It's a Team's Life

Odd question at Border Patrol Check Point

Bob moving truck and trailer out of the check point area

Over the years we have been through many check stations and since our daughter has a Belgian Malinos dog I enjoy watching the border patrol dogs work as we go through. We have always found the Border Patrol to be professional and courteous and in some instances funny.

While driving through a remote checkpoint early in the morning I was stopped and as usual I mentioned they had a beautiful dog. As I was the only vehicle in site I was not worried about holding up traffic by mentioning the dog. Next I was asked if I was alone in the truck and I said no my husband was asleep in the back. One of the officers asked if they needed to see him. I said well he is kind of scary first thing in the morning but I can wake him up for you. They both laughed and said no go on and have a great day.

Today though we were in for a new experience as we headed north out of Laredo towards San Antonio. As we neared the check station the traffic was horrendous and the officers were directing trucks to several different lanes to keep everyone moving. I kept being pushed over to the right and as I approached the canopy the officer that was out in the traffic was telling me to go forward and the officer in front of me was telling me to stop. I was baffled and wondering ok what do I do now. Next the officer in front of me held up two fingers and I was like OH HECK how am I going to move all the way over the left when I am all the way to the right. He must have seen the panic on my face as he waved his hands to let me know that is not what he meant.

The officer that was on the ground came over to the truck when I rolled my window down and looked at Bob. Next he asked "Sir do you know how to drive a truck?" Bob said, "Yes" then the officer said "Can you move that truck for us as it is blocking one lane". Bob immediately said, "Yes" and he got out of the truck. I asked the officer what he wanted me to do? He told me to move over to the right after I cleared the check station. I grinned at him and said you know I am going to look guilty of something right? He just laughed and said you will be fine no worries.

Well I did as directed and watched as Bob brought the truck and trailer forward and moved it over to the area where directed. Once he had it parked the officer asked if he had seen anyone else in the truck? Bob gave him a startled look and said "No". The officer told him they had found two people hid in the back.

We continued on to our destination in San Antonio with a smile, as we were easily able to give something back to these officers to help their day to go smoother. I also found on the Border Patrol page where we could give feedback, which I promptly did. We both felt good with our ability to say, "Yes" and give a little back.

Bob & Linda Caffee
TeamCaffee
Saint Louis MO
Expediters since January 2005
[email protected]

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