November 13 - November 19Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! I started authoring these newsletters/blogs as an email in September 2021. The emails were clunky and formatting issues were common. Most of the recipients had not asked to be on the list, meaning I was sending out unsolicited emails (spam!?!). But I knew I had all of this great information that I thought people would like to receive and I was trying to share it with people that I thought wanted to receive it and could put it to good use. In April 2022, I paid the website/email provider extra to be able to format the emails as a newsletter, what you're viewing right now. Before, I had been limited to 100 recipients per email and the formatting struggles had become tiresome. Surprisingly, under the new system, the provider had a requirement that all recipients must request or agree to receive these newsletters, an instruction the I follow seriously and think is good (I'm not a spammer). I only want to send these to people who want to receive them. With the new capability, I can send the newsletters to up to 500 people (there are less than 250 people on the list right now). As I've written before, I author these newsletters and help maintain HonorFirst.com because I have the perception that I'm making a difference for the current and former workforce. I think of myself as an advocate for the Patrol and the workforce and this is one of the ways for me to contribute. I started writing these intro pieces several months ago with the intention of improving organizational pride and employee morale by influencing and/or inspiring current USBP leadership to act: to define and drive culture, and to focus on the workforce. My approach has been to highlight a problem and to provide a solution.
I do not know how successful or influential these newsletters have been or are. Even though he didn't say, I like to think that Chief Ortiz reversed his prohibition of recognizing the worthy past acts of USBP employees due in part to these newsletters, and my postings on Instagram and Twitter (also see this newsletter). Unfortunately, very few USBP personnel in leadership positions have asked to receive these newsletters. Sadly, no Senior Executives or GS-15's at HQ have asked or are on the list... That means that those in significant positions of influence are unaware of the information and suggestions that have been shared here. People like:
Those aforementioned folks sit in key positions for formulating decisions and policies over nearly every subject I've covered. None of them receive this newsletter. They are able to provide solutions to the Patrol's woes, driving beneficial change throughout the organization. Or, those are the people who are the proverbial "They" when referring to who is responsible when things go bad in the Patrol. Now, I do know that many of you are far more connected and influential than me. So, if I should happen to write something that you think would benefit the workforce, please forward it to someone who can do good for the Patrol! Maybe, one of those folks above? Remember, morale is based not on fact, but on employee perceptions. Where do you think the USBP workforce is right now? I found the 3-minute video below to be very insightful. This week starts with Jeff Milton's 1905 permanent appointment as a Chinese Inspector. We have a 1928 letter indicating early training of Border Patrol Inspectors. And, we have a 1956 document that is believed to be the Patrol's 4th uniform policy. We do not have any Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries. However, I am highlighting retired Border Patrol Agent Lazaro Alvarez, who was recognized with the Newton-Azrak Award in 1993. We also remember four of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. Enjoy the blog and have a great week! Cliff PS -
House Keeping Two items I want to mention from last week:
Theo D. Hudson - nomination memo, 1992 commissioner's awards pamphlet Senior Patrol Agent Tucson Sector Presented on March 19, 1992, to Senior Border Patrol Agent Theo D, Hudson for his outstanding and innovative contributions to the Intelligence Program in the Tucson Sector of the United States Border Patrol. His innovations have greatly enhanced the law enforcement efforts of this Sector in combatting narcotic and undocumented alien smuggling. During the period April 1, 1990 to March 31, 1991, while assigned to duties as Intelligence Agent, Theo D, Hudson designed and developed a "situation board" for tracking and documenting narcotic and undocumented alien entries into the United States which successfully evaded our apprehension. This system now enables the Tucson Sector to identify the trends, patterns and methods used by smugglers to avoid detection. It has been directly linked to the detection of three (3) major air smuggling routes through southeastern Arizona, the-seizure of numerous tons of marijuana and the apprehension of hundreds of undocumented aliens and their smugglers. Smugglers are now forced to resort to more radical and unconventional methods of smuggling, such as the recently discovered "Cocaine Tunnel" in Douglas, Arizona. Due to the proven value of this system of intelligence gathering in the Tucson Sector, Agent Hudson's system is currently being considered for service wide implementation. Esprit de Corps The 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. Documents/Events 1905
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week. However, numbers Newton-Azrak Award recipients do not have a date associated with their actions. Such is the case with Border Patrol Agent Lazaro Alvarez, who is highlighted this week. I am attempting to locate him so that I may be able to enrich HonorFirst.com with documents and photographs better detailing his significant contributions to USBP history. 1993 Lazaro Alvarez Border Patrol Agent McAllen Sector In 1993, while off duty and at home, Border Patrol Agent Lazaro Alvarez heard a loud explosion at the Wagon Wheel Mobile Home Park across from his residence. Agent Alvarez quickly responded and assisted three burned, elderly people get away from the burning building. He then learned that another elderly woman was trapped underneath the collapsed building. Agent Alvarez quickly gathered help to assist him with removing debris until he was able to extract her from the burning site and carry her to safety. Agent Alvarez continued rendering first aid to other injured residents until emergency medical technicians arrived. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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. *With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.
