Sanguine et Purpure

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 14 – 20 MAY

2012-05-19T23:00:00.000-05:00

Brothers,

Happy Armed Forces Day to all SigEps who serve – past and present! The day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense (under the first Secretary of Defense, World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother James V. Forrestal).

Yesterday, just before the periodontist started scrapping part of my gums, the conversation turned to the global war on terrorism and the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The young and compassionate dental assistant said, “You don’t hear enough about the good work done by U.S. service members in Afghanistan. Ya know, I don’t know anyone in the military.”

I see two important points here.

Without sounding like one of those people who thinks the “main stream media” has a grand plan against society, this humble observer believes there is a considerable focus on negative stories that cast a poor light on the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

That said, there are news items and websites about “good news stories” out of Afghanistan, and if people don’t “hear” it is because they are not listening.

As for the second point, a few years ago, I was watching a television show attempting to explain the current disconnect between the American public and members of the U.S. military. During the show it was stated that during World War II one in three Americans directly knew someone in the military. Today, that number is estimated to be one in eight. As we all know, it is natural to support someone with which you have a personal connection.

With this in mind, the SigEp Patriots Project continues its efforts to assist others in learning about, remembering and hopefully connecting with those patriotic brothers past and present who allow us to live our lives in freedom.

19 MAY 1944

On this date, World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother James Vincent Forrestal became Secretary of the Navy. He guided the Navy through the last year of the war and the two difficult years of demobilization after the Japanese surrender. Brother Forrestal served during WWI as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and would go on to become the first Secretary of Defense.

15 MAY 1973 / 15 MAY 1974

May is a meaningful month for AL Alpha Brother Colonel Wallace Jack Paschal II, U.S. Air Force. Before he joined the Air Force, Brother Paschall enlisted in the Alabama National Guard as a draftsman, 15 MAY 1973. A year later, he was promoted to Private First Class.

16 MAY 1981 / 16 MAY 1984

May also holds meaning for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and VT Gamma Brother Major General Michael D. Dubie, U.S. Air National Guard (Vermont). On these dates, Brother Dubie was promoted to Second Lieutenant and First Lieutenant, respectively.

20 MAY 2005

On this date, U.S. Army World War II D-Day Veteran DE Alpha Brother Robert L. Snowberger died at his home in Wilmington, Delaware.

Robert, affectionately known as "Grumps" by his grandchildren, graduated from A.I. DuPont High School and was an all-state football player. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II, participating in the Normandy Invasion at Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action against an "out numbering enemy force" in Germany, 06 APR 1945. After military service, he went on to graduate from the University of Delaware, and then worked for the DuPont Company in advertising. Taking an early retirement, he became an independent manufacturer's representative and was actively involved in many entrepreneurial ventures.

19 MAY 2010

Two SigEp Patriots were lost to us on this date.

World War II Veteran and CO Delta Brother First Lieutenant Douglas Lawrence Pearce, U.S. Army Air Corps was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and raised in Carbon County, Utah where his father worked as a mining engineer. Brother Pearce graduated with an engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines in 1942, and soon thereafter enlisted in the Army in Salt Lake City as a First Lieutenant, 9th Air Force. He served on active duty until 1946 and in reserves until 1949.

Respect can be paid to Brother Pearce at Highland Cemetery in Casper, Wyoming.

U.S. Army Reserve Veteran KS Epsilon Brother James R. Roth died at his home in Wichita, Kansas on this date. Brother Roth was a 1963 graduate of Emporia State University, where he majored in business and was a member of the golf and debate teams. Three years later, Jim graduate from Washburn University School of Law. He practiced law in Topeka for several years before moving to Wichita where he remained in private practice for more than 40 years. From 1966-1972, Brother Roth served in the U.S. Army Reserve. In 1992, the Governor of Kansas appointed him to the Washburn University Board of Regents, and he continued to serve on the Board for 18 years at the request of two subsequent governors – including four years as Chairman. Brother Roth was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Washburn Law School (2005) and from the Washburn University Alumni Association (2010).

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL

29 APR – WA Alpha President Ensign Gordon Ernest Ruehl, U.S. Navy passed away in Spokane, Washington in his sleep nineteen months after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma (asbestos cancer). In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials may be made to Hospice of Spokane, Westminster Congregational Church, to WSU School of Architecture c/o Greg Kessler, PO Box 64220, Pullman WA 99163 or to the charity of your choice.

12 MAY – World War II Navy Veteran, SigEp Citation Recipient and IL Gamma Founding Father Harold Arthur “Red” Poling passed away in Pacific Grove, California at the age of 86. In July 1943, at the age of 17 and just two weeks after graduating from high school, Red enlisted in the Navy and serves as an aviation cadet before being discharged in October 1945 following an injury. In 1993, the United States Navy Memorial presented Brother Poling the Lone Sailor Award adding him to an impressive list of Navy veterans who have distinguished themselves by drawing upon their military experience to become successful in their subsequent careers and lives, while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to friends, family and chapter brothers of Gordon and Red, and the SigEp Patriots Project pledges that their service will always be remembered.

CELEBRATIONS!

WELCOME HOME! Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and FL Iota Brother Specialist Adam Pietri, U.S. Army returned from Kuwait last week. Adam’s unit, 2-8 CAV, 1BCT was among the last to withdraw from Iraq. On Thursday, two-time Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and HI Alpha Brother Major Siegfried Ramil, U.S. Army returned from his tour in Afghanistan. Thanks to brothers Pietri and Ramil for their patriotic service.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

Generosity

2012-05-18T15:37:00.001-05:00

The Huffington Post
May 16, 2012
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brad-rothschild/we-take-care-of-our-own_b_1519788.html

Brad Rothschild

Last week I had the privilege of witnessing generosity on a scale that truly astounded me.

Earlier, I'd received a phone call from my college roommate, Jeff Bash, who is a renowned orthopedic spine surgeon in Connecticut. I don't speak to Jeff as often as I'd like, as our lives seem to be moving at a pace that prevents regular conversations. But when Jeff calls, I'm always happy to talk with him -- he never fails to provide me with at least one memorable quote or story that reminds me of what makes him such a unique character.

When he called last week, though, he was more serious than usual. "Willa's not doing so well," he told me. "Willa" is Willa Kenner, our fraternity's former cook who, along with her late husband, Ben, took care of us in college. Willa, now in her seventies and in failing health, apparently had not paid her property and sewage taxes in several years. Fulton County, Georgia, where Willa resides, had sold her $7,000 debt to a company called Vesta Holdings; if Willa couldn't come up with at least $2,500 immediately, Vesta would be putting her house up for auction in June.

