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Picture

This Week in USBP History, Vol. 76

2/12/2023

1 Comment

 

February 12 - February 18


Intro

Good morning!
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

You may not know but, I attempt to contact each living Newton-Azrak Award recipient on the anniversary of their act of bravery to let them know they are remembered.

About two weeks before their anniversary, I review the information that I have on the action.  If my records have no documents or photographs, or if I think the description of the action needs more detail, I will attempt to contact them before their anniversary to get the additional information.  It was my privilege to contact Michael Deshaies, whose Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary is this week.  He provided me with documents, photos and articles about his action that I am happy to share with you.  

He and this week's other highlighted Newton-Azrak Award recipients, Carlos Lara and Joaquin Chavez will forevermore be part of USBP history!
Senior Patrol Agent Michael Deshaies with INS Commissioner Doris Meissner, 1993
Senior Patrol Agent Michael Deshaies with INS Commissioner Doris Meissner, 1993
Border Patrol Agent Carlos Lara with CPA Greg Bovino, 2021
Border Patrol Agent Carlos Lara with CPA Greg Bovino, 2021
Border Patrol Agent Joaquin Chavez with CPA Jason Owens, 2022
Border Patrol Agent Joaquin Chavez with CPA Jason Owens, 2022
Changing the subject, if you haven't heard, rumors are swirling that Chief of the Border Patrol Raul Ortiz may be retiring in the near future.  He just celebrated his 57th birthday and without an age waiver, will retire at the end of the month.

Now, I must emphasize that no official statement has been made.  I do not possess exclusive information and this is purely just a rumor at this point.  Even while drafting this blog, I have received conflicting information.  One person says Chief Ortiz will retire at the end of the month.  Another person says that he received a waiver to stay Chief until the end of March.  Nevertheless, I believe that people holding high positions should keep their workforce informed, not guessing or in limbo as to what the near future will bring.  Even though an individual's date of retirement is somewhat personal, that measure of privacy should be lost the higher a person ascends within an organization.

Moving along, I think it's interesting to attempt to predict who will be selected to be the next Chief of the Border Patrol.  Assuming the Patrol's 26th Chief is selected from within, it only makes sense that it would be a person who is a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) and is a current or a former Border Patrol Agent (occupational series - 1896). 

Currently, 25 people meet the criteria above as potential candidates to fill the vacancy.  They include current Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Matt Hudak, numerous SES Chief and Deputy Chief Patrol Agents, several folks who have left the 1896 series as non-uniformed SES, and three folks who would need age waivers.

Excluding Deputy Chief Patrol Agents, non-1896 personnel, and those currently on age waivers, I think that the top candidates are Matthew Hudak, Gloria Chavez, Jason Owens and John Modlin.  Without diving too deep into the reasoning that I believe these four to be the top contenders, I will say this...  The next Chief of the Border Patrol will be selected by Acting Commissioner Troy Miller and Secretary Mayorkas.  I believe that the aforementioned, have the confidence, respect and trust of the Commissioner and the Secretary.
Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Matthew Hudak
Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Matthew Hudak
Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez, Rio Grande Valley Sector
Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez, Rio Grande Valley Sector
Chief Patrol Agent Jason Owens, Del Rio Sector
Chief Patrol Agent Jason Owens, Del Rio Sector.
Chief Patrol Agent John Modlin, Tucson Sector
Chief Patrol Agent John Modlin, Tucson Sector
While the selection of the next Chief of the Border Patrol is important, what I think is even more crucial is their leadership approach. As Simon Sinek says, "It's not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."

As I've said in other blog posts, for over a decade the morale of the USBP workforce has been low. To improve employee morale, retention, and organizational pride, the next Chief of the Border Patrol should focus on the workforce and follow Simon Sinek's principles of leadership. Here are several recommendations to consider:
  1. Lead with a clear vision and purpose - "People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it." The next Chief should articulate a clear vision and purpose that inspires and motivates the workforce.  
  2. Foster a culture of trust and transparency - "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." Building trust with the workforce is crucial in creating a positive and supportive work environment.  This should be a universal leadership attribute!
  3. Empower and equip employees - "The goal of a leader is to empower others to be successful." Providing employees with the necessary resources and support they need to succeed is essential in maintaining high morale and engagement.  
  4. Recognize and celebrate achievements - "A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be." Celebrating and recognizing the achievements of the workforce is a powerful way to boost morale and foster a sense of pride in the organization.
By focusing on the workforce, the next Chief of the Border Patrol can create a positive work environment, increase employee morale, and ultimately support the mission.  As Simon Sinek says, "It's about taking care of those in your charge."  That should be the foundational cornerstone Border Patrol leadership.  Take care of the workforce and they will take care of the mission!

This week starts with a 1926 memo criticizing Calexico.  We have a 1928 memo concerning employees visiting Mexico.  We have an El Paso District reorganization chart, an agency-wide badge inventory, the Academy moving from Camp Chigas and more!

​We celebrate the actions of Michael Deshaies (1993) and Joaquin Chavez (2020) that led to them being recognized with Newton-Azrak Awards.

