July 16 - July 22IntroGood Morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! The Border Patrol Museum: A Testament to History and Legacy A special thanks to the Border Patrol Museum and Joseph Banco, whose invaluable contributions have served as the primary source of information for this blog. In the heart of El Paso, Texas, nestled off Transmountain Road at 4315 Woodrow Bean, stands a unique institution that holds the soul of the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Museum, the only one of its kind in the United States, is a testament to the rich history and legacy of the Border Patrol, preserving decades of memorabilia and memories. A Journey Through Time: The History of the Border Patrol Museum The Border Patrol Museum's journey began on October 25, 1978, when thirty-four visionary Border Patrol Inspectors and Agents convened in Denver, Colorado. Their mission was to establish an organization, the "Fraternal Order of Retired Border Patrol Officers" (FORBPO), and to create a National Border Patrol Museum that would preserve and display the rich history and artifacts of the Border Patrol. In 1979, the newly formed FORBPO membership approved the creation of the museum, and the collection of artifacts began. A year later, the Secretary of State for the State of Texas issued a Certificate of Incorporation, identifying the Museum as a tax-exempt entity under Section 501 C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The museum first opened its doors on October 1, 1985, in the basement of the old Cortez building in downtown El Paso, Texas. However, a dispute with the landlord led to its closure in 1992. The museum's property was stored until a new building was constructed in 1994 on approximately 2 acres of city-owned land in northeast El Paso. Through the support and generosity of FORBPO members, the Anthony L. Oneto American Legion Post 812, several large individual contributors, and the public, a new building with 10,000 square feet of interior space was built. By February 1994, the construction was completed, and the building was paid for and lien-free. In April 1994, the museum reopened its doors to the public, welcoming 11,701 visitors in its first year at the new location. Over the last 30 years, the museum has evolved into a proud repository for memorabilia and memories of more than 80 years of Border Patrol history. It stands as a testament to the many volunteers who have dedicated thousands of hours to ensure that the original founding officers' vision is fulfilled. The Importance of Membership This year, the museum is calling upon the public's support more than ever. As a non-profit organization, the museum relies heavily on donations and memberships to keep its doors open and maintain its high standard. The museum receives no federal funds, making every contribution crucial to its survival. Annual memberships are now available at $40, offering members a 15% discount in the museum's gift shop and a complimentary calendar. Membership can be purchased through various methods, including credit card, personal check, or PayPal through the museum's website. Border Patrol Agents also have the option to pay for their membership through multiple transactions or a lump sum allotment. For any questions about membership, please contact Annette at (915) 759-6060 or send an email to [email protected]. Memorial Donations and The Wall of Support The museum also offers unique ways for individuals to contribute and commemorate loved ones. Memorial donations can be made in the name of a loved one, and the museum's Wall of Support offers a lasting tribute. The Wall, part of the museum since its construction in 1994, features bricks honoring retired, active, and family members of Border Patrol Agents. Civilians too have purchased bricks to show their support for the Border Patrol. Each brick costs $200, and there are currently 1,078 bricks that have been purchased. For more information, contact the museum at (915) 759-6060 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]. A Living Legacy The Border Patrol Museum is more than just a building filled with artifacts; it's a living legacy. As Chief Patrol Agent (ret) Lynne Underdown eloquently put it in a 2021 interview for the U.S. Border Patrol Academy:
The Border Patrol Museum is a testament to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Border Patrol. It's a place where their stories are told, their sacrifices honored, and their legacy preserved. By supporting the museum, you're not just helping to keep its doors open; you're helping to keep the spirit of the U.S. Border Patrol alive. This week, we traverse the annals of the United States Border Patrol, starting in 1924 with a pivotal memo from the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District, setting the stage for the evolution of the Chief Patrol Agents role. We then explore the nuanced differences in uniform design between Immigrant Inspectors and Patrol Inspectors in 1926. Fast forward to 1928 and 1929, where we delve into the tense atmosphere of El Paso, Texas, marked by fatal shootings and significant gunfights with alcohol smugglers. In 1930, we touch on the equipment approvals for the Montreal District, and by 1934, we witness a shift in uniform regulations in Tucson, allowing for more comfortable attire in hot weather. These narratives, and many more, await you in our exploration of the U.S. Border Patrol's rich and complex history. As we delve into the past, we also pause to honor fifteen agents on the anniversaries of their Newton-Azrak Award actions. During this week, we solemnly remember two of our fallen, Ivan E. Scotten and James R. Dominguez, on the anniversaries of their deaths. Enjoy and have a great week! Cliff P.S. - As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages. I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to [email protected]). As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the documents and pages. Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it. ESPRIT DE CORPSThe workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
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. THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEKRemembering a Hero This poignant photograph, taken at the upper Los Pompos crossing on the Rio Grande River, near San Elizario, Texas, marks the spot where Patrol Inspector Ivan E. Scotten was brutally ambushed and killed on July 20, 1929. As we commemorate the 94th anniversary of his tragic death this week, we honor his courage and dedication to duty. His sacrifice, a stark testament to the perils faced by those who protect our borders, will never be forgotten. DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS1924
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NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD |
Clifford GillBlog author, retired U.S. Border Patrol Assistant Chief and, current U.S. Border Patrol employee advocate. Ray HarrisSite founder and owner, former Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent. Joseph BancoU.S. Border Patrol historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent. Archives
February 2025
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