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USBP Achievement Award Recipients

​Originally designed to be the Chief's Commendation Medal under the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the design was repurposed as the USBP Achievement Award. The Chief's Commendation Medal was awarded to one person in 2002. 
 
USBP Achievement Award 
graphic by TIOH.
​

Criteria
Awarded to an employee or a group for meritorious achievement or service based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature, and shall be of such merit as to warrant more recognition than is possible by non-traditional awards, but which is not significant enough to justify the U.S. Border Patrol Commendation Award, or
  • Awarded to an individual or a group for lifesavings efforts, exceeding expectation, not involving heroism,
  • Awarded to an individual or a group for heroism, not justifying the U.S. Border Patrol Commendation Award.
Awards of the U.S. Border Patrol Achievement for acts of heroism are distinguished with the addition of a “V” device affixed to the suspension ribbon and ribbon bar.

To add your USBP Achievement Award to this page, send an email to 
cliff@honorfirst.com.  Please include a photo of the award, certificate and other relevant information.

Award Links
USBP Honorary Awards
Upholding Honor First

Recipients

Omar S. Rascon
Citation for heroism

​
On December 14, 2014, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Sierra Blanca station attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle. The driver of the vehicle attempted to evade, and a pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit, the suspects fired volleys of rounds at agents and Border Patrol vehicles.  The pursuit was joined by other agents and local law enforcement.  The suspect vehicle drove onto county and ranch roads before it eventually became disabled on Eagle Mountain. Three armed suspects engaged law enforcement with firearms.  During the gunfight, one suspect suffered multiple gunshot wounds ending the firefight.  All three suspects were taken into custody and subsequently convicted of numerous crimes. The actions of the Border Patrol Agents brought credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal Certificate for Omar Rascon

Clifford A. Gill (second award)
Citation for meritorious achievement

From May 18, 1998 to December 31, 2020, Assistant Chief (ASC) Clifford A. Gill's accomplishments displayed a passion for duty and service in each assignment he undertook.  ASC Gill started his career at the Laredo South Station.  He was a dedicated member of the USBP Honor Guard for over 20 year-end the founding commander of the USBP Pipes and Drums.  At USBP headquarters, ASC Gill led the effort to create the Untied States Border Patrol's official Awards and History Programs. Through the Awards Program, employees can now receive meaningful and lasting recognition for their achievements.  His arduous hours of detailed research at the National Archives revealed numerous records documenting significant action in Border Patrol History that would have otherwise, never been found.  The distinctive accomplishments of Chief Gill's performance brought credit upon himself, his family and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal set for Clifford Gill

Travis J. Carter
Citation for meritorious achievement

For exceptionally meritorious service while assisting in the life saving rescue efforts on 
April 24, 2020.  Border Patrol Agent Travis J. Carter distinguished himself by displaying the highest attributes of professionalism, technical competence, and leadership ultimately resulting in the saved life of National Guardsman Micheal Watson.  His exemplary performance reflects great credit upon himself, Yuma Sector, and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal Certificate for Travis Carter

Multiple Recipients

​Richard J. Fortunato
Clifford A. Gill
​Stephen Lopez

Howard Craig
Mark Nelson
Jonathan Tacbian 
Robert C. Nila
Guadalupe F. Salazar
Joyce Golosino
Ricardo R. Rios
Basilio Rosales
Tim W. Nickell

Jeffery C. Swanson
​Kristen Hill
Citation for meritorious achievement

​On May 14, 2016, the CBP Pipes and Drums competed in the 15th annual Steve Young Pipe Band Competition, winning the 1st place Performance Award, and the award for Best Dress and Deportment.  Their self-discipline and personal devotion to excellence allowed them to overcome the obstacles created by their desperate geographic duty stations, and still maintain the high standards to be successful.  For this achievement, the team received the Commissioner's Unit Citation.  Their professionalism and performance brought credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal Certificate for Richard J. Fortunato, Clifford A. Gill, ​Stephen Lopez, Howard Craig, Mark Nelson, Jonathan Tacbian, Robert C. Nila, Guadalupe F. Salazar, Joyce Golosino, Ricardo R. Rios, Basilio Rosales, Tim W. Nickell, Jeffery C. Swanson, ​Kristen Hill