1945
Ned D. Henderson Date of Birth: December 19, 1905 Entered on Duty: December 26, 1929 Title: Autogiro Pilot End of Watch: November 18, 1945 Details: Ned D. Henderson, Autogiro Pilot, died on November 18, 1945, from injuries he received two days earlier when the autogiro he was piloting crashed near Sullivan City, Texas. Pilot Henderson was enroute to his official station at McAllen, Texas, following a detail to San Antonio. He was alone in the plane when it crashed at about 1:00 p.m., November 16, 1945. A witness to the accident, Mr. Francisco Flores, stated that he noticed the aircraft coming from the west just before or about the time it hit an electric highline. The autogiro hit the ground and turned over about two times before it came to rest. Mr. Flores stopped his truck and ran over to the aircraft. He rushed over to Pilot Henderson, who was rolling on the ground just outside of the autogiro, his clothes and gloves on fire. Mr. Flores extinguished the flames and then improvised a shade from a blanket he had in his truck. Pilot Henderson was later removed to the McAllen Municipal Hospital by ambulance. A physician's certificate indicates that Pilot Henderson suffered extensive burns about the face, neck, arms and legs; fracture of the right arm below the shoulder; and a deep cut across the forehead and right cheek. Death occurred at 1:30 a.m., November 18, 1945, about 36 hours after the accident. Gravesite 1954 James M. Kirchner Date of Birth: December 15, 1931 Entered on Duty: November 3, 1954 Title: Patrol Inspector (Trainee) End of Watch: November 15, 1954 Details: While waiting to attend a training session at the Border Patrol Academy that was scheduled to commence in December, Trainee Kirchner and other new appointees were assigned to work with older and more experienced officers in and around El Paso. On November 15, 1954, Trainee Kirchner was assigned to work the 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with Inspector Dove. Trainee Kirchner saw three persons coming from the direction of Mexico. The persons were up in the hills and estimated to be about 1/2 mile away. Inspector Dove and Trainee Kirchner proceeded on foot, separating. Inspector Dove intercepted the suspects and determined that they were of Mexican extraction and citizens of the United States. Trainee Kirchner was observed near the top of the hill and instructed, through hand signals, to return. During the descent, Trainee Kirchner was out of the view of Inspector Dove. When Trainee Kirchner did not return in a reasonable time and did not respond to being called, Inspector Dove began searching for him. Trainee Kirchner was found slumped to the ground, face forward. After a hurried examination, Inspector Dove applied artificial respiration in an effort to revive Trainee Kirchner but was unsuccessful. Leaving one of the citizens with the body. Inspector Dove went to the McNutt Oil Refinery and called Border Patrol Headquarters. He then returned to the scene and waited until Trainee Kirchner's body was removed. Gravesite 2016 David Gomez Date of Birth November 7, 1972 Entered on Duty: February 12, 1996 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 16, 2016 Details: On November 15, 2016, Agent Gomez suffered a heart attack while on bicycle patrol duty near El Paso, Texas. He subsequently passed away at a local hospital on November 16, 2016. Border Patrol Agent Gomez was assigned to the El Paso Station of the El Paso Sector. He entered on duty on February 12, 1996, as a member of Border Patrol Academy Class 299. He is survived by his wife, three children and parents. Gravesite 2017 Rogelio Martinez Date of Birth January 15, 1981 Entered on Duty: August 12, 2013 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 19, 2017 Details: On November 18, 2017, Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez was patrolling along Interstate 10 in a remote area outside of Van Horn, Texas, when fellow agents were alerted that he and another agent were in distress. When fellow agents located Agent Martinez, he was unresponsive and severely injured. Agent Martinez was taken to the local hospital in Van Horn and later transported to a medical center in El Paso, Texas, where he succumbed to his injuries on November 19, 2017. Agent Martinez entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on August 12, 2013, as a member of the 1018th session of the Border Patrol Academy, and he was assigned to the Van Horn Station in the Big Bend Sector. Agent Martinez served with the United States Border Patrol for over 4 years. Gravesite
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November 6 - November 12Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! It is not common knowledge that Acting Secretary John William Abercrombie (1866-1940), authorized the establishment of the Border Patrol on November 12, 1918. However, to me, this great anniversary is overshadowed by a continuing disservice to one of the Patrol's fallen, John Charles Gigax, "Charlie" (1972-1999). Let me describe the situation... Charlie's is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. However, he is remembered by all except his own agency with his name being inscribed on the:
Here's a little background... Charlie was a Border Patrol Agent that was assigned to the Laredo North Station but was detailed to headquarters in Washington D.C. Charlie's family lived in Jacksonville, Florida. On Sunday, November 7, 1999, he was driving a government vehicle returning from a visit with them. At approximately 10 PM, he was involved in a fatal car accident while traveling north on I-95, near mile-marker 96 in the State of Virginia. After Charlie's death, Laredo Chief Patrol Agent John W. Montoya initiated the paperwork to have Charlie's name inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial. Following the examples of Border Patrol Agent (trainee) Thomas K. Byrd, and Border Patrol Agents Jesus De La Ossa and Thomas J. Williams, whose deaths were considered in the line of duty by the USBP, Chief Montoya listed Charlie's death as in the line of duty. When Charlie was laid to rest in a cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida, the Patrol had yet to develop an Honor Guard. There was very little if anything done for him and his family by way of a formal ceremony. A year and a half after Charlie's death, another Laredo North agent who was also from Jacksonville, was killed in the line of duty, Jason Panides (1974-2001). By the time of Jason's death, the USBP had developed a robust Honor Guard with an incredible formal ceremony for honoring the fallen. I was part of the Honor Guard