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Picture

This Week in USBP History, Vol. 81

3/19/2023

2 Comments

 

March 19 - March 25


Intro

Detroit Sector Challenge CoinDetroit Sector Challenge Coin
Good morning, 
 
Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! 

Last week, we spoke about the Patrol (and CBP) righting a 96-year-old wrong by finally recognizing the death of Patrol Inspector Orin F. Hush as having occurred in the line of duty—a shining example of valuing the workforce. That discussion naturally led me to point out the 23-year-old wrong, in which the Patrol submitted the paperwork to have Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax honored by having his name inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial (NLEOM), but has refused to add his name to their Honor Roll and the CBP Valor Memorial (utterly unsatisfactory and easily remedied). After that post, and to my surprise, I received a phone call and an email from USBP HQ, which left me with the impression that the Patrol has no plans to honor Agent Gigax. It's astounding that they would have his name put on the NLEOM but not honor him themselves!

Moving along, last week I promised to continue discussing the importance of valuing the workforce, with a focus on the individual primarily responsible for Patrol Inspector Orin F. Hush's death receiving its proper recognition—retired Acting Watch Commander Mark Hall.

Mark graduated with Class 167 and EOD'd in 1984. He spent a few years on the southern border and the rest of his career (over 30 years) in Detroit Sector.   He had been a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent for 15 years (2003-2018) and loved being a in the field with the troops.  Mark stayed in the Patrol until the mandatory age of 57 and retired February 28, 2018. Little do most people know, Mark is a bona fide Border Patrol hero, having been in four harrowing lifesaving situations. Instead of recounting them all, I'll focus on one particular incident...

​After Mark had retired from the Border Patrol he became a non-uniformed rehired annuitant (02/2019-02/2022). During that time, one of his coworkers discovered a conspicuous act of heroism in which he and his partner had participated in 1990. Allow me to share the story with you.

On August 27, 1990, Border Patrol Agents Mark Hall and Albert Ornelas demonstrated exceptional bravery while assisting Detroit Police Officers in apprehending a dangerous criminal in Detroit, Michigan. The suspect, Pedro Herrera, had previously fired upon officers and was intent on causing further harm to law enforcement.

During the pursuit, Herrera lost control of his stolen vehicle and started firing at the officers. Agents Hall and Ornelas, without hesitation, engaged the gunman in a firefight, risking their lives to protect their fellow officers and the community. Notably, both agents faced great peril without cover or concealment as they courageously engaged Herrera, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the safety of others.

Their swift and decisive actions ultimately led to Herrera's arrest and the prevention of further harm. Their courage and selflessness in the face of imminent danger not only saved the lives of their fellow officers but also fostered a strong bond of trust and mutual admiration between the U.S. Border Patrol and the Detroit Police Department. Despite their heroic actions, Agents Hall and Ornelas have not yet received formal recognition from the U.S. Border Patrol.

​Mark's coworker, familiar with the USBP Honorary Awards program and its ability to recognize past acts, began collecting evidence of his heroism, such as the 2019 letter below written by Robert B. Dunlap, Chief, Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Robert was one of the two Detroit police officers that Mark and his partner saved in 1990.

dunlap_letter.pdf
File Size: 1733 kb
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Download File

2015 - Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Mark Hall while on detail in Philadelphia to provide security during a Papal visit.
2015 - Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Mark Hall while on detail in Philadelphia to provide security during a Papal visit.
Once enough information was gathered, nominations for Newton-Azrak Awards were submitted for Mark and Albert. However, by April 2020, Chief Ortiz had prohibited the consideration of any event occurring more than two years prior unless he granted a waiver. Detroit Sector submitted the waiver, and it was promptly denied.

In August 2022, Chief Ortiz reevaluated his previous decision to disallow recognition of past acts and subsequently directed the revival of all previously disapproved nominations, affecting 370 employees (see This Week in USBP History, Vol. 52). This decision ensures that these acts will undergo the appropriate process to receive the recognition they deserve. However, Mark's and Ornelas' nominations were never entered into the nomination system (BPETS), because their waivers were denied. They were not part of the revived nominations affecting 370 employees.

As the 33rd anniversary of this event approaches, it is vital to acknowledge the outstanding acts of bravery displayed by Agents Mark Hall and Albert Ornelas, whose actions have left a lasting impact on the law enforcement community and the city of Detroit.

