http://www.gxonline.com/gxintelnews?id=35405
Border Patrol Recognizes Three California National Guard Soldiers

By SGT Eddie Siguenza
Joint Task Force Vista, Operation Jump Start

11/7/06, San Diego, CA—The San Diego-based U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) proudly recognized three California National Guard Soldiers serving on Joint Task Force Vista during its quarterly awards ceremony at the CBP headquarters.

SGTs George Cruz and Bach Zavala, along with PFC Jonathan Riley, members of Joint Task Force San Diego’s command for Operation Jump Start, received Letters of Commendation in a historic awards presentation. It marked the first time CBP officials honored people “outside” of its operation, according to Michael J. Fisher, CBP acting chief patrol agent.

“This is the biggest of our quarterly awards ceremony. We’ve always recognized our own agents and civilians who assist us, but never have awarded the military until now,” Fisher said. “We do that because the National Guard is a part of us. They’ve been a great asset to the overall success of our mission to control the border.”

CBP officials honored the Soldiers for their Sept. 7 initiative that led to CBP’s apprehension of alien-smuggling individuals. SGTs Cruz, Zavala and PFC Riley were en route to their listening point/observing point (LPOP) location when they heard an agency radio broadcast. A vehicle attempted to run down a CBP agent earlier that morning. The Guard Soldiers spotted the suspected vehicle, maintained visual and radio contact until CBP agents arrived and stopped it.

“After the vehicle was stopped, the driver was taken into custody. A search of the vehicle revealed four illegal aliens,” Fisher said. “What they did exemplifies their devotion to duty and outstanding service to the country. They directed agents (to the vehicle) and helped the agents make an arrest that they may not have otherwise made.”

The Soldiers had in-processed into JTF Vista less than two weeks earlier. SGT Cruz hails from the 1/160th Headquarters Company out of Santa Ana, SGT Zavala came from the 40th Military Police Company of Los Alamitos and PFC Riley the 240th Signal Company from Compton.

“It just feels good to be appreciated by the agents. It feels like we’re accomplishing our goal,” SGT Zavala said.

“We were in a rental (vehicle). We were just going to work,” added PFC Riley. “But when we heard the radio, the (suspected) vehicle was right there.”

CBP agents, supporters and family members applauded the Guard Soldiers after Fisher presented their awards. Added Fisher: “We take pride in recognizing the National Guard. They’re helping us achieve and carry out our mission. They’re doing everything from occupying identification points to other capabilities such as building projects along the border.”

Fisher had honored CBP agents earlier with Chief Commendation Awards, Core Value Awards, Letters of Appreciation and Retiree Badges. He saved the Guard Soldiers for the finale.

Barbara Tovaas, CBP Special Operations supervisor, commended the Guard’s overall role and summed up the historic role of including Guard Soldiers in awards ceremonies.

“From all the effort they’re giving us, they’re already part of our family,” she said. “We want to recognize everyone who helps us. The National Guard continues helping the Border Patrol’s mission of controlling the border. They’re very diligent of their work.”

The Soldiers are a fraction of the Guard’s strength assisting the border patrol. They are stationed on a border point and operate scopes and radios that track illegal activity.

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