that went to Jacksonville for Jason’s funeral in April of 2001. The Gigax family was there to support Jason's family. After Jason's funeral, Charlie's father, Don Gigax (1950-2016) commented that a similar ceremony had never been conducted for his son. Further, we were surprised to find that Jason was buried only about 100’ from Charlie. See the full-sized photo, where Jason's tombstone can be seen in the background with Charlie's in front. The Laredo Sector Honor Guard asked the Gigax family to wait until Jason's family had left the cemetery. Then the Laredo team reformed and conducted an impromptu ceremony for Charlie and his family include a flag folding, 21-gun salute, taps, and Amazing Grace by the sector pipe band. In 2004, I was promoted to the Laredo North Station where a young agent with the name Gene Gigax had recently began his career. It turned out that he was Charlie's younger brother and was present at that impromptu ceremony in Jacksonville. It was incredible that he was assigned to the same station as his brother Charlie which was also Jason's station. I was Gene's supervisor for a year and he was a great agent! Years later, Gene would leave the Patrol to work as a Customs and Border Protection Officer, and we happened to touch bases. During our conversation he shared that he was curious why everyone other than the Border Patrol recognized the death and loss of his brother. I could not provide an answer to him so I told him to contact AskHQ. AskHQ is a defunct, internal CBP mechanism by which questions could be asked and answered by headquarters. Below is Gene’s AskHQ submission from May 22, 2013 (OBP = Office of Border Patrol);
On June 14th HQ gave the final response which in part stated;
That is a substandard response to a family member to justify why Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is recognized as fallen by every organization except his own! Further, the distinction between "on duty" and "in the line of duty" deaths would not be defined until years after Charlies death. I have the form that was submitted by Laredo Sector to the National Law Enforcement Memorial on August 28, 2001. John Charles Gigax’s death met the approval process of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. His death certificate is part of the packet. His cause of death after an autopsy was soot and smoke inhalation caused from an automobile accident. His cause of death is accidental (not suicide) and no substances (drug or alcohol) were found in his blood. Further, his death was labeled "line-of-duty" in many sources, including documents submitted by the USBP, a CBP webpage and even Congressional records. In 2003, CBP published a webpage that stated in part:
A 2008 Congressional record states:
Every Police Week for 15 years, Don (1950-2016) and Margarita Gigax (Charlie's parents) would come to D.C. The Border Patrol never read their son’s name with the Patrol's other fallen which was painfully obvious to them. Even though all other survivor organizations gave full honors to their son, officially, the Patrol never did... And still doesn't... Organizationally, the Border Patrol and the INS “turned on” the switch to memorialize Charlie by having his name put on the National Law Enforcement Memorial, and by referring to his death as “in the line of duty”. Charlie needs to be added to the Patrol's list of the fallen. Hopefully, this newsletter provides the kindling for the Patrol to right that decades-long wrong. This week is a bit light on documents, but what we have is pretty significant! We see a 1918 document that authorized the establishment of the Patrol! We also see a 1924 photograph of El Paso Sub-district Border Patrol Inspectors introducing a prototype uniform a month before the policy would be approved. We do not have any Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries. However, I am highlighting retired Senior Patrol Agent Theo D. Hudson being presented the Newton-Azrak Award in 1992. Many times, the award is associated with acts of heroism and valor. However, 1973-2003 it could also be awarded for:
Thoe's award was given for his incredible law enforcement contributions. I have recently been in contact with him and his wife. I hope to be able to provide additional information in the coming weeks. There is only one USBP Fallen anniversary this week, Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax, November 7, 1999. Enjoy the blog and have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de Corps The 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. Documents/Events 1918
1931
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week. However, numbers Newton-Azrak Award recipients do not have a date associated with their actions. Such is the case with Senior Patrol Agent Theo D. Hudson, who is highlighted this week. I have recently been in contact with Theo and his wife. I hope to be able to enrich HonorFirst.com with documents and photographs better detailing his significant contributions to USBP history. 1992 Theo D. Hudson Senior Patrol Agent Tucson Sector Senior Patrol Agent Theo D. Hudson designed and developed a “situation board” for tracking and documenting narcotic and undocumented alien entries into the United States. This system has been directly linked to the detection of three major air smuggling routes through southeastern Arizona, the seizure of numerous tons of marijuana, and the apprehension of hundreds of undocumented aliens and their smugglers. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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. *With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.
1972
John Charles Gigax Date of Birth: June 1, 1972 Entered on Duty: March 17, 1997 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 7, 1999 Details: Border Patrol Agent John Gigax was killed in an automobile crash while he was travelling from a temporary assignment in Washington, DC. Agent Gigax, who was stationed in Laredo, Texas, was driving on I-95, near Doswell, when his department Jeep Cherokee veered off the road and struck the rear of a car carrier parked on the shoulder in Hanover County, Virginia. The Jeep's momentum caused it go over the cab of truck, landing head-first on the pavement. The Jeep broke apart upon impact with the ground, killing Agent Gigax instantly. Agent Gigax had served with the United States Border Patrol for three years. He was survived by his wife and parents. Gravesite October 30 - November 5Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week I'd like to write a little about employee retention. Let me start with some points of reference.
