This Week in USBP History, Vol. 99

July 23 - July 29

---

​INTRO

Good Morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

!!! News Flash !!!

Last week, Border Patrol Agent Jesus M. Flores of the Lordsburg Station was honored with the Newton-Azrak Award and the Purple Cross.

​On the morning of January 5, 2023, Border Patrol Agent Jesus Flores was on duty near the Lordsburg, New Mexico, Station when he encountered a suspected smuggling vehicle on New Mexico Highway 146. Without warning, an occupant of the vehicle opened fire, striking Agent Flores multiple times in the chest. Despite the sudden attack and the grave danger he faced, Agent Flores remained calm and reacted effectively. His body armor protected him from the bullets, and he was able to return fire as the suspect's vehicle sped away.

Newton-Azrak Award Statuette for Border Patrol Agent Jesus M. Flores

The fleeing vehicle ultimately rolled over a few miles down the road, leading to the apprehension of six individuals. Two of the occupants required additional medical attention and were flown to a trauma center in El Paso, Texas. Agent Flores, having survived the shooting due to his body armor, was medically examined and released.

​Agent Flores' ability to remain composed under duress and his quick, decisive actions not only saved his own life but also brought the dangerous situation to a successful law enforcement resolution. His bravery and actions in the face of grave danger reflect great credit upon himself, the Lordsburg Station, and the United States Border Patrol.

---

Transforming USBP Insignia and Awards Accessibility: A Triumphant Strategy

In the world of military service, the accessibility of insignia and awards is a given. Whether you're a military member, veteran, or collector, you can easily acquire a Navy Seal Trident from Vanguard for a mere $18.30, a prestigious Navy Cross Medal from Medals of America for $165.95, or a Silver Star Medal from USA Military Medals for $45.99. These symbols of valor and service are readily available, nearly without restriction, thanks to the regulation of military medals and decorations under 18 USC 704.

However, when we turn our attention to the United States Border Patrol (USBP), the landscape changes dramatically. For active USBP employees and retirees, the quest to obtain replacement or extra insignia or USBP Honorary Awards is fraught with challenges. In fact, no USBP device or award is available for purchase by any recipient, active USBP employee, retiree, or collector.

U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

U.S. Border Patrol Authorized Devices

This stark contrast between the accessibility of military and USBP awards is not only inconvenient but also disheartening for those who have dedicated their lives to serving in the USBP. But what if there was a strategy that could revolutionize this situation, creating a triumphant outcome for the current and former workforce, collectors, and the Border Patrol Museum?

​Author's Note
As the author of both this blog and "This Week in USBP History, Vol. 57", I find it important to revisit the topic of enhancing the role and revenue of the Border Patrol Museum. The proposal outlined in Vol. 57 offers a plan that could greatly benefit current and former U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) employees, retirees, and the Museum itself. I believe that its implementation could lead to a win-win-win situation, making awards and devices available for purchase and providing the BP Museum with several new streams of profitability. Therefore, I've decided to repackage and reiterate some of the key points from Vol. 57 in this blog post, in hopes of bringing more attention to this important matter.

A Revolutionary Strategy
The strategy begins with the creation of a CBP policy document that would pave the way for CBP/USBP to forge official relationships with the Border Patrol Museum and Border Patrol Morale, Welfare and Recreation (BP MW&R) non-profit organizations. This model would mirror the successful relationship between the FBI and the FBI Recreation Association (FBIRA), as governed by 5 CFR Part 251.

The FBI’s relationship with the FBIRA has been a resounding success, with 58 chapters of the FBIRA operating under stringent ethical behavior and accountability standards. Only FBIRA Chapter 1 has received official authorization to produce and sell items with the FBI badge and official seals, with all other FBIRA chapters required to purchase these items from Chapter 1.

The USBP could emulate this successful model by entering into a similar relationship with the Border Patrol Museum and BP MW&R organizations. This approach could mandate that BP MW&R organizations be considered chapters of the Border Patrol Museum and require that they purchase USBP branded items from the Border Patrol Museum. This approach, following the FBI model under 5 CFR Part 251, would foster a mutually beneficial relationship for the USBP, the workforce, and the non-profit organizations.

The Triumph
The triumph of this strategy lies in its manifold benefits. Firstly, it would significantly simplify the process for USBP employees and retirees to obtain extra sets of their awards or devices. Currently, it is nearly impossible for an employee or a retiree to obtain an extra set of one of their awards or devices. By authorizing the BP Museum to sell all USBP awards and authorized devices, it would make it easy for employees and retirees to get replacement or extra sets. If a collector wishes to purchase them, it would equate to additional revenue for the Museum.

