Well, you are free to think that, but it is not true.

quote:

Originally posted by WZDTIM:
KDREGER, Well I guess you found out how this board lures you in. First they start with the questions about your group until they get just enough information to become dangerious. Most of these guys have either quit the CGAUX or were kicked out for one reason or another. So now they have so much time on their hands that they sit here like VULTURES waiting to swoop down on any good idea. Good luck to you and your group, do what you feel is needed. Don't worry about insurance for they BIRDS because they arn't going to join anyway. They will just sit and complain.

Yep, kinda what I thought! Reminds me of a Sailing forum I went on a couple of years ago when I was looking for a stolen sailboat! Man did those folks have some real negativity!

RiverAux-

Just another wannabe Minuteman group. People who would go for that probably don't need to be in the CG Aux in the first place. (No, we are not a minuteman group, we have some members who are minutemen, but we also have members who belong to the Red Cross, or The Elks Club, and retired Border Patrol & LEO’s) in the org. We are not a political organization.


Personally, I think they run a risk of some adverse law enforcement actions based on their use of the name. Unfortunately, the feds and their state counterparts have not been all that vigilant against groups making illegal use of the names of actual government organizations. This has primarily been seen in groups claiming to be state defense forces and using their names when they are not actually sanctioned by the state government. (we are not using any Government name, we checked it out and it is legal for us to use, so as private citizens we exercised those rights and do what the public sector does best, think out side the box and went for it! )

Impersonating a police officer would be the specific concern here.

Another example is the so-called District of Columbia Defense Force. They are supposedly the DC Defense Force Association, but the name tapes on their uniforms say DC Defense Force, which would be an official agency of that government were it to exist. (Not an issue, we make no clams at all to be any type of LEO, actually we try very hard to be as non-discrete as we can.)

MikeAUX-
You know, this just has a very suspicious smell to it. If you were to look at all the different levels that a "Member" can achieve, it looks like their goal not wannabism but more vigilantyism. This seems scary to me. I agree with River... Mike- This sounds just like Mr. Bush! Vigilantly? That would be just like calling the USCG AUX a group of Vigilantes Mike! Don’t go there please. Read this: Members are from all walks of life, we have members from law enforcement, retired border patrol agents, small businessmen, school teachers, retired military, leaders in boy scouts, leaders in the Red Cross. Our interview process before membership filters out any person who we feel may have any racist tendencies toward any race, religion, or nationality. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination at all, and if found it would cause immediate termination from the Auxiliary. No member of BPAUX can be involved in any racially orientated group and participate in BPAUX.

FL51D7
The organizational structure, which is above the very familiar map, should also ring a few bells: sectors, with districts above them and then national. Ring bells no, we actually used the AUX as our model for BPAUX, then tailored it to fit what we wanted to accomplish.

It looks like there is no flotilla or division equivalent since "The Sector is the basic organizational unit of the BP Auxiliary and is comprised of at least 25 qualified members who carry out Auxiliary program activities. Every Auxiliarist is a member of a local sector. A Sector Chief (SC) heads each Sector."


AUXDOC-
found their image library, a couple attempts at Photoshop were made before the final product, at the front of the helm it appears to say POLICE. (I think it says BPAUX)

Also a photo of their headquarters--doesn't quite look the same as what's on their website. (Actually yes it is, and it really is one sweet place! And very reasonable for us to use!) I have been there and it is very nice!

RiverAux-
Using the name Border Patrol Auxiliary implies to any reasonable adult that the organization is a part of or is sponsored by the Border Patrol. Since the organization has chosen to intentionally confuse the public, other agencies, and potential members by using this name I do not believe that their intentions are honorable in any sense of the word as they have at the very core of the organization a misrepresentation of the truth, if not an outright lie. (Well, that is your choice, but in speaking for the organization we actually chose that name to give us more creditability, and to try to repute these types of accusations, It is NOT intended to confuse the public, we make it VERY CLEAR that we are NOT part of DHS or BP in any area. We are the private sector, doing what we feel very strong about doing to help all citizens of this country to protect us from human trafficking and drug smuggling.)

