USBP Significant Recognition Recipients
U.S. Border Patrol employees receive a wide rage of recognitions. This page is designed to highlight the outstanding accomplishments and heroism of the workforce that was recognized outside of the USBP Honorary Award system.
If you have received a USBP-related award and would like to share historical details for inclusion on this page, you may email [email protected]. Contributions of award photos, documentation, or relevant details are welcome for historical documentation.
If you have received a USBP-related award and would like to share historical details for inclusion on this page, you may email [email protected]. Contributions of award photos, documentation, or relevant details are welcome for historical documentation.
Award links
Recipients
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Joseph A. Banco
2011 Outstanding American by Choice Award
Joseph A. Banco, Jr. is the first Border Patrol Agent to have received this award. He has supported the United States for 31 years through combined military and government service. He was born in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on the Istrian peninsula in 1962, which was ceded to Yugoslavia from Italy after World War II. As part of the peninsula’s assimilation into Yugoslavia, all private property became the state's including homes and farms and Mr. Banco’s family was forced to change the spelling of their name from Banco to Banko. The government would also decide who could obtain a higher education, your career, and who could travel internationally. Wanting a better life for their family, Mr. Banco’s parents moved to the United States in 1966. At the age of ten, Mr. Banco stood alongside his parents taking the Oath of Allegiance and pledging his commitment to the United States. With U.S. citizenship, the family returned to their original family name, Banco. Mr. Banco is an Associate Chief with the Office of Chief at the U.S. Border Patrol within U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Washington, DC. Throughout his 31-year government career, Mr. Banco has consistently demonstrated that he is a distinguished public servant and has held several leadership positions. He began serving his country in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17, defending our Nation for over 14 years as a Law Enforcement Specialist and Disaster Preparedness Manager, serving in Operation Desert Storm, and attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He has continued that faithful service throughout his 16-year career in the U.S. Border Patrol serving on our Nation’s southwest, coastal, and northern borders as well as internationally and at headquarters. Mr. Banco became a naturalized citizen in 1973. |
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Secretary’s Award for Excellence
November 3, 2015
The Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding achievement or innovation by an employee or team engaged in work to advance the mission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements, or notable innovation in support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s missions. |
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DHS Partner Award
Presented to the Repatriation Working Group May 11, 2016 Multiple recipients, including but not limited to:
For superior dedication to teamwork in the execution of ICE's mission. Given by the Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement |
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Michael J. Flanders
2011 Performance Award
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Clifford A. Gill
2020 USBP Retirement Certificate and Chief's Letter
Congratulations on your retirement! I would like to express my gratitude for your dedicated service to the U.S. Border Patrol. You served with selfless dedication and integrity for more than two decades. You entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) as a member of Class 377 on May 18, 1998. During your career, you worked in the Laredo Sector and at USBP Headquarters in Washington DC. In your most recent assignment at USBP Headquarters, you served as the Assistant Chief over the Awards and History Programs, You were the founding program manager for each of those programs and through your persistence and tenacity created a legacy that will benefit USBP employees for generations to come. You made numerous significant discoveries through your hours of research at the National Archives. In your previous assignment as the USBP Fleet Program Manager you identified efficiencies in managing the fleet that earned you the Logistician of the Year Award given by the International Society of Logisticians, Washington DC chapter. In addition to your regular duties you have been a member of the USBP Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums (P&D) since 2000 and officially formed the USBP Pipes and Drums of which you were the founding commander. You drafted the P&D internal operating procedures and standardized the music, uniforms, and training. In the Laredo Sector, you served as a Border Patrol Agent and then were promoted to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent. In 2000, you participated in two separate water rescues without regard for your own safety saving lives. In recognition of one of those events, you received USBP's highest honor; the Newton-Azrak Award. At the U.S. Border Patrol, we count on seasoned agents like you to demonstrate our core values of integrity, vigilance, and service to country. Your extensive experience was a valuable asset to the men and women of the Laredo sector and Headquarters, I appreciate each and every contribution you made that helped us maintain our high standards and shape the next generation of agents. Thank you for your 22 years of service and for a job well done! I wish you a long, happy retirement and success in all your future endeavors. Honor First! |