Jeff and his wife, Hope, had always had a soft spot for Willa, as did many of us from our fraternity. Even though it's been over 20 years since we've graduated from college, our memories of Ben and Willa have remained fond. Time, if anything, only enhanced them in our eyes. Picture them: an African-American couple in their fifties, cooking and cleaning for a bunch of over-privileged northern white kids. I think they got a kick out of us and I can't remember a single instance of anyone being disrespectful to either of them. To call Ben and Willa surrogate parents would certainly be misstating their roles -- no one enjoyed the parties we had at the fraternity house more than Ben, and Willa spent many afternoons watching TV in the kitchen.

At the time of her call, Willa must have been out of options, as turning to Jeff and Hope for help was probably not her first consideration. But her children can't or won't help and she seemingly had nowhere else to turn. Luckily for her, she made the right decision and turned to the right people. Jeff and Hope immediately decided that our former fraternity brothers would raise the money to help Willa. When Jeff called me, I offered to help without hesitation. I suggested that instead of calling or emailing everyone, as we would have done a couple of years ago, we should leverage technology to streamline the process. One of the great innovations to emerge out of the digital revolution in the past decade is crowdsourcing -- websites can now be set up to raise money from anything from independent films to new products to charities. Within five minutes, we set up a page on www.donationto.com and we asked a couple of other alumni to send an email appeal with a link to our page to our fraternity brothers.

It was only a matter of minutes before the donations started coming in. Guys who graduated before I had even started college, whose names I only knew from the composite pictures that hung in the fraternity house's living room, began sending in large amounts of money. I watched as the donation meter grew. The generosity people showed for a woman who most of us hadn't seen in 20-25 years was truly overwhelming. I was touched to hear about the brother who called Hope and told her that if there were any shortfall whatsoever, he would personally make it up. More donations quickly began streaming in from the people who were in school with me and within 48 hours, we had raised over $10,000. Once Willa's debt is paid off, we plan to set up an account using the balance to pay her taxes going forward. When Hope called Willa to tell her the news, Willa was overcome with emotion.

This story has a happy ending for all involved, right? We donors can feel good about doing a very good thing for a friend in need, and Willa can stay in her home without the threat of eviction hanging over her head. This is all true. However, it occurred to me that Willa had the good fortune of having worked for people who cared for her enough to provide a safety net when times got tough. But what about those who aren't as lucky? It's possible that Willa didn't make wise financial decisions and of course, she's solely responsible for her own actions, but she's an elderly widow with little formal education and she is most certainly not the only one in her neighborhood who has found herself facing foreclosure and homelessness.

It turns out that Fulton County routinely sells off its uncollected taxes to Vesta Holdings. Vesta, according to its website, "is a major purchaser, servicer and owner of delinquent county and municipal real estate tax liens. Lien sales help maintain equity in the property tax system by assuring that conscientious and timely taxpayers are not unfairly burdened and forced to pay for individuals who disregard their tax obligations." Seems fair enough. After all, people who do pay their taxes shouldn't be burdened by those who can't be bothered to do the same. But what about instances when property taxes have been assessed at too high of a rate and people on fixed incomes like the elderly and the infirm can't afford to pay the increases? Unfortunately, this happens with regularity in poor neighborhoods around the country. In most cases, homeowners are simply out of luck and have no real recourse if they can't afford to pay their back taxes. In the United States of 2012, the safety net that once existed to help keep people afloat has frayed badly and a fix doesn't seem to be on the horizon.

We take care of our own, as Bruce Springsteen sings. I'm so moved by what we've done for Willa but incredibly sad that we had to.

TN Alpha (University of Tennessee) Recruitment Video

2012-05-12T14:53:00.000-05:00

As much as I try to avoid playing favorites here, sometimes I have to take "administrator's privilege" and show off my home chapter. This Tennessee Alpha ~~rush~~ recruitment video is very well done. It stays focused on the chapter and its accomplishments, and does so with a minimum of text - just enough to communicate the essential information.

You will notice the end display has a number of other SigEp chapter videos. Check them out as well.

Write Less, Say More: The Power of Brevity

2012-05-12T10:20:00.002-05:00

Are you graduating and still looking for a job? Or looking for a job. period? Read this article before you write your next cover letter, presentation, or re-tweak your resume (again).

Write Less, Say More: The Power of Brevity:

When it comes to great writing, less is more. But even if you're familiar with the mantra to "omit needless words," tightening your writing is harder than it looks. Which words should you omit? How can you write more clearly? Danny Rubin, a national news consultant and former television news reporter, demonstrates—with examples—the power of brevity.

There is a common misconception when it comes to writing that is professional in nature that a person must write in a verbose manner to come across as intelligent.

I am sorry. Let me do that again.

People often make a mistake in thinking that writing long-winded sentences with big words makes them appear smart.

Actually, let me try this one more time.

You don't need to write a lot or use big words to sound smart.

Now, that's better.

Too often, people write sentences like the one at the top when they should choose version #3. The main culprit, in my view, is the loathsome college essay. Only in college are we forced to write a paper a certain length. We develop strategies that balloon our paragraphs so we can fill out eight, 10 or 12 pages and pick up our gold stars on the way out.

In the real world, most people don't enjoy reading cover letters, resumes and presentations. It's extra work and burdensome. Worst of all, trying to write beyond our skill level screams ‘I'm in over my head.'

The rest of the article...

'via Blog this'

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 07 – 13 MAY

2012-05-11T12:21:00.001-05:00

Brothers,

Please check the “Recent Loss To The Roll” section for some timely information.

07 MAY 2010

U.S. Army Korean War Veteran and KS Gamma Brother Boyd Lee Burns died on this date in Chanute, Kansas. Boyd was born at the Johnson Hospital in Chanute on 04 JUL 1927. He graduated from Chanute High School in 1945 and the University of Kansas in 1950. He studied piano from the age of 5 through college and was an accomplished pianist. Brother Burns was drafted into the Army shortly after college and served during the Korean War with General Eisenhower's NATO forces in Germany. In 1953, he began his business career in Chanute.

Respect can be paid to Brother Burns at Memorial Park Cemetery, East 14th Street, Chanute, Kansas.

08 MAY 2010

On this date, Vietnam War Veteran and TN Alpha Brother Major Selman “Sam” Lea Bass, U.S. Army (Retired) died in Clarksville, Tennessee with his family by his side.