​Moreover, this strategy would also be a lucrative source of revenue for the Museum. A USBP Achievement Medal set, for instance, costs around $15-$20 to manufacture. The Border Patrol Museum could easily sell them for $75, creating a substantial profit margin. Similar profit margins could be applied to every USBP award and USBP device.

​In conclusion, this strategy would not only make USBP awards and devices more accessible to those who have earned them but also provide a new source of revenue for the Border Patrol Museum. It's a win for the USBP employees and retirees, a win for the Museum, and a win for the USBP as a whole. It's time to embrace this triumphant solution.

U.S. Border Patrol Achievement Medal

---

This week, we continue our journey through the intricate history of the United States Border Patrol. We begin in 1924, with a pivotal memo from Seattle District Commissioner of Immigration Luther Weedin, emphasizing the need for Patrol Inspectors to have uniforms for clear identification. We then fast forward to 1928, where we explore a memo from Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel E. Davenport, advocating for fair compensation for USBP mechanics. In 1935, we witness the inception of the USBP shooting team, as proposed by Chief of the Border Patrol Willard F. Kelly. Finally, we touch on 1961, marking the relocation of the Border Patrol Academy to Los Fresnos, Texas. 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 four agents on the anniversaries of their Newton-Azrak Award actions.

During this week, among our fallen, we solemnly remember Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew, who tragically lost their lives in the same incident in 1954. It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the nine separate occasions on which the USBP has experienced the devastating loss of two Agents/Inspectors in a single event, totaling 18 fallen. We honor their memory and sacrifice, with their names listed below:

1. Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
2. Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
3. Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
4. Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
5. Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
6. Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998​
7. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
8. Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
9. Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas,  Jr. in 2011

Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021.  However, their causes of death were not related.

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 cliff@honorfirst.com). 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 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.

---

THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Tracing the Tracks of Time

This vintage snapshot captures a seafoam green U.S. Border Patrol International Harvester Scout from the early 1960s, diligently erasing footprints with a massive tire in tow. This method, a testament to the ingenuity of the force, made it easier to detect fresh footprints and potential illegal crossings. As the vehicle drives away, it leaves behind a clean slate, ready to tell a new story of those who dare to cross.

---

DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

1924 

• Echoing the concern of many Immigration Service leaders that Patrol Inspectors needed uniforms, on July 26, 1924, Seattle District Commissioner of Immigration Luther Weedin (1872-1942​) wrote a memo that stated in part: 
  • Patrol Inspectors who are assigned to duty at night are considerably handicapped in their operations by reason of their inability to identify themselves clearly to persons who they wish to detain or interview and this being especially true of travelers in automobiles, who they signal to stop.
    • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1927

• On July 28, 1927, as per these documents, a shootout occurred between Border Patrol Inspectors and suspected alcohol smugglers in El Paso, TX.  El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent the package of documents to the Commissioner-General which included:
  • A cover memo written by El Paso Sub-district Chief Patrol Agent Samuel F. Gray (1897-1966​).
    • Chief Gray served in the USBP for a very brief time, having come from and returned to the U.S. Postal Service.  He retired from the New Mexico National Guard.
  • A memo for Patrol Inspector Harrison C. Pugh (1897-1982)
  • A memo for Patrol Inspector William A. Holt (1881-1950)

1928

• On July 25, 1928, Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel E. Davenport (1878-1961) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the hiring and pay for USBP mechanics.  The memo suggested that the starting pay for mechanics be set at $2,000 per year which would be approximately $36,800 today.

1935

• On July 24, 1935, Chief of the Border Patrol Willard F. Kelly (1903-1969) wrote a memo to Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr.​ (1907-1999) concerning developing a USBP shooting team to compete at Camp Perry, Ohio.
  • See the HonorFirst History page for more information on the formation of the USBP Pistol Team.

1939

• On July 27, 1939,  a report was written concerning, "...official badges issued to (1) Immigrant Inspectors, (2) Patrol Inspectors, (3) Senior Patrol Inspectors, (4) Chief Patrol Inspectors, (5) Clerks, (6) Interpreters, (7) Guards, (8) Matrons, (9) Janitors, (10) Matrons, (11) Department of Justice, (12) Central Officer Employees & Officers, which have not been listed in the inventories received from the field in response to Central Office letter of January 18, 1939, No. 55853/100."
  • "Matron" is listed twice in the report.
  • The report also provides a crosswalk in the District numbering change that occurred as the Immigration Service and the Naturalization Service were merged to create the INS.  It appears that 35 Immigration Service Districts were consolidated into 22 INS Districts.

