May 7 - May 13INTROGood morning, Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! !!! NEWS FLASH !!! On May 2, 2023, Border Patrol Agent Travis Creteau was presented the Newton-Azrak Award as described in the following:: On August 5, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Travis Creteau displayed exceptional valor and determination in a daring attempt to save the lives of two young children, Giuliana Figueroa and Lesette Silva, from a submerged vehicle in the Otay Reservoir. When the car, driven by Arlene Hernandez, veered off the road and flipped into the water, BPA Creteau acted selflessly and without hesitation. Risking his own life and facing grave danger, BPA Creteau performed beyond the call of duty as he bravely dove into the murky waters multiple times to locate and extract the trapped children from the vehicle. His tireless efforts demonstrated remarkable strength, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to saving the lives of the children. Agent Creteau's courageous actions, along with the assistance of fellow U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and civilians, stand as a testament to his exemplary service and dedication to the United States Border Patrol. His actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. If you haven't already observed, my consistent aim is to craft engaging introductions that uplift the morale of the Border Patrol workforce and foster a sense of organizational pride. With that in mind, I'd like to extend an open invitation to everyone: If you're interested in contributing a guest blog, please submit your piece to [email protected]. Kindly ensure that your submission aligns with the overarching theme of bolstering workforce morale, promoting organizational pride, and offering effective solutions. Now to today's intro! 12 Steps to Becoming a Great Leader: Recommendations for U.S. Border Patrol to Improve their FEVS Score and Build Upon their Unique Culture U.S. Customs and Border Protection, of which the Patrol comprises about 40%, has been ranked 419 out of 432 subcomponent agencies in the federal civilian government by the Partnership for Public Service based on the 2022 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. To help USBP improve their FEVS score, I present 12 recommendations inspired by Simon Sinek's approach to leadership and the article, "How do you retain officers? Be a great leader." In this piece, I've attempted to marry these ideas together to make a comprehensive recommendation that may be beneficial to the U.S. Border Patrol. By focusing on the idea that "it's not about being in charge, but taking care of those in your charge," the U.S. Border Patrol can become a better organization with improved employee satisfaction and retention. To better understand the importance of these recommendations, let's first explore the unique culture of the Border Patrol and its origins. The Border Patrol's Culture and Origins: As written in This Week in USBP History, Vol. 53, the U.S. Border Patrol's culture can be traced back to its early days, marked by the rugged independence and fearlessness of Immigrant Inspector Jeff Milton, and early Patrol Inspectors like Wesley Stiles. From its inception, the Border Patrol has been characterized by a strong sense of self-governance, honor, and courage. The organization's motto, "Honor First," reflects the higher purpose and authority that guides its officers in their duties. The unique culture of the Border Patrol lives in its workforce and is codified in its awards system, the USBP Honorary Awards, which recognizes administrative excellence, heroism, valor, law enforcement actions, lifesaving efforts, and service. This culture has shaped the organization, enabling its officers to confidently step outside of their assigned lanes and pursue their goals fearlessly. With this understanding of the Border Patrol's culture, we can now delve into the 12 recommendations to improve the FEVS score and build upon this foundation.
Conclusion: Improving the U.S. Border Patrol's FEVS score requires strengthening and building upon the organization's existing Esprit De Corps, rooted in its values, traditions, and honor. By following the 12 recommendations outlined above, USBP leaders—from first-line Supervisory Border Patrol Agents to the Chief of the Border Patrol—can foster a more positive and effective work environment that embraces the organization's unique culture, ultimately leading to better employee satisfaction and retention. Understanding and valuing the origins of the Border Patrol's culture, ensuring the effective use of USBP Honorary Awards, and addressing the challenges faced by agents, such as the aging fleet, will help leadership guide the organization towards continued growth and success. This week in USBP history, we begin on May 13, 1924, when the San Antonio District informed the Central Office about the number of additional guards required. Fast forward to 1928, a bill was introduced proposing the establishment of the Patrol as an independent agency under the Department of Labor. In 1968, 38 Patrol Inspectors were assigned to Washington D.C. and deputized as U.S. Marshals to provide assistance during the event called Resurrection City, and much more! For the current week, there are no known anniversaries for Newton-Azrak Award actions. However, it is important to note that numerous actions have taken place with unspecified dates. As an example, in 1984, five individuals were honored with Newton-Azrak Awards, but the dates of their respective actions remain unknown. They are highlighted this week.. During this week, we solemnly remember seven fallen heroes, including Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas, Jr., who tragically lost their lives in the same incident in 2011. 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:
Enjoy and have a great week! Cliff PS -
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 WEEKThe photograph above is the 48th Session of the Border Patrol Academy taken in front of Camp Chigas in 1953. Border Patrol policy mandated khakis uniforms on the southern border 1951-1955. However, photographs show that khaki uniforms were worn in the lower Rio Grande Valley as early as 1949. See this 1951 document and this 1954 document. DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS1924
1928
1934
1939
1968
NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD |
Enlisted Personnel (E-1 to E-9) ~ 82% of the total force |
Warrant Officers (W-1 to W-5) ~ 2% of the total force |
Commissioned Officers (O-1 to O-10) ~ 16% of the total force |
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The Pay-based Approach
Next, I attempted to create a Border Patrol rank structure based purely on pay. However, this approach was also flawed. For example, a GS-13 Supervisory Border Patrol Agent might receive a step increase that pushes them into the next rank insignia, despite the scope and complexity of their position remaining unchanged. Furthermore, those at the GS-14 and GS-15 pay cap would all share the same insignia. This approach wasn't viable either.