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Stanley L. McClung
1996 Keith Connelly Memorial Award
On behalf of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, I offer heart congratulations to you as a graduate of FITP 703/017 and as a recipient of the Keith Connelly Memorial Award. This award was donated to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center by the U.S. Border Patrol in memory of Kieth Connelly, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent who was killed in the line of duty on September 9, 1989. Mr. Connelly had also been a firearms instructor detailed to the Firearms Division. The Border Patrol specified that this award should be presented to that one student in each FITP class who was not only a top marksman but who also won the respect and trust of his/her fellow classmates. The Keith Connelly Memorial Award recipients is determined as follows. The top five shooters ion the class are chosen based on their aggregate PPC, shotgun and rifle scores. Each classmate then votes via secret ballot for the one shooter of those five that he or she would most want as a partner and a back-up in the field. Your achievements as a student in the Border Patrol's Firearms Instructor Training Program are exemplified by receipt of this award. It reflects the best qualities of an instructor - - ability and leadership. We are around of you accomplishment. |
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William N. Purdy
Presidential Letter of Appreciation
Dear Mr. Purdy: I want to express to you my personal thanks and the thanks of our country for the great service which you rendered on the evening of September 30 in Oxford, Mississippi. Your actions that difficult night were in the highest traditions of the dedicated men and women who serve in law enforcement. The courage and dedication which you demonstrated while in great personal danger prevented a serious and tragic incident from becoming a disaster for our country. Had you failed, our country would have suffered irreparable damage. You have my personal gratitude and that of your countrymen. May I also take this occasion to wish you and your family a happy Christmas. Sincerely, John Kennedy |
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Inspector Purdy was awarded the USBP Purple Cross Medal for wounds received during this action. See this page for his award.
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John W. McEachen
Appreciation Plaque
In appreciation for your dedicated service and commitment. 4/30/95 to 11/29/00 U.S. Border Patrol Freer Station Freer, Texas |
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John W. McEachen
Commissioner's Physical Training Achievement Award
Dear Mr. McEachen,
Congratulations on your outstanding participation in the physical training program of your Session of the Border Patrol Academy. Your excellent participation indicates your awareness that physical fitness is an element in the professional approach to your job. In recognizing the you scored highest in the physical training program during your Session the Border Patrol Academy, it is a pleasure to present you with this Physical Training Achievement Award. I extend best wishes for a long and successful career in the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Sincerely, Doris Meissner Commissioner |
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Hugh J. Brien
Certificate of Appointment
This is to certify that Hugh J. Brien has been appointed Assistant Commissioner, Border Patrol and is authorized and empowered to execute and fulfill the duties of that Office according to the Constitution and laws the Said United States and to have and to hold the said Office, with all the powers, privileges and emoluments to the same right appertaining. In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made Patent and the seal of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to be hereunto affixed. Done in the City of Washington this twentieth day of Augustin the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred eighty-six. |
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Alan B. Conroy
Meritorious Award
Presented to Alan R. Conroy in official recognition of the superior performance of you duties on a continuous basis. March 10, 1980 Signed by the Regional Commissioner |
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Alan B. Conroy
Outstanding Performance Rating
In appreciation and recognition of superior performance of official duties. March 31, 1988 |
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Alan B. Conroy
25 Year Time in Service Certificate
For completion of 25 years of Government Service April 19, 1995 |
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Alan B. Conroy
2,000 Hour Certificate
For having accumulated 2,000 Hours or More of Sick Leave Alan Conroy Is Officially Honored as a Member of the Immigration and Naturalization Service 2,000-Hour Club. March 3, 2000 Signed by the Chief Patrol Agent |
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Benjamin Moreno
Assistant Chief HQ, USBP Washington DC CBP Large Ensign
In appreciation of your accomplishments and dedication to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and legacy Customs and for more than 30 years of commitment to the U.S. Government. 8 January 1990 - 31 December 2021 Raul L. Ortiz Chief, United States Border Patrol U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
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Bruce D. Chisholm