1940

• On July 29, 1940, Detroit District Director John L. Zurbrick (1873-1942) sent a memo to the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service requesting authorization for Patrol Inspectors to wear a "fatigue uniform" when performing "freight car in­spections, boat details, and at the pistol ranges during practice."  A photograph of the uniform is included with the memo.

1954

• On July 27, 1958, Acting Chief of the Border Patrol Donald R. Kelly wrote a memo to Frank Huber Partridge (1893-1994) concerning "Proposed Border Fence in the San Antonio District" which covers modern-day Del Rio, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley Sectors.  The memo concerned building fencing in the areas of Brownsville and Hidalgo.

1961

• On July 28, 1961, the Border Patrol Academy was relocated to Los Fresnos, Texas, beginning with the 61 trainees of Class 78.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco
  • See the HonorFirst History page for all the locations of the Academy.

---

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

2009

Robert W. Rosas Jr. - ​photo
​(1979-2009)
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego Sector
Posthumously Awarded
On July 23, 2009, Border Patrol Agent Robert W. Rosas Jr. of the Campo Border Patrol Station was responding to suspicious activity in an area notorious for alien and drug smuggling when he was shot and killed by unidentified assailants.  The murder occurred in a remote border area near Campo, California.  A suspect was later identified, tried, and convicted of Agent Rosas’ murder.


2010

Salvatore Caccamo
Border Patrol Agent 
Buffalo Sector
Raul Tamayo
Border Patrol Agent
Buffalo Sector
On July 25, 2010, Border Patrol Agents (Marine) Salvatore Caccamo and Raul Tamayo were conducting Riverine patrol operations on the Lower Niagara River in the Niagara Falls area of responsibility within Buffalo Sector. At about 1830 hours, the agents heard a MAYDAY call over the marine radio.
 
Earlier in the day, a Canadian family of four and a family friend had ventured onto a calm Lake Ontario in a 24-foot vessel for a pleasure cruise. As the afternoon progressed, a strong wind began building, quickly changing the nature of the lake. Sudden changes in weather and lake conditions are a frequent hazard on the Great Lakes, contributing to an estimated six to ten thousand shipwrecks and great loss of life in the time since sailing began on the lakes.
 
The family struggled to maintain control of their boat as Lake Ontario quickly turned treacherous with four to five foot breakers. Their small vessel began to take on water and founder in the unforgiving wind and waves, causing one of the occupants to give the universal MAYDAY call of a vessel in distress.
 
Knowing the treacherous conditions on the Lake, and without hesitation, Agents Caccamo and Tamayo responded to the distress call, communicating with the boaters as they expressed their concern that their boat would sink in short order. The Canadians’ boat was about one mile from the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario. Disregarding the perilous conditions, the agents demonstrated exceptional bravery and entered the swells and breakers on their 25-foot government vessel, in a desperate search for the sinking boat and the civilians.
 
The white-capped waves made the search difficult, however the agents were able to spot the vessel at some distance, and as they approached, they saw that it was in danger of capsizing, the occupants near panic.
 
Demonstrating superb skill and extreme courage, Agent Caccamo maneuvered the Border Patrol vessel close to the sinking boat, despite the violent pitching of the two vessels in the rolling waves and breakers. At the same time, Agent Tamayo was perilously located on the rear of the pitching Government vessel in order to affect the rescue, in constant danger of being thrown overboard into the violent lake and being crushed between the two vessels. The agents timed the movement of the two vessels and Agent Tamayo was able to pull the three children from the already half-sunken civilian boat, onto the government vessel. 
 
Almost immediately after rescuing the children, the civilian boat began to sink at a greater rate, forcing the agents to maneuver away from its immediate proximity. The adults were forced into the water, and Agent Tamayo threw them a rescue line. One of the adults panicked, and tied the rescue line to his sinking vessel, which threatened to pull the government vessel under the surface of Lake Ontario with it. Reacting quickly, Agent Tamayo cut the rescue line. Agent Caccamo then skillfully maneuvered the government vessel in the treacherous waters so that Agent Tamayo could pull the two adults aboard, just as their boat disappeared below the waves.