I should mention that Mark and Robert developed a lasting friendship and talk to each other regularly.

​Albert left the Patrol in 1992 and worked as a criminal investigator with the Drug Enforcement Administration.  He would later move on and become a Federal Air Marshall where he retired in 2008.

This week's update starts in 1907 when Jeff Milton accidentally shot a man in the foot while breaking up a dog fight. We have a 17-page outline penned by Charlie Askins "for a course of Instruction (pistol) for future Border Patrol Training Schools". We have a 7-page document from 1953 discussing the importance of fencing in the modern-day Rio Grande Valley Sector. And much more!

We celebrate nine Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions, including the first two female recipients from 1994.

We remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.

​Enjoy and have a fantastic 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

1907
  • On March 22, 1907, George Webb, who was then the supervisor of Jeff Milton (1861-1947) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning Milton having an accidental discharge while attempting to stop a dog fight resulting in the injury of a person (shot in the foot with a ricocheting round).  Webb defends Milton by stating, “I further state that, if Milton had fired at the dog or man intentionally, the bullet would have penetrated a deadly spot, as he is a "crack shot."  Further, Milton was arrested and Webb writes, “The most damaging evidence submitted against Milton seems to be that of the arresting officer, in which he states that Milton denied having a gun, which is not corroborated by any other witness, and can be accounted for by him being a Mexican, newly appointed to office and desiring a reputation.”
  • On March 25, 1907, once again Webb had to write a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning Milton.  In this instance, a complaint against Milton had been sent to the President and the Commissioner-General wanted additional information. This is a must-read document. See some of the quotes below: 
    • Concerning the complainant, Dave Black, Webb writes - I beg to advise that Black is personally known to me; that no credit can be given to the statement made by him, he being a professional saloon loafer, and alleged to be addicted to the morphine habit, and no doubt resorts to illegal means by aiding in the illegal importation of Chinese from Mexico (He being a Chinese mason); yet we have been unable to apprehend him.
    • … (Black) was making threats that he would kill Milton on sight; to which Milton replied that Black was a very foolish man.

1926
  • On March 24, 1926, a memo was written to convert Immigrant Inspectors who had been designated to be Patrol Inspectors in Charge to Immigrant Inspectors designated to be Chief Patrol Inspectors.  This change was driven by General Order 61 which was signed on March 18, 1926. 

1930
  • On March 24, 1930, the Commissioner-General wrote a memo that identified the hierarchy, leadership and locations of the USBP on the border with Mexico.  At the time, there were three Districts with the ranking Patrol Inspectors holding the title of Assistant Superintendents.  Chief Patrol Inspectors led sub-districts (sectors).

1935
  • On March 23, 1935, famed Border Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr. (1907-1999) submitted a 17-page outline “for a course of Instruction (pistol) for future Border Patrol Training Schools.”
    • Remember, a photograph (courtesy of the  Border Patrol Museum)  of a Border Patrol training class that was in session December 3, 1934 - March 17, 1935, is used as the birthdate of the USBP Academy.  It is unknown if Camp Chigas had been used by the El Paso District (Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sub-districts) to train district employees before that photo. However, the concept of creating a national academy had been discussed and researched in 1934 (see this document and this document).  Records were not kept that identified the date that Camp Chigas began training all Border Patrol new hires and therefore became the national Academy. Nevertheless, 1936 is the year that documents support that having occurred.

1942
  • On March 25, 1942, Secretary of War Henry Stimpson gave assurances to Attorney General Biddle that enemy alien “dependents” would be “interned by you (DOJ) for approximately six months at the expiration of which time the War Department will assume custody and provide facilities for them.”  This never came to fruition, as the situation was overcome by events, including additional enemy aliens being “evacuated” from South and Central America after further negotiations with those countries under what became known as the Montevideo Resolution ofMay 21, 1943.  The INS and in turn, the U.S. Border Patrol, would be tasked with detaining these enemy aliens and, later, even some Japanese- Americans evacuated from the West Coast as late as 1946.​
    • ​​From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1945
  • On March 20, 1945, the Acting Assistant Commissioner for Alien Control wrote a request for information concerning the inventory of tear gas and other like items at five internment camps.  The Acting Assistant Commissioner was Nicolas Donald Collaer (1896-1977) who began his Immigration Service career in the El Paso District in 1922 and would retire after having been the Chief of the Border Patrol (1948-1950). 