Folks, I have participated in boards relating to State Defense Forces for years and we see this same thing all the time from groups that are nicknamed "rump militias" by those in the SDF community. (We are NOT A MILITIA, to say so only implies that you have not read everything about us on the web site.)

You can discount pretty much 100% of what is said by a representative of a group such as this that does everything it can to confuse people into thinking it is an actual government entity. A few statements on their web page to the contrary mean nothing when you see them in boats, planes, and other vehicles sporting "Border Patrol" on them. Such people will lie to the high heavens about how they are actually supported by the organization whose identity they are stealing. (Really, do you actually know ME? No, you don’t, call me and I will tell you everything you have questions on, or I will work very hard to get you the answers! I am one of the founding people of this organization, I helped create it and I stand behind and in front of it 1000 %. I do NOT LIE! And I take that as a PERSONEL Hit! If you want to talk, PM me and I will give you my personal phone number)

I don't think the members in general are out to do anythhing wrong, they are just misled by their leaders who have set up the group in such a fashion to give the illusion of having more authority than they do. (Our members unlike many other groups have a say so in what we do, and in what directions they want the organization to go in, can you say that for the organizations you belong to? There will never be any misleading information sent to any member of this organization, if they have questions they ask and get answers right from the top, no BS. Our members are welcome at ANY TIME to take charge of and we encourage them to lead things that they come up with, we all put our pants on one leg at a time here)

Personally, I lump this group in with all these other groups that give legitimate organizations a bad name. (Well, that is your choice, it still is a free country last time I looked, let’s hope it stays that way. I would like to also let you know that CBP and BP and USCG are very happy that we are working with them in this effort)

Now, if they want to change their name to something that clearly does not imply a governmental linkage and do not wear uniforms or other items that also might do the same, then I've got no problem with them or what they're doing. (Again, there is no governmental linkage, uniforms are worn to make the playing field level when we are in the field! Have you ever been to the border ? ever been pulled over by Border Patrol in the middle of the night and laid face down in the dirt for 30 minutes while they go thru your truck and everything inside because there was a mix up and someone mis-reported you? My guess is NO! We wear the uniform to make sure that BP knows who we are along with certain ID and special markings now on our vehicles that ONLY BP has access to)

I’m going to try and see if I can make it as clear as I can to let everyone here know exactly what we do, so here it goes.

When we do our interior border musters, we take small groups of 4-8 well-trained people into the high desert mountains here in California where the rocks are as large as a house, climb up into strategic positions, and settle down for 4-6 hours at a time. We do this in the middle of summer when it is 115 degrees or when it is raining or snowing and in the middle of the night to cover border patrol shift changes. That is the time when border crossings are the heaviest in this area. We have been doing this for over 3 years now and are quite experienced at what we do.

We will often see groups as small as 3-4 people and as large as 55 trying to make the crossing into the USA at all times of the day & night. We take this information and report it to Border Patrol, giving them the specifics on what, where and when so that they can make the apprehensions, not us. We also see many groups of drug smugglers in our area, now this is a little different than taking your boat out on the water and watching for safety issues or violations from drunk boaters!

These people are REALLY dangerous folks, and don’t think twice about who stands in their way of getting across the border to make the load go through. We utilize night vision and thermal and electronic listening equipment in the field and on the water to give us the advantage of the darkness which really does help, we will be out this weekend in the Southern California areas after dark watching and reporting anyone who looks like or acts in a suspicious manor as we have been instructed by CBP.

We don’t do this because it is fun, or just because we want some type of credit for doing it, on the contrary we ask that we are not given credit for any of the assisting, we want our LEO’s to take the credit, we are just being the eyes & ears of them to assist them in getting the job done to protect America! We have found many types of materials that people have brought across the line from prayer books written in Arabic to Portuguese translation books to airline & bus tickets from south and Central America.