Sam was born 12 OCT 1942 in Madison College, Tennessee. He received a BS in Personnel Management and was a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Army ROTC program from The University of Tennessee in 1969. His Army service included Infantry, Military Police and Russian Foreign Area Specialist, serving in the United States, Vietnam, and

Germany

(during the Cold War). He was also Commander of the Check Point Alpha, Berlin Brigade, U.S. Army.

His awards include Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a member of Military Order of Tennessee Rangers, Western Kentucky-Tennessee Chapter of the 101st Airborne Division Association, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and Sunrise Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Brother Bass retired from the military in 1986 and enjoyed a variety of positions in Highlands, NC, Gaithersburg, MD and Clarksville, TN. In Clarksville he was Executive Secretary and Treasurer of the 101st Airborne Division Association, veterans organization of current and former Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until his retirement in 2009.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center or the Screaming Eagle Support Fund c/o The 101st Airborne Division Assoc., P.O. Box 929, Fort Campbell, KY, 42223.

Brother Bass was laid to rest with full military honors, and respect can be paid to him at Section 6, Site 0404, Kentucky Veterans Cemetery – West, Hopkinsville, KY.

On the same date, OK Alpha Brother Grant Milbourn graduated and began his patriotic service in the U.S. Air Force when he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant.

10 MAY 2011

U.S. Army World War II Veteran, Korean War Veteran and CO Gamma Brother Captain/Dr. John Russell Carney, U.S. Air Force died on this date in Scottsdale, Arizona.

John was born on 24 AUG 1924 in Greeley, Colorado and graduated from Colorado State University with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. There he was active in team roping and bull riding in the College Rodeo winning the buckle for College All-Around Cowboy. Having relocated to Arizona where he practiced veterinary medicine in Chandler and Mesa, John was active in political and community organizations and served on several boards and commissions. He was a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star in Chandler and Sr. Life Member of the Rotary club. Governor Raul Castro appointed him in 1975 to be the Arizona State Bicentennial Chairman.

He participated throughout the state in Bicentennial celebrations and in 1976, was invited to the White House. Governor Bruce Babbitt appointed him to the Merit System Counsel of the Department of Public Safety which he served on for 10 yrs. He was given the honor of the Life Member of the AZ Highway Patrol Association in 1987. Starting his political involvement, John became Vice Mayor of Chandler at the age of 26. He was appointed Chairman of the Maricopa County Democratic Party in 1966 leading the delegation to the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. Later, John was appointed by Governor Rose Mofford to the Commission of Trial Court Appointments. John and his wife traveled extensively all over the world which qualified them to be members of The International Circumnavigator Club, an organization comprised of people who have traveled around the world in one trip.

Respect can be paid to Brother Carney at Green Acres Cemetery, Scottsdale, AZ.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL

09 MAY – U.S. Army Korean War Veteran NC Beta Brother Charles Helms passed away in Conway, South Carolina. A memorial service will be held 12:30 PM Saturday at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

Meet the Fastest Growing Fraternity in the Nation … Alpha Sigma Phi, 60% Growth Rate Per Year! » Phired Up Recruitment Blog

2012-05-09T19:11:00.001-05:00

60% a year? How do they do that? More to the point, is there something SigEp could learn from their experience?
Be sure to hit the link and read the whole article. It is fascinating.

Meet the Fastest Growing Fraternity in the Nation … Alpha Sigma Phi, 60% Growth Rate Per Year! » Phired Up Recruitment Blog:

Phired Up: Why now? Gordy, what is Alpha Sig doing different now than when you and I served on staff after college – let alone the 150+ years before then?

Alpha Sig: Here’s one big difference: We rarely hire guys right out of college. Today, Alpha Sig’s consultant team includes a guy with a law degree, a past employee in sales, and a guy with business experience. We only have one staff member that joined staff straight from his undergrad experience. Five members of our team have master’s degrees and Four members of our headquarters staff have masters degrees in higher education … three are former Greek Advisors. That’s important since 87% of our chapters received visits from headquarters this academic year.

Phired Up: What!? That hiring model is so different from what Alpha Sig used to do, and it’s very different from the traditional consultant/expansion model of other fraternity headquarters.

Alpha Sig: We’re hiring professionals to do professional work. We’ve recently hired two staff members who are not members – Tabatha Sarco and Danny Miller. We like that type of diversity of thought and experience. We think the number of staff members we have with higher education degrees and Greek advising backgrounds puts us in a position to better understand how we can improve upon the partnerships we have with our host institutions.

'via Blog this'

To be clear, I am not advocating that we attempt to grow at anything approaching that rate. We could, however take a lesson on how they are able to successfully petition a campus, and at the quality and the model of their paid staff and the volunteers & alumni advising the chapters.

It is definitely worth some discussion.

(P.S.: thanks to "SigEp Sam" Moschelli for finding this article. I stole it from his Facebook page.)

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 30 APR – 06 MAY

2012-05-06T12:33:00.000-05:00

Brothers,

This month, hundreds, perhaps thousands of patriotic Americans around the country will graduate from college, take the oath and receive their commission as officers in the U.S. military. Meanwhile, every day across this great land, Americans are signing up to join the military. The SigEp Patriots Project believes the beginning of this selfless journey is worthy of recognition, and it gives us another reason to be proud to call such men brother.

02 MAY 1918

On this date, NY Beta Brother (then) First Lieutenant James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service won his first aerial engagement while flying a French-made Nieuport 28 about three miles above Foret De La Rappe, France. Jimmy would go on to become a WWI Ace.

For his service on this date, Brother Meissner was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in accordance with General Order 121, W.D., 1918,

“The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Meissner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul sector in 02 MAY 1918. First Lieutenant Meissner attacked three enemy planes at an altitude of 4,800 meters over the Foret De La Rappe, France. After a short fight he brought down one of the machines in flames. During the combat the entering wedge and the covering of the upper wings of his plane were torn away and after the battle he was subjected to heavy fire from antiaircraft batteries, but by skillful operation and cool judgment he succeeded in making a landing within the American lines.”

04 MAY 1925

Born in Ontario, Canada, World War I Veteran and Renaissance Brother Captain James Naismith, U.S. Army National Guard (Kansas) became a naturalized U.S. citizen on this date.

01 MAY 1942

MT Alpha Brother John Woodrow Bonner entered the U.S. Army on this date and served during World War II.

01 MAY 1956

On this date, World War II Veteran and VA Zeta Brother General Robert Jefferson Wood, U.S. Army became commanding general of Fort Bliss and commandant of the Antiaircraft Artillery and Guided Missile School.

