Photo By Capt. Leyda Kanzler | Mr. Rendon, ESGR Representative, Capt. Paul Giambelluca, Team Laredo Commander, Agent...... read more read more
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LAREDO, Texas- On February 18, 2020, Border Patrol Agent Thomas Gadea was presented with the Employee Support for Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award by Mr. Alfredo Rendon, an ESGR representative, for the selfless service and immense support he has provided to the service members who work with the United States Customs and Border Patrol.
Mr. Rendon explained that The Patriot Award is a distinguished honor that awards those individuals who have shown great support to our citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures, including but not limited to: flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence, if needed. Recipients of this award are nominated by a member of the Armed Forces. Nominations are then sent to ESGR for review.
He further went on to state how ESGR helps mitigate any issues or concerns that could arise with service members working in the civilian sectors by discussing legal rights for both parties.
For nearly 14 years, Gadea has served as an Agent with the United States Border Patrol, operating in numerous leadership positions all along Texas’ southern border. For the past four years, he has served as the Supervisory Border Patrol Agent (SBPA) for Hebbronville Border Patrol Station. There, he oversaw all aspects of the station’s operations and managed, directed and coordinated activities aimed at securing the border. He also developed and implemented station policies and guidelines within the framework of broad program objectives established at the headquarters and sector levels.
Maj. Orlando Rivera-Lebron, the current Watch Commander for Hebbronville Border Patrol Station appointed SBPA Gadea as the Acting Watch Commander for a period of four months so that he could fulfill his additional military duties. Gadea graciously stepped up to the challenge, and took on his new assignment with great poise.
Gadea allowed the opportunity for his fellow agents who simultaneously serve in the United States Military to complete their military requirements. Gadea went above and beyond in making short notice schedule changes.
“SPBA Gadea demonstrated clear understanding of the Army mission by understanding the needs of attendance, minimizing constraints, handling pay and allowing a quick transition from one uniform to the other,” said Rivera-Lebron; who has worked with Gadea for several years now and nominated Gadea for the ESGR Patriot Award.
During Gadea’s time as Acting Watch Commander he became a devoted advocate for the health and safety programs.
“SBPA Gadea’s focus on health and safety has not only benefited our Hebbronville Border Patrol Agents but also the Texas Army National Guard personnel as well as meeting Occupational Safety Health Administration requirements,” said Rivera-Lebron.
Strengthening these programs for the Border Patrol and the Texas Army National Guard successfully enhanced the overall readiness between the two components.
Rivera-Lebron took time to address the audience and speak on the partnership between the military and border patrol extending beyond just the service. Rivera-Lebron states that “without managers as SPBA Gadea, the Army wouldn’t be able to continue having a volunteer force to execute its mission.” It is important to have the support of our federal partners as it encourages not only the well-being of our service members but the comradery between the agencies.
He further went on to say “SBPA Gadea’s ability to listen to others, seeking for ways to solve common issues and understanding the mission as a whole allowed a seamless integration to the Border Patrol mission,”
The Texas Army National Guard-Team Laredo showed their gratitude to SBPA Gadea by issuing him a certificate of appreciation for his continuing support to the Texas Army National Guard members assigned to Hebbronville, Texas. Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Espinoza, platoon sergeant for the troops located at the Hebbronville Station also worked with SBPA Gadea.
Espinoza took time to address his troops and the Border Patrol Agents at the station as he presented SBPA with his certificate of appreciation. He stated that he wanted to take this opportunity to thank Gadea for working with all of their Soldiers and for always being helpful with the mission. The leadership deeply appreciated everything that Border Patrol has done for them.
| Date Taken: | 02.18.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 03.30.2020 14:53 |
| Story ID: | 366034 |
| Location: | LAREDO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 506 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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