Assistant Chief Salazar relayed a short story about her past. During her time at the Border Patrol Academy, Assistant Chief Salazar developed a close bond with a fellow female classmate, Michelle Turner (Sendek). Through their careers, the two came to rely on each other for guidance, support, and encouragement. Unfortunately, this bond came to a tragic end when Mrs. Turner died in an automobile accident. The event, though shocking and somber, reminded Agent Salazar to appreciate the relationships she had, and to continue to take the opportunity to help and connect with others. Assistant Chief Salazar understood that it was these types of close relationships that challenged her and made her stronger.

Chief Patrol Agent David V. Aguilar gave the opening remarks to over 700 attendees, which included more than 65 Border Patrol agents. Chief Aguilar noted, “The heights and breadth of the levels that we have attained as a profession could not have been accomplished without a complete representation of our American society within our corps.”

Chief Aguilar relayed the story of Christine Gee. On July 31, 1975, Christine Gee challenged the status quo. On that day, Christine took the oath of office as the first female United States Border Patrol Agent. This step was the start of something that took a great organization like the Border Patrol and made it even better. Chief Aguilar concluded by encouraging each of the attendees to challenge the status quo and never be satisfied with mediocrity. “You are important to our profession, to our country, to our way of life, to our future, and to our children and grandchildren. You are forging the path for the way that our profession will look like in the future.”

At WIFLE’s awards banquet, Border Patrol Agents Juanidel Cubero and Leanna Lemon, both from the Ysleta Border Patrol Station in El Paso Sector, received the Julie Y. Cross Award, the highest award that WIFLE confers. They were recognized for displaying an unusual degree of courage, stamina, and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in an exceptional heroic achievement in law enforcement.