02 MAY 1998

FL Theta Brother Lieutenant Commander Christopher Sacra, U.S. Navy began his military service on this date. Thank you Brother Sacra for 14 years (and going) of patriotic service!

01 MAY 1999

On this date, TN Theta Brother Kenneth Michael Ballard began his patriotic service in the U.S. Army.

05 MAY 2008

World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Captain George Sander, U.S. Army Air Force of Whiting, New Jersey, died on this date.

George was born 04 JUL 1916 in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Ocean City. He attended Norwich where he was part of the baseball team, basketball, team, track, intramurals, and was a member of the Junior Weekend and the Winter Carnival Committees. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1938.

Following his service as a radar officer in the U.S. Army Air Force, he was a district sales manager for Johnson Controls and made his home in Baldwin, Long Island until his retirement in 1981.

Respect can be paid to Brother Sander at Section KS, Site 8479 of Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, New Jersey.

01 MAY 2009

World War II Veteran and CO Delta Brother Ensign Floyd D. Burnside, U.S. Navy Air Corps died on this date.

Born in Westfield, Pennsylvania in 1922, Floyd met his wife Charlotte while attending Painted Post High School in New York. Floyd graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a professional degree in petroleum engineering, and in 1941, he enlisted with the Navy Air Corps serving as an ensign with Navy Squadrons 18 and 20 from 1941 to 1946.

On 03 JUL 1948, Floyd and Charlotte were married in Bath, NY. Together they traveled the world, climbing the pyramids in Egypt and kissing the Blarney Stone in

Ireland

. They raised their family in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Floyd spent 28 years with Shell Oil and also enjoyed several years as a petroleum instructor with his friend, Jerry Bond.

Respect can be paid to Brother Burnside at Section 26, Site 900 of Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* 19 APR – U.S. Army Veteran MO Gamma Brother Donald Preston Wilson, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Roper, North Carolina.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the chapter brothers, family and friends of Brother Wilson. Unfortunately, this list is likely incomplete, and the small group of dedicated brothers working the SigEp Patriots Project could use your help. If you know of a brother patriot that has passed away we appreciate an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE

* Two more brothers honored us this week by joining the SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve. It is our pleasure to welcome aboard MO Kappa Brother Jake Bauer who recently completed BCT, and AL Alpha Brother Staff Sergeant Chris Howard, U.S. Army.

* We are always looking for brothers-in-arms, and we hope you will reach out. Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to join the listserve. In both cases, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

SigEp Improv, That Shit Cre - YouTube

2012-05-06T00:15:00.000-05:00

SigEp Improv, That Shit Cre - YouTube:
"This is a bit NSFW (language). In fact I am not certain how appropriate is is in any context. But I am sharing it because some effort and thought went into the video. I'd appreciate someone letting me know if this is mainstream (and I am closing in on "full-geezer" status) or if others are somewhat taken aback, as I was, by the way this scenario plays out.

Now "Get Outta my yard" and go watch it."

'via Blog this'

Requiem for my chapter

2012-05-02T21:54:00.000-05:00

Wm. Hydrick, LA Gamma (Loyola) sent this post saying goodbye to his home chapter.

Requiem for my chapter

All things die.¹ Birds die. Fish die. Flowers and trees die. Dogs and cats and hamsters die. Even cars, and ships, and buildings die. People die, too, as do ideals and their expression. Dying is simply the logical end to living. Things come into existence, serve their purpose, and exit the stage of life’s great drama. Some things die in a matter of hours while others go on for centuries before their end comes. Millions of years from now even our sun will die and fade. All things die.

A man of wisdom² once wrote that being finite “may be the greatest gift our race has ever received. To live on . . . is to leave behind joy, love, and companionship because we know it to be transitory; of the moment. We know it will turn to ash. Only those whose lives are brief can believe that love, is eternal.” Would that I would not have lived to see this day; happier I would have been to enter that eternal realm of knowing nothing, ignorant of when this day would come. But come it has, the curse known to the parent who outlives his child. To know now not the joy of watching a becoming but to feel the desolation of having no further purpose and the emptiness of failure; this is all I am left with.

As a youth, I remember hearing the parable of the sower and the seeds³. Having not read the passages myself, I always thought it was a treatise concerned with the distribution of wealth; that we were the seeds. Some seeds feel on good soil and flourished (the rich), some seeds fell on rocky soil and toiled harder (the middle class), and still others fell upon the road and were devoured or trampled (the poor). It is therefore not the seeds at fault for their circumstance but rather a result of the environment in which they were place. As seeds we are equal. But as an adult studying the Gospels I came to understand we are not the seeds but the soil.

The biblical texts go on to explain the seed is the Word and the soil is those who hear it. I think that is equally true in Sigma Phi Epsilon. The seeds are the values of the fraternity and WE are the soil. For some, the values are hollow and meaningless. They never take hold and those men never understand the true meaning of our motto. Some will hang on through graduation but many will simply fade with time. Then there are those who become the weeds and choke the life from the new growth. There are also those for whom the meaning is clear but it doesn’t survive long beyond the academic halls. These men find true solace in the values while in school but consider it only a passing phase. Once they graduate they quickly fall into new routines and the fraternity is quickly forgotten or only viewed as a childish affectation now put aside. Then there are the few where the lifetime responsibility of brotherhood takes deep root and the values of Sigma Phi Epsilon are foremost in their minds to their dying day.

I have seen you all in the men of my chapter. I have loved you all as you passed in and through my life.

And now you are gone.

I shall miss having you in my daily life. I shall miss reading Green Eggs and Ham on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. I shall miss dressing as a Santa in December. I shall miss sharing the football games on Saturdays or the meals we part took in celebration of the all too rare win or the more common defeat. I shall miss knowing that, through you, I had the chance to change the world. Without you what purpose shall I serve? What meaning can I ascribe to this existence where all joy has left my world? Let the long night come, the sleep eternal. Let the labors be put to rest at last. What you were, you are; you will be nothing more. No more growth, but no more pain.

Many years ago, at the funeral for the mother of a brother, I was approached by a youngster who told me he had never been to a funeral before and he wasn’t sure what to do. I told him that funerals are more for the living than the dead. They are a time for celebration of all that makes us what we are. It should be no less for our chapter than any brother.

What words remain but “farewell?” The souls that made the corpus breath must now depart to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. What once we did together, we now must do apart. But when the memories of the greatness we shared come, think not of the sordid end but of the glory that once blessed us with its presence. Think of the magic and the wonder of the times we had together. Hold fast to the lessons learned at the knee of our once great assemblage: Live always with virtue in your heart for only in this way can we purge the world of selfishness and degradation; work diligently so that our the Opus Magnus of our lives truly have meaning beyond this temporal existence; and, Love each other whole heartedly for if you do, the Gospel says, in this way all will know you as one of us.