1953
  • On March 20, 1953, Chief Patrol Inspector Fletcher Lee Rawls (1897-1989) of the McAllen Sector (now the Rio Grande Valley Sector) submitted a 7-page report concerning “the need construction of boundary fence and observation towers in vicinity of Brownsville, Texas-Matamoros, Mexico to control illegal traffic.”  The document is a “condensed report taken from a 29-page report submitted by Patrol Inspector in Charge Snow.”  The first two paragraphs which were written 70 years ago, seem just as applicable today.
    • The illegal traffic across the practically dry Rio Grande River bed within the area encompassed by the city limits of Brownsville, Texas and the neighboring city of Matamoros, Tamps., Mexico has reached such proportions that the construction of a boundary fence seems to be not only necessary and justified but also almost imperative. I know of no other way to cope with the situation. It is already completely beyond the ability of the presently authorized strength of the Brownsville Border Patrol unit to control, and grows worse steadily.
    • The seriousness of this situation lies not only in the fact that such large numbers of aliens are violating our Immigration laws to the point or making a farce or them, but that this disgraceful situation has become a public spectacle with thousands of out of state visitors from all over the nation witnessing and photographing these brazen mass violations of our laws in open daylight.

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
1979

Kenneth D. Crockett - ​group photo
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector

Larry M. Herbert
Investigator
Yuma, Arizona

William A. McIver - award documents, photo 1, photo 2
Border Patrol Agent
Houlton Sector

On March 25, 1978 at approximately 6:30 PM, Agent Larry Herbert was near a construction bridge that spans the Andrade and Morales area near Yuma, Arizona.  The water which flows under the bridge is constricted which creates an extremely dangerous and turbulent whirlpool.

As Agent Herbert approached the bridge, he saw three people in a small boat.  The operator of the boat was frantically attempting and failing to start the boat's motor.  Agent Herbert immediately radioed for help. 

Agent Herbert attempted unsuccessfully to reach the people with a tow strap before it was pulled into the turbulent waters where it capsized spilling the occupants into the water.  All of the occupants were having difficulty keeping their heads above water.  Agent Herbert was able to quickly pull two of the victims from the water.  Keeping the third person in sight, he instructed one of the people he had just saved to use his Service vehicle's radio to advise that more help was needed.

Upon seeing that the third victim had been pulled into the whirlpool, Agent Herbert jumped into the water to rescue him.  Becoming exhausted and unable to save the victim, Agent Herbert swam to shore.

As Agent Herbert swam to shore, Agent William McIver and Agent Kenneth Crockett arrived at the scene.  Agent McIver immediately jumped into the water and entered the whirlpool with the victim.  After a tremendous struggle, Agent McIver was able to escape the whirlpool with the victim. 

Having become exhausted, Agent McIver couldn't get himself and the victim out of the water.  Agent Crockett then reach out and was able to pull both Agent McIver and the third victim to shore.


1992

Theo D. Hudson - nomination memo, 1992 commissioner's awards pamphlet
Senior Patrol Agent 
Tucson Sector

Presented on March 19, 1992, to Senior Border Patrol Agent Theo D, Hudson for his outstanding and innovative contributions to the Intelligence Program in the Tucson Sector of the United States Border Patrol. His innovations have greatly enhanced the law enforcement efforts of this Sector in combatting narcotic and undocumented alien smuggling. During the period April 1, 1990 to March 31, 1991, while assigned to duties as Intelligence Agent, Theo D, Hudson designed and developed a "situation board" for tracking and documenting narcotic and undocumented alien entries into the United States which successfully evaded our apprehension. This system now enables the Tucson Sector to identify the trends, patterns and methods used by smugglers to avoid detection. It has been directly linked to the detection of three (3) major air smuggling routes through southeastern Arizona, the-seizure of numerous tons of marijuana and the apprehension of hundreds of undocumented aliens and their smugglers. Smugglers are now forced to resort to more radical and unconventional methods of smuggling, such as the recently discovered "Cocaine Tunnel" in Douglas, Arizona. Due to the proven value of this system of intelligence gathering in the Tucson Sector, Agent Hudson's system is currently being considered for service wide implementation.


