October 9 - October 15![]() Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Let's start today's newsletter discussing flags. To lay a foundation, I remember being young agent in Laredo and seeing an absolutely huge Mexican flag across the river. One source has the flag being roughly 93' X 164' and weighing almost 800 pounds! My partner and I were discussing the Mexican flag and he was upset that it was larger than the United States flag on our side of the border. He told me that the United States should fly a larger flag. I countered his suggestion by telling him that both the United States and Mexico could better spend their money on things far more important than flying ever larger flags. I continued by telling him that regardless of the relative sizes of the national flags that the United States was a better country. The size of the flag didn't matter. Continuing on the theme of flags, when was the last time you saw a military joint color guard? Did you notice the order of the flags, their precedence? There are several rules that define the order. Two of the main rules are:
Look at the photograph of the military color guard below. The order of the flags are (L to R):
Let's unpack that order of precedence. Obviously, the United States flag is the highest because it represents a country, and the U.S. Army flag is second because it's the oldest of the Armed Forces (not counting the National Guard). The U.S. Coast Guard is the most junior, I guess, because it's not part of the Department of Defense in peacetime. I imagine that another argument for the USCG flag being last is that the Secretary of the Department of Defense is #6 in the United States Presidential line of succession and the Secretary of Homeland Security is #18. Although, Secretary Mayorkas is Constitutionally ineligible to become President because he was born in in Havana, Cuba and therefore not a natural-born citizen. But what about the Navy and Marine Corps flags? The Navy is clearly older than the Marine Corps, right? Well, there are several stories and I'll briefly give one of them... Both the USN and the USMC can trace their beginnings to the 1775 dates listed above, making the USN 28-days older that the USMC. What many people do not know, is that both services were disbanded after the Revolutionary War in 1783. The USN was reconstituted in 1794 and claimed their year of reconstitution as its new date of creation. When the USMC was reconstituted in 1798, it recognized its original 1775 date if creation, making it the older service. However, in 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Zumwalt authorized the USN to recognize the 1775 date as the date of creation. But, 50 years later and the old precedent is still unbroken with the USMC flag still taking precedence over the USN flag. I know what you're thinking, "Great military history lesson, Cliff. Do you have point that's related to the Patrol?" I do have a point... Did you know that within Customs and Border Protection, several of the Offices have organizational flags? I'm going to discuss only the three of the flags of the uniformed Offices... Air & Marine Operations (AMO), Office of Field Operations (OFO), and the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP). Specifically, I'm going to speak of their order of precedence... Above, I've displayed the flags in their order of precedence based on alphabetical order, which is an accepted order of precedence. Many times, all of the state flags of the United States will be displayed in alphabetical order. However, from 2003 to 2016 the USBP flag nearly always took precedence over the other Office flags. It became the practice within CBP that was followed in every color guard although not supported by any official document. The Office flags were displayed - USBP, OFO and AMO. The arguments that support this approach are:
I will also note that the argument could be presented that the OFO flag should take precedence over the other CBP Office flags for the following reasons:
However, no other CBP Office, including the USBP, is required to follow the official guidance from OFO. So, nearly two decades after the U.S. Customs Service was renamed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (see page 186 of this document), something as simple as an Office flag precedence has not been established. Regardless of the logic applied to define the order of precedence, the Office of the Commissioner should create the document and provide the guidance. Recalling how this intro began... It does not matter the size of an organization's flag, nor where it's located in an order of precedence. An organization's pride is not anchored to such trivial concepts. Whether the USBP's flag is first, last, largest or smallest, the Patrol is a meaningful organization that is rich in history, tradition and culture! Honor First! As always, this week brings us many interesting anniversaries in USBP history. We start with a 1907 document concerning Jeff Milton. We see 1918 memo from the Father of the Border Patrol. We also have three references form Joe Banco's must buy USBP History books. We remembered Border Patrol heroes on the anniversary of the actions that led them to being presented the Newton-Azrak Award. Finally, we remember Patrol Inspector Henely L. Goode Jr. who died due to a duty related injury in 1969. 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 1907