So, employee retention is a problem for the Patrol and it's going to become far worse! This problem is exasperated due to the long-term dissatisfaction of the workforce as reflected in FEVS scores, significant spikes in hiring in the mid-2000s and a lack of meaningful initiatives to retain employees. Recently, I was told of a virtual town hall that had occurred where the Patrol's senior leaders were asked about poor employee retention rates. HQ's response was that retention bonus funding had been requested but not approved. All of the studies that I have read stated that when an employee perceives that they are being paid fairly, that giving bonuses or raises as a method of addressing morale problems will merely prolong the inevitable. The bonuses will NOT fix morale, they will remain dissatisfied and will leave. The same holds true for employee retention bonuses, see below:
The USBP is solid at responding to an employee crisis with the Chaplains, Peer Support and Honor Guard. The Patrol is stepping up its resiliency initiatives to provide the workforce with better techniques for coping with personal challenges and stress. When employees have an emergency, we leap into action for their benefit and graciously accept assistance from our friends at the Border Patrol Foundation. Where great opportunities for improvement for the USBP exists, is in valuing the workforce on a day by day basis (not just during a crisis). Doing better for the workforce on a daily basis is what will have impacts on attrition/retention, FEVS and mission sustainment/accomplishment. Things like communication (listen and share information better), employee friendly policies, appropriate recognition (my personal favorite), fair discipline, etc... In summary, the Patrol is putting forth great effort in recruiting new employees, and at responding to employees in crisis. Awesome and worthy work. However, the Patrol is lacking in retention initiatives. To address retention issues, I strongly recommend against ineffective and expensive retention bonuses. I believe the keys to improving retention numbers lay within improvements:
What another great week in USBP history! This week starts with the Father of the Border Patrol's final proposal to create the USBP in 1918 (and it was approved but not acted upon). We have uncertainty of the authority of Patrol Inspectors in 1924 and the earliest reference of which I am aware to a Border Patrol Intelligence unit in 1925. We also have the finalizations of the spec sheets of USBP Flag and Pennant by the U.S. Army institute of Heraldry in 1998. We remember two Border Patrol heroes on the anniversaries of the actions leading them to being recognized with Newton-Azrak Awards. We also remember three of our fallen on the anniversaries of there deaths. Enjoy the blog and have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de Corps The 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. Documents/Events 1918
1932
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
2000 Jesus E. De La Vega Supervisory Border Patrol Agent El Centro Sector On November 2, 1999 at about 11:20 PM, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Jesus E. De La Vega was patrolling the border area along Interstate Highway 8 near Seeley, California. As he turned off the highway, he saw a huge white cloud of smoke covering the ramp. Through the smoke, he was able to make out a vehicle that had just crashed, rolled over twice, and come to rest on its side. Flames shot out from the front passenger compartment and from under the hood. Looking for occupants, SBPA De La Vega spied a single male victim, later identified as a Bruce Allen Stanley, who was severely disoriented and desperately attempting to exit the vehicle. Stanley could make no headway, unable as he was to move his right arm, which had been injured when the vehicle rolled over. Agent De La Vega asked Mr. Stanley whether any other occupants were in the vehicle. The victim stated that he was the only one. As the flames became more intense, Agent De La Vega, oblivious to his own safety, attempted to open the door of the vehicle, but was initially beaten back by the smoke and heat. After a few more attempts, Agent De La Vega was finally able to pull open the door, release the man’s seat belt, and drag him to safety away from the vehicle, which by then was entirely engulfed in flames. Agent De La Vega proceeded to administer emergency first aid to Mr. Stanley and make him as comfortable as possible. Next, he radioed for emergency services, and within minutes, units from the California Highway Patrol, Imperial County Fire Department, and Gold Cross Ambulance had responded. They treated Mr. Stanley for the injuries to his shoulder and arm and for smoke inhalation. For his part, Agent De La Vega escaped injury. His selfless and heroic actions saved a life and are a true inspiration. 2019 Tony Miranda Assistant Chief Washington D.C. Past Event On November 1, 2007, in Wellton, AZ, Agent Miranda observed a house almost completely engulfed in flames. Without regard for his personal safety, he entered the structure through the front door and assisted a woman in a wheelchair to safety. He immediately reentered the house, located a double amputee elderly man, and led him to safety. At that point, Agent Miranda was informed that a mother and two children were still in the house. A third time, he entered through the front door only to find that the ceiling was fully engulfed and that fiery debris was falling on him. As he retreated outside, he was told that the room in which the mother and children were believed to be was on the rear, right side of the house. With the help of a neighbor, Agent Miranda dislodged an air-conditioning unit from the wall, creating an entry point into the room. For a fourth time, Agent Miranda entered the house to save people. He found the room to be full of black smoke, with such intense heat that breathing was nearly impossible. Again, he was forced to retreat. Once outside, Agent Miranda instructed the neighbor to use a nearby garden hose and to douse his uniform with water. For a fifth time, Agent Miranda entered the house. He found the room to be engulfed in flame, full of choking smoke and raining debris from the ceiling that was on fire. Over the next week, Agent Miranda would lose his eyelashes, eyebrows and much of his hair. The heat that he experienced inside the house was so intense that it cause the hair to become brittle and to break off. For his conspicuous heroism and extraordinary courage, he was awarded the Commissioner’s Meritorious Service Award for Valor and the Secretary’s Valor Award. Agent Miranda’s actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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. *With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.