2020

Clifford A. Gill - ​photo, award set
Assistant Chief
Washington D.C.
On July 24, 2000, Agent Gill attempted to apprehend a person who had just illegally entered the United States near Laredo, Texas. The person fled, jumped into the flooded Rio Grande and immediately began screaming for help. Facing grave danger and beyond the call of duty, Agent Gill entered the turbulent water. Swimming in his uniform and boots, he approached the victim. Before he could reach the victim, the victim disappeared under the murky water. Agent Gill saw a large air bubble break the surface of the water. Believing the bubble to have come from the victim, Agent Gill dove approximately 5’ below the surface of the water and grabbed the victim. Due to the turbulence and the victim’s struggles, Agent Gill was unable to establish a secure hold on the victim. For the remainder of the rescue, Agent Gill struggled to keep the victim above water, which pushed Agent Gill below the surface. Agent Gill was only able to take gasping breaths as he swam them to shore. Agent Gill’s actions brought great credit upon himself and United States Border Patrol.

---

U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN 
ANNIVERSARIES

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band

As of March 6, 2023, HonorFirst.com solemnly acknowledges the loss of 154 brave individuals who have fallen in their line of duty:

• 3 Mounted Watchmen who served before 1924.
• 49 Border Patrol Inspectors who fell between 1924 and 1970.
• 101 courageous Border Patrol Agents who have given their lives since 1970.
• 1 dedicated Enforcement Analysis Specialist.

The names listed below are respected and remembered for their ultimate sacrifice in fulfilling the oath to protect and defend the United States of America.

In preserving the historical context, the descriptions about each officer's circumstances are presented with minimal editing to maintain the original "language of the day".

Complying with the Privacy Act of 1974, any causes of death related to lethal illnesses contracted in the line of duty will not be disclosed.

​It's noteworthy that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial, yet his sacrifice is not officially recognized by the Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol.

However, ​HonorFirst.com​ proudly acknowledges and includes Agent Gigax among our memorialized heroes

1926

William Llonzo “Lon” Parker
Date of Birth:                       April 26, 1892
Entered on Duty:                 September 26, 1924
Title:                                       Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                      July 25, 1926

Details:
​Patrol Inspector Lon Parker was killed in a battle with alien liquor smugglers 2 1/2 miles south of Wills Ranch, west of the Huachuca Mountains, in Arizona, on July 25, 1926. Late that afternoon he left camp alone to take up the trail of mounted liquor smugglers. Tracks of a man and a horse had been discovered with evidence that the man had ridden the horse where the terrain was smooth and walked over rough places, indicating that the horse was loaded with liquor or other contraband. Nothing was heard from Inspector Parker until the Wills family returned to their ranch at about 6:00 p.m. the same day, and found him on their wood pile dying from a gunshot wound. He had been shot in the back with a rifle bullet. He died within a few minutes without regaining consciousness. During the investigation, the body of a Mexican was found about 2 1/2 miles from the Wills' home. The Mexican was identified as Artilio Espinosa, a well-known smuggler. Espinosa's horse, with 20 gallons of mescal in cans strapped on his back, was found dead of a bullet wound.
 
From the tracks in the area and the position of Espinosa and his horse, the investigating officers theorized that Espinosa was accompanied by another smuggler. Officer Parker rode up to Espinosa, covered him with a pistol and was shot by Espinosa's companion, who had been riding at some distance, for the purpose of protecting Espinosa and the liquor. Inspector Parker, though mortally wounded, retained sufficient command of himself to kill Espinosa and his horse, using only one shot for each, and then rode 2 1/2 miles to Wills Ranch, where he collapsed.​

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $52.50 per month.

​Gravesite
​

1954

Donald Kee
Date of Birth:                  July 29, 1912
Entered on Duty:            July 31, 1944
Title:                                 Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                 July 23, 1954
 
Details:
Patrol Inspector Donald Kee's official station was Mission, Texas; however, at the time of his death, he was on official detail, assigned to the Special Mobile Task Force with headquarters at McAllen, Texas. This task force was engaged in a special program conducted by the Service to bring the "wetback" situation under control.
 
On July 23, 1954, Patrol Inspector Kee was assigned to serve as observer during a flight wherein the aircraft worked in conjunction with ground units checking laborers on farms in the vicinity of Rio Grande City, Texas. The aircraft was piloted by William F. Buckelew.
 
