Slain Border Patrol agent's kids get education bonds

The two surviving children of Border Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar, who was killed while on duty in the Imperial Sand Dunes in January, will each receive a $30,000 educational scholarship bond.

Jacques-Andre Istel, mayor of Felicity, Calif., where ceremonies were held Friday morning, explained the bonds are from the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, founded 13 years ago and funded by more than 12 annual charity events across the country.

"The foundation has donated more than $33 million - about 80 percent in bonds - to more than 2,200 children and, interestingly, about 20 percent in scholarships and medical aid where gaps occur in VA coverage," Istel said.

Yuma Sector Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson accepted the bonds on behalf of the family, who were unable to attend the ceremony.

Opening and closing of the ceremonies was by a color guard from the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma. Among those attending were Yuma Mayor Larry Nelson and his wife, representatives from the Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Border Patrol and Arizona Department of Public Safety.

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Pam M. Smith can be reached at
psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.