Sanguine et Purpure

Bloggers Breakfast - RIP

2015-07-28T11:25:00.000-05:00

To begin with the end in mind… There will not be a “Bloggers Breakfast” or “Social Media Lunch” at the Nashville Conclave this year. The way I look at it, this is a positive outcome that flows naturally from over ten years of advocacy by many of us who “toil in the vineyards” of individual chapters. We have seen social media evolve from a curiosity for geeks to an encompassing standard of communication that is used - and misused - by the entire population. I applaud the way SigEp Headquarters has adopted e-communication and is using the various channels to better connect with undergraduates and alumni.

Social Media Breakfast
Dallas Conclave 2013

I question if an independent "Social Media" event, such as a “Bloggers Breakfast” is worthwhile any more. Why would I say that? - you may ask…

When I started the "S&P" blog back in 2004 social media was in its infancy. Remember, this was before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all the other landscape-altering applications. Those of us who were interested were a group of 'odd ducks' and were viewed with suspicion by folks at Headquarters who were not comfortable with ‘bottom-up’ information sharing.

The SigEp website was a very static offering with lots of guides and general information but not much at all in the way of up to date news from around the chapters.
Management at HQ was not exactly friendly and accepting of the types of interactions we were creating. These connections were, by definition and design, decentralized and not subject to oversight.
An independent gathering was the only way to have folks of similar mindset find each other.

Over the 10-11 years since then there has been an explosion of connectivity. SigEp HQ with its access to resources is now doing much more than I as one individual, or even a team of volunteers, can do to bring all the chapter and alumni experiences together.

Further, most of the chapters have their own websites, Facebook pages, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
Many have embraced specific purpose-built tools such as ChapterSpot for their internal and external communications.

In a real sense, I feel like I have moved from being a leading advocate and champion to a (slightly) aging firehorse whose best days are behind him but who still gets excited when the bell rings.

The people who came to the last gathering were all embracing the technology. Many of them were/are surpassing my grasp on it. That is great, by the way!
The folks at HQ have more resources and have a leader at the helm who "gets it". He has also made sure that the staff is tech savvy. There is no feeling of trying to show "them" what can be done. "They" know. "They" are doing it.

The bottom line is there is more interest than ever in harnessing and managing the social media aspect of communications in the Fraternity. We have outgrown the "band of merry scoundrels" mentality; it’s time to get on with real training in how to use - and not misuse - the very powerful tools available to us. For that level of training to be effective the resources of the fraternity are needed, not merely a breakfast club or lunch bunch.

I am glad to see that one of the educational offerings for undergraduates is titled ”Winning with social media: How to stand out from the crowd” It is scheduled for 2:30 PM on Thursday the 13th and I encourage any undergrads who want to learn more about positive and effective use of social media to attend. (Alumni who are not otherwise engaged will be welcome too.)

CNU: SigEp VAPi Spring Rush 2015

2015-01-07T10:15:00.001-06:00

Thank You and Happy Holidays

2014-12-19T15:53:00.001-06:00

Sound Body - Ball State Sigma Phi Epsilon

2014-11-13T10:01:00.000-06:00

Mutant University w/Gabe Moen - Ball State Sigma Phi Epsilon

Sound Body training

New Gallup Poll on Lifelong impact of Fraternities and Sororities

2014-11-02T11:13:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Pete Steffens for finding and sharing this with us.

Greek Membership really IS a "Lifelong Experience."

For more information go to :http://www.nicindy.org/gallup-research.html

Happy Founder's Day. The 2014 Annual Report Show Our Progress

2014-11-01T10:52:00.002-05:00

Rather than a general "Happy Founder's Day post, we are sharing the newly released SigEp 2014 Annual report.
This report shows how the fraternity has progressed lately. It's not super flashy, and there are lots of details, but any parent who wonders if their son is getting value out of his membership will find lots to like in these pages.

http://issuu.com/sigmaphiepsilon/docs/sigep_annualreport_final-interactiv?e=0/9961345

Tulane University - Can you keep up with Schiffman?

2014-10-27T13:56:00.000-05:00

Jeff Schiffman is a Tulane SigEp alum and a former Chapter Counselor.

Thanks to Bill Hydrick for passing the article along

Tulane University - Can you keep up with Schiffman?

While some people’s motto is “don’t sweat the small stuff,” Jeff Schiffman’s motto is simply “ SWEAT!”

Jeff Schiffman says his spinning class called RIDE “isn’t just about your body; it’s about your brain and your heart.” (Photo from Romney Pilates Center)

As the senior associate director of admission at Tulane University, his schedule takes him all over the world recruiting students. While life on the road can make it difficult to maintain any schedule, Schiffman is dedicated to staying healthy and having fun.

After he took a spinning class in Los Angeles a few years ago, he was immediately hooked. This led Schiffman to start teaching his own class, a high-energy, full-body workout called RIDE, at Romney Pilates Center in New Orleans. The maxim of his class might be “think with your whole body” but with his musically themed sessions, ranging from ’80s to Beyoncé to Glee, his patrons often forget to think and just have fun.

“You’ll leave my class covered in sweat,” Schiffman promises, “but it’s my hope with an incredibly positive feeling. RIDE isn’t just about your body; it’s about your brain and your heart.”

In fact, most of Schiffman’s activities in New Orleans center around body, brain and heart, and getting others into the same. Aside from doing triathlons all over the Gulf South, he participates in a boot camp in Audubon Park with Office of Admission staff.

Through Outreach Tulane, Schiffman started his involvement with Youth Run NOLA, an organization that works to empower underserved students in the New Orleans area by training them to run races like the Crescent City Classic and Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.

Schiffman still runs with the same group of students he started with four years ago. And last month he helped Romney Pilates organize a Pride Ride for members of the LGBT community, which had a great turnout from Tulane students and staff.

In everything he does, Schiffman puts his mind, heart and sweat all in to help others get the most out of theirs.

SigEp CA BB (U. of San Diego) 2014 Fall Rush Video

2014-10-27T13:49:00.001-05:00

USD Sigma Phi Epsilon Fall - 2014 Rush Video from USD Sigma Phi Epsilon on Vimeo.

GA Alpha (Georgia Tech) 2014 Fall Rush Video

2014-10-27T13:40:00.002-05:00

Lets Change Fraternity Culture Regarding Sexual Assault

2014-10-23T10:48:00.002-05:00

As an organization SigEp has focused on the concept of "Sound Mind; Sound Body" for the last several years. That is now part of our core. Our academic progress across all chapters has been amazing since grades became something we measure. SigEp has also made great strides in the areas of diversity and inclusion is a relatively short time.

Now it's time for SigEp as an organization to address another negative stereotype about "Frat Boys" - sexual assault. And by "address" I mean more than scary stories in a risk management presentation.

We need to remember that "Virtue" is also a Cardinal Principle.We are instructed to "behave with decency as befits the day." Even - perhaps especially - when alcohol is involved. Lets work toward actively promoting Virtue as a SigEp quality.

How shall we move toward a culture that does not accept this type of behavior? Can we consciously build an atmosphere in out chapters where "this is NOT what SigEp does" is communicated from the national level, to the local volunteer level, to chapter leadership, and to the members? I asked these questions at the Ft. Worth "Volunteer Drive-In Training" session last week. The response I got was "You are the word junky, How would you craft the message?"

Fair enough. If you complain you get to volunteer. So here is what I think:

From the top down, the message about sexual assault should be "This is not accepted SigEp behavior." A balanced man does not assault his date, or his 'new friend', "I plead drunken stupor" is not an excuse.
It's no longer 'cool' to slut-shame someones daughter.
If fighting is a standards board offence, then sexual assault belongs there too. Yes, that would mean you could get penalized or even kicked out.
We get lots of scary cases and 'what ifs' during the inevitable Sexual assault portion of risk management presentations. How about making a positive case for acting like a gentleman? Add more "act like this" to all the "don't do that."
Find a way to measure and reward positive behavior. This could be tough since we are talking more about the absence of bad actions, but maybe some of the professionals could suggest metrics.

That should be enough to get the discussion started. Lets hear from you now. Pro, con, too far out, not drastic enough? Have at it.

Here is a link to the article that had the video attached:

Fraternity Culture Linked To College Sexual Assault Problem | KPBS:

'via Blog this'

Chapter Size and the "Dunbar Number"

2014-10-08T08:16:00.000-05:00

The Limits of Friendship (in "The New Yorker")

BY MARIA KONNIKOVA

I saw this article in "The New Yorker" and it got me thinking about chapter size and how 'effective' the college fraternity experience is. The Dunbar number? Generally speaking it is the number of people you call "friends". The article goes into it with more nuance, but lets call it 150 for now.

For years I have maintained (based only on anecdotal observation) that the minimum size of a good chapter is 50 men. Fewer that that and the chapter struggles to fill the operational positions for exec and the support areas.There is also difficulty managing finances (with the inevitable slow- and non-payers). and even fielding competitive intramural teams.

In reading this article I am led to consider whether there is an upward limit as well. Can you really have a full-on 'brotherhood' experience with more than 150 fellow chapter members? Perhaps there s a risk that a 150+ sized chapter will effectively split into multiple "sub-chapters" - groups who stick together and have independent agendas, even to the detriment of stated overall chapter goals and strategic vision. I know there are some 200+ member chapters. How do you keep it real?

Take a look at the article and share your experience and thoughts about it. Did you belong to a large "Sigma Phi Everyone" chapter, or a large chapter of another fraternity? How well did the experience work out. Was your chapter a smaller (100 or less) size? How effectively did you get to know all your brothers and did you work well together?

I'm not purposely leaving out sororities either. However, I suspect that there will be differences based on the presence or absence of a "Y" chromosome. I'd like to hear about it if only to show the contrast. Too many degrees of freedom and the examination gets unwieldy for this non-social scientist.

Lets hear your viewpoint. Comment either on the blog, Google+, or Facebook. I am hoping for some interesting discussion.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 27 / 2014, 08 – 15 SEP

2014-09-16T04:49:00.000-05:00

Brothers,

During the U.S. naval blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, who was the Secretary of the Navy? A SigEp Patriot, that’s who!

In addition to that Brother, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors and remembers 19 SigEp Patriots from nearly as many chapters, including one brother who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.

In addition to the significant days in our history during this week, it is very important to remember that September is Suicide Awareness Month. Considering making a donation to ActiveHeroes.org where two-time Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and Michigan Eta Brother Captain Justin Fitch, U.S. Army is highlighted speaking to the fact that 22 veterans a day commit suicide.

Please note the upcoming memorial for the North Carolina Beta brother who recently passed away.

09 SEP 1942
Bernard Kumo entered the U.S. Navy on this date. We found his name in an edition of The Journal, however the national headquarters has “Kumko” as his last name. Bernard became a brother at Virginia Eta at the conclusion of his military service, and his return to the University of Virginia where he graduated with the Class of ‘44.

08 SEP 1944
World War II Veteran and Kansas Gamma Brother Second Lieutenant Raymond L. Childers, U.S. Army was released from the military on this date after about 15 months of service.

13 SEP 1944
World War II Veteran and UT Alpha Brother Lieutenant Paul Pratt Reeder, U.S. Navy made the ultimate sacrifice on this date. Brother Reeder was a pilot with VT-22 off of the USS Cowpens (CVL-25) when he was killed in action when his TBM-1C (Avenger) crashed during the bombing of Negros Island, The Philippines.

He entered the Naval Air Corps in OCT 1941, and was commissioned JUL 1942 in Corpus Christi, TX. Before he was killed Paul had participated in four major battles against the Japanese.

Brother Reeder was laid to rest with military honors at Smithfield City Cemetery in Smithfield, UT, and respect can be paid to him there at Plot C-41-10.

09 SEP 1945
World War II Veteran of the European Theater and Iowa Beta Brother Corporal Maynard W. Pechman, U.S. Army was discharged from the Army after nearly three years.

14 SEP 1995
World War II Veteran and Iowa Alpha Brigadier General Morris J. Lee, U.S. Air Force (Retired) died on this date.

Brother Lee sitting on the right
of President Truman (17 MAY 195)

A native of Woodbine, IA, Morris was a member of the Class of ’29, but only attended Iowa Wesleynn College in 1926 before transferring to the Military Academy at West Point where he graduated in 1930.

Assigned to the Cavalry, Brother Lee transferred to the Air Corps in 1931, and was a rated pilot before year end. Over the next ten years, Morris qualified as a test pilot, pilot, senior pilot, aircraft observer, glider pilot, and senior glider pilot.

Duty with the Operations Division of the U.S. Army General Staff (then part of the) War Department, from 1942 to October 1944, was followed by a tour of foreign service which earned Morris battle stars for participation in the campaigns in the Western Pacific, Air Offensive Japan and Eastern Mandates, and he completed more than 150 combat hours commanding a B-29 bomber group.

Upon his return from overseas in late 1945, Brother Lee was assigned as chief of staff, Atlantic Division, Air Transport Command, and served as the chief of staff of West Point from 1947 to 1949. Following a brief assignment with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Morris’ appointment as commanding officer of Headquarters Command, U.S. Air Force in OCT 1950, led to his promotion to brigadier general later that year. He retired from the Air Force in 1956 after more than 25 years of service.

According to the SPP archives, Morris is the first SigEp Patriot to be awarded the Air Force Defense Service Medal, and is one of only three to ever be presented with this medal. His other awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldiers Medal, and Air Medal.

Respect can be paid to Brother Lee at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

14 SEP 1998
On this date, U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran, Secretary of the Navy, Assistant Secretary of the Army, SigEp Citation Recipient and Texas Alpha Brother Frederick H. Korth, 89, died at his home in El Paso, Texas. After graduating from the University of Texas and receiving a law degree from George Washington University, he returned to Fort Worth to practice law, and joined the Air Transport Command with the outbreak of WWII.

After the war, Fred became president of Continental National Bank, a post he left for two years to serve as an assistant secretary of the Army in the Truman Administration. In 1962, President Kennedy appointed Brother Korth the 57th Secretary of the Navy. It was here that Fred was a part of history.

Brother Korth with President Kennedy
at the Oval Office (16 JAN 1962)

During those 13 dark days in October 1962, the U.S. Navy stood their ground staring down Soviet ships carrying nuclear weapons to Cuba. Fred also fought to upgrade our Navy's ships. He saw that nuclear powered ships were the future and that they would be the most effective way to transport our troops and defend our borders. While not successful in making this change at first, time proved him right. After serving as Secretary of the Navy, Brother Korth spent the next 36 years practicing law with his son in Washington, DC.

In 1965, Fred was presented the SigEp Citation.

Brother Korth was laid to rest under a three century old Texas Live Oak on his ranch in El Paso.

11 SEP 2002
Vietnam War Veteran and Ohio Nu Brother Private First Class Donald S. Bacharowski, U.S. Marine Corps, died on this date. He was just 52 years old.

A member of the Class of ’85 at Cleveland State University, Donald became a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon in 1980.

Brother Bacharowski was laid to rest with military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH, and respect can be paid to him there at Section 16, Plot 217.

10 SEP 2008
U.S. Veteran and New York Beta Brother Robert S. Spangler died on this date. A graduate of the Class of ’52 at Cornell, Robert was a retired salesman and marketer in the industrial plastics field.