The joint operation had resulted in ten aliens being taken into custody by the ground teams. The patrol aircraft had just made a low pass over a cotton field near the Rio Grande River and was banking to return to the field when it was seen to spin and plunge into the river. The plane burst into flames, which hampered rescue operations by officers and bystanders in the area. Several persons were hospitalized suffering from burns sustained in the rescue efforts. Patrol Inspector Kee was killed instantly. A Justice of the Peace held an inquest upon arrival at the scene of the accident and pronounced Inspector Kee dead. Pilot Buckelew was still alive when removed from the plane but was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

​Gravesite

William F. Buckelew
Date of Birth:                   December 21, 1918
Entered on Duty:             December 28, 1944
Title:                                  Airplane Pilot
End of Watch:                  July 23, 1954

Details:
Airplane pilot William F. Buckelew was stationed at Laredo, Texas; however, at the time of his death, he was on official detail, assigned to the Special Mobile Task Force with headquarters at McAllen, Texas. This task force was engaged in a special program conducted by the Service to bring the "wetback" situation under control.
 
On July 23, 1954, Airplane Pilot Buckelew was assigned to serve as pilot during a flight wherein the aircraft worked in conjunction with ground units checking laborers on farms in the vicinity of Rio Grande City, Texas. Patrol Inspector Donald Kee was on the flight as an observer.
 
The joint operation had resulted in ten aliens being taken into custody by the ground teams. The patrol aircraft had just made a low pass over a cotton field near the Rio Grande River and was banking to return to the field when it was seen to spin and plunge into the river. The plane burst into flames, which hampered rescue operations by officers and bystanders in the area. Several persons were hospitalized suffering from burns sustained in the rescue efforts. The crash occurred about 4:00 p.m., approximately two miles downstream from the Rio Grande City Bridge. Pilot Buckelew was still alive when he was removed from the plane but died 45 minutes later at the hospital.

​Gravesite


2007

Eric N. Cabral
Date of Birth:                    June 27, 1976
Entered on Duty:              September 25, 2005
Title:                                   Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                   July 26, 2007
 
Details:
On July 26, 2007, Border Patrol Agent Eric Cabral suffered a fatal heart attack as the result of heat exposure when he and another agent were tracking a group of illegal aliens north of I-8 near Jacumba, California. He had been separated from his partner when a third agent found him.
 
Agents initiated CPR and emergency medical services were rendered. Agent Cabral was flown to a hospital in San Diego, where he was pronounced dead.  Agent Cabral had served with the Border Patrol for less than two years.

​Gravesite


2009

Robert W. Rosas, Jr.
Date of Birth:                     June 19, 1979
Entered on Duty:               May 22, 2006
Title:                                    Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                    July 23, 2009
 
Details:
On July 23, 2009, Agent Rosas was shot and killed near Campo, California, after responding to suspicious activity in an area notorious for alien and drug smuggling. Agent Rosas exited his vehicle approximately 18 miles east of the Tecate Port of Entry, near the Shockey Truck Trail, a short distance from the border. Agents working nearby heard gunshots and tried to contact Agent Rosas. When he did not respond, his fellow Agents rushed to the area to locate him, and found his body on the ground near his vehicle.
 
On November 20, 2009, a 17-year old Mexican National was convicted of murder of a federal officer committed in perpetration of a robbery and aiding and abetting a felony after entering a guilty plea in connect with Agent Rosas’ murder. According to the plea agreement, the convicted felon and co-conspirators illegally entered into the United States and lured Agent Rosas out of his vehicle for the purpose of robbing him. During the course of the robbery, Agent Rosas and the defendant struggled over a firearm and the defendant and one or more of the co-conspirators shot Agent Rosas multiple times. Agent Rosas died as a result of his wounds.

​Agent Rosas graduated with the 621st session of the Border Patrol Academy and was assigned to the Campo Border Patrol Station in the San Diego Sector.

​Gravesite


2020

Agustin Aguilar, Jr.
Date of Birth:                        September 13, 1973                              
Entered on Duty:                  April 16, 2001
Title:                                       Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:                       July 25, 2020 
 
Details: 
Border Patrol Agent Agustin Aguilar Jr. passed away on July 25, 2020.  The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Aguilar will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
 
Agent Aguilar served as a canine instructor and handler assigned to the Eagle Pass South Station, Del Rio Sector, Texas. He started his CBP career on April 16, 2001 and served in Eagle Pass and Eagle Pass South for his entire career.
 
BPA Aguilar was from Lufkin, Texas, and was the eldest of 11 siblings. He was a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America, and regularly coached Little League Baseball and football.  He is survived by his wife, three children, his mother and father and siblings.

​Gravesite

---