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1980 Myron B. Merchant - award memo, news article Border Patrol Agent Swanton, Vermont On October 14, 1979 at approximately 10:30 p.m. a call was received by Border Patrol Agents at Rouses Point, New York that two men were walking in a sparsely populated rural area south on Cannon Corners Road near Mooers Forks, New York. Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Myron Merchant and another agent responded to the call. BPA Merchant took a surveillance position at the intersection of Cannon Corners Road and Route 11. Soon afterwards, BPA Merchant saw two men walking a short distance from his location. Suddenly the men ran into the woods. BPA Merchant notified the other agent by radio of the circumstances and followed the suspects into the woods. About fifty feet from the road BPA Merchant came under close range gunfire. One shot struck him in the upper abdomen, knocking him to the ground. One of the assailants walked toward him and raised his weapon in an apparent attempt to kill him. BPA Merchant instinctively rolled on the ground as the assailant fired narrowly missing him. BPA Merchant drew his weapon and returned the gunfire, killing the assailant. While seriously wounded, BPA Merchant marked the position of the dead man with his flashlight and then crawled on his back to the road where he was met by the agent he had earlier radioed. During the gunfire the second man fled. He was captured later at a New York State Police roadblock in Mooers, New York. BPA Merchant’s ability and presence of mind to be able to give a description of the second man greatly contributed to his capture. The two men were later identified as two escapees who had been charged with murdering a Montreal, Quebec police officer and seriously wounding two other officers of that city. BPA Merchant’s actions that evening reflect his great personal courage and presence of mind during an emergency life and death situation. 2002 Robert H. Arnold Jr. Senior Patrol Agent El Paso Sector Herbert L. Williams Supervisory Border Patrol Agent El Paso Sector Senior Patrol Agent Robert H. Arnold Jr. and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Herbert L. Williams were recognized for their acts of bravery and heroism during the pursuit of a narcotics load vehicle after it illegally entered the U.S. with 1,900 pounds of marijuana. On October 12, 2002, Agent Arnold and his partner Border Patrol Agent Valerie Jaramillo pursued a narcotics load vehicle back to the Rio Grande River after it had entered the United States illegally. This occurred approximately 27 miles east of the Ft. Hancock, Texas Port of Entry. The driver abandoned the vehicle (containing 1,900 pounds of marijuana) and crossed back into Mexico. The driver, along with several other armed assailants, began shooting into the United States at these agents. Agents Arnold and Jaramillo were ambushed and came under heavy gunfire. Agent Jaramillo was shot in the leg and the same bullet narrowly missed Agent Arnold. Additional rounds struck the engine compartment and battery, disabling their vehicle. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Herbert L. Williams entered the area as back up and took heavy fire. Agent Arnold returned fire from cover. Agent Williams positioned his vehicle in the line of fire to provide additional cover so that Agent Jaramillo could be extracted safely. Agents in self-defense of the heavy automatic gunfire fired over 240 rounds. Agent Arnold removed Agent Jaramillo to Agent Williams vehicle and then left the scene to meet with a medical helicopter. Agent Williams provided cover fire as they left the area, at which time they were continuing to take heavy fire from Mexico. Agent Williams was able to safely get out of the line of fire and Agent Jaramillo subsequently recovered from her gunshot wound. 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.
1969
Henley M. Goode, Jr. Date of Birth: April 7, 1929 Entered on Duty: August 24, 1953 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: October 11, 1969 Details: During the morning of September 6, 1969, Patrol Inspector Henley M. Goode, Jr. was injured when he fell on the steps of the U.S. Post Office Building, Fort Fairfield, Maine. He had just departed the Border Patrol Office on the second floor of the building and as he neared the lobby level, he tripped and fell a short distance to the lobby floor. There were no witnesses to the accident, but several postal employees heard the sound of someone falling and a voice calling for help. They responded immediately, and obtained a doctor and an ambulance. Examination revealed Patrol Inspector Goode had sustained a fractured left kneecap (Patella). He died unexpectedly on October 11, 1969, at the Fort Fairfield Community Hospital. His death was attributed to pulmonary embolus. Gravesite
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October 2 - October 8![]() Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! I'm going to start out by comparing the ease of purchasing military awards and insignia to the great difficulty of a current or former USBP employee obtaining an extra/replacement Border Patrol award or device... Military Insignia and Awards Would you like to purchase a Navy Seal Trident? If you wish, you can purchase one from Vanguard for $13.70. What about a Navy Cross medal? You can purchase one of those from Medals of America for $81.99. What about a Silver Star medal? Go to USA Military Medals with $40.39 and it's yours. Any military member, veteran or collector is able to purchase any military insignia and/or award, from multiple venders nearly without restriction*. *18 USC 704 regulates military medals and decorations. USBP Insignia and Awards What about active USBP employees and retirees... Where are they able to purchase replacement or extra insignia or USBP Honorary Awards? Where would someone obtain a USBP Peer Support device, BORTAC device, USBP Commendation Medal, etc...? The short answer is no USBP device or award is available for purchase by any recipient, active USBP employee, retiree or collector. What if I were to tell you I have a plan that would support the current and former workforce, collectors and the Border Patrol Museum in a win-win-win manner? A Plan of Action Here it goes - First, a CBP policy document would have to be created so that CBP/USBP would enter into official relationships with the Border Patrol Museum and Border Patrol Morale, Welfare and Recreation (BP MW&R) non-profit organizations following the model of the FBI’s relationship with the FBI Recreation Association (FBIRA).