Multiple Recipients


Stephen Lopez (second award)
Mark Nelson (second award)
Ronald J. Muscate 
Robert C. Nila 
(second award)
Joyce Golosino (second award)
Drexel R. Fruits
Ricardo R. Rios 
(second award)
Basilio Rosales (second award)
Tim W. Nickell (second award)
​
Matthew P. Renner

Jeffery C. Swanson (second award)
​Kristen Hill (second award)
Citation for meritorious achievement

​On May 14, 2019, the U.S. Border Patrol Pipes and Drums took first place at the National Honor Guard Competition.  Although the band members are from various sectors and perform regular law enforcement duties, they excelled at the competition and put on an exceptional performance the earned them first place in the Nation.  Their exceptional performance brought credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal Certificate for Stephen Lopez (second award) Mark Nelson (second award) Ronald J. Muscate  Robert C. Nila (second award) Joyce Golosino (second award) Drexel R. Fruits Ricardo R. Rios (second award) Basilio Rosales (second award) Tim W. Nickell (second award) ​Matthew P. Renner Jeffery C. Swanson (second award) ​Kristen Hill (second award)

Multiple recipients

Nathan G. Davis
Willie T. Davis Sr.
​Silvino Arias
Citation for heroism

On July 26, 2020, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Ysleta Station, in the face of great danger and personal risk of bodily harm, heroically saved the life of a male who otherwise would have perished in the American Canal.  The agents' actions, work ethic, initiative, and dedication reflect highly on them and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal Certificate for Heroism for  Nathan G. Davis Willie T. Davis Sr. ​Silvino Arias

Multiple recipients

Richard J. Fortunato (third award)
Citation for meritorious achievement

​On June 1, 2020, numerous U.S. Border Patrol employees were activated to create a Region III Lead Field Coordinator construct to produce a single, unified response to civil unrest in the Washington, DC National Capital Region. The team's efforts enabled U.S. Customs and Border Protection to quickly respond to assist the Department of Justice in missions aimed at preserving life and protecting property while facilitating the Constitutionally guaranteed tight of the people to peaceably assemble in protest.  The group's performance brought credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal certificate for Richart Fortunato, third award

Zachary L. Pruett
Citation for meritorious achievement

From October 2020 to October 2021, while assigned as the Lead Agent of the Casa Grande Station's small Unmanned Aircraft (sUAS) Unit, Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Zachary Pruett identified inefficiencies when making notifications to alert military, civilian and Customs and Border Protection pilots. BPA Pruett developed a more efficient procedure to make notifications of Border Patrol sUAS activity available to all pilots operating in the Tucson Sector area of operations. This contribution to the sUAS program resulted in a safer aviation environment within Tucson Sector. BPA Pruett's actions brought credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal certificate for Zachary Pruett

Multiple recipients
​

Birmaik Quinones
Matthew Miller
Michael R. Brown
Leeroy Amaya
John P. Mossman
​Juan A. Bautista
Citation for meritorious achievement

On April 2019, the Big Bend Sector Sierra Blanca Horse Patrol Unit (SBHPU) consisting of Agents Birmaik Quinones, Matthew Miller, Michael R. Brown, Leeroy Amaya, John P. Mossman and Juan A. Bautista, set themselves apart by their commitment to excellence in the Horse Patrol Program.  The SBHPU demonstrated competency, efficiency responding to field activity resulting in 95% of field apprehensions in March 2019.  SBHPU's efforts have shown the true viability of the program, collecting intelligence and revealing new areas of ingress through the rugged mountain terrain. Their integrity, loyalty, and motivation has brought credit upon themselves and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal certificate for Birmaik Quinones Matthew Miller Michael R. Brown Leeroy Amaya John P. Mossman ​Juan A. Bautista

David W. Marshall
Citation for meritorious achievement

​From April 3, 2000 to April 30, 2020, Assistant Chief David Marshall distinguished himself with sustained superior performance which enhanced the border security mission of the United States Border Patrol. Throughout twenty years of service, Assistant Chief Marshall, though his leadership, integrity and personal skills, enhanced the readiness and mission capability of each unit to which he was assigned. Assistant Chief Marshall's superior performance brought credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal certificate for David Marshall