The Personal Perception Approach
Then, I had a eureka moment! I created an Excel spreadsheet, listing each USBP position title in a column and assigning three additional columns for Scope, Complexity, and Influence, with a maximum of 10 points each. Naturally, the Chief of the Border Patrol would score 30 points, and all other positions would receive less. After spending a considerable amount of time assigning values, I sorted the positions based on total points and started designating rank insignia. Upon completion, I was initially thrilled with my results - a rank insignia structure for the Patrol that seemed logical, defendable, and undoubtedly the best. But then reality struck...
I realized my method was purely based on my personal perception of the prestige associated with each position. Embarrassed by my amateurish approach, I was grateful I hadn't shared it with too many people.
A New, Improved Structure
Yet, I still believed there had to be a better rank structure for the Patrol. Currently, the Patrol's system is title-centric. A Chief Patrol Agent (CPA) wears two stars regardless of whether they are a Senior Executive Service (SES) member or a GS-15. A Patrol Agent in Charge dons eagles whether overseeing a 600+ agent station as a GS-15 or a 10-agent station as a GS-13. Furthermore, a GS-15 CPA sports two stars, while an HQ SES Deputy Directorate Chief has only one. Ridiculous, right? This system is confusing not only for the workforce but especially for external groups.
Eventually, I developed a logic that focuses on the scope and complexity of each position, as reflected in their assigned pay grade, while accommodating certain exceptions specific to the Patrol.
The Proposed Structure
I believe this new structure addresses the issue of overlapping pay grades and rank insignia. Check out the table below and let me know your thoughts.
Insignia |
Pay Grade |
Exception |
4 Stars |
Senior Executive Service (SES) |
Chief of the Border Patrol |
3 Stars |
SES |
Supervising a 3-star SES, wear 4 stars. |
2 Stars |
SES |
Supervising a 2-star SES, wear 3 stars. |
1 Star |
SES |
Supervising a 1-star SES, wear 2 stars. |
Eagles |
GS-15 |
Supervising a GS-15, wear 1 star. |
Silver Oak Leaves |
GS-14 |
Supervising a GS-14, wear eagles. |
Gold Oak Leaves |
GS-13 |
Supervising a GS-13, wear silver oak leaves. |
Double Silver Bars |
GS-13 |
Only Supervisory Border Patrol Agents wear this insignia |
Single Silver Bars |
GS-13 Non-supervisory |
Only Border Patrol Agents - Programs wear this insignia |
Now to the history! In 1904, Jeff Milton was appointed a Chinese Inspector. The Father of the Border Patrol opined on the merging of customs and immigration functions in 1922. The birth of the USBP Pistol Team happens in 1935 and much more!
There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week. However, please see the 1981 recipients for the Newton-Azrak Award. No dates are given for any of their actions. Five of the 26 non-USBP Newton-Azrak Award recipients were from 1981.
We remember Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins on the anniversary of his death.
Enjoy and have a great 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 [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 CORPS
- 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
- On April 13, 1904, Milton was appointed as a Chinese Inspector with the Immigration Service at the age of 43 and posted at the Tucson District, covering the territory from Yuma, Arizona, to the New Mexico line.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
1918
- On April 11, 1918, the Commissioner-General wrote a letter to the Chief of Military Intelligence in Washington D.C. The referenced document was written on February 5, 1918, by future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934), and provides a 10-page summary of the status of the border.
1922
- On April 13, 1922, Frank Berkshire wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning the suggestion of merging aspects of the Customs Service with the Immigration Service. Berkshire divided his answer into two parts, administrative and patrolling functions. Berkshire did not support merging customs and immigration inspection functions (which would occur in 2003 when the U.S. Customs Service was renamed and absorbed the Patrol and Immigration Inspectors). However, he did support merging all federal border patrol functions under one organization.
1926
- On April 12, 1926, Thomas A. Robinson received a letter of inquiry to ascertain if he would accept a probational appointment as a Patrol Inspector in the Jacksonville District. Although Mr. Robinson indicated he would accept the position, there are no records that support him ever having become a Border Patrol Inspector.