I hope that this helps clarify our intentions for everyone here, and helps you all to understand what we are about.

Ken



Flyandscuba-

First off, man you have way too much free time on your hands!

You mention that you are based in California and that many of your members are from that state. Although the provision exists for a concealed firearm license in CA, virtually zero regular citizens have been issued such. (Not true, it depends on the county in which they live, get your information correct please, and a lot of our members are in or are retired LEO’s!) Thus, I assume most of your events where CA-members are armed would be in AZ, NM, and TX (Again, NO, we currently operate out of CA) -- probably through the use of a non-resident concealed firearm license issued by a state other than California, that has reciprocity with the border states where you conduct operations.(We understand all that why bring it up?) The Florida license offers reciprocity in those states and offers a non-resident license that can be obtained by mail. See where this is going? (We get all of that, read what I have said please)

A California resident member wants to be armed during operations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Little probability of obtaining a California license... therefore, they are coached by BPAUX leadership to obtain a non-resident Florida CWL (or other state's license) for use during operations so they will be covered while looking for the bad guys in neighboring AZ, NM, and TX. (Again, we know this, what is your point? It seems you think we just fell off the truck!)

This is not the "average citzen" arming themselves for self defense. BPAUX is equipping the membership to obtain the licenses and firearms training, providing them with offical looking logos on "uniform" attire - complete with the phrase "Border Patrol", and you are send them out on mission "encampments" where their probability of encountering a criminal element is elevated -- thus the potential for employing those firearms for self defense is greatly increased. (Again, only when something happens, same thing if it happens at your house) There is no way that you are going to screen out all potential "bad apples" out of your organization – (Or ANY ORGANIZATION WITHOUT TIME, Look at what people here say! I would never let some of these people into our organization, no matter how many years they were in the Aux or USCG!, “SOME” Seem really far out!) someone is out there looking for a conflict or confrontation where they can "show their stuff". It is only a matter of time...(Yes, and someday the earth will fall into the sun, but until that day we will be down at that stupid border protecting your BUTT as much as we can)

Does your background screening include base-line psychological testing similar to what is used by law enforcement agencies? (We have a trained PHD. Who assists in the screening when needed)

As for the use of name Coast Guard Auxiliary by our organization... One very important difference -- our organization is a Congressionally mandated part of the U.S. Coast Guard, and has been since 1939. We do receive funding and support from the USCG. We are a uniformed civilian force-multiplier of a branch of the US government.

(Yes, we realize that, and we recognize that this is part of big government, it acts that way even here)

Many of the law enforcement agencies I work with (especially Sheriff Departments) have Auxiliaries (sometimes called reserves) that are comprised of non-paid volunteers to augment the sponsoring agency. Many are uniformed and armed. However, they do so by requiring those members to obtain training and certification through law enforcement academies (POST). The Auxiliary members are sworn officers and operate under the authority of the constitutional officer (the Sheriff). The Florida Highway Patrol has an Auxiliary -- also armed and the members are sworn officers. Likewise, the Florida Fish & Wildlife department (old Florida Marine Patrol) has an Auxiliary that is armed and its members are sworn officers. So, the existence of Auxiliaries to assist agencies engaged in law enforcement is a fact.

(Yes, remember, we understand all this BECAUSE MANY OF US ARE EX-LEO’s)

IF the U.S. Border Patrol developed an Auxiliary -- and the members were trained and became sworn officers under the program I would be in overwhelming support of the organization and its activities. Heck, I would join and offer multiple aircraft for use as aerial observation platforms. As a member of the ALEA, I know just how valuable these tools can be in law enforcement. This, however, is NOT what you seek to do.

