station in the Del Rio Sector seized 246 pounds of marijuana at the Rio Grande River at approximately 8:30 p.m.  Four subjects escaped by swimming across the river back to Mexico to avoid capture.
 
At approximately 10:30 p.m., Senior Patrol Agent Jefferson L. Barr and his partner, Border Patrol Agent Ned Thomas, responded to electronic sensor activity at a location in the same area of the earlier seizure, 2 ½ miles down river from the Eagle Pass Port-of-Entry.  The two agents took up positions on a trail leading away from the sensor activations to await possible alien foot traffic.  When Agents Barr and Thomas challenged four individuals carrying bundles of suspected narcotics, the subjects dropped their loads and three of them attempted to flee toward the river.  Agent Thomas grappled with one of the three as the fourth subject simultaneously responded with gunfire at Agent Barr.  The suspect expended all eight rounds from a .22 caliber revolver, striking Agent Barr once in the left shoulder area.  The path of the projectile that struck him was such that the wound was fatal instantly.  Agent Barr fired all six rounds from his .357 magnum Service revolver during the gunfight, striking the suspect once.  The round struck the suspect’s left wrist, shattering his wristwatch, and entered his abdominal cavity.  The suspect was able to walk the river and cross back into Mexico.  Another 201 pounds of marijuana were also seized during this incident.
​

 
2008

Luis A. Aguilar - ​ photo
​(1976-2008)
Senior Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector

Posthumously Awarded
Senior Patrol Agent Luis A. Aguilar was honored posthumously for his selfless courage, which resulted in saving the life of a fellow agent. On January 19, 2008, while performing anti-smuggling duties in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area as part of the Yuma Station IMPACT Team, Agents Luis Aguilar and German Burgoin coordinated efforts to apprehend two vehicles suspected of being loaded with marijuana that illegally crossed from Mexico into the U.S. The agents were deploying a Controlled Tire Deflation Device in the path of one of the vehicles when the driver accelerated and drove towards them. Agent Aguilar yelled for Agent Burgoin to get out of the area as he attempted to run to a safe location behind some barriers. Agent Burgoin was able to get to safety, but the suspected smuggler intentionally struck Agent Aguilar who died as a result of his injuries. Agent Aguilar made the ultimate sacrifice in saving the life of his fellow agent. 

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.
1940
 
William L. Sills
Date of Birth:                       August 21, 1909
Entered on Duty:                 May 16, 1936
Title:                                     Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                      January 17, 1940

Details:
Patrol Inspector William L. Sills was killed on January 17, 1940, while on night patrol duty at a crossing on the Rio Grande River in the vicinity of La Grulla, Texas. On the date mentioned, three Patrol Inspectors, William L. Sills, Albin Ulrickson, and Leslie H. Buchanan, encountered three smugglers transporting contraband.
 
Two of them were taken into custody, and Patrol Inspector Sills, in attempting to cut off the escape of the third smuggler, was shot at close range and fatally wounded. Before falling, Inspector Sills returned the smuggler's fire and killed him. The smuggler, a Mexican alien, had previously been deported from the United States.
 
Patrol Inspector Sills died in an ambulance enroute to the hospital at McAllen, Texas, where he was stationed. The two smugglers who were apprehended were arraigned on smuggling charges and for complicity in the killing.​

​Gravesite
 
 
1996
 
Jefferson L. Barr
Date of Birth:                   November 16, 1962
Entered on Duty:            January 19, 1988
Title:                                    Senior Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                  January 19, 1996
 
Details:
On January 19, 1996, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Senior Patrol Agent Jefferson Barr and his partner, Border Patrol Agent Ned Thomas responded to electronic sensor activity at a location on the Rio Grande River 2 1/2 miles downriver from the Eagle Pass Port-of-Entry. The two agents took up positions on a trail leading away from the sensor activations to await possible alien foot traffic. 
 
When Agents Barr and Thomas challenged four individuals carrying bundles of suspected narcotics, the subjects dropped their loads and three of them attempted to flee toward the river. Agent Thomas grappled with one of the three as the fourth subject, simultaneously, responded with gunfire at Agent Barr. The suspect expended all eight rounds from a .22 caliber revolver, striking Agent Barr once in the left shoulder area. The path of the projectile that struck Agent Barr was such that the wound was fatal instantly. Agent Barr fired all six rounds from his .357 magnum Service revolver during the gunfight, striking the suspect once. The suspect was able to walk to the river and cross back into Mexico. He was found shortly thereafter, suffering from his wounds, taken for medical treatment and subsequently taken into custody by Mexican authorities.

​Gravesite
 
 
1999
 
Rene B. Garza
Date of Birth:                  February 11, 1947
Entered on Duty:           March 30, 1975
Title:                                    Senior Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                  January 20, 1999
 
Details:
On January 20, 1999, Senior Patrol Agent Rene B. Garza was conducting surveillance on horseback in Skeleton Canyon, located in the “bootheel” of New Mexico, about 75 miles southwest of Lordsburg. He suffered cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead. According to other Border Patrol Agents, the severity of the illness and the geographical isolation were contributing factors in Agent Garza’s death.
 
Agent Garza was born in south Texas and was a graduate of the Border Patrol’s 107th Academy Class. He had spent his entire Border Patrol career at the Lordsburg Station.

​Gravesite
 
 
2002
 
Eloy Hernandez
Date of Birth:                    June 14, 1972
Entered on Duty:              March 9, 1998
Title:                                  Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                   January 17, 2002
 
Details:
On Thursday, January 17, 2002, at 12:08 a.m., Border Patrol Agent Eloy Hernandez was killed in an automobile accident while on patrol near Progesso, Texas. He was rounding a curve on a gravel road when his vehicle rolled over twice. A fellow Border Patrol Agent located the wreck. Agent Hernandez was airlifted to Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen, Texas, where he was pronounced dead.
 
Agent Hernandez was a native of Mercedes, Texas. He was a graduate of the 367th session of the Border Patrol Academy at Glynco, Georgia, and was assigned to the Weslaco Station at the time of his death.

​Gravesite
 
 
2008​
 
Luis A. Aguilar
Date of Birth:                    November 26, 1976
Entered on Duty:              July 21, 2002
Title:                                 Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                   January 19, 2008
 
Details:
Border Patrol Agent Luis A. Aguilar was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, January 19, 2008, after a suspected smuggler intentionally ran him over, while he was deploying a controlled tire deflation device in an attempt to stop the vehicle from escaping into Mexico.
              
Agent Aguilar was working with a plain-clothes unit (IMPACT) near the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, when he and his unit were notified of attempted drive- through vehicles. The IMPACT Unit stationed several agents in an attempt to intercept the vehicles as they made their way northbound. Agent Aguilar and another agent positioned themselves on the access road to deploy a controlled tire deflation device (CTDD). As the agents were stretching the   CTDD across the roadway, the driver of the vehicle accelerated, driving directly toward the agents. One agent climbed the highway fence to the north, and was able to escape being struck by the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle immediately swerved to the left, directly at Agent Aguilar. At approximately 9:30 AM, the vehicle struck Agent Aguilar, continued across the campground and escaped into Mexico. Border Patrol Agent Luis A. Aguilar was pronounced dead about 20 minutes later.
 
The driver of the vehicle, Jesus Navarro-Montes, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

​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.


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

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