1931
- The document in this file describes a brief gunfight that occurred on April 10, 1931 involving Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, two other Patrol Inspectors and shooters believed to have been Mexican Fiscal Officers. The shooting occurred immediately after the Patrol Inspectors intercepted alcohol smugglers at the river bank in El Paso, TX. Patrol Inspectors involved in the shooting:
- Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr. (1907-1999)
- Patrol Inspector Brett Burgett Hurff (1897-1952)
- Patrol Inspector Chloe John McNatt (1898-1977)
1935
- On April 11, 1935, former Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel Davenport (1878-1961) wrote a response to the current Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly (1903-1969) concerning training newly appointed Patrol Inspectors.
- This response is believed to have been related to a December 22, 1934 memo that Chief Kelly had sent to all of the border districts (except for the El Paso District). The memo shared the El Paso District training plan, requested all other districts to explain how they trained new inspectors and invited them to give suggestions and comments.
- On April 11, 1935, District Director Harry R. Landis (1880-1950) of the Montreal District (District #1), sent a telegram to INS headquarters in relations to a visit by Chief of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly. The telegram pertained to the state of the facilities in the district which includes modern day Houlton, Swanton and Buffalo Sectors.
- On April 11, 1935, in what would prove to lead to the birth of the USBP Pistol Team, the Tampa Sub-district issued a nationwide shooting challenge to all USBP sub-districts, “We will shoot any course of fire at any distance.” See “How did the USBP Pistol Team begin?” in the HonorFirst History page for the full story and to find out how Tamp placed after issuing the challenge.
1937
- On April 13, 1937, Newport District Director Landis sent the Commissioner of the INS a report of all the Colt and Smith & Wesson Model 1917 revolvers in their inventory. This was in response to the USBP transitioning to the Colt New Service Model .38 caliber revolver. Interestingly, it is mentioned that Patrol Inspector Charles Askins visited the district in the memo.
1942
- On April 10, 1942, Assistant Chief Supervisor of the Border Patrol Walter Frederick Miller (1893-1967) wrote a letter, forwarding a request for 20 guard badges to be furnished to the Oak Grove Inn in Asheville, NC. This letter is noteworthy for several reasons:
- It shows that the INS was headquartered in Philadelphia at the time.
- It contains one of the earliest uses of the title “Assistant Chief Supervisor of the Border Patrol” which is believed to have evolved into the modern, “Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol”.
- It shows an early connection between the USBP and the internment of Axis diplomats. The Oak Grove Inn was one of the first places that foreign diplomates from enemy countries were interned.
1970
- On April 12, 1970, the Van Horn Station and its area of operation covering 3,775 square miles including 31.1 miles of border, was transferred from the El Paso Sector to the Marfa Sector. Previously, Van Horn was a substation of the Sierra Blanca Station. Two decades later, its parent station would also be transferred.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999 by Joseph Banco
NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD
ACTION ANNIVERSARIES
- 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
George Fernandez Jr.
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego Sector
Border Patrol Agent George Fernandez Jr. was recognized for his courage in jumping into the driver’s seat of a run-away van in time to steer it out of the path of an oncoming truck. As a result, five persons, including two children, were saved from death or certain injury.
John Gallo
Interpreter
New York, New York
John B. Knowles
Investigator
New York, New York
Joseph Occhipinti
Investigator
New York, New York
- Occhipinti was convicted in 1991 of conspiracy to violate civil rights under color of law. His sentence was commuted by President H.W. Bush and he was pardoned in 2020 by President Trump.
Investigator
New York, New York
Interpreter John Gallo, Investigator John B. Knowles, Investigator Joseph Occhipinti and Investigator Reginald D. Ricks were recognized for their participation in several highly complex and dangerous undercover bribery-corruption investigations resulting in some of the most noteworthy arrests and convictions in the history of the INS.
Edwin Rodriguez
Criminal Investigator
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Investigator Edwin Rodriguez was recognized for aiding local police by capturing an assailant who had mortally wounded a police officer.
U.S. BORDER PATROL 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.
Agent Gigax is buried in Florida's 5th Congressional District. I have contacted Congressman John Rutherford for assistance in this case. Please contact the Congressman Rutherford if you would like to help.
Christopher Shane Simpkins
Date of Birth: September 23, 1972
Entered on Duty: July 6, 1997
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: April 12, 2021
Details:
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins passed away on April 12, 2021. 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 Simpkins will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
Agent Simpkins entered on duty on July 6, 1997 at the Falfurrias Station, McAllen Sector, Texas, as part of the 342nd Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Lake Charles Station in the New Orleans Sector.
A native of Selma, Alabama and a graduate of the University of Alabama, Agent Simpkins also honorably served his country in the National Guard as a military police officer. He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents and two brothers.
Gravesite
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 Supervisory Border 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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