The flames burn dim and the time grows short. Soon it will only flicker within your hearts; all that is left of the great fire that once burned with passion and delight. But that can be enough if you will but nurture it. And as the light fades as the distance between us expands, let us remember who and what we are; the few where the seed grew strong and lived beyond the child for long. And think well of me when I am gone.

God Bless Sigma Phi Epsilon.

God Bless Louisiana Gamma.

Amen.

1 Acknowledgement and thanks to Robert Fulghum and All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

2 J. Michael Straczynski in the television series Babylon 5 through the character of Lorien.

3 Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-34, Luke 8:4-18

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 23 – 29 APR

2012-04-30T23:17:00.000-05:00

24 APR 1942

World War II Veteran WI Alpha Brother Corporal Everett Roudebush, U.S. Army entered the Army on this date after finishing a concert tour with Salvatore Baccaloni, noted Metropolitan Opera Company star.

27 APR 1964

World War I Veteran, Judge (5th Judicial Circuit) and U.S. Congressman (Virginia) VA Eta Brother Private Joel West Flood, U.S. Army died on this date in Richmond, VA.

Joel was born 02 AUG 1894 near Appomattox, Virginia, became a SigEp at University of Virginia, and later attended Oxford University. After studying law he was admitted to the bar in 1917 and commenced practice in Appomattox.

During WWI, Brother Flood served in Company A, 350th Engineers, 80th Division. The same year he completed his military duty, Joel was elected Virginia State Commonwealth Attorney of Appomattox County in 1919. He served until 08 NOV 1932 when he was elected to the Seventy-second Congress to fill a vacancy. Brother Flood then resumed the practice of law, and after serving as a delegate to the 1936 Democratic National Convention was appointed assistant United States attorney for the western district of Virginia in 1939.

In JAN 1940, Joel was elected as a judge of the fifth judicial circuit of Virginia, and he served in this capacity until his death.

Respect can be paid to Brother Flood at the Flood Mausoleum, Appomattox Courthouse Square, Appomattox, VA.

29 APR 2005

World War II Veteran and NY Alpha Brother R. Charles Backus died on this date in Mexico, New York at the age of 84. He was an owner of the Oswego County Weeklies for over 50 years. He was a nationally known Holstein Auctioneer with R. Austin Backus Inc. He served many years as a delegate of the National Holstein Convention. He was a member of the Holstein Association of New York State and on the national level. He was a member of the Oswego Country Club and The Elms Golf Course. He was a cryptographer during WWII in the Signal Corps.

Respect can be paid to Brother Backus at Mexico Village Cemetery.

27 APR 2006

A hero died on this date at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas as a result of wounds received during combat operations in Habbaniyah, Iraq. Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and MI Beta Brother Sergeant Matthew Alan Webber, U.S. Army National Guard (Michigan) was 23 years old.

Matt attended Western Michigan University and joined the Army National Guard in 1999. He was called to active duty in June of 2005. Brother Webber was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Michigan Army National Guard when he sustained injuries 21 NOV 2005 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.

Respect can be paid to Brother Webber at Pine Plains Cemetery, Big Rapids, Michigan.

25 APR 2008

U.S. Army Veteran PA Epsilon Brother Robert Edward Lee Anderson died on this date in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Born in Lancaster, Robert was the son of the late Herbert K. and Ella P. Anderson. He was a 1945 graduate of J. P. McCaskey High School and served in Europe as a member of the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948. After his patriotic serve, Brother Anderson graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Lehigh University where he was pole vault champion.

Robert retired from Philadelphia Suburban Corp., formerly Huth Engineers. He was a past president of the American Business Club and a former board member of the Lancaster chapter of United Cerebral Palsy.Repect can be paid to Brother Anderson at Greenwood Cemetery, Lancaster, PA.

25 APR 2008

World War II Veteran and PA Delta Brother TECH 5 C. Crandall Shaffer, Jr., U.S. Army of Dublin, Ohio died on this date.

Respect can be paid to Brother Shaffer at Kingwood Memorial Park, Lewis Center, OH.

24 APR 2011

On this date, Korean War Veteran VT Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Robert Kinsman Horne, U.S. Army died at his home in Palm Desert, California following a valiant fight against Alzheimer's/Dementia.

At Norwich University, Brother Horne played three sports and was Captain of the Hockey Team the 52-53 season. The Team was inducted into the Norwich Hall of Fame in 1993, and in 1998 Bob was inducted personally into the Hall. Following college he served as an Army First Lieutenant in Germany during the Korean War. He is a lifetime member of the Melrose Wyoming Lodge of Masons. His business career included work in Truck Leasing with several companies reaching a pinnacle as a National Sales VP for the Hertz Co. He concluded his career as President of "Trader Horne" - a Transportation Consulting Co.

He relished in physical activity and dancing of any kind. His busy life was full of gardening, photography and international trips where he and his wife visited many exotic countries where they were assimilated into the local communities eating, dancing, living and reveling in many different cultures. Our saying was "If it's muggy and buggy and the natives wear bones in their noses, we'll be there."

Respect can be paid to Brother Horne at Pacific View Memorial Park, Corona del Mar, California.

26 APR 2011

U.S. Army Air Corps Flight Surgeon and World War II Veteran Flight Surgeon, NC Gamma Brother Richard Elwood Nitschke died on this date at the age of 97.

Richard was born 05 JUL 1913 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and he lived there until the age of six when the family re-located to Philadelphia and later to Utica, NY. He entered an accelerated undergraduate program at Duke University in 1931. Brother Nitschke was the number one half miler on the cross country track team that won the Southern Conference Championship. After graduating from Duke Medical School in 1937, Dr. Nitschke moved to New York City for his internship at Columbia Presbyterian and residency at Roosevelt Hospital. His specialty was internal medicine but he also trained at the Neurological Institute of New York. While still in New York, he enlisted in the Manhattan Division of the 101st horse cavalry. Upon the onset of World War II, he was assigned to the School of Aviation Medicine at Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas. Brother Nitschke served as Flight Surgeon with the Army Air Corps, with the 30th Bomb Group of the 5th Fighter Wing and was stationed at Ballinger, Texas, Lubbock, Texas and Oahu, Hawaii. Dr. Nitschke was a dedicated physician of Internal Medicine, serving his patients in the San Antonio community from 1946 until his retirement in 1985.