2006
David N. Webb Date of Birth: November 24, 1970 Entered on Duty: February 23, 2004 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 3, 2006 Details: On November 3, 2006, Border Patrol Agent David N. Webb was enroute to his normal patrol duties on the Tohono O’odham Nation within the Ajo Station Area of Responsibility. At approximately 5:18 p.m., Agent Webb was involved in a single vehicle accident. Border Patrol Agents working nearby responded to assist Police and emergency medical services personnel at the scene of the accident. Agent Webb did not survive the injuries sustained from the accident. Agent Webb was 36 years old and was a graduate of the 580th session of the Border Patrol Academy. He served his country as a member of the 186th Infantry in the Oregon Army National Guard, where he saw service in the Sinai Desert as a member of a United Nations Peace Keeping Force from May 2002 to February 2003. Burial Details Unknown 2012 David R. Delaney Date of Birth September 5, 1968 Entered on Duty: December 12, 2002 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 2, 2012 Details: On November 2, 2012, Border Patrol Agent David R. Delaney collapsed and died while patrolling on foot near Big Bend National Park in Texas. Agent Delaney entered on duty as a member of the 536th academy session on December 12, 2002. Following his graduation, he was assigned to the Calexico Station in the El Centro Sector. He then transferred to Houlton and Grand Forks Sectors before settling in at the Big Bend National Park Sub-Station of Alpine Station in the Big Bend Sector in 2011. Agent Delaney is survived by his wife and three children. Gravesite 2021 Anibal A. Perez Entered on Duty: June 26, 2006 Title: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 5, 2021 Details: Agent Perez entered on duty on June 26, 2006, as part of the 625th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Ajo Station in the Tucson Sector, Arizona. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife Fawna; children: Isabella, Andre, and Milan; parents: Anibal and Dora; and sister: Tara. Cremated October 23 - October 29Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Before I start the intro, let me extent a huge thank you to Joe Banco. He shared over 1,000 Border Patrol photographs with me and gave me permission to post them in the Honor First Photo Galleries. I updated every gallery with his photos. Visit the Honor First Photo Galleries! If you think about it, researching history is very similar to investigating a crime which is to say there is a general understanding of what happened but many of the details are missing. Further, the evidence that is discovered during the investigation may reshape and sometimes entirely change the initial perspectives. Folklore and inaccurate history are created when the gaps of the unknown are filled with inaccurate and/or untrue narratives that are presented as fact. All of us know that it is human nature to fill the unknown with what make sense in the absence of information. That is usually done without any bad intent or malice. Examples of Border Patrol folklore and inaccurate history include:
In the past decade, much of the Patrol's historic gaps have been filled with quality research at the National Archives and by using other reputable sources. Even then, some gaps exist and logical inferences must be made. When I use an inference as I write about history you'll see me use the phrases, "indications are" or "it is believed". Joe Banco will be even more direct when he fills in the gaps as when he wrote (emphasis added):
Joe and I allow the evidence found in the old documents to drive the narratives we write, even when the folklore and/or inaccurate history may be more appealing. We always let truth to trump appeal. When we fill in the gaps, we do it based on our opinions which are anchored in significant research and study. Joe and I know, more than most, the challenge and difficulty of correcting folklore and inaccurate history. I have been met with anger for spouting what some considered to be Border Patrol blasphemy and threatened with Border Patrol hell. Some folks couldn't believe that Jeff Milton was neither in the Patrol nor a Patrol Inspector. Other folks were severely offended when I put El Paso's Where the Legend Began phrase in a correct historical context (see the HonorFirst History Page). Joe and I do not put forth such effort for monetary gain. Joe is not showered with riches due to book sales (which you absolutely should purchase), and HonorFirst.com is not monetized. Joe and I enjoy the discovery and the sharing of the knowledge that we acquired about an organization of which we care deeply. However, a single post to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter from an official social media account can destroy hundreds of hours of careful and tedious research. Such posts perpetuate folklore and inaccurate history, concealing the research that has proven that much of the Patrol's history may not be as spectacular or sensational as originally thought, but is undoubtedly far richer and interesting. And more importantly, such perpetuation damages organizational pride. Last week, the photo to the right was launched from several of the Patrol's official social media accounts, perpetuating folklore and inaccurate history. Directly addressing the post's claims:
Those responsible for managing the Patrol's social media must show better diligence when presenting the Patrol's history. One post can derail hours of careful research and damage organizational pride. Thank you for letting me vent! Perhaps a more influential reader or two might be able to remind HQ that the national and sector Strategic Communications shops most be more careful with their Throwback Thursday history posts. I would be happy to vet their historic posts before publication, just as I imagine Joe would too. Today's update begins with at 1928 shooting where two Patrol Inspectors and two Mounted Customs Inspectors faced down alcohol smugglers in El Paso, Texas. We have a 1936 letter from a uniform vender requesting clarification on the color of the leather (there were two colors in use at the time). And we have several updates thanks to Joe Banco's books. There are no know Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week. Therefore, I will highlight the actions of Supervisory Immigration Officer James F. Murphy who received the Newton-Azrak Award in 1988. I have conducted numerous searches and cannot find any additional information on his action. If you have any information about it, please send it my way so I can update the site. We also remember five of the Patrol's fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. Enjoy the blog and have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de Corps The 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. Documents/Events 1928
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1988 James F. Murphy Supervisory Immigration Officer Glynco, Georgia Supervisory Immigration Officer James F. Murphy was recognized for stopping the assault of a female colleague by a man with a knife in Kingston, Jamaica, in August 1987. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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. *With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.