Concerning USBP Honorary Awards and USBP Authorized Devices, it is nearly impossible for an employee or a retiree to obtain an extra set of one of their awards or devices. It would be very easy for the USBP to authorize the BP Museum to have those items manufactured for sale. It would be great for the workforce and a source of revenue for the Museum. Win / Win The approach is simple:
I recommend that USBP awards and devices be sold without restrictions, to the entire public. Let me establish some baselines on the unrestricted sale subject. All military awards are defined in law, regulation, or Executive Orders. For the military, only awards that are defined in similar documents can be worn on a military uniform. With the exception of the Medals of Honor, any person can buy and possess any military decoration. With those facts in mind, no USBP award is authorized for wear on any military uniform because our awards, although designed by the Institute of Heraldry (TIOH), are only defined in a lower-level policy signed by an SES. USBP awards are not defined in law, regulation, or Executive Orders. USBP Honorary Awards lack that level of legitimacy or bureaucratic prestige. Any person can buy and possess nearly any military decoration or device, but a USBP employee or retiree must jump through undefined hoops to get a replacement/extra medal set or authorized device. As a real-world example, a Newton-Azrak Award recipient contacted me about obtaining a medal set since he received his award before they were issued. I put him in contact with the correct USBP HQ division who promptly denied his request. On the recipient's behalf, I emailed the highest levels of Border Patrol headquarters until, almost three months later, the recipient received a Newton-Azrak Award Medal set from HQ. It should not be difficult for a recipient to receive a replacement/extra award set. A retiree should not have to persistently contact high-ranking USBP executives because a division of HQ failed to take care of the workforce or retirees. If the BP Museum received authorization to sell all USBP awards and authorized devices, it would make it easy for employees and retirees to get replacement/extra sets. If a collector wishes to purchase them, it would equate to additional revenue for the Museum. Here's an example. A USBP Achievement Medal set costs @ $15-$20 to manufacture. The Border Patrol Museum would have no problem selling them for $75. Similar profit margins could be applied to every USBP award and USBP device. Awards and devices would be available for purchase and the BP Museum would have several new streams of profitability. Win Win Win Now to the blog! This week starts with a great correction and addition in the Housekeeping section. I actually do get excited to be corrected so that I may present the best USBP history available. There are documents that pre-date the USBP, the Patrol's first job announcement, and a gunfight in El Paso and in Campo. There is a fencing estimate from 1953, and the 35th anniversary of the Patrol's newest sector. We remember three Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions. We also remember the loss of five of our fallen, including two that fell in the same event. Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue fell due in the same incident in 1973. 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 1918
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1991 Howard H. Gay (1945-1990) Border Patrol Pilot Marfa Sector Posthumously Awarded On October 3, 1990, while driving to work in the morning thick fog, Border Patrol Pilot Howard H. Gay noticed a stranded motorist on the highway. Realizing the danger, Mr. Gay attempted to turn around to render assistance when he was struck and killed by an on-coming vehicle. He will be remembered as a person always willing to help others in distress.
1994 Jose (Joe) L. Perez Supervisory Border Patrol Agent San Diego Sector On the night of October 3, 1994, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Jose (Joe) L. Perez was performing his patrol duties in the Dulzura, CA area on Highway 94. Highway 94 runs east and west adjacent to the International Border between the United States and Mexico. While performing his patrol duties, Agent Perez came upon a one-car vehicle accident. Being the first law enforcement officer on the scene, Agent Perez took those steps necessary to notify the proper agencies through the Border Patrol Dispatch, and then took additional steps well above the call of duty. Agent Perez observed that there were three occupants trapped inside a vehicle that was overturned and resting on its roof. As Agent Perez approached the vehicle, he observed that the doors were jammed shut. Agent Perez used what leverage he could and managed to open one front door. Through this door, Agent Perez was able to remove the driver and the front seat passenger. He placed both of them out of the flow of traffic and returned to the car. Agent Perez then observed that the vehicle was on fire and that there was still one occupant trapped inside the vehicle. Agent Perez reentered the vehicle and doubled his efforts to free the remaining passenger. The last passenger was trapped between the collapsed roof of the vehicle and the rear seat with her legs hanging through the shattered rear window. Using brute strength, Agent Perez was able to force the seat to move sufficiently to allow him to extricate the passenger. Although the vehicle was on fire, Agent Perez took the time to ensure that any possible spinal or neck injuries were cared for before moving the passenger to a safe location. Agent Perez continued performing immediate first aid until the arrival of the paramedics and fire units. 2021 Robert S. Holmes - photo Border Patrol Agent Grand Forks, ND On October 3, 2020 at 9:00 PM, Bottineau Station Border Patrol Agent Robert Holmes assisted local law enforcement with a call regarding a suicidal man who was on top of a 144-foot structure. Beyond the call of duty while facing grave danger, Agent Holmes went to the top of the structure to search for the man. Upon reaching the top, Agent Holmes began searching the massive area which was riddled with shafts, pipes and other industrial hazards. Under the cover of night, Agent Holmes was able to locate the man, who was armed with a knife, near the edge of a grain elevator. Agent Holmes began a tactful conversation with the man and ultimately talked him into storing the knife in his pocket and moving away from the edge to safety. Agent Holmes’ 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.