On this date, U.S. Air Force Veteran and IA Delta Brother Thomas Michael Hamilton also died after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Tom was born on 03 MAR 1938 in Davenport, Iowa. At Drake University he played football and was a proud member of the 1958 Sun Bowl team. He received his undergraduate degree in business, followed by a Master's Degree in Psychology. After graduation, Brother Hamilton served his country in the Air Force. He began his professional career at Northwestern Bell and then worked with Personnel Inc. before founding Hamilton & Associates in 1972. There he truly found a profession he loved, helping clients achieve success through talent acquisition while taking great satisfaction in assisting individuals in advancing their careers. He merged his business with McGladrey and Pullen in 1988 and worked as a Senior Consulting Partner until he retired from the firm in 1999. He then co-founded Selection Resources with his son and offered advanced pre-employment testing services. He was an accredited SPHR through the Society of HR Management. His career was also highlighted by community service in leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce, Youth Homes of Mid America, the YMCA, Hope Ministries and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a member of Rotary International for 43 years and was a "7 Gallon" blood donor to the Blood Center of Iowa.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* World War II Veteran and VA Alpha Brother Lieutenant Grover Cleveland Pitts Jr., U.S. Navy

Grover Cleveland Pitts Grover Cleveland Pitts Jr., 94, passed away on Friday, 20 APR 2012, at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia.
* U.S. Army Korean War Veteran DE Alpha Brother Warren VanArsdalen Jr. also passed away peacefully Friday, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Delaware.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the chapter brothers, family and friends of brothers Pitts and VanArsdalen. This list is likely incomplete, and the small group of dedicated brothers working the SigEp Patriots Project could use your help. If you know of a brother patriot that has passed away we appreciate an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE

* 461! The SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – reached 460 members and pushed one over that mark last week when TX Alpha Brother Captain Connie Lane, U.S. Army and DC Delta Brother 2LT Charlie Kerry, U.S. Marine Corps honored us by joining our ranks. Welcome aboard brothers!

* 2356! Over the past week, the SPP database gained names and information about over 540 brothers-in-arms, bringing our holdings to 2356 brothers who serve/served patriotically in the U.S. military.

We are always looking for brothers-in-arms, and we hope you will reach out. Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to join the listserve. In both cases, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

Brothers,

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noice of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. ~ Steve Jobs

To End Fraternity Hazing, End Boozing First

2012-04-30T18:53:00.000-05:00

From the Chronicle of Higher Education. You may not agree with all of the article, but consider the frustration endured by those who have spent years trying to alter unacceptable behavior. The points are worth (ahem) sober consideration.

To End Fraternity Hazing, End Boozing First

Joyce Hesselberth for The Chronicle

Enlarge Image

By Douglas E. Fierberg

Universities have spent years trying to solve the problem of hazing—putting into effect numerous regulations, training seminars, and programs to create a Maginot line. Standing alone, those practices have no real chance of achieving meaningful success. Instead, campuses should be concentrating on changes that will actually prevent hazing and other activities that result in injury and death, particularly the vast majority of incidents in which alcohol is a factor.

Here are steps colleges should take to protect their students from harm and themselves from liability:

Require open disclosure.

The risks from hazing, sexual assault, and misuse of alcohol in fraternities are unprecedented, although not well known by the public or fully disclosed by the institutions themselves. Henry Wechsler, principal investigator in the Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study, concluded that "the single strongest predictor of binge drinking is fraternity or sorority residence or membership."

At least one student has died from hazing every year since 1970. The Arizona Supreme Court has held: "We are hard pressed to find a setting where the risk of an alcohol-related injury is more likely than from underage drinking at a university fraternity party the first week of the new college year." By the late 1980s, "fraternities and sororities were ranked by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as the sixth-worst risk for insurance companies—just behind hazardous-waste-disposal companies and asbestos contractors," according to the Fraternal Information and Programming Group, a risk-management organization. James R. Favor & Co., a fraternity insurance broker founded in 1979, says it has handled more than 6,000 fraternity claims involving more than $60-million in payouts.

Universities rarely disclose these truths. Instead, their Web sites and student-life publications offer "Go Greek" promotional materials, often hiding, or dissuading parents and students from considering, the truth. For example, Cornell University advises parents that its Greek community does not reflect the stereotypical "negative images portrayed in popular media." While this was posted on the university Web site, however, complaints about hazing incidents were increasing, from 15 during the 2006-7 academic year to 31 in 2009-10. (I represent the family of George Desdunes, a Cornell student who died after a hazing incident in 2011.) The university has now begun openly disclosing the risk-management violations and the penalties it has issued against fraternities on its campus.

But the failure by universities to disclose incidents of hazing applies to other forms of dangerous—even criminal—fraternity misconduct, as well. For example, in the fall of 2010, at the University of Minnesota, there were as many as 10 allegations of sexual assault involving fraternities, yet the university did not disclose that information. Instead, its Web site reported that an involved chapter had been disciplined for failure to "provide a safe environment during parties where alcohol is present."

Women are entitled to know if the fraternity house they are visiting has been the scene of reported sexual assaults, and students and their parents are entitled to know if the organization the student seeks to join has been penalized for misconduct. Just as society requires disclosure about certain dangers so that individuals can protect themselves and institutions can be made safer, universities must openly, even prominently, disclose all sanctions imposed on Greek chapters for violations of university policies governing alcohol and drug use, hazing, and physical and sexual assaults. They should also make public the identity of the chapter penalized as well as the penalty imposed. Failure to make such disclosures, truthfully and fully, exposes universities to claims of fraud.

Similarly, as a condition of gaining university recognition, national fraternities must disclose to the administration the same information about all of their chapters. Sigma Alpha Epsilon, to settle litigation against it, revealed that from 2007 to 2011, approximately 80 of its 223 chapters had been sanctioned by universities for risk-management violations, some of which resulted in death. Clearly, some fraternities' risk-management practices are seriously flawed, and that should be known by universities, students, parents, and the public to increase safety and encourage reform.

Require alcohol-free housing.

Alcohol-free housing substantially reduces the risk of harmful behavior. Most often, it takes time, alcohol, and a lack of supervision to kill and hurt students by hazing. Millions of women in the sororities of the National Panhellenic Council thrive in alcohol-free housing and become active, contributing alumni. Their record of risk shines in comparison with fraternities'. The material difference is alcohol. Favor & Co., the insurance brokerage, studied the impact on Phi Delta Theta fraternity after it required alcohol-free housing for its chapters. The fraternity experienced close to a 75-percent reduction in claims, and the average total annual cost for those dropped by 98 percent.

