The email listserv XGBOYS, a digital gathering place for former FBI agents, has a rich history that began in 1995. What started as a small online community of a few dozen retired agents has since grown into a network of over 2,800 former agents with at least one year of service. The listserv provides a platform for members to connect, share memories, and discuss topics of interest.
What is XGBOYS all about?
The listserv is a hub for a wide range of unclassified topics related to the FBI and retirement life. Daily discussions often revolve around:
· FBI History:Members frequently discuss the legacy of former FBI Directors, from J. Edgar Hoover to Christopher Wray. They also delve into the details of notable cases and historical events.
· Benefits and Retirement:The community is a resource for information on FBI benefits, healthcare premiums, and Social Security matters. Members also share job opportunities for former agents and private investigators.
· FBI News and Cases:From current events affecting the Bureau to famous cases like the Unabomber or the Ruby Ridge standoff, members analyze and exchange information. The listserv played a significant role in lobbying efforts and was instrumental in opposing parole for Leonard Peltier.
· Personal Stories and Tributes:The community offers a place for former agents to share humorous anecdotes, like stories of lost credentials, as well as to post timely death notices and memorials for fallen agents and their loved ones.
· FBI Authors and Books:The listserv features discussions about books written by FBI authors and provides links to other FBI-related organizations and resources, such as the Society of Former Agents of the FBI.
The Community Today
While political discussions are available on a separate listserv called XGENPOL, XGBOYS remains a dedicated space for former agents to connect. It has become a valuable source of information, a place for locating long-lost colleagues, and a way to stay connected to the "FBI family."
The listserv has been maintained for many years by dedicated individuals. After a period of management by Dennis Wagner, Thom McGorray, with the help of Bev Wright, continues the work of running the program. XGBOYS serves as a unique medium for preserving the history and camaraderie of the FBI, filling the gap between official publications and providing a daily connection point for its members.