(Well, they tried a few years back, but our wonderful federal government in all it’s wonder FAILED the public and killed the IDEA)

Why use the name Border Patrol Auxiliary as if you were an official component of the federal agency (complete with shielded eagle in the logo)? Why not continue to operate under the name of Minuteman Project, etc? There is absolutely no confusion through the use of the name Minuteman Project...now is there?

(Ok, that Minuteman thing, because the minuteman “Thing” has baggage with it, and NO agency will touch it ! It is a political cause! We cannot legally participate in any political type of programs)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kdreger,

quote:

Originally posted by FL51D7:
Most of these guys have either quit the CGAUX or were kicked out for one reason or another.

You couldn't be further from the truth. The sharpest critic of the BP Aux, RiverAux, is a current member of the Aux. The next biggest skeptic, F&S, is also a current member of the Aux. The thread originator and possible new member of the BP Aux, SkyRay, is a current member of the Aux. I think I'm the only non-member of the Aux taking part in this discussion and currently I'm neutral to favorable.

I don't have an issue with their name, uniform, mission or even carrying firearms. They seem to be going the full disclosure route, which is a hell of a lot better then the USCG Aux, which is a quasi-semi-public agency yet keeps its finances under wraps as well as all delibertions of its national boards.

Note to Ken:

Would you detail the uniform a bit more. I didn't see any close-up pictures on the web site. The only description I can find is "511 pants, shirt jacket and hat with logo". Many of your potential members are neither prior military nor police service. It took me a little bit of diggging to discover that '511 pants' are 'tactical pants'. And 'tactical pants' seem to be nothing more threatening or military then 'cargo pants' - ie similar to the Aux ODU pants.

I curious as to the color - black would be really bad for day ops in Florida, southern Texas and southern California and what the shirt style and type of hat is.

You might want to consider putting that info on your web site.

FL51D57-
Note to Ken:

Would you detail the uniform a bit more. I didn't see any close-up pictures on the web site. The only description I can find is "511 pants, shirt jacket and hat with logo". Many of your potential members are neither prior military nor police service. It took me a little bit of diggging to discover that '511 pants' are 'tactical pants'. And 'tactical pants' seem to be nothing more threatening or military then 'cargo pants' - ie similar to the Aux ODU pants.

I curious as to the color - black would be really bad for day ops in Florida, southern Texas and southern California and what the shirt style and type of hat is.

You might want to consider putting that info on your web site.
(We have it posted inside our forum area for members only, it is light Tan- shirt and pants, green belt, tan hat, yep, big cargo pants! No logo on them)

light Tan- shirt and pants, green belt, tan hat, yep, big cargo pants! No logo on them

Well except for the die-hards, that should put the uniform issue to rest, since from what I can tell the US Border Patrol uniform is dark green. Anyone familar with the USBP and its uniform, which is probably every good-guy on the border, would know the difference between you and them.

I also don't know why RiverAux is so adament that your group should only wear civilian clothes. The Aux is a civilian organization and it wears a uniform much closer to the Real Coast Guard then the BP Aux does to the USBP. It doesn't matter if the Aux is congressionally authorized - the arguement he is making is that civilian groups, which include the Aux, shouldn't wear uniforms, but he doesn't make the same claim about the Aux.

That arguement really falls apart when you consider how many civilian groups - including the Aux, CAP, the the Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus Color Guards, Shriners etc all wear uniforms of one kind or another. The uniform is simply to differenatiate the group from others and build unit cohesion.

Look on the bright side--BPAux got one stellar, high performance, premium recruit, and all Ken had to put up with is a little static from some members who have succumbed to CGAux's overprofessionalism. As Hal pointed out, there are not that many non-members here in the forum, and he is the only one joining in the conversation.

In response to Hal's question, yes I did join and am looking forward to helping them pollinate my AOR. Currently local CGAux has only minimal tasking in both air and marine, and frankly in the areas that I am familiar with we frequently fail to meet that tasking. I am a little disgruntled because every suggestion I have for increasing assets is greeted with NIH and negativity. Maybe a new organization with a Can-Do attitude like Ken seems to project can get some boats on the water. I would almost bet you that the Coast Guard doesn't care who gets the credit as long as the tasks are covered.