Edward G. Whipple, former vice president for student affairs at Bowling Green State University, studied this issue in 2005 and concluded that alcohol-free housing resulted in a 64-percent reduction in the number of claims related to student injury or death and a 94-percent drop in the amount of insurance paid. The reduction of risk is extraordinary, so it's not surprising that Favor offers a reduction in insurance premiums to fraternities that do not allow alcohol in their houses. Universities have no rational basis for ignoring the fact that risk will be substantially reduced if they make that a requirement for all fraternities.

Reject chapter self-management.

Universities and fraternities must discard the myth that self-management by chapters is effective. Underage, inexperienced, and often intoxicated fraternity officers are responsible for carrying out alcohol and risk-management policies in student housing. In most states, no bar or restaurant is permitted to have 19-year-olds manage and serve alcohol unsupervised. Yet universities and fraternities regularly allow and rely on underage students for such jobs, often removing fraternity housing from the supervisory structure of the campus-housing department and placing it with Greek affairs or volunteers.

The danger of this management model was illustrated in 2011 by Sigma Alpha Epsilon. A number of public incidents and lawsuits involving hazing, death, and injury prompted Sigma Alpha Epsilon's senior risk-management officer to propose and strongly recommend adoption of an alcohol-free housing policy at the fraternity's governing convention. His rationale was that "two-thirds of our members are under the age of 21 and that most of our risk-management incidents involve the abuse of alcohol." The proposal failed to pass because the fraternity's constitution guarantees that undergraduate members have controlling voting authority.

That's not unusual; management power over fraternities generally rests with underage undergraduates who cannot legally consume alcohol and should not be permitted to manage housing and control policies involving life-or-death matters. Responsible organizations do not manage risk "upside down," ceding control over health and safety issues to the youngest, least-experienced, and often impaired persons. Universities must require that Greek housing be managed within the department of housing, placing university-trained advisers within the chapter, or requiring fraternities to have a live-in adult house manager unaffiliated with the fraternity.

To be sure, fraternities have long known that self-management is dangerous. One of the fraternities insured by Favor, Phi Sigma Kappa, appointed a committee in 1998 to analyze the risk- and crisis-management programs put in place by Greek organizations following a number of incidents of hazing and death. The committee concluded that Phi Sigma Kappa's risk-management policy is "not unilaterally working. There are still far too many incidents and violations, some of which involve chapters that are repeat offenders, sometimes occurring each semester." Nothing much has changed in the almost 15 years since. The same risk-management policy remains the fraternity-industry standard.

Hazing will not end until universities and fraternities accept responsibility for resolving the problem by taking these recommended steps—and taking them immediately to prevent further senseless injury and death.

Douglas E. Fierberg is a lawyer who specializes in representing victims of school violence and misconduct.

SDSU FRATERNITY LEADER FOUND DEAD

2012-04-23T00:15:00.000-05:00

SDSU FRATERNITY LEADER FOUND DEAD | UTSanDiego.com: (<-link to full article)
"SAN DIEGO — A San Diego State University fraternity leader was found dead in another fraternity house Friday morning, campus officials said.

Barzeen Barzanji, 20, of Santee was president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon campus fraternity and a junior criminal justice major, school spokeswoman Gina Jacobs said.

Someone at another on-campus fraternity house, Phi Kappa Theta, called 911 around 8:30 a.m. about a student found there unresponsive, Jacobs said.

Jacobs said campus police and the county Medical Examiner’s Office were called in to investigate.

The Medical Examiner’s Office said Barzanji was found dead in bed. The cause of death has not been determined pending an autopsy, but Jacobs said a preliminary investigation does not indicate foul play."

'via Blog this'

Balanced Man Scholarship | USF SigEp

2012-04-22T18:32:00.000-05:00

The BMS page on the Florida Iota website is particularly well done. Clean layout, straightforward explanation of the concept, and no "SigEp-ese" phrases that could confuse a non-member or parent. In fact, most of their pages are laid out in a similarly accessible manner.

Balanced Man Scholarship | USF SigEp:

"The Balanced Man Scholarship
To support our mission of Building Balanced Men, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (SigEp) proudly brings the Balanced Man Scholarship to the University of South Florida. During the 2012-2013 school year, SigEp chapters will award over $225,000 at 160 campuses across the country through the Balanced Man Scholarship program. We believe that recognizing students who exhibit balance and all-around excellence is a way to promote this important ideal.We are offering one-time scholarships up to the amount of $2,000 at the University of South Florida. Our goal is to reward men who exemplify the qualities of a Sound Mind and a Sound Body, as we believe they are essential to leading a balanced life."

'via Blog this'

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 16 – 22 APR

2012-04-21T22:37:00.000-05:00

Brothers,

18 APR 1993

U.S. Army War II Veteran and OK Alpha Brother Carmon Coleman Harris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma died on this date.

17 APR 2002

NY Alpha Brother Major Oscar Bomboy Millard, U.S. Army (Retired) died on this date. Oscar was born in Centralia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Syracuse University with a business degree. Later he was a resident of Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach, FL. After retiring from the Army, Brother Millard had a career in Civil Service Finance before completely retiring. His memberships included Northeast Florida Chapter of the Retired Officers Association, Solomon Masonic Lodge #20, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry.

Brother Millard was laid to rest with military honors, and respect can be paid to him at Arlington Park Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL.

16 APR 2005

On this date, an American hero entered the U.S. Army. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and TN Eta Brother Captain Joshua Sean Lawrence, U.S. Army, who was killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan last year, raised his hand swearing to defend our country.

19 APR 2005

Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and NY Eta Brother Corporal Jacob M. “Puck” Pfister, U.S. Army made the ultimate sacrifice on this date in Baghdad, Iraq when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Brother Pfister was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and was posthumously promoted to corporal. He was 27 years old, and his wife was pregnant with their first child, Maddison.

Jacob grew up in Buffalo, NY and attended Grover Cleveland High School, where he played tight end on the football team and received a citizenship award at graduation. After attending Buffalo State College, he joined the Army and moved to Florida.

Jacob’s mom described her son as a serious man who loved his family. “The way he put it to me is, ‘Mom, who would you rather have over there defending you, me or some other joker?”’ That was classic Puck.

Donations may be made to the Maddison Pfister Fund, c/o J.P. Morgan Chase, 2300 Main Place Tower, Buffalo, NY 14202.
Respect can be paid to Brother Pfister at a memorial cenotaph located at Fort Stewart, GA, or at his gravesite at Saint Vincent de Paul Cemetery, Derby, New York.

