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History & Mission
2011

 

vanessa

History

When my husband joined the Border Patrol in 1998, it was not a easy transition. We moved over 1,200 miles from family and friends we have known all of our lives.

During my husbands' time at the academy, I did a lot of research on the internet concerning Border Patrol. I came across a forum that a spouse of an Agent ran, Honorfirst forum and web site (which had a different name back then). I became a regular on both of these forums to learn as much as I possibly could.

I was fortunate enough to run across a woman from Yuma that was a part of the "wives club," and she got me in touch with the woman that was the leader of the "wives club.” She and I corresponded for a couple of months as she helped me find a house in Yuma. I totally gravitated towards her, due to the fact she was very friendly. I had no other choice but to rely on her, and her opinion about housing I was enquiring about. She helped me a great deal that gave me insight that I would not have had if I had not been in contact with her.

Approximately a year passed, and I wanted to give back to the new trainees' what was given to us. In the beginning, I started a "one-page" web site on what to take to the academy. During this time, I also started the forum "BPSpouses,” I asked the lady that was running the other forum if it were ok and she said yes, and hers soon shut down thereafter.

A couple of years past, and the "Yuma's wives club" faded away due to cliques and gossip that occurred with-in it.
Her husband took a job elsewhere within the Border Patrol, another wife took up some of the responsibilities on greeting the EOD (Entering on Duty) classes, and she had given them information about Yuma and local contacts.

In 2000 we revamped "BPSpouses" web site, added town information, to our web site and now the our web site has over 200 plus pages in depth.

First part of 2001, I started attending the EOD's for the Yuma Sector as well, but as BPSpouses, we were separate from the local "welcome wagon.” In October that same year we had an article done on BPSpouses web site and BP Spouses. I received a call from our Chief a few days later, asking me if there is anything he could do to let him know. That is how the BPSpouses - Yuma became in existence. (Thank you Sir)
He gave me an excellent person to work with, which is A-Chief. I cannot speak highly enough of this man; he has been my sounding board. (Thank you Sir)

November 2001, the BPSpouses - Yuma is officially recognized at the local level. We greet every class that EOD's for Yuma Sector, and we give the trainees' pertinent information.

December 2003, our relationship came to an end with the Border Patrol at Yuma Sector. We have officially separated from the Border Patrol and do not take part in any of their ventures. We have taken it up on our own to continue the service we provide to the trainees in a public place and give the Trainee's the same great service as we always have in the past. Best thing is that it is free to all of the trainees and their families.

Here it is 2010, BPSpouses support system is going strong. We have over 50 plus towns covered with volunteers to help new trainees' and their families through our forum.
We have extended our help to the "Seasoned Agents" in transitions to different sectors/stations within the Patrol.

Mission:

One day I would like to see all of "BPSpouses Support Program" officially endorsed by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs & Border Patrol Protection Bureau, and have our web site linked from their "CBP Today" web
site. As well as our BPSpouses flyer page 1 and page 2 in every EOD package. Okay, so now I am REALLY dreaming huh? If you would have told me back when we had just a "one page" web site, that it would have made it this far, I would not have believed you. We are on our way to help everyone we can, rather or not the Border Patrol officially endorses us or not!

My goal is to keep BPspouses self supportive, and have support in every Sector/Station. I totally believe in this support system, not only because I am the Founder, but also because it has already helped hundreds of people. We all have the same standard of professionalism, and guidelines within our support.

We've had numerous of support groups that had started up due to BPSpouses. This is an awesome start.

I am not anyone special, I am just a spouse that has a vision, and that is willing to dedicate a lot of time to make these programs as effective as it has been in the past as well as it will be in the future. The successfulness of these programs is due to, and depends on all the efforts of everyone that volunteers their time and of course our financial sponsors.

Thank you everyone for your dedication and continual support!

Sincerely,

Vanessa Crelia
BPSpouses.com
BPSpouses - Forum
BPSpouses - Facebook

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