As far as Ultra-Lights are concerned, the only way I see that working is on a Good Samaritan basis with the owner-operator assuming the liability. Sort of like a Water Way Watch in the sky. Neither the CGAux or the CAP is going to cover the liability of such a program, which is another reason that Ken's decision not to officially affiliate is a good one. My personal opinion is that one or two place ultra-lights could be a tremendous asset in his AOR. Eyes in the Sky so to speak.

quote:

Originally posted by FL51D7:
light Tan- shirt and pants, green belt, tan hat, yep, big cargo pants! No logo on them

Well except for the die-hards, that should put the uniform issue to rest, since from what I can tell the US Border Patrol uniform is dark green. Anyone familar with the USBP and its uniform, which is probably every good-guy on the border, would know the difference between you and them.

I also don't know why RiverAux is so adament that your group should only wear civilian clothes. The Aux is a civilian organization and it wears a uniform much closer to the Real Coast Guard then the BP Aux does to the USBP. It doesn't matter if the Aux is congressionally authorized - the arguement he is making is that civilian groups, which include the Aux, shouldn't wear uniforms, but he doesn't make the same claim about the Aux.

That arguement really falls apart when you consider how many civilian groups - including the Aux, CAP, the the Salvation Army, Knights of Columbus Color Guards, Shriners etc all wear uniforms of one kind or another. The uniform is simply to differenatiate the group from others and build unit cohesion.

You were reading my thoughts ! Yep, same thing.....

quote:

Originally posted by dittysmitty:
It is only a matter of time before the DOJ swoops down and throws a net over this whole bunch of whackos. I don't think that these guys are even aware of the fact that several LEOs are sitting in Federal Prisons as inmates due to confrontations with illegal aliens.

Don't go there, DOJ, nor no other agency is going to "Swoop Down" on a private sector group who helps protect the country! what planet is this crap coming from? Do you actuall think that they have the time to do that? Let's see.........NO!

And even if by some real stretch of the mind they did decide to do that! Every red bloded American person in this great country would be in a UPROAR! Now is that the media event DOJ wants? No, lets think that one out please...
To go against what they want to promote would be realllly bad for them....

PS: please try to refrain yourself from those comments about wackos....You do not know us, you only have read what I have written here and by your comment I take it that you feel I am a wacko, which is your right to feel, but it is not true.


Ken

quote:

Originally posted by Skyray:
Look on the bright side--BPAux got one stellar, high performance, premium recruit, and all Ken had to put up with is a little static from some members who have succumbed to CGAux's overprofessionalism. As Hal pointed out, there are not that many non-members here in the forum, and he is the only one joining in the conversation.

In response to Hal's question, yes I did join and am looking forward to helping them pollinate my AOR. Currently local CGAux has only minimal tasking in both air and marine, and frankly in the areas that I am familiar with we frequently fail to meet that tasking. I am a little disgruntled because every suggestion I have for increasing assets is greeted with NIH and negativity. Maybe a new organization with a Can-Do attitude like Ken seems to project can get some boats on the water. I would almost bet you that the Coast Guard doesn't care who gets the credit as long as the tasks are covered.

As far as Ultra-Lights are concerned, the only way I see that working is on a Good Samaritan basis with the owner-operator assuming the liability. Sort of like a Water Way Watch in the sky. Neither the CGAux or the CAP is going to cover the liability of such a program, which is another reason that Ken's decision not to officially affiliate is a good one. My personal opinion is that one or two place ultra-lights could be a tremendous asset in his AOR. Eyes in the Sky so to speak.

Thanks for the kind words, and we are glad to have you as a Member, and look forward to having you work on the Air Wing Division there in FL, please feel free to send me your thoughts, and call me anytime with any questions you may have or ideas you want to throw around!