1994 
*First female Newton-Azrak Award recipients

Christina M. Carnes*
Border Patrol Agent 
El Paso Sector

David Hinojosa Jr.
Border Patrol Agent
El Paso Sector

Cheryl R. Smith*
Border Patrol Agent
El Paso Sector

Bruce L. Cooke
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
El Paso Sector

On March 20, 1994, Rose Johnson-Navarro was involved in a one-vehicle accident on Paisano Avenue in El Paso, Texas.  Her vehicle had gone out of control, crashed through a fence and guard rail, and came to rest on its wheels with the front end slanted down towards a deep canal.
 
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Bruce L. Cooke, Border Patrol Agents Cheryl Smith, Christina M. Carnes, and David Hinjosa Jr. of the El Paso Border Patrol Station responded to the scene.  The entire front part of the vehicle was engulfed in flames that swept back over the front half of the vehicle.  The inside of the vehicle was completely obscured with smoke.  A bystander informed the agents that no one had escaped from the vehicle.
 
With the knowledge that someone was still inside the burning vehicle and at great personal risk, the agents attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher.  They managed to suppress the fire enough to open the driver side door.  They then entered the burning vehicle and extricated Ms. Johnson, who was injured and unable to escape.
 
After being carried to a safe distance, Ms. Johnson advised the agents that her two children were still inside the vehicle.
 
Agents Smith, Carnes, and Hinjosa then returned to the vehicle that was almost fully engulfed in flames and managed to search for the missing children to no avail.  It was later determined that the children had not been in the vehicle.
 
Agents Cooke, Smith, Carnes, and Hinjosa, at their own personal life risk, saved the life of Rose Johnson-Navarro by exercising unusual courage and bravery. 


2013

Ruben Mendoza 
- ​photo 
Border Patrol Agent
Hebbronville, Texas

For his heroic actions to save a wounded agent under extreme duress. On March 21, 2013, Agent Ruben Mendoza was involved in a lethal force incident near Hebbronville, Texas. Two agents on roving patrol stopped to assist an individual they initially believed to be a stranded motorist. During the course of the encounter, the agents discovered the motorist was a violent felon, driving a stolen vehicle. When one of the agents attempted to search the subject before arrest, the subject resisted. As the two other agents struggled with the subject, Agent Mendoza moved to a position of tactical advantage and drew his service weapon. The subject gained access to a hidden handgun, and fired at the two agents, wounding one of them. At that time, BPA Mendoza fired several rounds, incapacitating the subject. Agent Mendoza then rendered first aid to the wounded agent. Agent Mendoza’s composure and professionalism under extreme pressure prevented further harm to his colleagues.
  • Border Patrol Agent Pedro Saldivar was the agent wounded during this action.  He was recognized with the Commissioner’s Meritorious Service Award for Valor and the USBP Purple Cross.  
    • ​​Agent Saldivar should also have received a USBP Commendation Medal with “V” device.  
  • As per the Texas DPS investigator, Border Patrol Agent Cary Scott saved all three agents by physically engaging the shooter.  His tenacious grappling with the shooter preventing the shooter from delivering accurate fire.  At the time, Agent Scott received no recognition. Cary Scott became the first person whose past acts of unrecognized heroism/valor was recognized under the USBP Honorary Awards.  He received a USBP Commendation Medal with “V” device for extraordinary heroism.  Cary’s action was a major catalyst in the development of the USBP Honorary Awards policy, specifically authorizing past actions to be considered and recognized.

U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning BandU.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band
As of March 6, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 154* fallen.
Titles
  • 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
  • 49 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.
1929

Earl A. Roberts
Date of Birth:                      August 21, 1894
Entered on Duty:                January 21, 1929
Title:                                     Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                     March 24, 1929