If you or anyone you know has information about Brother Spangler or any other SigEp Patriot we would love to hear from you.

08 SEP 2010
On this date, Vietnam War Veteran and Idaho Alpha Brother First Lieutenant James W. Swan, U.S. Army, 66, died in his cabin in McCall, Idaho with his family by his side. James joined Army after graduating from Idaho State University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.

He returned to Boise to work for his father at the Jess W. Swan Insurance Agency. Jim and a partner purchased the Jess W. Swan agency in 1977, and they enjoyed a great and successful partnership and business for many years. Jim served in several capacities including president of the Idaho Independent Insurance Agents Association, and was also a former Independent Insurance Agent of the Year.

Brother Swan was laid to rest with military honors at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, and respect can be paid to him there at Section 10, Row P, Site 128.

14 SEP 2010
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran of the Navy Medical Services Corps, North Carolina Epsilon Brother Samuel A. Burgess, Jr. died on this date in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Brother Burgess

A native of Jacksonville, FL, upon graduating from high school, Sam immediately entered Davidson College, where he studied until he was old enough to volunteer for the Navy Medical Corps during WW II. Upon completing his military service at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, he returned to Davidson College and graduated in 1948.

After attending the School of Business at Columbia University in New York City, Sam was employed in the cashier’s office of the Equitable Life Assurance Society in Harrisburg, PA for a year before entering Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA to study for the Presbyterian ministry.

Upon graduation in 1952, he was ordained in Sparta, NC by the Presbytery of Winston-Salem and called to the Elkin Presbyterian Church in Elkin, NC. Sam then went to Scotland to engage in Form Critical New Testament Studies at the University of St. Andrews. Upon returning home at the completion of his studies, Brother Burgess became the organizing pastor of a new Presbyterian church in Garner, NC in 1956. During his pastorate, Sam served as a Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1960, 1976, and 1984.

Love of community and people led him to serve in various offices and organizations including Boards of Directors of the American Cancer Society and the Triangle Counseling Center, president of the local PTA, and Chaplain for many years at the Garner Civitan Club. Upon retirement in 1990, Sam volunteered his time tutoring students in the field of reading at Vandora Springs Elementary School and providing support to patients as a volunteer at Rex Hospital.

Respect can be shown to Brother Burgess at Williamsburg Cemetery, Kingstree, SC.

09 SEP 2012
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and New Hampshire Alpha Brother Edward “Ted” R. Haskell, 84, died on this date at Southern Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine with his family by his side. Following high school, Ted was accepted at Dartmouth College and then deferred, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947. After proudly serving in the Marine Corps, Ted returned to Dartmouth where he played on the hockey team, and received a business management degree as a member of the Class of 1952.

Brother Haskell worked with his dad to create the Robert Haskell Company, an office products organization, originating in Beverly, MA in 1953. Following the early passing of his father and the advent of computer technology, the company evolved into Systems Automation, Inc (SAI), and Ted worked to take SAI from one of the prominent Boston area office automation and computer networking companies to one of the nation’s top office automation dealerships.

Ted was a member of the Salem Five Cent Savings Bank Board of Trustees for over 20 years, and the Salem Massachusetts Rotary Club Dartmouth College.

Respect can be paid to Brother Haskell at Swampscot Cemetery in Swampscot, MA.

Brother
McCormack

10 SEP 2012
World War II Veteran and Iowa Beta Brother First Lieutenant Whitney “Whit” McCormack, U.S. Army Air Corps died on this date at the age of 89. Whit became a SigEp in MAY 1941, and joined the Army the next year. From 1942-95 he flew C-54 cargo aircraft.

After the war, Brother McCormack returned to Iowa State University where he graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Whit was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and he worked for Chance Vought or its successors, Northrop, and Lockheed Martin.

Brother Lee was laid to rest with military honors at Dallas-Fort Worth Cemetery in Dallas, TX, and respect can be paid to him there at Section 106, Site 970.

14 SEP 2013
U.S. World War II Veteran and Alabama Alpha Brother Robert J. Bedwell passed away on this date in Piedmont, Alabama. Bob graduated from high school in 1944, and served in the U.S. military during WW II before attending Auburn University at the completion of his military service.

Brother Bedwell joined New York Life in September 1962, and retired in July 1999. During his career with New York Life, Robert was No. 1 in the entire company for 10 consecutive years in sales of Employee Protection Group Plans.

Very active in the community, Robert was the recipient of the Golden Eagles of Auburn University award, and founder and past president of the Central Alabama Alumni Association of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He was also the organizer and past president of the Capital Club of Montgomery, and a member of the Montgomery Lions Club for over 60 years.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS
**SigEp Patriots continue to enjoy affairs of the heart. SigEp Patriot and Virginia Pi Brother Erik Burg, and Operations Restore Hope & Iraqi Freedom Veteran, Texas Alpha Brother Commander Jeff Hensley, U.S. Navy (Retired) both got engaged last week!
**Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Missouri Mu Brother David Freedline learned last week that he has been selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy Reserve.

Congratulations to all our Brothers! Have great news of a promotion, new orders, the birth of a child or anything else? SPP would love to share it with everyone! Just send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
*On 06 SEP, U.S. Army Veteran and Iowa Delta Brother Earl "Dean" Swartzwelter, 79, passed away in Naples, Florida after a valiant 12 year struggle with cancer.
*U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Veteran and South Carolina Alpha Brother J. Warren Hilton, Jr., 73, passed away 07 SEP in Charleston, South Carolina.
*On 10 SEP, U.S. Army Veteran and North Carolina Beta Brother Charles L. Justus, 80, passed away in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, September 20th at the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 44221.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Swartzwelter, Hilton and Justus. While they are no longer with us, the greatest casualty is being forgotten, and the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) pledges these Brothers will always be remembered.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
Email: sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
Twitter: @SigEpsWhoServe

We Remember SigEp Patriots

2014-09-12T00:21:00.001-05:00

[My apologies for the late post. This was scheduled to post at 8:30am East Coast Time yesterday - about 20 minutes prior to when the first plane hit the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001]

Brothers,

The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors the lives, accomplishments and sacrifices of the following Brothers by remembering them on the 13th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11. May they rest in peace.

SigEp Patriots Killed in Action Since 9/11:
Texas Rho Brother Kim Orlando, KIA: 16 OCT 2003, Karbala, Iraq
Georgia Delta Brother Bradley “Dad” Arms, KIA: 19 NOV 2004, Al Anbar Province, Iraq
New York Eta Brother Jacob “Puck” Pfister, KIA: 19 APR 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Georgia Delta Brother Noah Harris, KIA: 18 JUN 2005, Baqubah, Iraq
Florida Epsilon Brother William Wood, KIA: 27 OCT 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Louisiana Delta Brother Matthew Barnes, KIA: 14 FEB 2006, Qa’im, Iraq
Ohio Kappa Brother Norman Tollett, KIA: 28 APR 2007, Baghdad, Iraq
Tennessee Theta Brother Jonathan Dozier, KIA: 09 JAN 2008, Sinsil, Iraq
Tennessee Kappa Brother Israel “Izzy” O’Bryan, KIA: 11 JUN 2010, Jalula, Iraq
Tennessee Eta Brother Joshua Lawrence, KIA: 08 OCT 2011, Kandahar City, Afghanistan

The following SigEp Patriots were also killed while in the service of our country overseas since the start of the global war on terrorism:
Tennessee Theta Brother Kenneth Ballard, 30 MAY 2004, Iraq
Tennessee Alpha Brother Joseph “Trane” McCloud, 04 DEC 2006, Iraq

SPP pledges that these men and their service will always be remembered.

Anyone interested in additional information about these brave men please drop me an email.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta '96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
@SigEpsWhoServe

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 26 / 2014, 01 – 07 SEP

2014-09-09T01:14:00.000-05:00

Brother,

The first day of this week marked the 75th anniversary of the start of World War II, a war that would shape the world. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) works tirelessly to learn about all of our military brothers, but takes particular interest in the WWII patriots as the VA says they are dying at the rate of 1000 a day. Obituaries are one way to learn about a person. However, I can’t possibly articulate the loss we experience if we fail to learn something about these men and their service from them while they are still alive. A shout out to the men of the California Pi chapter who get it, and are working with the Library of Congress’ Veteran’s History Project to interview veterans living near Stanford University.

WWI U.S. Army
Ambulance Service Patch

01 SEP 1918
This marks the date New Hampshire Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles E. Tayntor, U.S. Army Ambulance Service, Army Medical Corps sailed for France for his World War I service in Europe.

05 SEP 1919
World War I Veteran and Ohio Gamma Brother Captain Robert L. Tavenner, U.S. Army completed his service in Europe with the American Expeditionary Force on this date.

01 SEP 1942
On this date, the same year he became a SigEp, Alabama Alpha Brother William H. Weldon joined the U.S. Navy.

05 SEP 1942
A graduate of the University of Delaware (Class of ’34), Delaware Alpha Brother S. Clifford Dunn entered the Army on this date.

05 SEP 1944
Ohio Epsilon Brother Haldean S. Lindsey, member of the Class of ’34 at Ohio Wesleyan, entered the service of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps on this date.

05 SEP 1945
Discharged on this date after nearly 42 months of service was World War II Veteran and District of Columbia Alpha Brother Staff Sergeant Logan P. Crossland, U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC).

07 SEP 1956
A SigEp Patriot made aviation history on this date.

Bell X-2
Photo Credit Wikipedia

Korean War Veteran and Fighter Ace, Indiana Alpha Brother Captain Iven C. "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force piloted the Bell X-2 research rocket plane to a speed greater than 2,000mph and to a world's record altitude of 126,200 feet – the first flight ever above 100,000 feet. For this he was nicknamed "America's No. 1 Spaceman" and received the Mackay Trophy the next year. In 1987, Brother Kincheloe was posthumously awarded the SigEp Citation.

Brother Wood

01 SEP 1962
World War II Veteran and Virginia Zeta Brother General Robert J. Wood, U.S. Army (Retired) was promoted to the rank of General (four-stars) on this date – making him the fourth SigEp Patriot to reach the four-star rank in a branch of the U.S. military.

07 SEP 1964
Not long after graduating with the class of ’64 at Michigan State, Brother Carl J. Schwind of the Michigan Epsilon chapter entered the U.S. Army.

01 SEP 1965
After 35 years of military service and three years to the day after his promotion to General, Brother Robert Wood retired from the Army... for the first time. He would subsequently be re-activated in 1968, and serve two more years before his second (and last) retirement.

04 SEP 1971
On this date, World War I Veteran, Governor (Iowa), U.S. Senator (Iowa), Iowa Beta Brother and SigEp Citation Recipient (1965) Second Lieutenant Bourke B. Hickenlooper, U.S. Army (American Expeditionary Force) died in Shelter Island, New York while visiting friends. Brother Hickenlooper was the 20th brother initiated in to IA Beta.

Brother Hickenlooper

The Blockton, IA native left school in May 1917 to attend the officers’ training camp at Fort Snelling, MN, and was subsequently commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned to France as a battalion orientation officer. After his military service, he returned to the U.S. in early 1919, and in June received his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State.

Bourke subsequently obtained his law degree from the University of Iowa, College of Law, and was a practicing attorney in Cedar Rapids until being elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1934. This began his commitment to public service.

In fact, due to the scope and extent of his diligent service to America it cannot be stated in this work. Several of the references used in the following work have been confirmed independently, and we include this link with great confidence that it accurately reflects Brother Hickenlooper and his many accomplishments – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourke_B._Hickenlooper

Respect can be paid to Brother Hickenlooper at a mausoleum at Cedar Memorial Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, IA.

Brother Anderson

01 SEP 1979
World War II Veteran Vermont Alpha Brother David V. Anderson died on this date. David was a member of the Class of ’22. Upon his death, he was cremated, and the location of his remains are unknown.

We continue to research about Brother Anderson, and we hope you will contact us if you have any information about him.

06 SEP 2000
On this date, World War II Veteran Sergeant Robert H. Hendricks, USAAC died on this date. Robert joined the USAAC in APR 1941 in Columbus, OH, and served until his discharge in NOV 1945.

Robert was a 1935 graduate of Fenn College, and brother of Lambda Tau Delta (LTD) there. He became our brother when that LTD chapter became OH Nu.

Respect can be paid to Brother Hendricks at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO.

06 SEP 2003
On this date, Veteran of World War II, Korea & Vietnam and Pennsylvania Mu Brother Brigadier General William R. Sarber, Jr., U.S. Army (Retired) died in a Yorktown, Virginia nursing home. While his military service started in 1946 as a Private, he became a SigEp Patriot in 1951 – when he attended college following the war and became our Brother. He served in the nation in uniform for 31 years.

A native of Charleston, WV, William graduated from Temple University with a B.S. degree in Accounting. In addition to earning a master's degree in Banking and Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, he is also a graduate of several military schools and staff colleges. General Sarber's commands included the 7th Transportation Group, Fort Eustis, VA; Kaiserslautern Army Depot Complex, U.S. Army, Europe; and Eastern Area, Military Traffic Management Command, Bayonne, N.J.

Respect can be paid to Brother Sarber at Section 66, Site 4292-A in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

02 SEP 2004
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and Colorado Alpha Brother Donn B. Brown died on this date. The Dayton, OH native attended the University of Colorado, where he became a member of SigEp, and earned his mechanical engineering degree.

The war brought Donn to California. He served in the U.S. Navy in underwater demolition, which was a precursor to the Navy SEALs. After his military service, Brother Brown began his career with A.J. Bayer, Co. in Los Angeles, eventually becoming President and Chairman of the company. One of Donn's greatest joys was helping others. He served on the board of directors of many organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, Florence Crittenton Center, Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, First Lincoln Financial Corp. and Union Bank, as well as being a longtime member of the Rotary Club.

06 SEP 2008
On this date, World War II Veteran and New York Beta Brother Major Oliver J. Foster, Jr., USAAC died at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, Vermont. He was 86 years old. During WWII, Brother Foster served as a P-47 pilot and a captain in the 311th Fighter Squadron, 58th Fighter Group in the South Pacific Theatre.

The Class of ‘48 graduate studied architecture at Cornell University, and practiced in Sweden before returning to the U.S. to pursue his career in West Hartford, CT, where he was a partner in a firm. The balance of his career was spent in private practice in Maine and Prince Edward Island, Canada. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects.

His medals include the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals.

Respect can be paid to Brother Foster at Section E-50, Site A in Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Montpelier, VT.

02 SEP 2009
U.S. Veteran and New York Beta Brother John W. Bacon died on this date in Soquel, California. Brother Bacon was vice president of human resources at SaveMart Supermarkets, and president of the Food Employers Council.

SPP continues to look for information about Brother Bacon, and we look forward to hearing from anyone that has information about him.

01 SEP 2010
Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Florida Beta Brother Charles “Nate” Davis, Jr. pinned on Captain, U.S. Army on this date.

On the same date, World War II Veteran and Illinois Alpha Brother Radioman Third Class Walter W. Rust, U.S Navy Reserve died at his home in Bellevue, Washington at the age of 84. Walt served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman aboard the escort aircraft carrier USS Puget Sound (CVE-113) in the South Pacific (1944-46). After the war, Walter attended the University of Illinois, and graduated in 1950.