1973
Friedrich Karl Date of Birth: July 15, 1923 Entered on Duty: May 2, 1955 Title: Airplane Pilot End of Watch: October 4, 1973 Details: Both Airplane Pilot Friedrich Karl and his observer, Senior Patrol Agent John S. Blue, were stationed at Yuma, Arizona, when they were killed in an airplane crash. The officers were on a sign cutting and aircraft patrol assignment, having departed from the Yuma County Airport at approximately 6:00 a.m., on October 4, 1973. The flight also served to acquaint Senior Patrol Agent Blue with portions of the Yuma Sector since he had transferred there a short time before. After some five hours of flight, the officers landed at the Stoker Company Airport at Tacna, Arizona, for a rest stop and to communicate with units from the Tacna Station relative to patrol plans and operations. At approximately 12:00 noon, shortly after take-off from Tacna, the airplane struck a static line near the top of 52-foot poles of the Wellton Irrigation District power line. Contact of the landing gear with the static line caused the plane to flip, invert, and fall to the ground in an upside-down position. Both of the officers were killed instantly upon impact. Cremated John S. Blue Date of Birth: April 6, 1935 Entered on Duty: November 23, 1960 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: October 4, 1973 Details: Senior Patrol Agent John S. Blue was stationed at Yuma, Arizona, where, while serving as an observer, he was killed in the crash of a Border Patrol airplane being flown by Airplane Pilot Friedrich Karl, also of Yuma. The officers were on a sign cutting and aircraft patrol assignment, having departed from the Yuma County Airport at approximately 6:00 a.m., on October 4, 1973. The flight also served to acquaint Senior Patrol Agent Blue with portions of the Yuma Sector since he had transferred there a short time before. After some five hours of flight, the officers landed at the Stoker Company Airport at Tacna, Arizona, for a rest stop and to communicate with units from the Tacna Station relative to patrol plans and operations. At approximately 12:00 noon, shortly after take-off from Tacna, the airplane struck a static line near the top of 52-foot poles of the Wellton Irrigation District power line. Contact of the landing gear with the static line caused the plane to flip, invert, and fall to the ground in an upside-down position. Both of the officers were killed instantly upon impact. Burial Details Unknown 2012 Nicholas J. Ivie Date of Birth October 13, 1981 Entered on Duty: January 3, 2008 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: October 2, 2012 Details: On October 2, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Nicholas J. Ivie, of the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station was mortally wounded in the line of duty. Agent Ivie and separate group of two Border Patrol Agents were responding to a sensor activation in a remote area near Bisbee, Arizona. Agent Ivie and one of the other Border Patrol Agents mistook the other in the darkness as an armed threat. They engaged each other, unknowingly in a friendly versus friendly gunfight. Both agents were injured by gunfire, with Agent Ivie suffering a fatal wound. Agent Ivie entered on duty as a member of the 733rd academy session on January 3, 2008. Agent Ivie was 30 years old at the time of his death and leaves behind a wife, two daughters, his parents and four siblings. Gravesite 2019 Robert M. Hotten Date of Birth: September 24, 1975 Entered on Duty: September 10, 2009 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: October 6, 2019 Details: On October 6, 2019, BPA Robert M. Hotten was investigating potential illegal cross-border activity in extremely rugged terrain near Patagonia, Arizona. After he failed to respond to radio calls, fellow agents responded to his last known location and found him unresponsive. Agent Hotten was airlifted to a hospital in Nogales, Arizona where he was later pronounced deceased. Agent Hotten entered on duty with the United States Border Patrol on September 10, 2009, as a member of the 910th session of the Border Patrol Academy. He was assigned to the Sonoita Border Patrol Station in the Tucson Sector following his graduation. Agent Hotten served with the United States Border Patrol for over 10 years. Burial Details Unknown 2021 David H. Gray Entered on Duty: March 21, 2016 Title: Enforcement Analysis Specialist End of Watch: October 8, 2021 Details: EAS Gray entered on duty on March 21, 2016. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Sector Intelligence Unit in Houlton Sector, Maine. Before joining the U.S. Border Patrol, EAS Grey honorably served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Navy. 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 son, Harris; daughter, Marsilla; mother: Velva; and sister, Sandra. Gravesite September 25 - October 1Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week I stumbled upon a pretty significant document, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Fiscal Year 2023 Congressional Justification. Basically, this is CBP's fiscal plan which of course includes the U.S. Border Patrol. I know this 563-page document may be a dry read for some. So, I took the liberty of reviewing it for you... Below is a highlight of some the funding for the Patrol. Keep in mind that not all of the funding is under he control of the Patrol such as the line items for facilities and uniforms. USBP's total budget - $5.4 billion
Man, that's a lot of money! Of course, me being me, I searched the document for the concepts of employee recognition, morale, retention and attrition. Sadly, there wasn't much. The document provides this overview:
As I had spoken of in the email a couple of weeks ago, the USBP is great at responding to a crisis. However, the workforce needs an organization and leaders that are present and supporting them, every day, not just during a crisis. A change in organizational culture is needed. If I had a voice with USBP leadership, I'd recommend that they work to instill the tenets of Esprit de Corps as defined below. But, to bring this back to Border Patrol history, in its first year, the Patrol's authorized strength was 450 Inspectors with a $1.0M budget. 99 years later, its authorized strength is 19,555 agents with a $5.4B budget! As always, this week's update brings us interesting occurrences in Border Patrol history. In 1918, we have a document written by the Father of the Border Patrol recommending that the immigration district partner with the military to address illegal crossings. We have the official birth of the Voluntary Return in 1927. There's an organizational chart from 1936, and the finalization of the BORTAC device in 2001. But, what commonly receives no more than a footnote in many conversations is the Patrol's contributions and sacrifices during the 1962 riots at the University of Mississippi. Consider purchasing Joe Banco's book, HONOR FIRST: The Unsung Heroes of Oxford, for a deeper dive of the story of the, "...U.S. Border Patrol deployment to the University of Mississippi in 1962 to defend the U.S. Constitution and ensure the enrollment of the first African-American at Ole Miss." There are no Newton-Azrak Award action anniversaries this week. But, I am highlighting two recipients from 1987 whose exact dates of action are unknown. I should also mention that a Newton-Azrak Award recipient, George E. Evancheck (award statuette, notification letter), had somehow been omitted from any lists and was at risk of being forgotten. I have added him to the HonorFirst Newton-Azrak Award page and will add more information once it’s found. Finally, we remember two of our fallen on the first anniversaries of their deaths. Enjoy the update 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
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 for the week. However, there are many actions for which the date is unknown. I will highlight some of those below. In 1987, two people were presented Newton-Azrak Awards and their dates of action are not known. Lee R. Prejean Criminal Investigator Seattle, Washington Criminal Investigator Lee R. Prejean conducted undercover activities as part of Operation Castoron, which commenced as a marriage fraud investigation and grew into a visa fraud, smuggling, gunrunning, narcotics and terrorist investigation. Through his devoted and selfless efforts, he was able to infiltrate the large-scale conspiracy organization posing as a corrupt immigration officer. During the period of his undercover activities, he held hundreds of consensually monitored conversations, both telephonic and in person, with criminal elements involved in the investigation. He received pay-offs for alleged misconduct on his part, and was able to elicit the support and fidelity of the criminal principals in the case to such an extent that much valuable information was supplied to him willingly by these individuals which, in effect, led to the successful conclusion of this investigation. His involvement was so thorough that he placed a separate telephone and answering machine in his home in order that he might be available to the principals at any time. Mr. Prejean demonstrated unusual courage and competence while in the line of duty and under very trying circumstances. George E. Evancheck - award statuette, notification letter Border Patrol Agent Del Rio, Texas No description available. 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.
2021
David B. Ramirez Entered on Duty: April 6, 2003 Title: Border Patrol Agent-Intelligence End of Watch: September 26, 2021 Details: Agent Ramirez entered on duty on April 6, 2003, as part of the 546th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Sector Intelligence Unit/Joint California Forensics Center in San Diego, California. 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 Rosemary; children: David, Cristian, and Castiel; and father: Modesto. Cremated Alfredo M. Ibarra Entered on Duty: February 9, 2011 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 27, 2021 Details: Agent Ibarra entered on duty on February 9, 2011, as part of the 963th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Blythe Station, Yuma 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 Monica; children: Alfredo, Aydan, and Adrian; and mother: Evangelina. Cremated September 18 - September 24Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! A couple of weeks ago I wrote of the Patrol's culture. Here's a web version of that email. In that email I describe those aspects of the Patrol that I think make the it special. For the Patrol to maintain its unique culture, it's important to attract applicants that posses or can assimilate the characteristics of the Patrol's culture. I would expect a recruitment announcement to be something along the lines of: Are you the kind of person that:
That is type of announcement attracts people because of who they are. It attracts people who will be a good fit in the Patrol. I did a quick internet search to see what recruitment announcements are out there. Here are the two main ones: First - Current Openings - U.S. Border Patrol
Second - Join Our Team
Here's another approach... And I'm not going to give the answer(s), I'm only going to ask questions...