Assistant Chief CBP Small Ensign
In appreciation of your accomplishments and dedication to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol and for more than 22 years of commitment to the U.S. Government. Kevin K. McAleenan Commissioner U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
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Clifford A. Gill
Assistant Chief (AC) Lyle Paulson GWAC SOLE Logistician of the Year - 2013
In recognition of valuable contributions toward the advancement of the goals and objectives of the logistics profession as the National Fleet Manager, U.S. Border Patrol. AC Gill's leadership and outstanding initiative in managing a nationwide vehicle fleet of 18,000 vehicles deployed around the international perimeter of the United States enabled and sustained the U.S. Border Patrol in performing its Federal law enforcement mission. Over the past three austere fiscal years, AC Gill efficiently and effectively managed the procurement and disposal of nearly 16,000 vehicles valued at $400 million dollars to ensure the balance of fully operational assist required to ensure the security of the United States' international borders. He led efforts to standardize and reconfigure the vehicle fleet resulting in a 17 percent vehicle inventory reduction, saving American taxpayers nearly $100 million dollars per year in procurement, fuel and maintenance costs. AC Gill relentless pursuit to find taxpayer savings garnered an additional $13.1 million dollars per year when he proposed an innovative plan to the Assistant Commissioner to reduce Home-to-Work authorizations by 72%. AC Gill also established a Vehicle Information Management System that will provide geographically dispersed field vehicle fleet managers a practical and reliable capability to collect and analyze vehicle inventories, maintenance and repair costs, and other performance data to more effectively manage the lifecycle of each assigned motor vehicle. Finally, AC Gill was instrumental in revising U.S. Customs and Border Protection's eight year old Fleet Management Policy, placing particular emphasis on implementing effective cost control measures. AC Gill's efforts are truly commendable and worthy of this prestigious award: The first Lyle Paulson GWAC SOLE Logistician of the Year Award. |
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Shannon M. Marshall
Certificate of Appreciation
On the retirement of her husband from the United States Border Patrol, she has earned indebted appreciation for her steadfast support, sacrifice and understanding which has enabled her husband's significant contributions to the nation. By extension, she too has contributed significantly to a grateful nation. HonorFirst note - In a welcome departure from highlighting USBP employees, an employee's spouse was presented the certificate to the right on the retirement of her husband. It is an overt reminder of the impact, incredible contributions and shared sacrifice that USBP spouses make. It is an homage and an acknowledgement that Patrol work bleeds into every USBP household. Shannon, like every USBP spouse, helped her husband to carry the stress of his assignments, provided immeasurable support and advice, and suffered transfers, details and shift work alongside her husband. Many times, USBP spouses simultaneously carry the weight of maintaining the household, taking the lead of raising children, all the while having their own successful careers.
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Doyle E. Amidon Jr.
Deputy Chief Patrol Agent, Ret. Superior Civilian Service Award
Mr. Doyle E. Amidon Jr. distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service while deployed on support of Operation Enduring Freedom and overseas contingency operation as the Director, Border Management Task Force from 04 May 2011 to 01 February 2012. The distinctive accomplishments of Mr. Amidon reflect great credit upon himself, United States Forces- Afghanistan, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense. |
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Jay Visconti
Outstanding Service Medal
For demonstrated superior service and dedication to duty during your tenure with the Department of Homeland Security. |
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Retirement Memorandum
Dear Jay Visconti, Please accept my sincere congratulations on your retirement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. During your career, you served with professionalism, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the United States. Your outstanding work was integral to CBP accomplishing our mission. I join your family, friends, and colleagues on honoring you. I know you service har require sacrifice not only from you but also from your family and friends. I hop in the coming weeks you will reflect upon your distinguished career and appreciate fully the contributions that you and your loved ones have made over the years. Thank you for your service and dedication. On behalf of the women and men of CBP, I extend our best wishes to you for a happy and joyful retirement. Sincerely, Chris Magnus Commissioner |
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Federal Retirement Certificate
This certificate is presented to Jay Visconti upon you retirement from the Government of the United States of America following more than Twenty-Six Years of loyal service. July 30, 2022 Acting Commissioner U.S. Customs and Border Protection. |
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Patrick E. Philpot
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Recipient of the CBP Medal of Honor for Heroism