Walter grew up in Elgin, IL, and there he set state and national juvenile and junior ice skate racing records en route to several state, national and North American race titles. In 1944, Walter graduated from Elgin High School, and was inducted into the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

After graduation, Brother Rust moved his family to Bellevue. In 1961, he working for Weyerhaeuser and retired from the company in 1980. Spotting an opportunity, he started his own business, Pasayten Incorporated, later that year, and retired to retired life in 2008.

A community servant, Walter was a Little League umpire, and active in the Boy Scouts for more than 20 years. He served as Scout Master and Assistant Scout Master with Troop 600 of Bellevue and was awarded the Silver Beaver.

Respect can be paid to Brother Rust at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue.

02 SEP 2010
On this date, World War II and Vietnam War Veteran, UT Alpha Brother Lieutenant Colonel William J. Gibson, U.S. Air Force (Retired) died at his home in Air Force Village, San Antonio, Texas. He was 90 years old. He was born in Ogden, Utah on 28 APR 1920.

The Ogden, UT native entered active duty with the USAAC in OCT 1941 as a B-17 pilot. Immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he deployed to the Pacific Theater, where he flew numerous combat missions against enemy shipping and ground targets. At 24, he was the youngest Lieutenant Colonel in the AAC, commanding a squadron of B-29s. In the last mission of the war, he led a composite crew drawn from all the air crews in the Pacific Theater to fly the official photos of the Japanese surrender back to Washington, DC. He died on the 65th anniversary of that mission.

William served in Vietnam, completing more than 1,000 combat missions. He was rated in 62 different aircraft from bi-planes to jets, with more than 22,000 flying hours.

Along with his affiliation in Sigma Phi Epsilon, Brother Gibson’s obituary also stated that he was a member of the Quiet Birdmen and the Order of Daedalians. He served the Air Force Association as a National Director and a trustee of the Aerospace Education Foundation. William was also devoted to his fellow veterans of the 505th Bomb Group, who met regularly for reunions under his direction.

Respect can be paid to Brother Gibson at Ben Lomond Cemetery, North Ogden, UT.

01 SEP 2013
On this date last year we welcomed home Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Louisiana Alpha Brother Major Robert “Brian” Taylor, U.S. Army following his second deployment to Afghanistan.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
*This week, SPP learned of the passing of USAAC World War II Veteran and Kansas Beta Brother Major Rowland L. “Bud” Swearngin, U.S Air Force in Reno, Nevada on 18 JUL at the age of 95. During WWII, Bud also served with the Office of Strategic Service (OSS) – the predecessor of the CIA.
*U.S. Air Force Korean War Veteran Colorado Gamma Brother Roland “Rollie” E. Warner passed away 28 AUG.
*On 05 SEP, USAAC World War II Veteran and Indiana Alpha Brother William E. Van Horne, 90, passed away at home. Family will receive friends Saturday, September 20 from 2pm until the time of the memorial service at 3pm at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel in Columbus, OH.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Swearngin, Warner and Van Horne. While they are no longer with us, the greatest casualty is being forgotten, and SPP pledges that these Brothers will always be remembered.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS
**A big WELCOME HOME to Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn Veteran and New York Chi Brother First Lieutenant Brian Bierwirth, U.S. Army as he returned Sunday from another nine month deployment.
**It was quite a week for nuptials and congratulations go out to the following brothers: On 01 SEP, Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Illinois Mu Brother First Lieutenant Matthew Bruce, U.S. Army National Guard (Illinois) got married, and Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Illinois Eta Brother Specialist Pete “Dangerzone” Carpenter, U.S. Army got married on 03 SEP. After the publication of Volume 25, we read the announcement late last week of the marriage of Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Florida Iota Brother First Lieutenant William “Chase” Busch, U.S. Army. Recently engaged brothers include Washington Beta Brother First Lieutenant Alex Shuler, U.S. Air Force, and New York Rho Brother Second Lieutenant Rich Dolan, U.S. Army.
**Florida Zeta Brother Don MacCuish III recently learned that he has been selected for promotion to Colonel, U.S. Army. Congratulations Don! Now when is the wetting down?
**The SPP Flag Legacy Project continues the passing of a SigEp and U.S. flag among brothers deployed around the world, and this week the flags departed Kandahar Air Field for the next brother who is also in Afghanistan. Send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com if you are interested in receiving the flags.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
Email: sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
Twitter: @SigEpsWhoServe

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 25 / 2014, 25 – 31 AUG

2014-08-29T14:38:00.000-05:00

Brothers,

This week the SigEp Patriots Project honors and remembers 20 brothers-in-arms from chapters across the country, including the only Founding Father with military service.

29 AUG 1918

Brother Kerfoot
Photo credit SigEp.org

On this date, Virginia Alpha Brother & Sigma Phi Epsilon Founding Father Chaplain (First Lieutenant) Franklin Webb Kerfoot, U.S. Army Chaplain Corps was killed in a collision of an automobile and a train on the Southern Railway in Chatham, Virginia. Brother Kerfoot had temporarily returned home from Newport News, VA where he was serving as a Baptist chaplain working among the soldiers departing overseas.

He was Class of 1902 at Richmond College and later attended Crozer Theological Seminary. At his memorial service he was remembered as “the most original preacher of his time” and it was stated that God took him to welcome the Soldiers who had “passed on” while on the battlefield.

Respect can be paid to Founding Father Kerfoot at Green Hill Cemetery in Berryville, VA.

30 AUG 1941

Brother Hissem

Just about nine weeks before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Illinois Alpha Brother Joseph M. Hissem received his commission as an Ensign, U.S. Navy Reserve on this date. The Navy trained him to fly and just nine months later he would find himself in the middle of the Battle of Midway – the turning point of the war in the Pacific.

Was he the only SigEp Patriot there? It is unlikely, but he is the only one SPP has found so far. We will keep looking.

26 AUG 1942
On this date, World War II Veteran Colorado Gamma Brother John H. Price, Jr. entered the U.S. military.

28 AUG 1942
Ohio Alpha Brother Robert L. Townsend entered service in the U.S. Coast Guard on this date following graduation from Ohio Northern University.

28 AUG 1943
Mississippi Alpha Brother Robert D. Keller began his WWII service on this date when he joined the U.S. Army.

25 AUG 1944
On this date Frank J. Ruck, Jr. was initiated in to Sigma Phi Epsilon at Michigan Alpha while going through Navy Supply Corps training being held at the University of Michigan. Read Volume 18 / 2014 for more information about Frank’s road to SigEp and military service.

28 AUG 1944
Class of 1935 graduate of Lawrence University, Wisconsin Alpha Brother Richard P. Martin, joined the U.S. Navy Reserve on this date.

31 AUG 1945
Wake Forest University graduate of the class of 1943, North Carolina Zeta Brother Vernor R. Vines, entered the U.S. Coast Guard on this date.

30 AUG 1953
On this date, with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement the previous month, Sergeant John W. “Bill” Rambo, Sr., U.S. Army was released from 19-months of captivity as a prisoner of war. Following his Korean War service, he joined the Tennessee National Guard and attended the University of Tennessee where he became a SigEp.

31 AUG 1960
U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and Lambda Tau Delta (LTD) Brother Lieutenant Colonel Alex C. Jamieson, U.S. Air Force retired on this date after more than 20 years of service. The class of 1937 graduate of Fenn College enlisted in the Army Air Corps three years after graduation, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps in FEB 1942.

You may be asking yourself, why is he listed here?

Subsequently, Alex became our brother after Cleveland State University (CSU) was established as a result of the state of Ohio assuming control of Fenn College in 1964. That same year, the LTD chapter at CSU was chartered as OH Nu.

30 AUG 1964
Delaware Alpha Brother Gilbert P. Mahla was promoted to Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Reserve on this date.

27 AUG 1993
On this date, New York Eta Brother Kevin Sitek crossed the parade deck at Parris Island, SC and earned the title of United States Marine.

25 AUG 2005
U.S. Coast Guard World War II Veteran and LTD Brother Stanley “Bud” G. Barach, 82, died on this date in a nursing home in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Stanley entered the Coast Guard in JAN 1943 and was discharged in MAR 1945. He subsequently attended Fenn College and graduated with the class of ’48.

Bud became our brother when the LTD chapter at Cleveland State University became OH Nu.

28 AUG 2008
On this date, U.S. Navy Veteran, Former District Governor and Indiana Alpha Brother Rex A. Sebastian died in Dallas, Texas. After graduating from Purdue University in 1951 with his bachelor’s and the next year from Indiana with his master’s, Brother Sebastian worked for Proctor and Gamble before serving 33 months in U.S. Navy’s Supply Corps.

Following his naval service, Rex went overseas to work for Cummins Engine Company, Inc., and his last position with Cummins was Vice President-International. In 1966, he left Cummins to join Dresser as Vice President-International Operations. He also served as Senior Vice President-Operations, Office of the Chairman, Dresser Industries, Inc. In this capacity, he had responsibility for one of Dresser's product segments which accounted for approximately $1 billion.

Ever supportive of Indiana University, Brother Sebastian served as a member of the Dean's Advisory Council, School of Business, Indiana University where, for several years, he served as Chairman of the Membership Committee.

When Rex returned to Texas, he continued his commitment to his community. He served as a member of the Dean's Advisory Council, College of Business Administration and Graduate School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, and as a member of the Dean's Advisory Council, School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas. Rex also established two professorships in the College and Graduate School of Business at UT Austin.
Respect can be paid to Brother Sebastian at Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park in Dallas.

Brother Pert

27 AUG 2012
Maine Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Perleston L. “Bub” Pert, Jr., U.S. Army died on this date at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, Maine. Brother Pert received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 1953 from the University of Maine at Orono, and upon graduation was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army serving in the Infantry. Bub served on active duty at Fort Benning, GA, and Fort Dix, NJ, between 1954 and 1956.

Brother Pert pursued a career in radio and television journalism as a news editor and feature writer/photographer. While with the Gannett newspapers he was awarded a gold press card award for producing a photo page on Revere bells in Maine.

In 1967, Bub was the first person to be appointed Public Information Officer for the Maine State Police and held the same position with the Maine Department of Public Safety after the agencies were merged in 1971. During this period he compiled statutory and organizational histories of the Maine State Police, and these compilations are now housed in the Maine State Library.

The Bath, Maine native retired in August 1994 after four years as manager/treasurer of the Sagadahock Real Estate Association in Bath. He was a charter member of the Bath Historical Society, and served as a trustee and secretary. In 1999, he completed a manuscript on the history and garrisoning of Fort Halifax in Winslow located in nearby Winslow between 1754 and 1767.

Donations may be made in Bub's memory to the The Bath Historical Society, 33 Summer Street, Bath, ME 04530 or The Maine Chapter, Alzheimer's Association, 383 U. S. Route One, Suite 2 C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Respect can be paid to Brother Pert at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bath.

Last week we missed an anniversary

23 AUG 2013
This marked the last day of service in the U.S. Marine Corps for two-time Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Massachusetts Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Justin LeBlanc.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
*Washington Alpha Brother Captain David J. Carpenter, U.S. Air Force Reserve, 86, passed away 23 AUG at home. He was commissioned in the Air Force Reserve as a communications officer and served for eight years.
*U.S. Veteran Texas Beta Brother John D. Troeger passed away 19 AUG.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Carpenter and Troeger. While they are no longer with us, the greatest casualty is being forgotten, and SPP pledges that these Brothers will always be remembered.

SIGEP NEWS
**On Wednesday, Rhode Island Beta Brother First Lieutenant Brian Plamondon, U.S. Marine Corps and his wife, Brandi, posted online that they are going to have a baby. Congratulations to the mom and dad-to-be and their families!

Brother Becker & his grandparents

**North Dakota Alpha Brother Ensign Mark Becker, U.S. Navy reported in stating that last Friday, he received his gold Naval Flight Officer wings. Mark is assigned to a P-8A (Poseidon) squadron out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL. Congratulations and best of luck, Mark!

Have great news of a promotion, new orders, the birth of a child or anything else? SPP would love to share it with everyone! Just send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SPP UPDATE
* SPP t-shirts continue to be sold at www.sigepic.org. Brother Darna runs SigEpic, and he has many great items on his website…but buy our t-shirt first and show your support.
* Since the last update, 171 SigEp Patriots from 101 chapters have been added to the SPP archives.
* SPP’s official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve (http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve) – now numbers 734 brothers-in-arms. Did you serve or know a Brother who did/does? If so, please let us know by emailing sigepswhoserve@gmail.com or go to the Facebook group. We will ask for your home chapter, rank, branch of service, military status (active, reserve, retired, etc.), and whether you are a combat veteran. Please help SPP find our fellow SigEp Patriots by sending them the link.
* Not on Facebook? No problem, join over a 100 brothers on our email listserve.
* On Twitter, @SigEpsWhoServe now has 138 followers. We don’t send out many tweets, so why no follow us?

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
@SigEpsWhoServe

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 24 / 2014, 18 – 24 AUG

2014-08-24T13:40:00.000-05:00

“It may be taken as our position, and the basis of our system, that every man who enjoys the protection of a free government owes not only a portion of his property but even of his personal services in defense of it.” ~ George Washington

Brothers,

Greetings from Afghanistan! This week, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) is honored and remember the actions, accomplishments and sacrifices of 21 SigEp Patriots, including two chapter founding fathers, a prisoner of war, and some great news!

Brothers,

19 AUG 1942
On this date in Toledo, Ohio class of ’35 graduate of Ohio Northern University, Ohio Alpha Brother Gerald W. Fling, entered the U.S. Army as a Private and joined the Army Corps of Engineers.

20 AUG 1942
Penn State graduate of the class of ’37, Pennsylvania Eta Brother Jay H. Albere, joined the U.S. Army Air Corps on this date.

21 AUG 1942
New Jersey Alpha Brother Adelphos H. Peters, Class of ’21 at Stevens Institute of Technology, entered the U.S. Navy Reserve on this date. He was originally initiated in to Phi Kappa Pi at Stevens in 1919, and is listed as a charter member of Theta Upsilon Omega when it took over the chapter in 1924. Adelphos became our brother when SigEp established NJ Alpha in 1938.

U.S. Navy photo of USS Tilefish (SS-307)

23 AUG 1944
Following his submarine training, World War II Veteran and Utah Alpha Brother Ensign Karl E. Ward, U.S. Navy reported to USS Tilefish (SS-307) stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Brother Ward joined the Navy in ’42 and served aboard the destroyer USS Boyd (DD-544) until MAR 1944 when he received orders to submarine school in preparation for his assignment aboard Tilefish.

19 AUG 1946
World War II Veteran and Prisoner of War (POW) Lambda Tau Delta (LTD) Brother Private Donald H. Crowder, U.S. Army died on this date. Donald was a POW held in Japan for nearly three-and-a-half years starting in MAY 1942.

Donald became our brother when the LTD chapter at Cleveland State University was chartered by Sigma Phi Epsilon as OH Nu in 1964.

Respect can be paid to Brother Crowder at Ferndale Cemetery, Riverview, MI.

19 AUG 1966
Disabled World War II Veteran and Wisconsin Alpha Brother James R. Boren died on this date in Marinette, Wisconsin.