It is the answers to those questions that will provide the best material to attract the best candidates. BUT, the Patrol must first know thy self. If the Patrol has not defined its culture and values, then it will not be able to attract fitting candidate. Further, it will miss a great opportunity to instill organizational pride into the workforce. Now to this week's update! We start with a memo from 1918 that refers to the Passport Act of 1918 and regulations of August 8, 1918 concerning passports and permits. It was those that really caused the first dominos to fall that would lead to the formation of the Patrol. We have a brief account from retired Senior Patrol Inspector Edwin M. Reeves first day on the job in 1924. We finish the documents with the fourth anniversary of the USBP Honorary Awards! We celebrate the 30th anniversary of William C. Spencer's Newton-Azrak Award action. We also remember the loss of three of our fallen, including two that fell in the same event. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson fell due in the same incident in 2004. 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 update 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
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1992 William C. Spencer Jr. Senior Patrol Agent Buffalo Sector On September 19, 1992, Senior Patrol Agent William C. Spencer Jr. performed a truly remarkable feat of strength, endurance, and bravery to rescue a woman who was seconds from drowning in the swift currents of the Niagara River at Buffalo. After noting the woman’s lack of effort to save herself, and when she slipped beneath the surface and returned in a face down position, Agent Spencer dove into the river, without a floatation device. He swam about 30 yards to her, raised her head out of the water, and administered resuscitation. Agent Spencer then had to support himself and the woman while ladders could be rigged by the Buffalo Fire Department for removal from the water. 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.
1988
Josiah B. Mahar Date of Birth: August 29, 1948 Entered on Duty: February 22, 1983 Title: Senior Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 23, 1988 Details: At about 3:15 p.m. on September 23, 1988, Senior Border Patrol Agent Josiah B. Mahar was involved in an automobile accident on Star Route #27 near Eustis, Maine. Agent Mahar was driving a Service vehicle and was patrolling in a southbound direction when an oncoming vehicle crossed over the centerline and struck his vehicle head-on as he rounded a bend in the road. The impact to Agent Mahar's vehicle was directed along the driver’s door and front fender area. Senior Patrol Agent Mahar died at the scene from massive head injuries sustained in the accident. Burial Details Unknown 2004 Travis W. Attaway Date of Birth: May 3, 1973 Entered on Duty: December 1, 1997 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 19, 2004 Details: On September 19, 2004, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Travis W. Attaway was part of a three-man team conducting marine Border Patrol Operations on the Rio Grande River near the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios, Texas when their boat capsized. Agents Attaway, Wilson, and Sandoval were ejected from the boat into the fast moving waters of the Rio Grande. Agents in a nearby boat responded to the distress calls and were able to rescue Agent Sandoval, but they could not locate Agent Attaway or Agent Wilson. An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation that included the Government of Mexico was initiated, and on September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the body of Agent Attaway was recovered. At approximately 3:05 a.m., the body of Agent Jeremy Wilson was also recovered. Both agents were located within 150 yards of where their boat initially capsized. Agent Attaway was 31 years old and was a graduate of the 359th session of the Border Patrol Academy. Gravesite Jeremy M. Wilson Date of Birth: July 31, 1975 Entered on Duty: November 3, 1997 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 19, 2004 Details: On September 19, 2004, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Jeremy M. Wilson was part of a three-man team conducting marine Border Patrol Operations on the Rio Grande River near the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios, Texas when their boat capsized. Agents Wilson, Attaway, and Sandoval were ejected from the boat into the fast moving waters of the Rio Grande. Agents in a nearby boat responded to the distress calls and were able to rescue Agent Sandoval, but they could not locate Agent Wilson and Agent Attaway. An intensive multi-agency search and rescue operation that included the Government of Mexico was initiated, and on September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the body of Agent Attaway was recovered. At approximately 3:05 a.m., the body of Agent Jeremy Wilson was recovered. Both agents were located within 150 yards of where their boat initially capsized. Agent Wilson was 29 years old and was a graduate of the 356th session of the Border Patrol Academy. Gravesite September 11 - September 17Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! *** News Flash *** ![]() On September 8, 2022, Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin presented Newton-Azrak Awards to the following Border Patrol Agents:
I do not have a description of their actions yet, but will update the HonorFirst Newton-Azrak Award page once I receive them. Including them, there have been 190 people that have received the Newton-Azrak Award; 164 Border Patrol Agents and 26 INS employees. See the Honor First Newton-Azrak Award page for more information. *** Recently, I have been referencing retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joe Banco's USBP history books in the these emails. If you haven't already, please visit and explore his website at - www.migrajoe.com and visit the Border Patrol Museum's Gift Shop to purchase his books. Thanks! Now to the intro... Yesterday, I watched the latest What's Important Now (WIN S2 E9) video from the Border Patrol Academy. Academy Chief Patrol Agent Ryan Landrum interviewed Tony Barker, the Acting Chief of the Law Enforcement Operations Directorate which is the USBP's #3 position. Near the end of the video, at the 42:30 mark, Chief Barker speaks of what keeps him up at night. He began his answer with, "the health of the organization". He was referring to the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol, the workforce. He wants them to be, "healthy, resilient, strong, confident." Which got me thinking... Every week, I include the Esprit de Corps section. That's how important I believe it to be. The interesting thing about Esprit de Corps, organizational pride, and employee morale, is that they are not based on facts... They are based on employees' perceptions. They are based on how employees feel. They may be gauged, in large part, on the employees' answers to the following questions:
It is the challenge of every leader that their employees answer each of those questions with a resounding "Yes". Anything short of a resounding "Yes" may be evident in such things as:
There are other examples I could provide, but you get the point... Now, the USBP is second to none in responding to emergencies experienced by the workforce. There is a cadre of incredible Border Patrol Chaplains and Peer Support members to respond at a moment's notice, especially when an employee suffers a crisis. When a USBP employee is killed in the line of duty, the Honor Guard will never leave the fallen's side until the time of interment. These are great and fantastic supports! But, valuing the workforce is more than supporting them during emergencies, it's being there, supporting them, every day. Using myself as an example... I retired at 51 years old, from a position that I had proposed and was approved, and that I absolutely loved. I was the USBP's Historian, regularly visiting the National Archives, uncovering gems of the Patrol's history that had been lost. I was Patrol's Awards Coordinator, tirelessly advocating to better recognize the incredible and worthy actions of the workforce. But I answered one of the questions above in the negative. My perception remained unchanged until retirement was the best option for me. However, it would have been very easy for my leadership to have changed my perception... While assigned to HQ, we would commonly brief leadership on various initiatives. There was a catch phrase, Getting them to the "yes", which meant convincing leadership to approve the proposal. Years later and I realize, Getting them to the "yes", has another meaning that may be more important to the Patrol. It's not about getting leadership to the "yes", it's about leadership getting the workforce to the "yes". Leadership, for the benefit of the workforce and the organization, must get employees to the "yes"! Employees ask themselves:
Forgive me for getting a bit soapboxy there. My passion for the Patrol and the workforce was ignited. Hopefully, you found it informative and/or inspiring. Now to this week's email! This week begins with a 1911 document modifying the per diem rate for Mounted Inspectors. It was 43 years ago this week that authorization was given to create BORTAC. We also celebrate the Newton-Azrak Award anniversary by which 8 Blythe Station agents were involved in a harrowing gunfight. We also remember four of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. 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 1911
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
2017 Felix A. Ortiz Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Rafael De Leon Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Juan Zuniga Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Alberto Lorona Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Victor H. Herrera Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Erik Herrera Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California Reyes Fimbres Border Patrol Agent - Intelligence Blythe, California Michael Rosamond Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Blythe, California On September 13, 2017, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Arizona's La Paz County Sheriff s Office called requesting assistance. The Arizona Department of Public Safety had a subject being held at gunpoint subsequent to a traffic stop on Interstate 10 westbound at Mile Marker 57 in Arizona. Shots were fired at the trooper by the driver of a vehicle, who then fled the scene. The trooper remained on scene with one subject at gunpoint, unable to initiate pursuit of the fleeing vehicle. Agents from the Blythe Integrated Targeting Team (ITT) responded to the call for assistance. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Michael Rosamond assigned Blythe ITT agents to areas he believed the vehicle may be fleeing. Agent Rosamond witnessed a vehicle matching the description of the fleeing vehicle pass his position. Agent Rosamond tried to initiate a vehicle stop; Border Patol Agents Juan Zuniga and Felix Ortiz assisted as secondary/backup agents. The driver failed to yield. Then, the vehicle began to pull to the shoulder, then slow rolled to a stop, in the westbound lanes. As the subject rolled to a stop, the driver exited the vehicle, shooting at the agents approximately four to five times. While under fire and with their vehicle being struck by gunfire, Agent Zuniga was able to return two rounds of fire. The driver fled toward the eastbound lanes on foot and hijacked a big-rig. Agents Zuniga and Ortiz continued the pursuit of the big-rig; Agent Rosamond remained with the vehicle and the driver of the big-rig to secure the scene as evidence. As the driver was absconding in the hijacked big rig there was an exchange of gunfire with Border Patrol Agent Reyes Fimbres on the Exit 17 off-ramp. Blythe ITT Border Patrol Agents Victor Herrera, Erik Herrera, Juan Zuniga, and Felix Ortiz experienced a further exchange of gunfire with the subject on Main Street in Quartzsite, Arizona. At this time the subject was driving the big-rig in reckless regard for public safety, creating the potential of injury, death and significant property destruction. Blythe ITT agents Rafael De Leon and Alberto Lorona arrived on scene to assist. After the final exchange of gunfire, the subject was in custody. Agents rendered first aid on the scene and Emergency Medical Service responded shortly thereafter. Despite their life-saving efforts, the subject succumbed to his injuries while in route to the hospital. Honor First note - This is the last Newton-Azrak Award given to a group. In 2018, the award's criteria changed. Since then, the award can only be given to individuals based on their specific actions during an event. 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.
