Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jesse, thanks for being the great friend you were when I was down on my luck. Thanks for your friendship and the privilege of having worked with you. Your words of encouragement when others put me down always come back when I need them. Every time I come to Artesia, I go by and pay my respects by the little memorial on the side of the road. I will never forget you guys.

Ms De La Ossa, Jesse will always be there, like he was for his friends. He will never be forgotten and always in out minds. You and your children are his legacy.

Antonio J Ortiz
USBP CAX ELC 00-04
USBP BRF SDC 95-99

SPA Antonio J. Ortiz
USBP

August 20, 2004

Jessie, I will always remember you. I first met you in Imperial Beach when I was working the scope with the National Guard. You were always there to help and offer encouragement. I sincerely appreciated all those ride alongs you gave me and the chance to go out and chase the traffic with you. I could never thank you enough. I went to your funeral because I felt I owed it to you. I never got the chance to tell that I finally made it as a Border Patrol Agent. I was stationed in your hometown and didn't even know it. I regret that I will never get to speak to you again. Thank you again for all the good times. You are a true saint among men. Thank you again. - Bob (Golf-6)

Bob Whitchurch, Special Agent/Former Bor
U.S. Customs-Former Border Patrol

I have looked at this site many times and every time I have wanted to leave a message, but excepting your death has been hard for me. My head tells me your gone, but my heart thinks you're just away at work. I let everyone think I am so strong, but raising our three boys without you, frightens me. You were such a great father. How will they make it through life without you? I sometimes think I can't, but I know if I gave up you would kick my butt till the end of time, so for now I pray that our boys will grow up to make us proud. You are always in my heart and never far from my thoughts. It will be 2 yrs next month, but I still remember that last kiss good-bye before you left for New Mexico. It will have to hold me till we are together again. (as our boys always say) "I LOVE YOU TO INFINITY!" I am so glad those words came easy to us.

Mrs. de la Ossa

Jesus,

We miss you.   The team is not the same but we always go forward.  A few of us "old-timers" on the team were talking about you recently, all the funny stories.  We had a lot of good times.

A while back I saw your wife and children, they all seem to be doing ok.  Your little boy isn't so little anymore, you'd be proud.

Well "boot", I just wanted to tell you that have not been forgotten.  We are always thinking of you.

SPA Scott Ross
US Border Patrol

I remember the first day I met you, as I joined the San Diego Sector Honor Guard. You were the first one to greet me and welcome me to the team. I remember how through out all the many practices, I was so glad you were there because then all of the Marines in the group would pick on you and leave me, the lonely "squid", alone for a moment. I remember your incredible sense of honor and duty, and how that inspired me to perform a little better, try a little harder. I remember your immense love for yor family and how you all seemed so close and loving.

Jessie, I and the rest of the team miss you SO much and there's not a practice or event that goes by that we don't all think of you. There's new members on the team now and we hold you up as a shining example for the rest to follow.

Your funeral was absolutely the hardest thing I and the team have ever had to do. We were never supposed to bury one of our own. I presented a flag to your wife last week in Washington D.C., I felt extremely honored to be able to do so.

We miss you "Boot" and you will never be replaced.

Your friend,

SPA Scott Ross

U.S. Border Patrol / Honor Guard

SPA Scott K. Ross
U.S. Border Patrol

Jesus,

I just found this web page. It was a pleasure and honor to work with you for so many years. I was just at Artesia two weeks ago and I have to say, driving down hwy 82 was erie. The instructors always warn the agents when they leave to be careful and use your and Tom Williams' name. For me, it was good to hear them talking about you. You are not forgotten.

Dave Drasin, Deportation Officer
USINS (former USBP)