18 AUG 1980
U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and Kansas Gamma Brother Major General Frank H. Spink, Jr., U.S. Air Force Reserve died on this date. Brother Spink joined the Army Air Corps as an enlisted man in 1941, and was commissioned the following year. He was initially assigned as a personnel staff officer with the Eighth Air Force in London during WWII, and later worked on demobilization and redevelopment projects throughout Europe. In 1946, he was discharged from active duty, returned to civilian life, and joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Respect can be paid to Brother Spink at Section O, Site 282, Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Fort Leavenworth, KS.

20 AUG 2007
U.S. Navy Veteran and Florida Epsilon Founding Father Major Herbert L. Marsh, U.S. Air Force (Retired) died on this date in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 80. Herbert joined the Navy following his graduation from high school, and after completing his military service, he attended Florida State University where Brother Marsh was a charter member of FL Epsilon. He later attended Georgetown University, and subsequently joined the Air Force and retired after 20 years of service.

Herbert returned to Jacksonville with his family, becoming the director of the NE Florida Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and later the NE Florida Chapter of the Leukemia Society. He devoted over 20 years to helping those stricken with these diseases.

Respect can be paid to Brother Marsh at Greenlawn Cemetery in Jacksonville.

19 AUG 2012

Brother Allyn

Korean War Veteran and Ohio Eta Brother Commander Richard “Dick” H. Allyn, U.S. Navy (Retired), 81, died on this date in Albany, New York. In 1954, Brother Allyn accepted a commission in the U.S. Navy. He was a naval aviator and flight instructor, and continued his military service through 1977.

Dick cared deeply about his vocation as an executive for the Boy Scouts of America for more than 30 years. He held all the important positions in the organization in several councils across the country. His service culminated in a position on the National Staff Northeast Region.

Respect can be paid to Brother Allyn at Section 21, Site 744 of Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY.

20 AUG 2012
Two SigEp Patriots died on this date.

Indiana Beta Brother Captain F. Robert “Bob” Brueckmann, U.S. Army died after a long illness. After Bob graduated from Indiana University, he attended the university’s medical school earning his M.D. in 1954. From 1955-57, he was stationed in Livorno, Italy where he worked as a radiologist for the U.S. Army Medical Corps.

In 1962, Brother Brueckmann and his partner, Donald Blackwell, founded Orthopaedics Indianapolis, now known as Ortho Indy. This was his life's work and his legacy. He had many academic and hospital appointments – including Assistant, Associate, and Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Indiana University from 1962 until his death.

Brother Flanagan

U.S. Army World War II Veteran and Wisconsin Alpha Brother David J. Flanagan, Jr., 88, died in New London, Wisconsin. While attending Lawrence University, he was called into the Army during WWII where he served in France, Austria, Belgium, and Germany until the war in Europe ended. He was then transferred to the Pacific theater where he served in the Philippines. After returning home in 1946 he succeeded his father as president of the family sauerkraut business, Flanagan Bros. Inc. which then became Great Lakes Kraut Co. and is now known as GLK Foods.

Respect can be paid to Brother Flanagan at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Bear Creek, WI.

18 AUG 2013
Just last year, World War II Veteran and Missouri Alpha Brother Petty Officer Second Class Jack B. Galpin, Sr., U.S. Navy, 86, died in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Jack entered the U.S. Navy in 1944 where he served two years active duty as a radioman before being honorably discharged.

In addition to his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, Jack earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Florida Institute of Technology. Through the years he worked for several companies, the last 27 years for RCA that included assignments in Thule, Greenland; Yorkshire, England and Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. He retired in 1988, and spent several years consulting at the Kennedy Space Center.

19 AUG 2013
On this date, U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and Ohio Epsilon Brother Elliott A. "Slim" Soule, 90, of Frederick, Maryland died at his residence. From 1942 to 1945, Slim saw duty in England, France and Germany. The business administration major was the OH Epsilon pledge master during his senior year at Ohio Wesleyan.

After working for Bell Telephone Company and Farm Bureau Insurance Company, Brother Soule retired in 1977 as Senior Claims Manager with Geico Insurance Company.

Slim was a life member of the VFW, a former member of the Lions & Elks clubs, and a volunteer driver for the American Red Cross.

Respect can be paid to Brother Soule at Locust Valley Cemetery, Middletown, MD.

Brother Fisher

20 AUG 2013
Korean War Veteran, Inventor and Kansas Delta Founding Father Sergeant Robert D. Fisher, U.S. Army, 82, died on this date. Brother Fisher attended Washburn University from 1949-52, before graduating from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He was discharged from the Army in 1956.

During his 33 year career Robert held various research and development management positions in the field of magnetic thin films for digital storage applications. If he were alive today you could thank him, for he pioneered the development of magnetic thin films for digital recording on disks, utilized in personal computers today.

Robert was granted 16 U.S. Patents and authored or co-authored 56 technical publications. He was a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (Magnetics Society), and a member of Sigma Xi, a national honorary scientific society. He retired from Seagate Magnetics in 1987.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
*Two-time Vietnam War Veteran and Idaho Alpha Brother Lieutenant Colonel Clark D. Meek, U.S. Army (Retired) passed away 01 AUG.

*Earlier this week, Tennessee Alpha Brother C. Lockwood Marine, 76, passed away on 19 AUG at home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lockwood was an ROTC Cadet while at the University of Tennessee.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Meek and Marine. While they are no longer with us, SPP pledges that they will always be remembered.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS
**The bells keep a ringing! Today, Texas Theta Brother First Lieutenant John Korban, U.S. Army got married! Congratulations to John, Erika, and their families.
**Yesterday, Two-time Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Texas Beta Brother Sergeant Cory Sockwell, U.S. Marine Corps heard the “Yes!” he was looking for and is now engaged to Miss Haddie Skipwith! Congrats to Cory, Haddie, and their families.
**Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Rhode Island Beta Brother former Sergeant Charles “CJ” Wesley is now Second Lieutenant Wesley! Well done, Brother!
**On 11AUG, Miss Stella Catherine was born to Florida Xi Brother Machinist Mate Seccond Class Michael Macrito, U.S. Navy and his wife Baine. Mike reports that mom and baby are doing great, and we wish them all the best!
**On Friday, Operations Iraqi Freedom & Enduring Freedom Veteran and Tennessee Kappa Brother Captain Adrian Montague, U.S. Army posted on Facebook that he signed out on terminal leave, and his enlistment will end on 01 OCT. Thank you for your service. Fair Winds and Following Seas. We have the watch!

Have great news of a promotion, new orders, the birth of a child or anything else? We would love to share it with everyone! Just send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
@SigEpsWhoServe

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 23 / 2014, 04 – 10 AUG

2014-08-11T17:07:00.001-05:00

Brothers,

As I sit here on a U.S. camp in Afghanistan, I recall the other day where I was listening to the stories of patriotic Americans who served at this station before me. It served as a reminder as to why I am involved with the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) - simply, I believe the brothers who serve/served have stories that need to be told, and that their selfless service to the country needs to be remembered.

Someone has to tell their story, and SPP looks forward to continuing to do so.

This week, SPP honors, remembers and celebrates the lives, accomplishments and sacrifices of a record 32 SigEp Patriots from 27 chapters serving since World War I, including one brother who was killed in action in Vietnam.

05 AUG 1917
The Ohio State University Class of ’08 graduate and Ohio Gamma Brother Robert L. Tavenner was commissioned an infantry Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army National Guard (Ohio) on this date.

07 AUG 1941
Four months to the day when the Japanese would attack Pearl Harbor, Pennsylvania Mu Brother Joseph M. Becker entered the U.S. Navy.

04 AUG 1943
On this date, University of Washington Class of ’39 graduate and Washington Beta Brother Ronald S. Green entered the U.S. Army Air Corps.

09 AUG 1943
Pennsylvania Epsilon Brother Arthur C. Palmer entered the U.S. Army on this date. Arthur was a member of the Class of ’25 at Lehigh University.

10 AUG 1945
World War II Veteran and Delaware Alpha Brother Lieutenant Colonel Gerald H. Kadel, U.S. Army was discharged from his WWII service on this date.

08 AUG 1946
World War II Veteran and Massachusetts Beta Brother Colonel Kenneth G. Merriam, U.S. Army was discharged after more than four years of service.

04 AUG 1965
U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and Indiana Alpha Brother Edward E. Potts died on this date when the light plane in which he and a business colleague were flying exploded as they attempted to land in a cornfield during a violent thunderstorm near Union Bridge, Maryland. He was 41 years old.

Respect can be paid to Brother Potts at Plot H-106, Forest Hill Union Cemetery, Piqua, OH.

07 AUG 1967
U.S. Army Veteran of the Border War & World War I, Colorado Delta Brother Max W. Bowen, 70, died on this date in Memorial Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colorado. During his WWI service, Max was in combat in France, before returning to Colorado.

A dedicated community leader, he was a member of the Colorado School of Mines board of trustees for 12 years, as well as the former president of the Colorado Mining Association.

Respect can be paid to Brother Bowen at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO.

09 AUG 1967
North Carolina Beta Brother Warrant Officer One Dayton W. Lanier, U.S. Army started his tour in Vietnam on this date.

Brother Talley

10 AUG 1969
On this date, Vietnam War Veteran and North Carolina Beta Brother Warrant Officer One Larry James Talley, U.S. Army Reserve was killed in action while co-piloting his AH-1G (Cobra) when it came under hostile fire over Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam. He was 22.

Brother Talley was serving with D Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Americal Division, and began his Vietnam tour 41 days earlier.

His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Larry is remembered on Panel 20W, Row 127 of The Wall – the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Respect can be paid to Brother Talley at Forest Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum, Richmond, VA.

Brother Hansen

07 AUG 1970
Vietnam War Veteran and Nebraska Beta Brother Staff Sergeant Robert G. Hansen, U.S. Army Reserve died on this date as a result of non-hostile contact in Thua Thien, South Vietnam. At the time, he was serving as an infantryman in C Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, and had been in country just over 2 weeks. Brother Hansen was 24 years old.

He is remembered on Panel 8W, Line 91 of The Wall. His awards include the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

05 AUG 2002
World War II Veteran and North Carolina Delta Brother Staff Sergeant Clifton R. “Tip” Faucette, Jr., U.S. Army died on this date. He was 88 years old. Tip served as a medic during WWII.

Respect can be paid to Brother Faucette at Mountain View Cemetery, Ridgeway, Virginia.

09 AUG 2007
U.S. Army Korean War Veteran Pennsylvania Epsilon Brother Philip J. Sievering, Jr. died on this date in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.

05 AUG 2008
The third member of the SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and Virginia Pi Brother Captain Robert May, Jr., U.S. Army retired on this date.

Brother Allen

06 AUG 2008
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Veteran and Tennessee Beta Brother Fred A. Allen III, died on this date. While a SigEp at University of Memphis, Fred served as chapter treasurer, and he was always proud to have earned Eagle Scout status.

Following college, he began a career with the family business, American Fire and Safety Equipment Co., Inc. The company was started by his father and uncle in 1947.

The family requests memorials be made to the Nashville Humane Association, 213 Oceola Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209.

Respect can be paid to Brother Allen at Woodlawn Cemetery, Brentwood, TN.

11 AUG 2009
On this date, New Hampshire Alpha Brother Captain Timothy F. Farrell, U.S. Marine Corps, 35, died in Frankfurt, Germany while working for the State Department as Vice-Consul in the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt. After graduating from Dartmouth, Brother Farrell joined the Marine Corps in 1997, and was a decorated Marine stationed in San Diego, who deployed to Japan and the Mideast. He also served on the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) as a logistics officer.

At Dartmouth, Brother Farrell was a member of the track team. He was also elected to the All-Ivy League Team, First Team, in 1992-1993 and 1994-1995. In 1995, he received the prestigious Nathan D. Bugbee 1925 Track Prize.

In memoriam, donations can be made to the Timothy Farrell Memorial Fund, Township of Ocean School District, 550 West Park Avenue, Oakhurst, NJ 07755, c/o Julia Davidow.

SPP has information showing that at least 38 SigEp Patriots share the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, and respect can be paid to Brother Farrell at Section 7-B, Row 4, Site 1.

04 AUG 2011
World War II Veteran, Nebraska Alpha Brother and Past President of the NE Alpha AVC Colonel Addis T. “Tad” Ward, U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) died on this date in Scottsdale, Arizona after a short illness. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1946 to 1983.

Following his graduation from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Tad was employed in a variety of positions at Miller & Paine from 1949 to 1988, starting as a Management Trainee and retiring as a Divisional Manager and Director. In addition to his continued volunteer work with SigEp, Brother Ward served on many boards and as an officer in many organizations including, president of the Executive Club of Lincoln, and commander of the Birkner Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars.

08 AUG 2011
Nebraska Beta Brother Captain Raymond M. Beem, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired), 76, died on this date in Charlotte, North Carolina after a long and valiant battle with cancer. After graduating with the Class of ’56 at the University of Nebraska – Omaha, Ray graduated from Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned Ensign, U.S. Navy. After four years of active duty, Brother Beem returned to Omaha where he had a successful career in material handling, and joined the Navy Reserve. Ray served an additional 20 years before his retirement.

Due to some diligent record keeping by Brother Cory Butler, the SPP liaison at NE Beta, we know that Brother Beem was the 100th initiate of the NE Beta chapter.

Ray was never without a library book in his hand. Folks at his local branch knew him by name. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Ray Beem, to the Memorial Book Fund of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 310 North Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202.

05 AUG 2012
U.S. Army Korean War Veteran and Arkansas Gamma Brother James R. Sulcer, 83, died on this date at Baptist Memorial Hospital – DeSoto in Southhaven, Mississippi. James’ memberships included the VFW and American Legion.

Respect can be paid to Brother Sulcer at Forest Hill Cemetery South, Memphis, TN.

08 AUG 2012
U.S. Coast Guard Veteran and New York Beta Brother Solon B. Kemon, 90, died on this date at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut. After proudly serving as a Commissioned Officer in the Coast Guard on Amchitka Island, Alaska, he graduated from George Washington University Law School, and joined his father’s law firm to practice Patent Law. He practiced law for 48 years and retired in 1996.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Solon's name to Cornell University College of Engineering (https://www.giving.cornell.edu/give) or by mail to Cornell University, Box 223623, Pittsburgh, PA 15251-2623.

05 AUG 2013
Two Sigep Patriot Warriors were lost to us on this date last year.

U.S. Army World War II Veteran & Prisoner of War, Pennsylvania Delta Brother Edgar A. Waite, Jr. died peacefully at home in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. During WWII, Edgar served in the U.S. Army, and was captured at the Battle of the Bulge in Germany. He graduated from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania Class of 1949.

Mr. Waite was a lifelong entrepreneur, owner of several companies including Waite Drywall and was a real estate investor.

Respect can be paid to Brother Waite at Hillside Cemetery, Roslyn, PA.

Brother Smith

Two-time Vietnam War Veteran and Kansas Beta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Bruce E. Smith, U.S. Army (Retired) died in Peabody, Kansas at the age of 73.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, and 16 Air Medals.

Respect can be paid to Brother Smith at Section 51, Row 12, Site 18, Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.