1925
Ross A. Gardner Date of Birth: July 9, 1900 Entered on Duty: January 2, 1925 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: October 28, 1925 Details: On October 27, 1925, Patrol Inspector Ross A. Gardner was returning from his official station, San Diego, California, to Elsinore, California, where he was temporarily assigned. He was operating a government-owned motorcycle that he had taken to San Diego to be repaired. At Sedoc, California, about three miles east of Elsinore, Inspector Gardner ran into the rear of an automobile that was stalled on the roadway. The stalled vehicle had no lights at the time and, reportedly, headlights on a truck heading in the opposite direction hampered the officer's vision. Patrol Inspector Gardner sustained a fractured skull, fracture of the pelvis, and internal injuries. He was conveyed to Elsinore by a passing motorist but was later transferred to the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. Death occurred at 4:20 a.m. on October 28, 1925. Gravesite 1968 Ralph L. Anderson Date of Birth: February 16, 1923 Entered on Duty: May 1, 1950 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: October 25, 1968 Details: On October 25, 1968, Patrol Inspector Ralph L. Anderson was assigned to the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. shift on the international boundary near San Ysidro, California. He was working alone, checking the drag trails for signs of illegal crossings. Shortly after 4:00 p.m., Patrol Inspector Charles Thompson found Patrol Inspector Anderson in a Service-owned vehicle in a remote area near the Mexican border east of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. There was a bullet wound in Inspector Anderson's right temple and a 218 “Bee” Savage bolt-action rifle inside the vehicle, with the muzzle pointing upward and leaning toward the decedent. Investigation conducted by the FBI revealed that the rifle was carried loosely inside the vehicle with the muzzle upward. A mark on a gearshift lever knob indicated that the trigger of the weapon had fallen against the knob. The impact discharged the rifle, and the projectile struck Inspector Anderson in the right temporal region. There was no indication of any other person or persons having been in the area. San Diego County Deputy Coroner Murphy concluded the mode of death to be accidental. Gravesite 1998 Walter S. Panchison Date of Birth: January 15, 1945 Entered on Duty: March 6, 1978 Title: Airplane Pilot End of Watch: October 23, 1998 Details: On Friday October 23, 1998, at 2:00 p.m., Agent Scott Panchison was flying a U.S. Border Patrol plane in response to motion sensors tripped along the United States - Canadian Border near Lynden, Washington. Agent Panchison was working with other agents in the area and was heading back to Bellingham International Airport when his plane crashed into rugged terrain in the Smith Peak area just north of Mount Baker Highway on the west side of Sumas Mountain. Agent Panchison lost his life in the crash. Agent Panchison was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and a master’s degree from Pepperdine University. After graduation, Agent Panchison joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he spent ten years flying F4 Phantoms, including flights from aircraft carriers in the Vietnam War. He left the Corps to join the U.S. Border Patrol, where he proudly served for 21 years. At the time of his death, he was stationed at the Blaine Sector. He was a graduate of the 119th session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia. Gravesite 2002 Catherine M. Hill Date of Birth: March 19, 1965 Entered on Duty: November 1, 1999 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: October 25, 2002 Details: Senior Patrol Agent Catherine M. Hill, 37, was performing patrol duties in the Tijuana River Valley (Smuggler’s Canyon area) early in the morning on Friday, October 25, 2002, when her vehicle rolled down the edge of a 40-foot cliff. She died at the scene. Agent Hill was a graduate of the 419th session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy and was assigned to the Imperial Beach Station at the time of her death. Known for her outgoing and community-oriented personality, she was an advisor for Border Patrol Explorer post #1924 and a member of the San Diego Sector’s Peer Support Team. Gravesite 2021 Rafael G. Sanchez Entered on Duty: September 16, 2002 Title: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: October 24, 2021 Details: Agent Sanchez entered on duty on September 16, 2002, as part of the 527th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Hebbronville Station, Laredo Sector, Texas. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife Anabel; children: Arielle, Maritza, and Rafael; and mother: Corina; sister Nora; and grandchildren: Joshua, Jordyn, and Gianna. Cremated October 16 - October 22Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Let's start this week discussing the Patrol's rank insignia. Before diving in, you may want to visit and read The U.S. Border Patrol’s Early Rank and Time-in-Service Insignia. It has a GIF (12 images that cycle every 5 seconds) of the examples of the rank insignia and time-in-service insignia that was in place from 1928-1942 of which I'll write about below. Let me backtrack to the beginning... From its creation in 1924 until General Order 61 (GO-61) in 1926, the Patrol had only two positions, and neither had an official rank insignia;
From 1924-1928, the Patrol did not have an official rank insignia. We know that to be true based on this memo from Chief of the Border Patrol Ruel E. Davenport (1878-1961), "The lack of any insignia of rank for ranking officers of the Patrol Service is also noticeable." However, there exists photographic evidence of some rank insignia being used outside of any policy such as the case of the insignia worn by Frank McMahan at the bottom of his left sleeve. On March 18, 1926, GO-61 was signed and came into effect on April 1, 1926. GO-61 restructured the Border Patrol, creating three additional positions and renaming one:
The sixth supplement to General Order 42, dated April 4, 1928, contains the earliest Border Patrol rank and time-in-service insignia that have been located.
The rank insignia above weren't the only rank insignia in place at the time, there were also unique insignia for the long coat.