​Enjoy 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 and Events

1926
  • On February 12, 1926, Chief Supervisor Irving F. Wixon (1884-1962) who would later promote to be the Deputy Commissioner of the INS, wrote a 9-page memo concerning the conditions of the Port of Calexico. Interesting aspects of the memo:
    • “Chief Supervisor” was a title unique to Wixon. He appeared to be a powerful assistant to the Commissioner-General and work out of HQ.  It is possible that the position evolved to become “Deputy Commissioner”.
    • Wixon criticizes:
      • The efficiency of the Voluntary Return
      • Border Patrol inspectors’ poor fluency in Spanish
      • Border Patrol inspectors’ lack of knowledge of immigration law

1928
  • This memo, written on February 16, 1928 by former “Chief” of the Border Patrol George Harris (1876-1941), warns employees about visiting Mexico too frequently.
    • George Harris would be one of the first two Chiefs of the Border Patrol (called Supervisor, Border Patrol) in 1926 with the implementation of General Order 61.  In 1927, he would be reassigned to other positions leaving Ruel Davenport (1878-1961) to be the sole Chief of the Border Patrol.  In 1932, Harris would return as the Chief of the Border Patrol (called Director at that time) and be the only person to serve nonconsecutive terms in the position.

1930
  • On February 12, 1930, Assistant Superintendent and later 7th Chief of the Border Patrol Nicolas Donald Collaer (1896-1977), submitted a blueprint for a reorganization of the El Paso District. There are several interesting aspects of the proposal:
    • The El Paso District, District #25, was comprised of:
      • Sub-district #1 – Modern-day Tucson Sector
      • Sub-district #2 – Modern-day El Paso Sector
      • Sub-district #3 – Modern-day Big Bend Sector
    • The blueprint primarily shows sub-district #1, the modern-day Tucson Sector.  On the right side of the blueprint, written vertically are mentions of the other two sub-districts.
    • Early use of the titles Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector, Sector Chief (modern PAIC), Assistant Sector Chief (Modern DPAIC)
    • Calling modern stations “Sectors”

1939
  • On January 18, 1939, the Central Office (HQ for you newbies) 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.  By February, the districts began to respond to the request:
    • On February 13, 1939, the Jacksonville District responded with their report.
    • On February 14, 1939, the Los Angeles and Newport Districts responded with their reports.
    • On February 15, 1929, the Detroit District responded with their report.

1951
  • On February 13, 1951, the Central Office authorized Army sun tan uniforms for wear in the El Paso District (modern-day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors).  Interestingly, the memo shows a full transition to the tan uniform by authorizing the forest green rough duty uniforms to be worn until they become unserviceable.  Also, the tan uniforms were authorized only for the three districts along the Mexican border; the Los Angeles, El Paso and San Antonio Districts.
    • It is unknown when the tan uniforms began to be used, but the Border Patrol Museum has photographs that show khaki uniforms were worn in the lower Rio Grande Valley as early as 1949.
  • By this time, the Camp Chigas buildings were old and new facilities were needed.  This memo, written on February 15, 1951 shows that the Border Patrol had acquired land and planned move the Academy to Ascarate Park.  Of course, this plan was not implemented.

1980
  • The 1980 Winter Olympic Games were held February 12-23, 1980 in Lake Placid, NY.  Border Patrol support would include but not be limited to; "The Swanton Sector Emergency Services Team would be a twenty-man unit broken down to two eight-person squads, two snipers, two hostage negotiators, and a team leader."
    • ​​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
1993

Michael Deshaies - 
photo, photo 2, Commissioner's memo, CPA memo, Commissioner's Award List, Newton-Azrak Award List, articles
Senior Patrol Agent
New Orleans Sector

Senior Patrol Agent Michael Deshaies was recognized for his efforts in saving a person from drowning near Pensacola, Florida during a unusual cold spell.  On February 18, 1993, Agent Deshaies encountered several people believed to be illegally present in the United States at a construction worksite.  As Agent Deshaies approached, several of the suspected illegal aliens fled.  Although the air temperature was approximately 18 degrees Fahrenheit,  three of the men jumped into a 100' wide canal in an attempt to escape.  Two of the fleeing suspects made it to the other side.  However, the third man struggled to stay afloat in the cold, muddy water.  When the third person disappeared under the water, in an act of unparalleled bravery and heroism, Agent Deshaies exhibited total disregard for his personal safety and dove into the frigid water.  Agent Deshaies was able to find the unconscious man under the water and pull him safely to shore.  The victim, a fleeing illegal alien, survived solely due to the actions of Agent Deshaies.

​
2021

Carlos A. Lara - photo
Border Patrol Agent
El Centro, CA

On February 18, 2019, Border Patrol Agent Carlos Lara was assigned to the Calexico Station’s area of responsibility when, beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger he entered the All-American Canal to rescue a man in distress. Before entering the water, several attempts to assist the drowning man were made using a rescue disc. Once it was determined that the rescue disc was ineffective, Agent Lara disregarded the danger of the swift current and entered the frigid and treacherous water. Agent Lara swam to the victim, took control of him and pulled him back to the canal bank and to safety. Agent Lara’s quick and selfless response at the risk of his own life prevented the loss of another life. Agent Lara’s actions brought great credit upon himself and United States Border Patrol.


2022


Joaquin Chavez - photo, award certificate
Border Patrol Agent
Eagle Pass North Station
Eagle Pass, TX

Border Patrol Agent Joaquin Chavez is recognized for heroic actions resulting in the rescue of three Haitian nationals from the Rio Grande River on February 12, 2022.  Understanding the risks and disregarding his personal safety, Agent Chavez entered the Rio Grande River to rescue three subjects, which included an unresponsive adult male who would have otherwise drowned. The swift actions of Agent Chavez, a product of extensive training and experience, prevented a critical situation from resulting in certain fatal consequences. Agent Chavez's actions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol

U.S. Border Patrol Fallen

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning BandU.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band
​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.
There are no anniversaries for the fallen this week.
1 Comment
Cliff
2/13/2023 02:01:53 pm

Just want to give a shout out to John for giving me a correction. I had originally put the suntan uniforms in 1939 instead of 1951. Under this new format, I'm able to just make the correction.

Thank you sir!

Reply



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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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