06 AUG 2013
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and North Carolina Delta Brother Thomas “Tom” E. Blair died on this date. After serving in WWII, Tom enrolled at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and brought his leadership and experience to NC Delta graduating in the Class of ‘51.

08 AUG 2013
World War II & Korean War Veteran, Order of the Golden Heart Recipient, and Alabama Alpha Brother Sergeant Robert M. Cheney, U.S. Marine Corps died on this date. Near the end of WWII, Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps, served for three years, and got out in 1949 or 1950. He re-enlisted in 1951 and served during the Korean War until 1952. Brother Cheney graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Business Administration in 1954.

09 AUG 2013
World War II Veteran and Ohio Gamma Brother Ensign Lynn S. Kelley, U.S. Navy, 92, died in McLeansville, South Carolina on this date. After graduating from The Ohio State, Lynn joined the Navy as Ensign during WWII, and served aboard the USS SC 1280 – a “sub chaser” – off the U.S. East Coast.

After the war, Brother Kelley got a job with DuPont, where he worked for 36 years. He was also active in the community with the Lions Club, volunteering with the American Cancer Society, and the Youth Baseball League.

Respect can be paid to Brother Kelley at Grandview Cemetery, Bremen, OH.

10 AUG 2013
U.S. Navy Veteran Georgia Alpha Past President R. Douglas Wood died on this date in Savannah, Georgia. Brother Wood served as a supply officer on the destroyer minelayer USS Gwinn (DM-33) in Charleston, South Carolina from 1954 to 1956.

Respect can be paid to Brother Wood at Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, GA.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL
*Two-time Vietnam War Veteran and Idaho Alpha Brother Lieutenant Colonel Clark D. Meek, U.S. Army (Retired) passed away 01 AUG.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriot Meek. While they are no longer with us, SPP pledges they will always be remembered.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS
**Love is again in the air! Maryland Zeta Brother Lieutenant Junior Grade Ryan Hunt, U.S. Navy got engaged 03 AUG, on 09 AUG, U.S. Army Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Florida Iota Brother William “Chase” Busch got married, and Two-time Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and TN Gamma Brother Staff Sergeant Tanner Kuth, U.S. Army (Retired) heard a “Yes!” yesterday and is now engaged. Congratulations to all the brothers, their special ladies, and their families!
**Two-time Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and Michigan Eta Brother Captain Justin Fitch, U.S. Army continues to say “F*CK Cancer” as he goes through his 41st round of chemotherapy to battle Stage IV colon cancer. Even so, he provides countless energy and leadership to fighting the good fight with Active Heroes – an organization which works to eliminate suicide among veterans. To read more about Brother Fitch’s efforts check out this article http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140805/NEWS/308050074/Captain-terminal-cancer-has-one-final-mission-help-vets?sf29424223=1
**Helping veterans is also near and dear to U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Connecticut Alpha Brother Chris Albert. Twenty percent of the profits of his Warrior Soul Apparel goes to organizations that work to end veteran homelessness and suicide. You can find his great products at www.warriorsoulapparel.com
**And California Omega Brother Second Lieutenant Tyler Sweet, U.S. Marine Corps made the Navy News yesterday. Apparently, he received a quick promotion to battalion XO. http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=82583

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
@SigEpsWhoServe

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 22 / 2014, 28 JUL – 03 AUG

2014-08-03T15:04:00.000-05:00

Brothers,

This week the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors, remembers and celebrates the lives and commitment of 20 SigEp Patriots, including two Congressmen, a WWI fighter ace, Vietnam War prisoner of war, and a brother who made the ultimate sacrifice during WWII.

01 AUG 1918
On this date, World War I Veteran & Ace Fighter Pilot, New York Beta Brother Major James Meissner, U.S. Army Air Corps had his fifth air victory. Brother Meissner was flying his SPAD XIII, and a member of the 147th Aero Squadron during the engagement over Fère-en-Tardenois, France, northeast of Paris.

01 AUG 1941
While Europe was embroiled in war, in America, the call to arms had not been issued yet. Even so, Virginia Alpha Brother Allan Brockenbrough stepped forward, and the University of Richmond Class of ’39 graduate joined the Army on this date.

03 AUG 1941
Seventy-three years ago today, California Beta Brother Richard A. Halpern was commissioned an Ensign, U.S. Navy Reserve.

30 JUL 1943
Samuel D. Mock, Pennsylvania Iota Brother and Muhlenberg College member of the Class of ’31, joined the U.S. Navy on this date.

28 JUL 1944
On this date, World War II Veteran and California Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Edward B. Davis, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps Reserve made the ultimate sacrifice for our country when he was killed while engaging the enemy on Guam, Marianas Islands. For his courageous actions on this date, Brother Davis was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

Respect can be paid to Brother Davis at Section E, Plot 542, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI.
02 AUG 1944
On this date, World War II Veteran of the North Africa Campaigns and Texas Alpha Brother Captain Wendell E. Little, U.S. Army began serving as Chief, G-4 Plans Sub-Section, Headquarters 6th Army Group in Corsica, France & Germany.

29 JUL 1967
World War II Veteran and North Carolina Epsilon Brother William R. Satterfield, Sr., 52, died on this date in Ronceverte, West Virginia of a massive coronary. The Class of ’33 graduate from Davidson College served for four-and-a-half years during WWII.

30 JUL 1983
World War II Veteran, U.S. Congressman (Delaware) and Delaware Alpha Brother Major Herbert B. Warburton, U.S. Army died on this date. Upon his graduation, Brother Warburton was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Recruit Officer Training Command (ROTC) program, and it appears he graduated from the Dickinson School of Law before commencing active duty as a first lieutenant assigned to the 122nd Antiaircraft Battalion. Upon his release from active duty in 1945, Brother Warburton began practicing law in Wilmington, DE.

Herbert served as city solicitor from 1949 to 1952 before being elected to the Eighty-Third Congress (1953-55). Continuing his service to the American public, Brother Warburton was appointed special assistant to the Secretary of Labor, James P. Mitchell; as general counsel, Post Office Department, and finally as minority counsel to the House Government Operations subcommittee before leaving the service of the government in 1964.

02 AUG 1994
On this date, World War II Veteran, U.S. Congressman (Virginia) and Virginia Kappa Brother Major William P. Jennings, U.S. Army died in Marion, Virginia following an accident in which a tractor he was driving overturned and crushed him. Brother Jennings entered the U.S. Army in JUL 1941, serving in the U.S. for two years before shipping out to Europe for two and a half years.

Following his WWII service, William was assigned as an instructor in ROTC at the University of Illinois when he was discharged from the Army in MAY 1946. He was Smyth County Sheriff from 1948-54 before being elected as the representative of Virginia’s 9th District in the Eighty-Fourth Congress, and the five succeeding Congresses. He served in Congress from 1955-1967. Brother Jennings was elected Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives for the Ninetieth Congress, and reelected to the four succeeding Congresses, and served from JAN 1967, until his resignation in NOV 1975, to become president of Slurry Transport Association. His memberships included Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Freemasons, Shriners, and Kiwanis.

03 AUG 1995
Washington Alpha Brother Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert J. John, U.S. Army (Retired), 64, died 19 years ago today in Spokane, Washington. Brother John served in the Army from 1953 to 1974, and upon his retirement became a high school counselor from 1975 through 1990.

Respect can be paid to Brother John at Pines Cemetery in Spokane.

Brother Latham

01 AUG 1997
Vietnam War Veteran & Prisoner of War, Commander of the USAF Thunderbirds, SigEp Citation Recipient (1995), and Kansas Beta Brother Brigadier General James D. Latham, U.S. Air Force retired on this date after more than 28 years of patriotic service. His final assignment was as assistant deputy under-secretary of the Air Force for international affairs at the Pentagon. After his retirement, Jim went to work for Lockheed-Martin in Fort Worth, TX.

28 JUL 2004
Alabama Beta Brother First Lieutenant William “Bill” D. Yates, Jr., U.S. Army died on this date in his hometown of Lanett, Alabama. Bill was a member of the pledge class of Fall 1951, and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1955. In addition to SigEp, Brother Yates was in ROTC and received a commission upon graduation. Like so many of us, Bill returned home to Lanett following his discharge from the Army, and later owned and operated Yates Printing and Office Supplies until his retirement in 1997.

Respect can be paid to Brother Yates at Old Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett.

02 AUG 2010
On this date, U.S. Navy World War II Veteran of Tarawa, Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima, Virginia Epsilon Brother John H. Lawrence died peacefully at the age of 90.

Following graduation, Brother Lawrence joined the Navy in AUG 1942, and served as the Gunnery Officer and later Executive Officer aboard USS LST-84 during amphibious invasions at some of the most intense battles of the Pacific. He was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal for taking charge of a shipboard fire-fighting detail to battle a gasoline fire between three gun batteries on the ship, and he received a Purple Heart Medal for a wound received during a kamikaze attack at the invasion of Saipan. He later served as the Executive Officer of the USS Agenor (ARL-3), a landing craft repair ship.

Respect can be paid to Brother Lawrence at Collinsville Cemetery in Collinsville, CT.

03 AUG 2011
Two SigEp Patriots were lost to us on this date three years ago.

Brother Roney

U.S. Army World War II Veteran and Michigan Alpha Brother George A. Roney, 89, died in Ventura, California. George was an undergraduate at the University of Michigan when he was drafted in to the Army in 1942. After his training, Brother Roney served in Europe, but it is unknown exactly where at this time. After the war, he completed his bachelor’s degree at Wayne State University in Detroit.

George worked in Detroit with various companies, and his career culminated with 17 years in management for the U.S. Postal Service. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, and in his obituary he listed himself as a life member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Respect can be paid to Brother Roney at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI.

U.S. Army World War II Veteran, National Guardsman (Idaho) and Utah Alpha Brother Worth B. McNeel, died in Pocatello, Idaho. He was 90 years old. Worth had nearly completed his third semester at (then) Utah State College when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in DEC 1941. With that, he joined the College’s Enlisted Reserve Corps, and in APR 1943 joined the U.S. Army. Worth was trained in anti-aircraft artillery, and in JAN 1944 he arrived at Pearl Harbor. Worth later served in the Philippines, Okinawa and Korea, and was discharged in 1946. In later years, he was a member of the Idaho National Guard in Blackfoot, ID.

Brother McNeel

Following his WWII discharge, Worth returned to Utah State, joined Sigma Phi Epsilon, and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in general agriculture in 1947. One of Brother McNeel’s first jobs after graduation was as a Veteran’s Vocational Agriculture Instructor, and he also drove a bus to make ends meet and support his family. In 1952, he got a job with the Idaho Department of Agriculture as a dairy inspector where he served for 34 years.

The family has asked that you make memorial donations to the city of Blackfoot for the American Flag Fund.

Respect can be paid to Brother McNeel at Grove City Cemetery in Blackfoot.

Brother Mullen

31 JUL 2012
Korean War Veteran and Pennsylvania Delta Brother Commander Robert T. Mullen, U.S. Navy (Retired), 83, died on this date in Melbourne, Florida. He served four years active duty during the Korean War, and continued for an additional 18 years in the Navy Reserve prior to retiring.

Brother Mullen received his bachelor's degree in Accounting from The University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School in 1950. While attending the university, Robert was an Ivy League and IC4A track champion. He was most notably a member of the last UPenn team to win the 4 x 800 relay and Distance Medley at the prestigious Penn Relays.

Robert was the Owner and President of Mullen Brothers Jewelers in Swansea, MA and was a third generation jeweler. Active in his community, he was past president and member of the Fall River Kiwanis Club and the Center City Business Association, a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Fall River for over 30 years, and also a Mason with the King Philip Lodge in Fall River for 50 years.

Contributions in his honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or The Autism Project 1516 Atwood Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL
* This week we learned of the passing of Tennessee Beta Brother First Lieutenant Walter Hill, U.S. Army Reserve on 21 JUL.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriot Hill. While he is gone, SPP pledges that he will always be remembered.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS
** Love is in the air! Connecticut Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Michael C. Alvarez, U.S. Army National Guard (Connecticut) got married late last week, and yesterday, Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Kentucky Zeta Brother Second Lieutenant Anthony Palmer, U.S. Army got married. Congratulations to both of you and your brides.
** The Army’s newest Second Lieutenant was commissioned 01 AUG when the bronze bars were pinned on Missouri Eta Brother Trek Blackwell. Trek’s branch is Transportation, and he will be heading to Fort Lee soon for TBOLC before reporting to Ft Riley. Best of luck in the next chapter of your military career.
** It may not sound like much, but being a Safety Observer aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier puts you smack dab in the middle of four acres of one of the most dangerous places to work in the world, and starting yesterday that’s what California Sigma Brother Aviation Boatswains Mate Second Class Mark Dalmacio, U.S. Navy does every day aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). Stay safe, Brother!

Have news you would like to share? Just send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
@SigEpsWhoServe

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 21 / 2014, 21 – 27 July

2014-07-27T18:08:00.000-05:00

Brothers,

This week in our history, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors a brother killed in action during WWII, and celebrates the service of 15 additional brothers. We also welcome a brother home from his tour in Afghanistan and remember “America’s Number 1 Spaceman!”

21 JUL 1918
Another SigEp hero! While it took nearly 27 years, U.S. Army WWI Veteran and Montana Alpha Brother Albert Schak was finally awarded the French Croix de Guerre, with the Decoration Fourrager for his actions on this date in France during WWI.

Croix de Guerre Medal
(France)

The date was 21 JUL 1918, and it was the last stages of the battle of the Marne. Young Albert Schak of Missoula, Montana was a Soldier in an infantry unit inching its way forward during an assault that would result in only nine of the original 250 men capable of going on the next day.

During the battle, a man was shot through the hip. Albert tried to get him to get the man to safe ground, but he was unable and the others were “too busy trying to make their way forward.” So, he drew his .45 caliber revolver, and pointed it at the nearest man. A few others joined that man, and they used a litter to start the trip back to the medical area. Albert followed, and when one of the litter bearers was killed, he stepped in and took his place. Once the wounded man was safely at the aid station, Albert began the journey back to his outfit which was still moving towards their objective.

In an example of how families also serve, Albert’s mother was notified twice that he had died during the war.

After the war, Albert brought his courage, character and leadership to Montana Alpha.

22 JUL 1940
UC Berkeley Class of ’36 alumnus and California Alpha Brother William E. Turpen joined the Army on this date.

25 JUL 1942
On this date, Virginia Alpha Brother Roy C. Parks, Jr. graduated from navigator training as a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps.

22 JUL 1943
Montana Alpha Brother Theodore Gramm entered the U.S. Army on this date.

22 JUL 1943
World War II Veteran and Arkansas Alpha Brother Captain Clyde M. Mead, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was wounded in action on this date when a bomb exploded thirty feet in front of him and also by high explosive shell fragments during combat near Gela, Sicily.

23 JUL 1943
On this date, World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Corporal Willard Harold Lindeman, U.S.Army Air Corps made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in New Guinea while serving as a gunner in an aircraft with the 408th Bomber Squadron, 22nd Bomber Group (Heavy). Willard enlisted in the Air Corps in JAN 1941, and after more than a year at the University of Illinois, he left UI for service in the Pacific in SEP 1942.

Respect can be paid to Brother Lindeman at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Plot Q, Row 0, Grave 73.

