Original US Border Patrol Air Operations (Running Man) Patch

Regular price $ 8.50

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3.5" patch, with hook & loop.

 

This is a reproduction of the original, which was created 30+ years ago. It's 3.25", slightly larger than the original. Here is the story of this patch:

The BP Air Ops patches we designed in San Diego about 30+ years ago. The Pilots just wore them on Non-uniform jackets, hats, etc. The BP was extremely strict about wearing anything on a uniform (The BP considered flight suits a uniform as it had a regulation BP patch on it)....

The "running illegal alien/Mexican" as that patch was called was the first and original patch made. The pilot who had been the lead in the design ordered patches, T-shirts (big patch on back), etc....He later had OPR (office of professional responsibility--head hunters)) come to him & order him to quit selling the patches, t-shirts, etc. as it was derogatory to Mexicans/Illegal aliens.....they also ordered him to give up the names of everyone he sold the patches & t-shirts to...
WELL, this pilot was shrewd as ever...The Regional Director, a political appointee from Ronald Reagan, Hal Ezell. Now ole Hal Ezell loved the pilots....He would fly with us all the time chasing aliens. He saw the T-shirts & patches and ordered 25 t-shirts for his buddies (Ronald Reagan, Ed Meese-Attorney General, and others) Well the pilot sent a letter to OPR telling them they needed to talk to Hal Ezell the Regional Comm. because he ordered 25 of the t-shirts & patches. After a few weeks the Pilot received a letter from OPR saying "never mind" about the list of people, just do not sell any more...
The original "running Mexican/illegal alien" had a sombrero for a hat and this was changed so has not to "offend" the illegal alien Mexicans....
Later the "running alien" was dropped and the cactus was added. Again, the BP pilots were never allowed to wear any Non-regulation patches on their flight suits, jackets, etc. if it was an Official BP uniform item.

Key Features:
1. Embroidered Patches- Embroidered more densely with synthetic thread that makes it
    thicker and more durable.
2. Vibrant Color, with rich and contrasting colored thread that makes the patch more           eye catching.
3. Neat Finish- Made with simple composition and crisp detailed work that keeps the
     patch look non-cluttered and neat.


Product Description:
Our patches give a strong sense of belonging. It exemplifies pride in yourself and your unit or squadron. Our patches are the highest quality at a better price. 
We can create any patch design with a high-quality photo or a .jpg if you want to re-create an existing patch, or we'll work with you to create a new custom patch.  Pricing depends on the number of patches ordered.


Embroidery:
25-99 $4.00 each
100+ $3.00 each
200+ $2.50 each
300+ $2.00 each
PVC:
50+ $5.50 each
100+ $4.00 each
200+ $3.50 each


Leather:
We are able to create leather squadron patches in bulk of 10+ for $5.00 off per patch over 10 leather patches.  We are stocking leather squadron patches, so they'll ship quickly, once we have the design.


Coins:

Coins are available for 100 at about $5.50 each. Price can vary somewhat, depending
on features.


Key Rings:
$2.00 each on 100+.


Stickers:
Vinyl stickers are available for bulk order of about $1.00 each on 100+. $.80 cents each on 200+.
All pricing includes Velcro and shipping for bulk orders. We also have glow in the dark thread for embroidery and glow in the dark PVC colors; White (green), blue, red, yellow and orange.