One easy way to do that is to take a look at the formal El Paso Sector “challenge coin”, but you have to look beyond its shiny surface. The proud role in American history may

click for hi-res

be written on the front and back of the coin….but the mystery lies beneath.

"Honor First" is the motto and battle cry that can be heard throughout the Border Patrol, even in this day and time. These words are still the lifeline as the most important vow that any agent will take. The reference to "honor" reflects not only the long-standing history of the Border Patrol along the southwest border...but also offers the most timely and profound advice to any agent during these challenging days of homeland security.

The flipside of the El Paso Sector challenge coin contains a clear image of a mounted patrol with the phrase, "where the legend began". Historians will tell you that classic image of mounted Border Patrol agents trudging through the desert IS where it all started. A horse, a badge and a pistol is all there was in the early days…and El Paso, Texas was the site of the first Border Patrol Academy in 1924. The El Paso Sector is proud to claim those rights, and the rich and colorful history of the United States has, in part, always been flanked by the U.S. Border Patrol and its undying commitment to help protect Lady Liberty in her time of need.

The El Paso Sector challenge coin is more than a just a memento. It represents the very core of the Border Patrol, where it all began…and what will sustain it…in the challenging days that are still to come.