26 JUL 1958
Fifty six years ago yesterday, Korean War Veteran & Ace Fighter Pilot, SigEp Citation Recipient (Posthumously) and Indiana Alpha Brother Captain Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force was killed when the F-104 (Starfighter) he was piloting crashed near Rosamond Dry Lake, California.

Brother Kincheloe

In 1948, in a bit of foreshadowing, Cadet Kincheloe was able to meet legendary pilot, Chuck Yeager, and sit in the cockpit of the Bell X-1.

The Class of ’49 graduate of Purdue University entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and after graduation was assigned pilot training in Arizona where he received his wings and commission in 1950. He was immediately deployed to Korea serving with the 4th and 51st Fighter Wings.

Before the war was over, Brother Kincheloe shot down 10 communist planes during more than 130 combat sorties – making him one of only 12 U.S. Air Force pilots with 10 or more “kills.”

After the war, Kinch became a USAF test pilot, participating in the testing of the Century Series of fighter aircraft. In the mid-1950s, he joined the Bell X-2 program and on 07 SEP 1956, flew the Bell X-2 research rocket plane more than 2,000 mph and to a height of 126,200 feet (some sources list 126,500) – a world record and the first flight ever above 100,000 feet. For this, he was nicknamed "America's No. 1 Spaceman" and would receive the Mackay Trophy the following year.

Brother Kincheloe was selected as one of the first three pilots in the next rocket-powered aircraft program, the X-15, and would have been part of the Man In Space Soonest project.

A year after his death, Kinross Air Force Base (AFB) in Upper Peninsula, Michigan was renamed Kincheloe AFB in his honor. The base closed in SEP 1977. A monument erected honoring him still stands a few miles east of his hometown of Cassopolis, MI – it is an angular stone slab twelve feet high bearing a silver model of the X-2 pointed skyward. In 1992, Kinch was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor, and the Iven C. Kincheloe Award is named in his honor.

His awards include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals. In 1987, SigEp posthumously awarded him the SigEp Citation.

Brother Kincheloe was laid to rest in Section 2, Site 4872-1, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

23 JUL 1962
On this date, Pennsylvania Eta Brother Daniel A. Augustyniak graduated from Penn State and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force.

22 JUL 2004
U.S. Army Veteran, Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, and Alabama Alpha Brother Wallace J. Paschal II was promoted to Colonel, U.S. Air National Guard (Florida) on this date.

26 JUL 2004
Korean War Veteran and TX Delta Founding Father Sergeant Leslie “Les” G. Bains, U.S. Marine Corps, 71, died on this date in Clayton, New Mexico. Les volunteered for service in the Marines during the Korean War. Following his military service, he attended the University of Houston, and was the second brother initiated at TX Delta (Chapter Number: 152-0002). He remained an active alumnus to both.

Les was a pilot, and member of the Civil Air Patrol, as well as the Masonic Lodge of Bandera, TX.

Respect can be paid to Brother Bains at Forest Park East Cemetery, League City, TX.

24 JUL 2009
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran Charles E. Farkas, Sr. died on this date at the Kline Hospice House in Frederick, Maryland. Charles was a brother of Lambda Tau Delta (LTD), and member of the Class of ’42 at Cleveland State. He is our brother because that LTD chapter became Ohio Nu.

Respect can be paid to Brother Farkas at the Veterans Garden of Honor, Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Frederick.

25 JUL 2010
Four years ago on this date, U.S. Army World War II & Korean War Veteran, Mississippi Beta Brother General William E. “Bill” Callicott, Mississippi National Guard (Retired) (Mississippi State University ’48) died in Memphis, Tennessee.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Senatobia. After WWII, he attended Mississippi State, and graduated with the class of 1948. The Korean War next dominated Brother Collicott’s life, and in 1960 he began 16 years of service to the people of Mississippi by serving in the State House of Representatives. Later he would serve three terms as the Mayor of Senatobia.

Bill eventually retired as owner of the Callicott Insurance Agency, a business his grandfather began in 1915.

Respect can be paid to Brother Callicott at Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia.

22 JUL 2012
World War II Veteran of D-Day and MO Alpha Past President Lieutenant Commander Charles “Charlie” W. Kenworthey, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired) died on this date in San Antonio, Texas. He was 87 years old. He attended the University of Delaware majoring in mechanical engineering before his WWII service. On D-Day, Charlie was a petty officer aboard a landing craft for the Normandy invasion.

After the war, he graduated in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri where he was president of MO Alpha. Brother Kenworthey then received a direct commission in the Navy Reserve, and served as commanding office of a Public Affairs Unit, before retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Respect can be paid to Brother Kenworthey at Sunset Memorial Park, San Antonio, TX.

RECENT LOSS TO OUR ROLL
* We just learned that U.S. Army Korean War Veteran Nebraska Beta Brother William C. Whited passed away 07 JUL in Colorado.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of Brother Whited. SPP pledges that you and your patriotic service will always be remembered.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS
* Welcome Home! Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Texas Upsilon Brother First Lieutenant Beau McNeff, U.S. Army Reserve is back with his family in America after a successful tour in Afghanistan! While deployed, Beau managed to donate hundreds of volunteer hours at the USO on FOB Fenty. Near the end of his tour he was also welcomed in to the SigEp NUTS! McAuliffe Society.
* On Saturday, Illinois Nu Brother Chris Kimball graduated from the U.S. Army’s three week Airborne School. Congratulations, Chris!

SPP would like to thank brothers Adam Seiler, Cory Butler, Dave Huiett and Charles Eberly for their assistance this week.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
@SigEpsWhoServe

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 20/2014, 14 – 20 JUL

2014-07-20T11:06:00.001-05:00

Brothers,

During this week in our history, two SigEp Patriots were killed in action, two were awarded the U.S. Army’s second highest honor, and one was promoted to four-star General. There is also a U.S. Congressman, Governor, Mayor, and SigEp Citation Recipient – a total of 18 Brothers from 15 chapters. These Brothers serve as great examples of the virtue of selfless service to others – both in the military and in their communities, and they are worthy of our admiration and praise.

A special shout out to the two USAF SigEp Patriot pilots that we just connected down at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. You boys be safe flying those "friendly" skies.

U.S. Army's
Distinguished
Service Cross

15 JUL 1918
For his actions on this date while serving with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) near Chateau-Thierry, France, World War I Veteran and Vermont Alpha Brother (then) Major Guy I. Rowe, U.S. Army was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) – second only to the Medal of Honor. ***

16 JUL 1918
The next day, World War I Veteran and New York Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Henry Q. Griffin, U.S. Army / AEF made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed while engaging the enemy near St. Agnan, France. For his “extraordinary heroism in action,” Brother Griffin was posthumously awarded the DSC.***

*** The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) has the citations for these two awards. If anyone from the Vermont Alpha and New York Alpha chapters would like a citation we look forward to hearing from you.

19 JUL 1918
World War I Veteran and First Secretary of Illinois Alpha, First Lieutenant Louis I. Phillis, U.S. Army Aviation Corps was killed in an accident on this date in Tours, France.

Louis was the first chapter brother to cross the Atlantic to “fight the Kaiser.” Unfortunately, he was also the first IL Alpha man to be killed in WWI. At the time of his death, he was serving in the same unit – the 95th Aero Squadron – as Quentin Roosevelt, the son of former president Theodore Roosevelt.

Respect can be paid to Brother Phillis at Union Cemetery, Morrisonville, NY.

17 JUL1943
On this date, Border War, World War I & World War II Veteran, Virginia Theta Brother (then) Major General Leonard T. Gerow, U.S. Army became commander of V Corps – at the time the largest unit of troops in the European Theater of Operations.

19 JUL 1943
Following graduating from the University of Alabama, Alabama Beta Brother James Calabra, Jr. entered the U.S. Army on this date.

Brother Gerow

19 JUL 1954
This is the date of rank of General (four-stars) in the U.S. Army for Brother Leonard Gerow. Based on the SPP archives, with this promotion he became the first SigEp Patriot to reach the four-star rank in any of the U.S. armed services. (Since Brother Gerow, six additional military brothers have achieved the rank of General in their respective service.)

20 JUL 1959
World War I Veteran and New Hampshire Alpha Renaissance Brother Major Wayne E. Stevens, U.S. Army, 67, died on this date at his home in Hanover, New Hampshire. As a First Lieutenant, he served in the Adjunct General Corps in the U.S. Army from 1917-18, and continued to serve through 1919. Wayne was initiated by NH Alpha chapter in 1922, and an indefatigable worker on behalf of the Fraternity for 38 years.

Brother Stevens was a member of the Dartmouth history faculty from 1921 until his death, a full professor since 1930. He received his baccalaureate at Knox College in 1913, master's and doctorate at Illinois, and instructed at the University of Minnesota (1916-17).

Wayne served as director of the war records section of the Illinois State Historical Society, historian of the U.S. Army Air Service, and as an adviser to the historical section of the Army War College. He also authored “The Northwest Fur Trade, 1763-1800,” as well as contributed to numerous journals and encyclopedias.

Respect can be paid to Brother Stevens at Pine Knoll Cemetery, Hanover, NH.

16 JUL 1961
World War I Veteran, U.S. Congressman (Iowa), Iowa State Representative and Pennsylvania Xi Brother First Lieutenant Paul H. Cunningham, U.S. Army / AEF died on this date in Brainerd, Minnesota. During WWI, Brother Cunningham served as an infantry officer from 1917-1919. After the war he moved to Des Moines, IA, and the next year joined the Iowa National Guard where he served until 1923.

Brother Cunningham graduated from State Teachers College in Indiana, PA (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania), and continued his education at the University of Michigan. After receiving his law degree, Paul was admitted to the bar in 1915.

He was elected to the Iowa State House of Representatives in 1933 and served there for four years. In 1941, Paul was elected to the Seventy-seventh Congress, and was re-elected eight times before resuming his law practice in 1959.

Paul was a proud member of the American Legion, Freemasons, Moose, and Odd Fellows.

Respect can be paid to Brother Cunningham at Masonic Cemetery, Des Moines, IA.

Brother McMullen

16 JUL 1966
On this date, Vietnam Veteran and Pennsylvania Eta Brother Second Lieutenant Gene “Smedley” McMullen, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam by Viet Cong counter battery fire.
At Penn State, Gene played on the varsity football team, was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, as well as enrolled in the NROTC and their Platoon Leaders Course as he prepared to enter the Marine Corps. Like so many other SigEp Marine Patriots before and after, he trained at Quantico his freshman, sophomore and junior years.

In 1965, Brother McMullen entered the Basic School at Quantico, and because he chose Artillery, when Gene graduated he was sent to Fort Sill, before reporting to Camp Pendleton. With his training completed, he reported for duty in Vietnam in May 1966, and assigned to the 12th Marine Regiment as a Forward Observer.

Gene is remembered on Panel 09E, Line 29 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Respect can be paid to Brother McMullen at Section 3, Site 2560-B, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

18 JUL 1968
Virginia Alpha Brother Specialist Four Hunter F. Spencer, Jr., U.S. Army Reserve died on this date. He served in the Adjutant General Corps.

Respect can be paid to Brother Spencer at Section Q, Lot 2, Greenlawn Memorial Park, Newport News, VA.

Brother Love

16 JUL 1973
U.S Navy World War II Veteran, Governor (Colorado), SigEp Citation Recipient, and Colorado Beta Brother John A. Love resigned the Colorado governorship on this date after 10 years of service to become the nation's first director of the Office of Energy Policy for President Richard M. Nixon.

15 JUL 2004
Pennsylvania Eta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Daniel A. Augustyniak, U.S. Air Force (Retired), 63, died on this date after a long battle with brain cancer. Commissioned in the U.S. Air Force upon his graduation from Penn State, he served 18 years and six months before retiring. His next career involved five years of civil service work at the Air Force Logistics Command at Kelly Air Force Base.

His most recent “career” involved ten years of dedicated work to the Men's Ministry at St. Luke's Catholic Church, and he had stated that this was his most fulfilling endeavor.

Respect can be paid to Brother Augustyniak at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX.

15 JUL 2009
World War II Veteran New York Beta Brother Joseph I. Whittlesey, 87, died on this date in Cohoes, New York. During WWII, Brother Whittlesey served in France and Germany, where he earned several medals. After the war, he graduated from Cornell in 1949 with a degree in electrical engineering, and worked as an engineer for General Electric for 38 years before retiring in 1984.

He was active in the community, having worked with the Animal Protection Foundation, Boy Scout Troop 36, the Annie Schaffer Senior Center and Vale Cemetery. In addition Joseph was a longtime Republican committeeman and 32nd Degree Mason.

Respect can be paid to Brother Whittlesey at Glenside Cemetery in New York Mills, NY.

15 JUL 2012
On this date, two SigEp Patriots were lost to the ages.
– Mayor of Dothan, Alabama Beta Past President Captain Alfred J. Saliba, U.S. Air Force Reserve passed away at home in the city of his birth, Dothan, Alabama. Alfred spent two years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed in Japan and Korea.

Except for his military service, Alfred lived most of his life in Dothan, and was a proud graduate of the University of Alabama's School of Engineering. After working with his father at Dothan Roofing and Remodeling, he built a successful business bearing his name which included homebuilding, residential and commercial real estate, neighborhood development, and commercial construction. Brother Saliba wisely partnered and invested in other local businesses and real estate ventures, and in 1999 and 2011, he was inducted in the Business Halls of Fame for the University of Alabama and the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, respectively.

Motivated by a desire to "give back" to the city he loved so much, from 1989 through 1997, Alfred served two terms as the city's mayor. Commitment to improving the city's infrastructure, recruiting new business, and providing opportunities for underserved families became the hallmarks of his tenure. Working with other visionaries, he helped establish a Family Services Center, which centralized education, childcare, and access to resource agencies. It became the prototype for 17 similar organizations throughout the Southeast and now bears his name.

Memorial contributions to the Alfred Saliba Family Services Center would celebrate Alfred's lifelong compassion and generosity.

Respect can be paid to Brother Saliba at Memory Hill Cemetery, Dothan.

Brother Saavedra, Jr

– Two-time Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Connecticut Alpha Brother Sergeant Kenneth Saavedra, Jr., U.S. Army & National Guard (Connecticut), 29, died in Waterbury, Connecticut. He was a member of the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment. After his active duty service, he continued to serve with the National Guard for almost 10 years.

Kenneth was an electrician and worked for Sikorsky Aircraft, and was a member of the Teamsters Local 1150 – where he served as Vice Chair of the Teamsters Veterans Caucus Connecticut Chapter 1.

At the request of the family, memorial contributions can be made to the Kenneth Saavedra Jr. Memorial Fund set up to benefit Veterans.

Respect can be paid to Brother Saavedra at the Connecticut Veterans’ Cemetery, Rocky Hill, CT.

20 JUL 2012
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and Kansas Gamma Brother Ralph C. Ufford died on this date. Ralph was released from the Navy after three years of military service, and attended the University of Kansas where he graduated with the Class of 1949.

After 39 years as a mechanical engineer, he retired from Bendix/Allied Signal in 1990. While at Allied, he was actively involved with the Allied Signal Management Club and the Bannister Association Investment Club. Ralph was a Boy Scout Leader, and he traveled with his family to 45 of the 50 States, camping in many of them. Once their sons were raised, he and Dolores traveled to 36 Foreign Countries, including pilgrimages to Israel and to Santiago de Compostello, Spain.