1924
James F. Mankin Date of Birth: April 5, 1902 Entered on Duty: July 28, 1924 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: September 14, 1924 Details: At about 4:30 p.m., September 14, 1924, Patrol Inspector James F. Mankin was killed by the accidental discharge of a service rifle. The accident occurred about 18 miles northeast of Laredo near the Rio Grande River where Patrol Inspector Mankin, along with Patrol Inspectors Buck West and Ralph R. Dockum, were patrolling in a government vehicle. The officers, upon reaching the banks of the river, alighted from the car to determine whether any crossings had been made. Upon returning to the car, Patrol Inspector Mankin, who had been driving, entered the vehicle and seated himself behind the steering wheel. Patrol Inspector Dockum prepared to enter the back seat of the car from the left side and Patrol Inspector West was to enter the back seat from the right side of the automobile. There were two rifles in scabbards in the back of the car along with camping gear and other articles. The two officers were rearranging the items in the back of the car in order to make more room for themselves when a .30 caliber government rifle slipped out of the car, the hammer striking the running board and discharging the gun. The bullet struck the back of the front seat about six inches below the top. The bullet split, one part ricocheting to the left, striking the bow over the back seat and passing within a few inches of Dockum's face. The other part of the bullet ricocheted to the right through the upholstering of the front seat, striking Inspector Mankin behind the right ear. Inspector Mankin died less than thirty minutes after the accident. NOTE: For several years, Inspector Mankin was not carried in the rolls of the Immigration Service's honored fallen. This is evident by his name being omitted in the 1927 Commissioner-General's Annual Report to the Secretary of Labor (pg 18). Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother received $20 per month for 8 years. Gravesite 2009 Trena R. McLaughlin Date of Birth: April 3, 1950 Entered on Duty: October 14, 1984 Title: Supervisory Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 14, 2009 Details: On July 14, 1994, Border Patrol Agent Trena McLaughlin was stuck with a syringe while searching a vehicle in Temecula, California. As a result of this incident, Agent McLaughlin tested positive for Hepatitis C in 1998. After medically retiring from the Border Patrol in 2002, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Trena McLaughlin died of liver failure on September 14, 2009. Agent McLaughlin served with the United States Border Patrol for 18 years and was a member of the 167th session of the Border Patrol Academy assigned to the Temecula Station later renamed the Newton-Azrak Station in the San Diego Sector. Burial Details Unknown 2012 Jeffrey Ramirez Date of Birth February 6, 1987 Entered on Duty: September 1, 2008 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 15, 2012 Details: On September 15, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Jeffrey Ramirez, died at the age of 25. Agent Ramirez had been hospitalized in Laredo, Texas since the onset of a heat-related illness on August 22, 2012. Agent Ramirez entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on September 1, 2008, as a member of Border Patrol Academy Class 810. Following graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to the Hebbronville Station in the Laredo Sector. Agent Ramirez is survived by his parents, sister, two brothers, son and a girlfriend. His brother is a Border Patrol Agent at the Freer Station. Gravesite 2014 Tyler R. Robledo Date of Birth May 1, 1980 Entered on Duty: September 8, 2011 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: September 12, 2014 Details: On September 12, 2014, Border Patrol Agent Tyler R. Robledo was involved in a two-vehicle accident near Carrizo Springs, Texas. Agent Robledo died of his injuries at the hospital shortly after the accident. The driver of the other vehicle also died. Agent Robledo was 34 years old at the time of his death and leaves behind his wife and two children. Agent Robledo entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on September 8, 2011, as a member of the 988th session of the Border Patrol Academy. He was stationed at the Carrizo Springs Station at the time of his death. 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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