Details:
Patrol Inspector Earl A. Roberts was shot by a liquor smuggler at about 8:00 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 1929, and died from the wound at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 1929. The shooting occurred on the St. Clair River, in Algonac, Michigan. Inspector Roberts was working with Patrol Inspector Stanley H. Graham, when they noticed a motorboat towing a small rowboat approaching from the direction of Canada. The officers proceeded along the shore following the course of the boat in an attempt to intercept it when the shore was reached. The officers separated in order to converge on a probable landing point. The motorboat came to the shore, at which time Patrol Inspector Roberts stepped aboard the stern of the boat and identified himself as a federal officer. Patrol Inspector Graham, who was standing on the shore a few feet from the boat, flashed his light on the occupants and observed that an individual known to him as Vet Brown was standing in the center of the boat with a .45 caliber revolver aimed at Inspector Roberts. Inspector Graham instructed Brown to surrender; however, the latter fired, point-blank, at Inspector Roberts and immediately whirled toward Inspector Graham, firing the remaining bullets in that direction. Inspector Graham emptied his gun in returning fire, but none of the shots exchanged hit their mark. A second individual in the boat, later identified as Clayton Smith, had jumped from the boat into the rowboat that was being towed and had cast-off, setting a course for Canada. Smith was a witness to the events and later testified on behalf of the government in the case against Brown.
 
Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $82.50 per month.

​Gravesite


1930

Harry E. Vincent
Date of Birth:                      October 3, 1895
Entered on Duty:                February 16, 1926
Title:                                     Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                     March 25, 1930

Details:
During the evening of March 23, 1930, Senior Patrol Inspector James E. Renshaw and Patrol Inspector Harry E. Vincent were inspecting northbound traffic about one mile north of Oceanside, California. The traffic check operation was being conducted on a temporary roadway where new construction was underway. At 10:00 p.m., an automobile traveling in a southerly direction missed the detour and struck down Officers Renshaw and Vincent. Both officers were knocked unconscious. A bystander, Mr. William Trotter, took charge of the situation.  Mr. Trotter had the officers transported to a clinic in Oceanside. He also sent word to other Patrol Inspectors working nearby in conjunction with the traffic check operation. 
 
Senior Patrol Inspector Renshaw was not seriously injured but Patrol Inspector Vincent was in serious condition with a fractured skull. The following day preliminary arrangements were made to move Inspector Vincent to the Navy Hospital in San Diego, California, but after consultation by several doctors, it was agreed that there was little chance for recovery and no chance at all, if Inspector Vincent was moved.  Patrol Inspector Vincent passed away at 5:00 a.m., March 25, 1930.
 
Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $75 for her and their child per month. Upon his wife remarrying, the child received $41.67 per month.

Gravesite


1932

Frank Vidmar, Jr.
Date of Birth:                      September 20, 1901
Entered on Duty:                July 6, 1931
Title:                                     Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                     March 24, 1932

Details:
Patrol Inspectors Frank Vidmar, Jr. and James W. Hudson were performing voluntary extra duty in the vicinity of Lewiston, New York, in an effort to apprehend a known alien smuggler. Since the government vehicle customarily used was known to the smuggler, the personal automobile of Patrol Inspector Vidmar was being used, with Inspector Hudson doing the driving. The smuggler was encountered in his automobile, accompanied by two other persons, at Lewiston Heights during the early morning hours. He disregarded the command of the officers to stop, and increased the speed of his vehicle trying to escape. The officers gave chase pursuing the smuggler's car at 50 miles per hour into the city of Niagara Falls. At a curve in the roadway, the officers' car skidded on the icy pavement and collided broadside with an oncoming trolley car, demolishing the car owned by Patrol Inspector Vidmar, and causing injuries that resulted in his death. Inspector Vidmar died at 4:52 p.m., March 24, 1932, after failing to regain consciousness. He sustained a fractured skull, brain concussion, and a crushed chest. Patrol Inspector Hudson was badly injured but survived.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $67.50 per month for her and their child.

Gravesite
2 Comments
Mark Hall
3/19/2023 06:47:20 am

Thank you!

I am truly humbled for telling our story (Al, Robert and I). It was an incident that cemented a lifelong friendship.

For over 36 years I was. Proud to wear the uniform of the U.S. Border Patrol. I was blessed to have the best job anyone could ever have.

Thank you Ray & Cliff for this site. It is a way for everyone to see & read about the 360° view of the USBP. The stories & history of the USBP’s men and women are remembered.

Honor First!

Reply
Cliff
3/19/2023 07:46:29 am

Mark,

You are very welcome! It is a tremendous privilege for Ray and me to manage the site.

Honor First!

Cliff

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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