Respect can be paid to Brother Ufford at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Army Veteran Oklahoma Alpha Brother Newlin "Newt" W. Kessler, age 83, passed away at home on 11 JUL as a result of cancer and related complications. He served in the Army as an officer and had training as a paratrooper.
* U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of the South Pacific during World War II and Indiana Beta Brother Everett E. “Pic” Thomas passed away on 14 JUL at the age of 89. After his WWII service, Pic enrolled at Indiana University and brought his leadership to IN Beta.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Kessler and Thomas. SPP pledges that you and your patriotic service will always be remembered.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS
* Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and Pennsylvania Xi Brother Kevin Michael has been selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force. He will not get pinned until November, so we will all have to wait until then for the wetting down and free beers. Congratulations Brother!

Please keep sending in your good news stories.

Fraternally and Very Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
@SigEpsWhoServe

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 19/2014, 07 – 13 July

2014-07-13T11:29:00.002-05:00

Brothers,

This week, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors and remembers 16 brother warriors from as many chapters and every branch of the military, including one from Wyoming Alpha who made the ultimate sacrifice more than 71 years ago while taking part in the liberation of Sicily during WWII. SPP pledges it will always remember all our brothers who serve/served our great country, and hopes you will celebrate with us by reading and passing word of this post.

10 JUL 1942
On this date, North Carolina Epsilon Brother Robert L. Orr entered the U.S. Army, and went on to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II.

13 JUL 1942
Massachusetts Alpha Brother David H. Johnson joined the U.S. Coast Guard on this date, serving as a Soundman Second Class during World War II.

Assault on Sicily - Operation Husky

11 JUL 1943
A year ago, SPP mentioned in this work that 10 JUL 1943 marked the beginning of Operation Husky - at the time, the largest combined operation of WWII, and asked if anyone had any idea how many SigEp Patriots where there. Now we know that at least one brave SigEp made the ultimate sacrifice on the second day of the operation.

On this date, World War II Veteran and Wyoming Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Paul C. Rawdon, Jr., U.S. Army was 26 years old, and assigned to the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division when his unit made landfall on the southern shore of Sicily.

Paul completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Wyoming before going to work in New Mexico. He was inducted in to the Army in MAR 1941, and he was with the division when it shipped overseas a month before he was killed.

Respect can be paid to Brother Rawdon at Block 12, Row C, Plot 13 of Glenrock Cemetery, Glenrock, WY.

13 JUL 1946
World War II Veteran and Alabama Beta Brother First Lieutenant James Calabra, Jr., U.S. Army was discharged from the service on this date after nearly three years of duty, including 17 months in the China-Burma-India Theater with the 3286th Engineers.

08 JUL 1986
On this date, World War II Veteran, SigEp Citation Recipient and Virginia Zeta Brother General Robert J. Wood, U.S. Army (Retired) died of a stroke at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Washington, DC. As a general, Brother Wood wore four-stars, and the SPP archives indicate that he is one of only seven SigEp Patriots known to have reached the highest officer rank in any branch of the U.S. military. He retired after 36 years of service to the nation.

Brother Wood

Robert was instrumental in the creation of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) – NATO’s European military organization, and served as director of the U.S. military assistance program from 1962 to 1965.

Brother Wood attended Randolph-Macon College for a year before entering the United States Military Academy in 1926. In 1930, Robert graduated from West Point, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps.

During World War II, he served in the Mediterranean Theater, advancing from Captain to Colonel. Following the war, Brother Wood served as a military aide to Secretary of Defense and NH Alpha Brother James Forrestal.

Following his work at SHAPE, Robert was promoted to brigadier general, and assigned as Chief of the Defense Annual Review Team for the U.S. Mission to NATO. In 1956, Brother Wood became commanding general of Fort Bliss, and commandant of the Antiaircraft Artillery and Guided Missile School located there.

With his promotion to Lieutenant General in 1960, he was assigned as Commanding General of the Army Air Defense Command, and two years later appointed director of the military assistance program in the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, with the rank of full general. As Director, Brother Wood was considered to be on the same level as the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force – the senior leaders of each branch.

Robert retired in 1965, but was recalled to active duty in 1968 to serve as Director of the Overseas Base Requirements Study Group. He returned to retired status in 1969, and subsequently served on a presidential task force on international development.

His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with oak leaf cluster) and Purple Heart.

Respect can be paid to Brother Wood at the U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery, West Point, NY.

07 JUL 2006
U.S Army National Guard (Montana) Veteran Montana Beta Brother Daniel W. Ayres died on this date at his home in Cody, Montana. Born and raised in Montana, Daniel attended Montana State University, Bozeman, and the University of Montana in Missoula.

Brother Ayres was an active Gideon, a certified swimming and sailing instructor and a 4-H leader. He was also a sandblast artist in the Bozeman Granite Works – a family-owned business, and worked as a dairy-route driver, proprietor of Rainbow Water Service, a real estate broker, and a charter tour bus driver.

Respect can be paid to Brother Ayres at Plot 16 of Riverside Cemetery, Cody, WY.

07 JUL 2008
On this date, World War II, Korean War & Vietnam War Veteran, Virginia Eta Brother Commander Donald E. Cummings, U.S. Navy (Retired) died in The Woodlands, Texas. Brother Cummings served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1969 as a fighter pilot. While in the service, he boxed in the finals of the Olympic trials. His last assignment was as Air Boss on the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-la (CV-38) serving with the Atlantic Fleet.

While at the University of Virginia, Donald was a member of the championship boxing team. After retiring from the Navy, he became the corporate pilot for Campbell-Ewald Advertising Corp.

Respect can be paid to Brother Cummings in Section C-1, Row D, Site 38 at Houston National Cemetery, Houston Texas.

10 JUL 2009

Brother Hagey

Born and raised in Bristol, Virginia, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Missouri Epsilon Brother King A. Hagey III, 71, died there on this date. After graduating from high school, King served in the Corps from 1958 to 1959 before attending Culver-Stockton College.

After earning his Master of Arts in biology, he worked in medical research at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Nashville, and retired after 30 years of service. When he retired, he returned to Bristol to live and care for his father. He was a member of Chapter 39 of Disabled American Veterans.

Respect can be paid to Brother Hagey at Glenwood Cemetery, Bristol, TN.

13 JUL 2010
U.S. Army Veteran Arizona Beta Brother Eric W. Fields, 62, died on this date. After earning his bachelor’s degree from University of Arizona, Brother Fields received a master’s degree from The University of Missouri, and subsequently taught at several universities. Eric was involved in numerous ministry positions, including board director for the Emporia Kansas Salvation Army. For 16 years, he was a devoted field account manager with Spring Arbor Distributors.

Respect can be paid to Brother Fields at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis, TN.

Brother Williams

09 JUL 2011
On this date, Tennessee Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Thomas J. Williams, Jr., U.S. Army National Guard (Tennessee), 26, died when the OH-58D Kiowa he was piloting crashed near Caryville, Tennessee during a training flight. He was assigned to Troop C, 230th Air Cavalry Squadron. Thomas joined TN Alpha during his freshman year at UT, and was also a member of the University of Tennessee ROTC program. He returned to the UT Army ROTC program in 2011 as an assistant professor of Military Science.

In addition to his military service, Brother Williams was owner and president of Southeast Investment Group, specializing in real estate sales and investments as well as construction and project management.

The family ask that donations of remembrance be made to The 1LT Thomas Williams, Jr. Memorial Fund at CedarStone Bank, P.O. Box 724, Lebanon TN, 37088.

Respect can be paid to Brother Williams at Harpeth Hills Memorial Gardens, Nashville, TN.

On the same date, World War II Veteran and Michigan Alpha Brother Major Robert J. Ogden, U.S. Army died of pneumonia in Lakeland, Florida. He was 91 years old. During WWII, Robert was stationed in the Aleutian Islands with the Army Corps of Engineers. He retired as a sales engineer for Alcoa after 32 years.

12 JUL 2011
Ohio Gamma Brother Randal Dudis was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserve (Medical Services Corps) on this date.

07 JUL 2012

Brother Masick

Vietnam War Veteran and Vermont Gamma Brother Captain Charles V. Masick, U.S. Army, 69, died on this date in Cooperstown, New York. In addition to SigEp, Charles was in the ROTC program at the University of Vermont, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army upon graduation.

Charles was a helicopter pilot with the 1st Air Cavalry Division, and his awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Air Medal.

Respect can be paid to Brother Masick at Section 6, Site 1308, Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY.

13 JUL 2012
Vietnam War Veteran and Georgia Epsilon Founding Father First Lieutenant Herbert A. “Andy” Wall, Jr., U.S. Air Force, 66, died on this date after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).

Andy received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Georgia Southern University, and taught social studies and German language in the Bulloch County School System. He retired from teaching in 2004.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, Ga. 30459.

Respect can be paid to Brother Wall at Ridgeland Cemetery, Ridgeland, SC.

11 JUL 2013
On this date, Ohio Iota Brother Mike Callas was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS!
** Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and KY Eta Brother Private First Class Jon Rourk, U.S. Army and his girlfriend, Leigh Ann, are expecting their first child – a girl named Addyson Elizabeth – around December 6th. Congratulations to both of you and your families!
** Virginia Beta Brother David Costello was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army on Friday! David’s branch is Aviation, and the Army will be sending him to Fort Rucker for his training. Best of luck, Brother Costello!

Please keep sending your good news stories to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com
@SigEpsWhoServe

This (Last) Week in SigEp Patriot History, 30 JUN - 06 JUL

2014-07-09T16:02:00.004-05:00

This (Last) Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 18/2014, 30 JUN – 06 JUL

Brothers,

In this edition, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) honors 22 incredible Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force Brothers who served in the Border War - just years after the Fraternity was founded - to the present day. They are from 18 Chapters including a future Congressman, a former Chief of Naval Operations and two additional men who rose to the 4-star rank of their respective service, another who became a legend in the Fraternity, and one fought his way across Europe during WWII, only to be evacuated home after receiving his second Purple Heart.

Brother Gerow
(as a 4-star General)

01 JUL 1916
Border War Veteran of Vera Cruz and Virginia Theta Brother Leonard T. Gerow was promoted to First Lieutenant, U.S. Army on this date.

30 JUN 1920
Nearly four years to the day later, (then) Captain Leonard T. Gerow completed his WWI service on the staff of the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France. He was Colonel (temporary) in charge of purchasing all the radio equipment for the American Expeditionary Force. For his service he earned the Distinguished Service Medal and French Legion of Honor.

01 JUL 1920
Border War and World War I Veteran Colorado Beta Brother Maurice C. Bigelow was commissioned a Captain in the regular Army on this date.

01 JUL 1932
On this date, World War I Veteran of St. Mihiel and the Argonne, Virginia Eta Brother Private Joel W. Flood, U.S. Army concluded over four years of service as special assistant to the attorney general of Virginia.

30 JUN 1942
Vermont Alpha Brother Donald M. Bagbee, Class of 1931, entered the U.S. Army Chemical Warfare Service on this date.

Brother Sodergreen

01 JUL 1943
On this date, World War II Veteran and Wyoming Alpha Brother, Class of 1941, Ensign John P. Sodergreen, U.S. Navy died during a training mission about 50 miles north of Oahu while performing a mail drop to the deck of the USS Enterprise (CV-6). His plane hit a gun turret, and John and his radioman were killed. John’s remains were never recovered.

Brother Sodergreeen is memorialized at the Honolulu Memorial at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

This also marks the date the following brothers began their WWII service in the U.S. Navy:
Indiana Alpha Brother Robert Sautter, Massachusetts Beta Brother Kenneth Lyons and Pennsylavia Lamba brothers Charles Bisceglia and John Wacker, Jr.

In addition, when the Navy called Mr. Frank Ruck, Jr. on this date notifying him that he was being called up and sent to the University of Notre Dame's V-12 program, it set in motion Frank becoming a SigEp. For it was the Navy that would subsequently transfer Frank to Supply Corps training at the University of Michigan, where he would pledge Michigan Alpha and become a brother. Thank you U.S. Navy!

03 JUL 1943
North Carolina Delta Brother Ralph G. Templeton, Class of 1938, began his service in the U.S. Army Medical Corps on this date.

01 JUL 1945
Michigan Alpha Brother Frank Ruck, Jr. was ordered to pre-Midshipman School in Bayone, NJ. The war ended as he received his commission as an Ensign, U.S. Navy, and he was placed on inactive duty.

30 JUN 1946
World War II Veteran and Mississippi Beta Brother Captain David W. Wilkins, U.S. Army was released on this date after nearly three years of service, 18 months of which were overseas.

01 JUL 1946
North Carolina Epsilon Lieutenant Charles Henderson, U. S. Navy was discharged on this date after three-and-a-half years of service, 26 months of that was overseas.

Brother Wood
(as a 4-star General)

01 JUL 1957
On this date, World War II Veteran and Virginia Zeta Brother (then) Major General Robert J. Wood, U.S. Army began his assignment as the Army's Deputy Chief of Research and Development overseeing projects including antimissile weapons and germ and gas warfare systems.

01 JUL 1969
When he arrived in Vietnam on this date, North Carolina Beta Brother Warrant Officer Larry J. Talley, U.S. Army was a member of D Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Americal Division, U.S. Army. He served six weeks before being killed in action.

01 JUL 1970

Renaissance Brother Zumwalt

At the age of 49, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Veteran Vice Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr., U.S. Navy became the youngest naval officer ever promoted to Admiral (4-stars) on this date, and assumed the duties and responsibilities as the 19th Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) – the senior officer in the U.S. Navy. He remains the youngest naval officer to serve as CNO.

Exactly four years later, Admiral Zumwalt retired, with 32-year of service. In 1980, Elmo was initiated as a Renaissance Brother by the Connecticut Alpha chapter.

According to the SPP archives, Brother Zumwalt is the only Navy 4-star SigEp Patriot, and one of just nine military brothers to reach the top rank in all the services.

04 JUL 2010
U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran Oregon Beta Brother Vernon S. White, 88, died on this date. During WWII, Vern served with the 95th Bomb Group.

Brother White was a politically committed journalist and served as the editor of several publications, as well as a Republican Party county chairman.

His family suggests remembrances to the Vernon White Memorial Fund, c/o Trumpeters, 3236 S.W. Kelly Ave., Portland, OR 97239.

Brother Mallory

03 JUL 2012
World War II Veteran of Normandy, Northern France and the Rhineland Campaigns, Virginia Zeta Brother Staff Sergeant Morris K. Mallory, U.S. Army, 89, died on this date in Virginia.

After graduating from high school, Morris volunteered to serve in the Army. He was assigned to the 30th Infantry Division during the aforementioned campaigns, and was awarded two Purple Hearts – the second of which for a wound received in Belgium that was severe enough to get him sent back to the States.

After his honorable discharge in 1945, he enrolled at Randolph-Macon College, graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry in 1950. Upon graduation, he worked as a chemist before embarking on a successful sales career.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars at www.vfw.org/contribute.

Respect can be paid to Brother Mallory at Woodland Cemetery in Ashland, VA.

