Photo By Cpl. Alexis Sanchez | A memorial of Brian A. Terry stands at the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station in...... read more read more
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"Once a Marine, Always a Marine" holds a special meaning for countless individuals who have served in the Marine Corps. It inspires them to uphold the Corps' values and principles throughout their lives and, for many, seek new ways to serve their communities and country.
The statement was especially true for Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
Terry, a native of Flat Rock, Michigan, served in the Marine Corps for three years, including a tour of duty in Iraq. After being honorably discharged, Terry joined the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in July 2007, and was assigned to the Tucson Border Patrol Sector.
On December 14, 2010, Terry made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. While patrolling the Nogales, Arizona, area of operation, Terry and several agents were in pursuit of five armed individuals. The suspects had been preying on drug smugglers with the intent to rob them. When the agents attempted to arrest the group, Terry was fatally shot during the search and passed away on December 15, 2010.
In honor of his bravery and dedication during his service, the United States Border Patrol station in Bisbee, Arizona, was named the "Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station" through the Brian A. Terry Memorial Act in 2012.
The renaming of the Bisbee Border Patrol station is not the only way Brian Terry's legacy lived on. Terry's sister founded the Brian A. Terry Foundation, which has awarded over 100 college scholarships to men and women who demonstrate the qualities of justice, honor and accountability in their daily lives, similar to how Brian Terry carried himself during his lifetime. The foundation has also provided financial assistance to other families of those killed in the line of duty. His story has also inspired the next generation of Marines, including those who served on the recent Department of Defense mission at the station named in Terry's honor.
Over a decade later, in the summer of 2023, Marines from the 2d Marine Regiment, Combat Logistics Battalion-2, 5th Marine Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, have all come together to support the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and their mission, filling administrative and support roles at the Brian Terry station.
"It's motivating knowing he was a former Marine and hearing his story," said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Isaih Jimenez, an infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, "I appreciate the opportunity to work at this station and continue to support his legacy."
At the station stands a statue commemorating Terry and his sacrifice. Inspired by his story, service members and border patrol agents who visit the station continue to leave challenge coins at his feet as a sign of respect. The Marines have followed in this tradition.
"The reminder of the values and principles shared by all Marines is motivating," said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Hunter Hottinger, a satellite systems operator with 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. "Continuously striving to emulate the actions of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice is the best way to honor their legacy."
| Date Taken: | 08.09.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.28.2023 16:36 |
| Story ID: | 451017 |
| Location: | EL PASO , TX, US |
| Web Views: | 101 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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