(PS, try that with any other Aux!) NOT!

Ken

Don't go there, DOJ, nor no other agency is going to "Swoop Down" on a private sector group who helps protect the country!

Don't let the FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) Spreaders get to you. You are correct about no action from DOJ or anyone else.

All it takes is a little memory and what happened when the Minuteman Project first started up and there was even a hint of 'action' against them coming from the government. Bill O'Rielly, Fox News and several others were on that like the proverbial stink on the brown stuff and the government back-pedaled as fast as it could. Someone even linked to the story about the back-pedaling earlier in the thread. I don't think they realized what they were linking to.

FL, I don't see full disclosure -- I see smoke and mirrors. Maybe Ken will tell us a little bit about the photos on his website (so far the website is all we can really see about his organization).

Is there really a vessel (boat) with Border Patrol Auxiliary on the side -- complete with an official looking green "slash" on the hull -- and a most concerning Whelen siren/lightbar on the hardtop equipped with blue lenses in your inventory? Or, is this a "representative" photo placed on the website to create the professional effect to lure prospective citizens to cough up $50 for membership?

What, exactly does the individual get for that $50 anyway? How many of those $1000 or $5000 -- even $10000 corporate partners does your organization actually have? Better yet -- what is the total number of individual members currently? Who conducts an audit of the group's finances? What do you use the membership income for, exactly?

I'm beginning to see other traits coming to light in Ken's posts -- i.e. the comment about "big government", etc. This is looking more and more like an anti-government militia group all the time. Also, how HE personally interviews members for HIS organization. This may have the potential to be a kingdom building GOB situation on steriods...

The Border Patrol talked about creating an Auxiliary in the past -- but Ken claims, the idea was killed and the government failed the public. I expect that they took inventory of the personalities involved with the Minuteman Project and said "no way". So now, I suppose the option is to play pretend -- and look and act like you are the Auxiliary to the Border Patrol, when in fact you are not. The whole use of the term Auxiliary implies sponsorship and support of a parent organization.

Hospitals have auxiliaries, police departments have auxiliaries, the Air Force has an auxiliary (well sort of) and yes, the USCG has the Auxiliary. The common trait in all of these is that they are an auxiliary to a parent organization-- recognized and supported by that parent organization. The BPAUX -- is not.

Why not call yourself "Border Watch" akin to Neighborhood Watch? I know, because it would not provide the official implication and perception that you desire.


Ken,
A helpful hint for the future... Either use the quote function or embed your replies into previous posts in a different color. Your current practice is confusing and might be mistaken for putting words in someone else's post. Since everything you say on this forum could be discoverable evidence in any future legal proceeding (resulting from a member shooting) -- it would be nice to have a clear understanding what are your words and what are other forum members words...

Oh, BTW - defending myself at home or in public during the normal course of my life -- is not the same as going out looking for illegal border crossers/drug smugglers, etc. If you really believe that, the organization's troubles begin at the top. Guess I should read the "you have too much free time on your hands" claim as being that I'm actually raising valid issues/concerns with your organization for which you have no valid response -- as I believe you have just as many posts (time invested) in this thread as I do...

quote:

Originally posted by dittysmitty:
Looks to me like these two got "swooped down" on pretty good.

EL PASO -- A judge sentenced two former U.S. Border Patrol agents today to more than a decade in federal prison for shooting and wounding a Mexican drug smuggler and trying to cover it up.

Ignacio Ramos was sentenced to 11 years and one day, and Jose Alonso Compean was sentenced to 12 years. Both were fired after their convictions on several charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, obstruction of justice and a civil rights violation.

I was not there on the border that night, and I was not at the trial to hear the evidence. So by definition my opinion is not well qualified. But I do believe that giving immunity to a DOPE SMUGGLER to convict the sworn law enforcement officers who tried to arrest him is something that could have only happened in the Bush open our borders by any means dope smuggling dynasty. Do you guys remember that George Herbert Walker Bush was head of the CIA when they were selling cocaine and marijuana to our kids to raise the money for weapons that Congress refused to appropriate in the Iran/Contra scandal? He imbued his kid with the same teleological the ends justifies the means attitude.