These insignia were in place until approximately 1942 when the Patrol's third uniform policy was implemented. Sadly, no examples of that policy is known to exist. However, it is known that the aforementioned rank insignia were discontinued. With the new uniform policy, the shoulder ornaments that had been worn as part of the uniform for all Patrol Inspectors since 1924 were used to identify ranking inspectors. It is thought that the 1942 uniform policy concerning rank was significantly similar to the 1956 uniform policy, see below:
The shoulder ornaments and titles on badges were the sole insignia of rank until September 4, 1980, when the acting commissioner issued this memo that began:
A bit of a back story for that 1980 memo. In a conversation with Roger "Buck" Brandemuehl, Chief of the Border Patrol 1980-1986, he told me that the Patrol was commonly working with the military, as it does today. The military members didn't quite grasp the shoulder ornament rank insignia, so Buck pushed to have the military rank insignia implemented so that the military would have a better understanding of to whom they were talking within the Patrol. The 1980 rank insignia began with captain’s bars for first-line supervisors and ended with 2 stars for the Chief of the Border Patrol (Assistant Commissioner). Chief Patrol Agents wore 1 star. Within the implementation of the military rank insignia, the traditional shoulder ornaments were still used, roughly following the aforementioned 1956 guidance. The next large change in the Patrol's rank insignia came in 2003. The most significant of the changes were that the Chief of the Border Patrol wore four stars (making Chief Gustavo De La Vina the first 4-star Chief) and Chief Patrol Agents wore two stars. Later, sometime around 2010, the shoulder ornaments no longer were symbols of rank but became location identifiers agents in supervisory and managerial positions. Gold should ornaments denoted supervisory and managerial agents assigned to USBP HQ, silver ornaments denoted sector HQ supervisory and managerial agents, and oxidized ornament denoted station level supervisory and managerial agents. However, for reasons never adequately explained to me, the Academy uses a combination of silver and oxidized shoulder ornaments. I would think that all Academy supervisory and managerial should wear silver ornaments like the sector HQs. However, as the years have passed the Border Patrol has strayed from official documents that continue to provide excellent equivalency in applying military rank insignia to Senior Executives and GS employees. See the following;
However, the Border Patrol’s rank insignia is not related to the scope and complexity of the position as is reflected in a position's pay grade. The Patrol's rank insignia is title-centric and is related more to the perceived level of prestige of a given position. That's why a GS-13 supervising less than 10 people wears the identical insignia as a GS-15 who is responsible for over 600 people (Patrol Agents in Charge all wear eagles as rank insignia regardless of pay grade). As another example, the GS-15 CPA of Ramey Sector with less than 100 employees wears 2-stars when SES DCPAs and SES HQ Deputy Directorate Chiefs wear 1-star. So, wrapping it up... In today's Patrol, there are far more titles than pay grades and insignia. The fickle concept of prestige trumps the carefully considered pay grade of positions in the application of insignia assignment. Restating the 1980 memo, rank insignia were implemented ...to enhance the recognition of our supervisory and staff Border Patrol agents. I argue that the recognition is diminished when the system allows GS-13s and GS-14s to wear the same insignia as a GS-15, when SESs wear a lessor insignia than a GS-15, and prestige provides the foundation of rank assignment instead of pay grade. But, I could be wrong... This week brings us tons of USBP history! We start with a 1910 memo concerning compensation for "mounted inspectors. There are shootings, seizures, and the earliest known mentioning of two modern positions. We celebrate the Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary for two recipients. We also remember the loss of six of our fallen, including two that fell in the same event. Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams fell due in the same incident in 1998. A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen). Their names are listed below:
Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021. However, their causes of death were not related. Enjoy the blog and have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de Corps The 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. Documents/Events 1910
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
2016 Juan Cruz Jr. - photo Border Patrol Agent Weslaco, Texas Marcus K. Johnson - photo Border Patrol Agent Weslaco, Texas The incident occurred on October 19, 2015, at approximately 2:00 a.m. Border Patrol Agents Juan Cruz, Jr. and Marcus K. Johnson responded to a call for assistance by agents working border enforcement duties near the Hidalgo, Texas, Settling Basin. A subject had jumped into the water basin and was struggling to stay afloat. The potential victim was frantically screaming for help and periodically dipping below the surface of the water. The agents quickly improvised a safety line from tow straps and courageously entered the dark, cold water in an attempt to rescue the subject. Unfortunately, the improvised safety line was not long enough to reach the subject and the dangerous conditions forced the agents to return to land. Cruz swam out for a second time in an attempt to throw the subject a floatation device, but that attempt also failed due to the subject’s panicked state of mind. Upon the arrival of the City of Hidalgo’s Fire Department, the agents were informed that the fire department would not attempt a rescue due to policy constraints dealing with the dangers involved in a night time water rescue. Both Cruz and Johnson ignored the injuries they had suffered to their bare feet on their previous rescue attempts and for a third time volunteered to try to rescue the subject. They borrowed life vests from the fire department and re-entered the dangerous water. On the third attempt, the agents managed to reach the subject and provide him with a life vest and were able to successfully extract him from the water without further incident. The subject was examined by emergency medical technicians at the scene and found to be in good health and not in need of further medical attention. Both Cruz and Johnson were treated for their injuries at a local hospital and released the same night. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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. *With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.