For your extraordinary bravery and heroic actions to assist in the evacuation of an injured law enforcement officer despite coming under fire and struck by a bullet on November 25, 2016. Presented by: Kevin K. McAleenan Commissioner U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
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Joseph A. Banco
Associate Chief Certificate of Merit from the World Customs Organization
I am pleased to present to you this International Customs Day Certificate of Merit for providing exemplary training and technical assistance on behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). On January 26, 2012, the World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrated International Customs Day. This annual holiday commemorates the vital work of its 177 Member Customs administrations. Each year, the WCO invites Member Customs administrations to honor select personnel based on a theme designated by the WCO. This year's theme is centered on connectivity, or "Borders Divide, Customs Connects." This holiday is being used to highlight the exemplary work CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel performed in delivering training and technical assistance in the international and domestic Customs fields and promoting connectivity between Customs administrations. CBP wishes to recognize the members of the Canada Integrated Planning and Coordination Cell for their hard work and dedication. Your work in coordination with the Canada Border Services Agency will go a long way towards achieving improved continental security, enhanced mobility for good and people, and a close working relationship with our northern neighbor. In honor of your work, I present this World Customs Organization International Customs Day Certificate of Merit. I congratulate you on your Certificate of Merit, and wish you all the best with your future work |
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Gary M. Renick
Supervisory Criminal Investigator Cash Award
Criminal Investigator Gary M. Renick has demonstrated exceptional ability and proficiency during the rating period. Investigator Renick conducts investigations in order to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those individuals involved in the organized smuggling of aliens across the borders of the United States. Investigations seek to develop sufficient evidence to sustain criminal prosecution against alien smugglers or establish grounds for rescission of their status or deportation. Mr. Renick's quantity performance was excellent, the highest in the section. During the reporting period, Investigator Renick completed investigations which resulted in indictments or convictions against four alien smugglers. Investigator Renick also developed evidence during the rating period which implicated numerous Illinois Secretary of State Driver's License Facility employees, owners of ethnic driving schools catering to illegal Mexican aliens, and counterfeit document vendors, in a scheme which provided Illinois driver's licenses, counterfeit U.S. and foreign birth certificates, and alien registration receipt cards to illegal aliens seeking to remain undetected in the United States. This case is extremely complex in nature, involving investigative coordination between the F.B.I., U.S. Attorney's Office, Illinois Secretary of State's Office, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office. To date, predominantly through Investigator Renick's investigative skills and perseverance, five counterfeit-document vendors involved in this scheme have been indicted, 21 Illinois Secretary of State employees suspended or dismissed, and licenses for seven driving schools identified in the scheme revoked. In addition to this case, and his other work during the period, Investigator Renick developed information through his informants and other sources which he coordinated with the Drug Enforcement Administration. This information directly resulted in the seizure of 11 pounds of heroin. This was the largest narcotics seizure by the Drug Enforcement Administration in this area in over five years. Investigator Renick is one of only two officers in the unit to have developed cases of such enforcement impact during the rating period. Investigator Renick's extensive knowledge of the Immigration and Naturalization Service laws and operating instructions and his excellent judgment were instrumental in the successful completion of these cases. Investigator Renick's work is consistently accurate and detailed, which is demonstrated by the fact that less than two percent of his work must be returned for correction or revision. Investigator Renick's sustained superior performance has been of a continuing nature and there is every reason to believe that he will continue to perform at his current level. It is recommended that the sustained superior performance of Investigator Renick be rewarded with a cash award as he received a quality step increase last year. |
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G. Kevin Orr
Border Patrol Agent In 2000, Border Patrol Agent G. Kevin Orr received recognition for an act of incredible courage and selflessness during a harrowing incident: “Truck fire. Wreck on a bridge.” Reflecting on his heroic actions, he humbly summed it up with his trademark humor: “What you get when you save a burning man. No sandwich, no Dr. Pepper. Just a plaque.”
Behind the humor lies a story of extraordinary bravery—a moment when Agent Orr put his own safety on the line to save a life. His actions exemplify the grit, courage, and heart of the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol. Agent Orr, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Plaque or not, your heroism is a lasting testament to what it truly means to serve. |
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