Jay Visconti
Citation for meritorious achievement

​From January 2, 1996 to July 30, 2022, Assistant Chief Jay Visconti distinguished himself with sustained superior service which enhanced the border security mission of the United States Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  Throughout over twenty-six years of service, Assistant Chief Visconti, through his leadership, integrity and personal skills, enhanced the readiness and mission capability of each unit to which he was assigned.  Assistant Chief Visconti's superior performance brought credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol
USBP Achievement Medal set for Jay Visconti
USBP Achievement Medal certificate for Jay Visconti

Israel D. Perez
Citation for meritorious achievement

​Laredo West Border Patrol Station Management would like to recognize Border Patrol Agent Israel D. Perez for the United States Border Patrol Achievement Award. BPA Perez has demonstrated a great deal of commitment and dedication to the USBP Mission by continually disrupting Human Smuggling Organizations attempts to further undocumented non-citizens into the United States of America.  BPA Perez' attention to detail, excellent work ethic, and unwavering dedication to securing our borders has been unparalleled.  BPA Perez continues to develop himself as a mentor to junior agents and is respected by all his senior agents to include the supervisory cadre.  BPA Perez' exemplary performance has contributed to LRW success.
Honor First note - The narrative on this certificate does not follow the 2018 Honorary Award Narrative Guidance.
USBP Achievement Medal set for Israel Perez

Marshal R. Mayer
Citation for heroism

On October 5. 2019. Luna County Central Dispatch contacted the Deming Border Patrol Station for assistance in locating two distressed hunters in the Florida Mountains. Border Patrol Agents Garcia and Calzada responded to search near the coordinates provided by dispatch. The agents were able to quickly locate the subjects in the dark by climbing the mountain and making
contact with the hunters. They determined that one subject was exhausted yet ambulatory. The second subject was experiencing severe issues and required medical attention. Agents Garcia and Calzada slowly assisted the subjects down the steep mountainside to a road in the canyon. Agent Garcia carried one subject on his shoulders while Agent Calzada assisted the other
subject. Agent Mayer led EMS units from the highway into the remote canyon where they met the rescue party and provided further medical assistance and help guiding the group back to the highway where both subjects were transported to the hospital for further treatment, Agent Mayer's actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol
Honor First note - The narrative on this certificate does not follow the 2018 Honorary Award Narrative Guidance.  USBP Achievement Medal certificates end with the phrase "brought credit".  "Brought great credit" is used on USBP Commendation Medal and Newton-Azrak Award certificates.  
USBP Achievement Medal certificate for Marshal Mayer

Francisco A. Heredia
Citation for heroism

​On July 29, 2018, Border Patrol Agent Francisco A. Heredia responded to a woman struggling to stay afloat in the American Canal.  Agent Heredia without hesitation jumped into the canal to rescue the woman.  He quickly pulled her from the canal and provided first aid until emergency personnel arrived.  His actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.
USBP Achievement Medal set for for heroism for Francisco Heredia
USBP Achievement Medal certificate for for heroism for Francisco Heredia
USBP Achievement Medal award set for for heroism for Francisco Heredia

Joshua E. Porter
Citation for meritorious achievement

Mr. Porter has made significant contributions to the Strategic Policy and Analysis Directorate (SPAD), Innovation and Integration Division (IID).  As a COR III, he over saw the awarding and/or execution of seven contracts spanning the Directorate and the Office of the Chief, exceeding $20M in value.  He served an integral role in the execution of SPAD's organizational change request.  By writing essential positions descriptions, Mr. Porter led SPAD's Planning, Programming, Budget and Accountability (PPBA) Process, by collaborating with SPAD Associate Chiefs and Directors to execute $17M in funding.  Mr. Porter, in addition, oversaw the awarding of a contract for the C-1 Priority Heat Stress Kit deployment to 17,000 agents.
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James M. Obert
Citation for meritorious achievement

On April 21. 2021. Border Patrol Agent David A. Jimarez placed his own safety at risk when he prevented two non-citizen juveniles from being struck by an oncoming vehicle.  In doing so, BPA Jimarez was struck by a vehicle and suffered a severe head injury. The swing shift group, to include Supervisory Border Patrol Agents, Border Patrol Agents and Law Enforcement Information Systems Specialists, worked hand in hand to render aid and ensure BPA Jimarez was rapidly transported via Life Flight to the nearest medical facility.  This collaborative effort undoubtedly saved the life of BPA Jimarez and proves the importance of teamwork and dedication, not only to your country, but to your fellow Border Patrol Agents serving beside you. Congratulations on a job well done.
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USBP Achievement Award Recipients

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