1922
Charles Gardiner Date of Birth: February 5, 1882 Entered on Duty: August 15, 1918 Title: Mounted Watchman End of Watch: October 21, 1922 Details Mounted Guard Charles Gardiner was shot and killed without warning by the driver of a wagon loaded with smuggled liquor. Gardiner was approaching the vehicle to inspect it when the unprovoked attack occurred. The report indicated that he approached a one-horse wagon containing two Mexicans for the purpose of questioning them as to their immigration status and that they jumped from the wagon, immediately firing upon him from close range. Death Certificate Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $66.67 per month for her and their four children. Then $49.50 for her and one child. Gravesite 1956 John A. Rector Date of Birth: August 23, 1898 Entered on Duty: March 13, 1928 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: October 16, 1956 Details: At approximately 11:30 a.m., October 16, 1956, Patrol Inspector John A. Rector was accidently shot by the firing of a .357 Magnum revolver by fellow officer, Bill Jordan. The mishap occurred at the Chula Vista Sector Headquarters as two officers were discussing various guns and their limitations and advantages. During the course of the conversation, the .357 Magnum was unloaded, examined, then reloaded, and placed in a desk drawer. The two officers then examined a .22 revolver and soon the discussion returned to the .357 Magnum. At this point, Patrol Inspector Jordan reached into the desk drawer, picked up the pistol, and without realizing that it had been reloaded, pulled the trigger. The bullet passed through a partition wall into Patrol Inspector Rector's office where it struck him in the left jaw and ranged up through his head. Upon arrival of an ambulance and a doctor, Patrol Inspector Rector was removed to the Paradise Valley Hospital in National City. Two neurosurgeons from San Diego were called; however, nothing could be done for Inspector Rector. He died at approximately 2:00 p.m. the same day. Gravesite 1967 Elgar B. Holliday Date of Birth: October 6, 1911 Entered on Duty: June 19, 1944 Title: Senior Patrol Inspector End of Watch: October 18, 1967 Details: In September 1967, Hurricane Beulah struck the lower Rio Grande Valley and adjacent areas causing extensive wind and flood damage. During the emergency, Patrol Inspectors rendered assistance in the protection of life and property, performing exhaustive and arduous tasks and working long periods of time without rest or relief. Senior Patrol Inspector Elgar B. Holliday was engaged in continuous emergency work assignments for three days. During the third day, September 24, 1967, he was stricken, suffering from extreme shortness of breath and pains in the chest. Showing signs of complete exhaustion, he was taken to a doctor, who gave him an injection and diagnosed the difficulty as heart failure due to over-exertion. Mr. Holliday was subsequently placed in the St. Joseph's Hospital, Houston, Texas, where he died on October 18, 1967. Gravesite
1979 Weldon Smith Date of Birth: July 18, 1939 Entered on Duty: November 2, 1970 Title: Aircraft Pilot End of Watch: October 19, 1979 Details: During the afternoon of October 19, 1979, Pilot Weldon Smith had been working with ground agents Roxy D. Kieffe and Frank Ureta, Jr., of Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station. They were trailing aliens on the Gallagor Ranch, about 10 miles north of Guerra, Jim Hogg County, Texas. Pilot Smith returned to McAllen to refuel. As he was returning to the location of the aliens, he passed about 100 feet over Kieffe, relocated the trail, and started relaying the location to Kieffe. He said, "I found the tr-" and quit transmitting in mid-sentence. Officer Kieffe did not see the crash, but saw the smoke and ran toward it. The plane was completely engulfed in flames, destroyed by the impact and fire. Pilot Smith died on initial impact. A Justice of the Peace from Hebbronville, Texas, held an inquest upon arrival at the scene of the accident and pronounced Pilot Smith dead. Subsequent investigation determined that the aircraft had stalled and the pilot was unable to recover from the stall. Gravesite 1998 Jesus de la Ossa Date of Birth: June 21, 1965 Entered on Duty: November 28, 1993 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: October 20, 1998 Details: On Tuesday, October 20, 1998, at 7:00 p.m., Agents Jesus De La Ossa and Thomas J. Williams were traveling to San Diego after successfully completing the Border Patrol Academy Instructor’s Course. They were involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle and lost their lives in the accident, which happened about 15 miles west of Artesia, New Mexico. Agent De La Ossa was born in Nogales, Arizona. Before entering the Border Patrol, Agent De La Ossa served as a military policeman in the U.S. Air Force. He joined the INS as a Border Patrol Agent and was later promoted to Senior Patrol Agent. At the time of his death, his official station was Brown Field, California. He was a graduate of the 264th session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia. Gravesite Thomas J. Williams Date of Birth: July 21, 1966 Entered on Duty: May 5, 1994 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: October 20, 1998 Details: On Tuesday, October 20, 1998, at 7:00 p.m., Agents Thomas J. Williams and Jesus De La Ossa were traveling to San Diego after successfully completing the Border Patrol Academy Instructor’s Course. They were involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle and lost their lives in the accident, which happened about 15 miles west of Artesia, New Mexico. Agent Williams was born in Hazel Green, Wisconsin. He graduated from Western Illinois University Magna Cum Laude with a degree in criminal justice. He served in the Navy for four years, two of which were served on the submarine USS Henry Clay. He joined the INS as a Border Patrol Agent and was later promoted to Senior Patrol Agent. At the time of his death, his official station was Brown Field, California. He was a graduate of the 266th session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia. Gravesite |
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
June 2024
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