01 JUL 2013
NY Iota Brother Boatswain Mate Third Class Petty Officer Adam Smith, U.S. Coast Guard was promoted to his current rank on this date.

On the same date, Operation Iraqi Freedom & Enduring Freedom Veteran, IN Zeta Brother Lieutenant Commander Troy Hanson, U.S. Navy Reserve was promoted to his current rank.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* Recently (we don’t have an exact date yet), U.S. Air Force Korean War Veteran and Nebraska Beta Brother David S. Raymond passed away in Dustin, Florida. A celebration of David's life and memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 4325 Commons Blvd., Destin, FL, at 11 a.m., July 12, with Pastor Kevin Wendt officiating. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.
* World War II Veteran and Virginia Zeta Brother Sergeant Emmanuel Bhatta, U.S. Army Air Corps, 91, passed away30 JUN at the Hospice of the Comforter near Orlando, Florida, after a brief illness. Emmanuel attended Randolph-Macon College on the GI Bill after World War II. Services are scheduled tomorrow at 10 am in the chapel at Calvary Cemetery in Drums, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.
* U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and Illinois Beta Founding Father & First President Paul C. Tietz, Jr., 89 passed away 27 JUN in Park Ridge, Illinois. After high school, Paul enlisted as a Radio Technician in the Navy, and subsequently served aboard a ship in the South Pacific during WWII.
* Army National Guard (Vermont) Veteran and Ohio Epsilon Brother John "Jack" R. Griffith, 71, passed away 02 JUL, in Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vermont after a courageous year-long battle with esophageal cancer, and ultimately succumbing to a massive pulmonary embolism.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the chapter brothers, family, and friends of Brothers Raymond, Bhatta, Tietz & Griffith. SPP pledges it will never forget you or your service to the nation.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS
** Last Sunday, ROTC Cadet and Nebraska Beta Brother William Heida officially graduated from LDAC in Fort Knox, KY, and he has been selected to stay there for additional training with a cadet cadre. Best of luck, William!

There are many brothers serving in uniform around the world accomplishing great things, and we look forward to hearing from military and non-military brothers who are interested in sharing and celebrating those items.

ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SIGEP PATRIOTS
* There are over 100 military brothers on the SPP email list serve, and if you would like to be added there just send me an email.
* SigEps Who Serve is the official SPP Facebook group, and the only such group soley comprised of brothers who serve/served in the U.S. military. Such brothers can request to join us at www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve.
* SPP is adding military brothers to the roll every day, but we can always use assistance locating brothers who serve or have served in the U.S. military.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
Email: SigEpsWhoServe@gmail.com
Twitter: @SigEpsWhoServe

Tennessee SigEps provide housing for university intern

2014-07-04T12:35:00.000-05:00

Posted in News on July 3, 2014 by AARON JAY LEDESMA, MARQUETTE ‘14

(http://www.sigep.org/blog/tennessee-sigeps-provide-housing-for-university-intern.html)

Tennessee Alpha SigEps are giving back to their university in a unique way. The chapter is currently housing Alex Rossmann, a female graduate intern for the university, who is working this summer on creating an anti-hazing campaign for the University of Tennessee.

The idea of housing a university intern came from the chapter faculty advisor and UT staff member Keith Becklin, Western Michigan ‘06. He told the undergraduates that the university was looking to hire an intern, but it could not provide summer housing due to its budget.

That’s when the men of the Tennessee Alpha chapter stepped up in a big way. The chapter generously offered to provide the university with complimentary accommodations for Rossmann in their resident scholar’s suite.

At first, Lindi Smedberg, Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life, was hesitant because the intern is a woman. However, based on Lindi's experience with the chapter, she said she felt comfortable, and Alex gladly accepted SigEp's generous offer.

"Tennessee would not have been able to hire Alex this summer if it had not been for the help of the SigEp chapter,” says Smedberg. “The men of Sigma Phi Epsilon have gone above and beyond by cleaning, painting and furnishing the suite for Alex, including the addition of new rugs, drapes, and art work."

The SigEps realize the importance of this unique partnership and the opportunities it can bring to their chapter and university.

“Alex is a huge asset to the campus and it is great that SigEp is able to host her,” says chapter president Robert Billings, Tennessee ‘15. “In order to make SigEp the best experience that we can, we have to be a valued partner with our universities.”

Rossmann is wrapping up her eight-week internship and has only good things to say about her summer with SigEp.

“Living with SigEp has enhanced my experience and added a new richness to my understanding of Greek life,” says Rossmann, who does not have a Greek affiliation. “Having positive relationships with the university allows Greeks to have a bigger impact on campus. I am so happy to be a part of a wonderful partnership with UT and SigEp!"

Happy Fourth of July!

2014-07-04T12:03:00.000-05:00

Yes, we stole this from HQ. Have a good one anyway.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 17/2014, 23 – 29 JUN

2014-06-29T23:30:00.000-05:00

Brothers,

This week, we remember two Army Air Corps brothers killed in action during WWII are very happy to welcome a brother home from Afghanistan, and honored to announce that tomorrow one of our own will be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for non-combat heroism.

Navy and
Marine Corps
Medal

In total, this week, we celebrate 15 brothers, representing 13 chapters, serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard in places like Afghanistan, Egypt, France, Japan, Korea, the South Pacific and the U.S.

24 JUN 1918

NH Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles E. Tayntor, Jr., U.S. Army was a member of the Medical Corps, Base Hospital Unit 83, American Expeditionary Force when he was called in to the service on this date.

27 JUN 1942

This is the enlistment date of OR Alpha Brother Jack Liljeberg in the U.S. Navy, and MA Delta Brother Kenneth G. Merriam in the U.S. Army.

26 JUN 1943

This marks the date the only SigEp Patriot of the Iowa Alpha Chapter was killed in action in WWII.

Taxpayer's Pride, 1942
Photo Credit PacificWrecks.com

World War II Veteran and IA Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Sumner Luten Beck, U.S. Army Air Corps made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as a navigator about a B17F (Fighting Fortress) nicknamed “Taxpayer’s Pride” during a night mission over Rabaul, New Britain. Brother Beck and his crewmates were shot down by a J1N1 (Irving) and crashed into the jungle near Mount Varzin.

The Class of 1938 graduate from Iowa Wesleyan College had nearly completed his training as an Air Corps navigator when he was commission in MAY 1943. Just weeks later, Sumner arrived in the SW Pacific Theater, and he would be killed in less than a month.

Very early on 26 JUN 1943, before the sun was above the horizon, Sumner and his comrades took off in the B-17 from Dobodura Airfield on a bombing mission against Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul. Strict radio silence was maintained during the mission. Nothing was heard from this bomber after takeoff. Upon reaching their objective, they successfully bombed the target then turned for home. According to an account from the Japanese pilot who shot the plane down, within minutes of their bombing run, Sumner and the crew were taking 20mm cannon fire from the Irving, and the B-17 caught on fire before crashing in to the jungle.

Starting at 0230 hours, other U.S. aircraft over the target reported an aircraft had crashed, and that a fire could be seen on the ground in the vicinity of the down airplane. When the bomber failed to return, the crew were declared missing in action. The War Department declared them “presumed lost” in JAN 1946.

In actuality, the tail gunner managed to parachute out and away from the falling debris. He served in a Japanese Army POW camp the remainder of the war.

Post war, the crew's remains were recovered at the crash site near Mount Varzin. However, Brother Beck’s body was not among them. Several years later, his remains were recovered, and returned to the States.

Respect can be paid to Brother Beck at Fairview Cemetery in Lee County, IA.

28 JUN 1943

PA Epsilon Brother Arthur White joined the U.S. Navy Reserve as an Ensign on this date.

27 JUN 1945

World War II Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Second Lieutenant George C. Slusser, U.S. Army Air Corps made the ultimate sacrifice when the P-47 (Thunderbolt) fighter he was piloting during a mission over the Ryukyu Islands was brought down by flak. George was attached to the 19th Fighter Squadron, 318th Fighter Group.

Formation of P-47s

At The Ohio State, Brother Slusser was a graduate of the Class of ’44, and a star on the Buckeye football team. In the 1946 NFL Draft, Brother Slosser was 288th pick and selected by the Philadelphia Eagles.

His awards include the Purple Heart and Air Medal.

Initially listed as missing in action, George is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing Court 7, Honolulu Memorial, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI.

Respect can be paid to Brother Slusser at Section 5, Row 16, Brookfield Cemetery, Massillon, OH.

25 JUN 1946

World War II Veteran and PA Epsilon Brother Captain Arthur Palmer, U.S. Army Transportation Corps was released from the service on this date after nearly three years of service, including 28 months overseas.

26 JUN 1953

Brother Smith

On this date, U.S. Army WWI Veteran, Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, and U.S. Senator (North Carolina) NC Gamma Brother Willis Smith died at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland while serving in the U.S. Congress. All that is currently known about Brother Smith’s military service is that he served in the Army in Virginia during WWI.

Willis pledged SigEp at Trinity College (now Duke University). After graduating in 1910, he attended law school, and was admitted to the bar in 1912.

After WWI, Brother Smith returned to practicing law. In 1927, he was elected to the North Carolina State House of Representatives, and he served there until 1932 – the last two years as Speaker. Twice he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

At the Nuremburg Trials in 1946 he was an observer, and after serving as a U.S. delegate to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (1951) he was selected as the chairman of the American delegation to the Union’s meeting in Bern, Switzerland in 1952.

Simultaneously, Willis was serving in the U.S. Congress. In 1950, he was elected to fill a vacancy, and he served until his death.

Respect can be paid to Brother Smith at Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, NC.

26 JUN 1997

World War II Veteran and CO Beta Brother Pharmacist Mate First Class Jack D. Paxton, U.S. Navy died on this date in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and so far that is all we have been able to learn about his military service.

After earning a Master Degree of Psychology he worked as a psychologist for Tulsa Child Guidance and the Peoria Board of Education, Peoria, IL before serving as Director of Special Education for Tulsa Public Schools from 1953 to 1973. For the next 14 years, Brother Paxton was a Professor of Psychology at Northwestern State University in Alva, OK.

His honors and distinctions include: Psi Chi President and Past President, Tulsa Special Education Association. Other activities included serving as a board member of Tulsa Child Guidance Clinic and Family and Children’s Service. In 1993, he retired from the Tulsa Public Schools.

Respect can be paid to Brother Paxton at Section CT4-M, Row 100, Site 129 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.

28 JUN 2007

A 5th generation Richmonder, VA Alpha Brother Major Doctor William F. Bryce V, U.S. Air Force, 63, died on this date in Richmond, Virginia. During his military service – which appears to have been between 1972 and 1975, Brother Bryce served as a doctor at Homestead Air Force Base.

At the University of Richmond, William double-majored in chemistry and mathematics. In 1970, he received his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He served an internship and residency at Roanoke Memorial Hospital from 1970 to 1972 before serving in the U.S. Air Force.

In 1975, Brother Bryce returned to Richmond to begin his family practice. He partially retired in 2002 and began a house call practice and worked small, contract medical services for the federal government until 2004. Dr. Bryce was a member of the Richmond Academy of Medicine, Medical Society of Virginia, American Medical Association, and the Manchester Medical Society, of which he served as president.

Respect can be paid to Brother Bryce at Maury Cemetery, Richmond, VA.

28 JUN 2010

Korean War Veteran and UT Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Robert R. Evans, U.S. Air Force died on this date. Bob enlisted in the National Guard (Army), serving two years in the Korean War as an airplane navigator. Upon his return from the war, he brought his leadership back to UT Alpha, participated in AFROTC, completed his Bachelors of Science in Journalism in 1956, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force at graduation.

At Utah State University, Brother Evans led the USU student newspaper as editor, and was an officer in the UT Alpha chapter. He later resigned his Air Force commission, and began work as a reporter for the Logan Herald Journal, then the Salt Lake Tribune, covering northern Utah, while pursuing an MS in Sociology.

A few years later, as a SigEp advisor, Bob led the building campaign to construct a new UT Alpha chapter house. A PhD from University of Wisconsin soon followed, where his post-doctoral work and publications on smoking, health and behavior were some of the first which linked smoking and negative health outcomes. Relocating to Tucson, he was a sociology faculty member at the University of Arizona, focusing on group dynamics and sociology of sexuality.

29 JUN 2012

U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and WI Beta Brother John P. Griesbach, 85, died on this date of congestive heart failure at St. David's Healthcare in Round Rock, Texas. He briefly attended University of Wisconsin (UW) before being drafted in to service during WWII. His basic Air Corps training was in Biloxi, MS, and he was sent from there to Osaka, Japan.

After he was released from the service, John returned to UW to pursue a degree in Petroleum Geology. After working for Seaboard Oil Company in Ardmore, OK, he moved back to Corpus Christi, TX in 1960, and formed his own company, Delta American. He was an active geologist until retiring in 1998.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL

* 19 JUN - U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Robert K. Johnson, Jr., 91, passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio. He went to Ohio State until the U.S. entered WWII, and then went to work building Wright engines for the war effort, before enlisting in the Army Air Corps where he served from 1942-45. He was stationed in Egypt in 1944.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of Brother Johnson. SPP pledges it will never forget you or your service to the nation.

SIGEP PATRIOT NEWS

** Early on 23 JUN, Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and fellow NY Eta Brother Staff Sergeant Nathan Ibero, U.S. Army posted on Facebook that he was finally back in the USA after his long deployment to Afghanistan. Welcome home and thank you for your service!

** At 1130 tomorrow, in Building 33 of the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal – the second highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism by the U.S. Navy & U.S. Marine Corps – will be presented to four-time Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran and MT Alpha Brother Petty Officer Second Class James T. Yancy, U.S. Navy. Last April, Brother Yancy, at the risk of his own life, dove in to the water and saved a member of the American diplomatic community from drowning while at a private beach off the coast of Lagos, Nigeria. Congratulations J.T.!

There are many brothers serving in uniform around the world accomplishing great things, and we look forward to hearing from military and non-military brothers who are interested in sharing and celebrating those items.

SPP UPDATE

* As of today, we know about 4,592 brothers who currently serve or previously served in the U.S. military. Among these brothers are four-star generals & admirals, computer scientists, congressman, governors. Over the past year, we have learned about an additional 19 brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country when they were killed in action.

* This week, we welcomed Two-time Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and OH Rho Brother Major Brian Murray, U.S. Army & FL Epsilon Brother Lieutenant Michael Sanchez, U.S. Navy to SPP and our official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve (SWS), the only FB group comprised solely of SigEp Patriots. In the past year, SWS has grown by nearly 20% and now 715 strong!

You can find SWS at www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Just send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to be connected with other military brothers.

* SPP T-shirts can still be purchased for $12 at https://www.interstated.com/store/sigepic. Just scroll down to near the bottom of the page.

* Join 100 others and follow us on Twitter @SigEpsWhoServe

SPP would like to thank the numerous chapter officers, brothers, friends and Headquarters personnel who have helped keep this noble effort successfully moving forward for another year. Please keep passing the word and helping SPP find, support, connect, honor, recognize and remember brothers who have given so much to the nation.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Brother Ed Jones, NY Eta ‘96

Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve

Founder, SigEp Patriots Project

Email: SigEpsWhoServe@gmail.com

Twitter: @SigEpsWhoServe