FLYandscuba-

As much as I really would like to continue this discussion today, I have a real job that demands my time today, It pays the bills, not like BPAUX and this has just taken way more time than I can put into today. I will try to answer your questions tonight after my work!
Oh, BTW, I also have www.patriotjobs.net as a real job.

And BTW, if the CG-AUX was out on the water at 0200 watching for this illegal traffic, we would not be there! So, which way do you want it? Us, or you in the middle of the night?

Been off the internet for a couple of days and look how the thread has grown!

Ken, I'm not going to be a vulture and question anyone's motivations, but my concern is the misrepresentations on your website. You obviously don't have a police boat, but there's a nice photoshop conversion that says BPAUX on the side, same with the Hummer.

To a casual browser, it appears that you have a nice modern building with state of the art classrooms--instead of a cabin with an American Flag on the roof.

Again, I'm not attacking your motives or your true assets, just don't try to inflate things to what they are not.

ditty,

Your original statement was that someone would swoop down on the BP Aux. You then cite a case involving US Border Patrolmen who got convicted of crimes.

The reality is that when the government was going to swoop down on the Minute Men Project - conservative talk radio and TV went after the government and the government backed off. It even cooperated with the Minute Men.

So although your little tale is interesting it doesn't make the point you think it does. The government prosecuted two officers for violating their oath of office and committing crimes - if you believe, as the court did, the word of a immunized drug dealer over the word of the officers.

a cabin with an American Flag on the roof.

Have you ever seen a recent picture of the Aux St Louis warehouse, the only building Nat Aux has? It isn't much, if any, better.

My whole point was that there was tremendous public outcry for these officers to absolutely no avail.

OK.

But the public, or at least media, outcry over the Minute Man Project got the government to back off. And that is the direct analogy to the BP Aux.

quote:

Originally posted by kdreger:
And BTW, if the CG-AUX was out on the water at 0200 watching for this illegal traffic, we would not be there! So, which way do you want it? Us, or you in the middle of the night?

Ken,

I'd have no problem being on the water on a CG-ordered mission at 0200 hours.

Like you, I have a paying job too. And, the Auxiliary takes up much of my time and offers no pay (creates additional expenses actually). However, the citation that accompanied a recent AAM with "O" device presented to me by RADM Whitehead last month for "...flying over 147 CG-ordered missions in 18 months, spanning over 600 flight hours, and saving the USCG over $3 million in activer duty resources..." was more "payment" that I would have ever expected -- it was actually a complete surprise. These missions included actual SAR cases (2 with "saves"), law enforcement support missions, and marine environmental protection missions. I thoroughly enjoyed flying all of them.

I do what I do with the Auxiliary because I am proud to assist the USCG and serve my country in a volunteer capacity. It is a pleasure to have such an opportunity. However, I do it in a bonafide manner with a recognized organization.

I have no problem with the activites you seek to do....a sort of neighborhood watch for the borders. However, calling yourself an Auxiliary of an organization (Border Patrol) for which you have no recognized affiliation and utilizing what appears to be doctored photos of vessels and equipment to portray something you're not is the wrong way to go about things. Call yourself "Citizen Border Watch" or something like that. Create a logo without the term Border Patrol, star and shielded eagle (look at the America's Waterway Watch logo for ideas) for wear on your clothing. Give up the custom of allowing your members to be armed while engaged in organizational activities (unless you want to become an official Auxiliary of a law enforcement agency).

Do those things and I expect that you will have the support of anyone on here who has raised an issue with the way you are presenting yourself or your organization. I'd even support you. But, you will not do those things -- because I believe you want to be viewed as something that you are not...plain and simple.