20 APR 2006

World War II Veteran and DE Alpha Brother Pharmacist Mate Second Class Donald Lee Huston, U.S. Navy died on this date in Cape Coral, Florida. Don retired as a Civilian Personnel Management Specialist from the Department of Army.

Respect can be paid to Brother Huston at Section WIV, Row A, Site 19 of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, Delaware.

16 APR 2010

World War II Veteran and NC Delta Renaissance Brother Lieutenant Reginald Frederick “Mutt” McCoy, U.S. Army Air Corps died on this date in Laurinburg, North Carolina. During WWII he was stationed in North Africa, Italy and Corsica, and was awaiting transfer to the Pacific Theater when the war ended.

“The Legend of Laurinburg” was born there on 09 JAN 1916, attended local schools, and studied at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Before completing his college degree, he returned to Laurinburg to help support his mother and siblings and began a 60 year career in the Merchantile and Agribusiness sector that was interrupted by his service to the Nation. Mutt became President of John F. McNair, Inc. and later President and Chairman of McNair Investment Company.

He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by Boy Scouts of America in 1957 and supported their work throughout his life. His son's chapter made him an honorary member.

21 APR 2011

U.S. Navy World War II Veteran NC Delta Chapter President Charles Taylor Foley died a year ago today in Stuart, Florida. He was 84 years old. Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, he wintered over in Stuart, while spending the summers in Oxford, OH where he had resided since 1970.

Charles attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill earning a degree in business administration after his service to the nation. He was extremely active at UNC, in addition to SigEp, he served as president of the YMCA on campus, sang in the Men's Glee Club, was Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in the student legislature, President of the Veteran's Association and Vice-president of the University Club.

A businessman his entire working life, he worked for several companies including H.K. Porter, Proctor and Gamble and Square D before becoming a successful small business owner. He sold his final business, Foley's Energy Shop, located outside Cincinnati, OH, in 1997.

Respect can be paid to Brother Foley at the mausoleum at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, North Carolina.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* We lost World War II Veteran and AL Alpha President Lieutenant Donald Jennings, U.S. Navy Reserve when he passed in Hinesville, Georgia.

* On 16 APR, U.S. Army World War II Veterans OK Beta Brother Kenneth “Buddy” Bell, and MO Alpha Brother Paul R. Manocchio passed away.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the brothers, family and friends of brothers Jennings, Bell and Manocchio.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE

* The SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – is very happy to welcome ROTC Cadet and SC Epsilon Brother Patrick Hamlin who will graduate this semester and earn his commission in the U.S. Army!

* The SPP database now has the names of more than 1810 SigEp Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military. We are always looking for brothers-in-arms, and we hope you will reach out to join your brothers. Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to join the listserve. For both, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

SigEp loses OGH John McClure

2012-04-20T20:26:00.000-05:00

Friday, Apr 20 2012

Dear Brothers and Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that the California Theta Chapter at Sacramento State announces the passing of John D. McClure, Sacramento State Renaissance. Brother McClure served as a faculty advisor, chapter counselor and Alumni and Volunteer Corporation board member to the Sacramento State Chapter for nearly 50 years.

John promoted kindness, brotherhood, leadership and personal accountability to over 1,000 brothers whom he impacted greatly. As a recipient of the Order of the Golden Heart, Distinguished Alumnus, Man of the Year, and Order of Delta Phi Omega awards, Brother McClure was well regarded and recognized for his passion of SigEp brotherhood. He was fond of saying, "Think before you speak and ask yourself: Is it necessary, is it kind and is it true?” In addition to brotherhood, he was an expert in Napoleonic French era history and was always eager for a discussion on politics.

A celebration of John McClure's life will be held in Sacramento, Calif. on Saturday, May 19, 2012. You can read a remembrance of Brother McClure and leave comments.

For additional information, please contact me or Tim McCormick.

Fraternally,

James Amen, Sacramento State ‘96
District Governor, District 25, California

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 09 – 15 APR

2012-04-15T22:42:00.004-05:00

Brothers,

If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success. ~ John D. Rockefeller

10 APR 1926
World War I Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army died on this date in Columbus, Ohio while serving as an instructor in the Department of Military Science and Tactics at Ohio State University.

Robert was born in Clark County, Ohio on 05 JUN 1885. He attended the College of Arts at OSU where he was also in the Corps of Cadets. Brother Tavenner graduated in 1908.

On 05 AUG 1917, Robert was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Ohio Army National Guard, and beginning 21 JUN 1918 he was assigned to the 37th Division of the American Expeditionary Force.

Brother Tavenner selflessly led his men, and soon after his arrival in the European Theater he would perform acts earning him the Distinguished Service Cross – the highest award the U.S. Army presents after the Medal of Honor.

In General Order 98 (1919), the U.S. War Department stated, “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert L. Tavenner, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division, A.E.F., near Cierges, France, 29 September 1918; and near Olsene, Belgium, 31 October 1918. Without regard for his own safety, Captain Tavenner personally conducted a tank in an attack on a machine-gun nest. After several of the tanks had been put out of action and the others had withdrawn, he walked up and down the firing line under heavy machine-gun fire, cheering his men, despite severe losses, fought till all of their ammunition was exhausted. On 31 October he was severely wounded while making a personal reconnaissance of the enemy's position.”

Respect can be paid to Brother Tavenner at Mound View Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Ohio.

13 APR 1945
On this date, World War II Veteran and OK Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Frank Marion Pinney, U. S. Army was killed in action at Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines.

A son of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Frank was born 12 SEP 1917, and graduated from Stillwater High School. He became a SigEp while attending Oklahoma A & M for three years, where he was also a member of the Pershing Rifles, Scabbard and Blade, and the Aggie Society.

Brother Pinney enlisted in the Army in MAY 1941, and during his service he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge; Presidential Citation.

Frank is memorialized alongside other patriotic citizens of Oklahoma on the website for The Oklahoma Veteran’s Memorial Gardens, Oklahoma’s War Dead, World War II Years 1941 to 1945.

Respect can be paid to Brother Pinney at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

14 APR 1953
U.S. Marine Corps World War I Veteran, Governor (Virginia) and VA Zeta Brother William Munford Tuck began his service to the citizens of Virginia and the United States on this date as a member of the Eighty-third Congress. Brother Tuck was subsequently reelected, serving in the seven succeeding Congresses.

12 APR 1970
On this date, Vietnam War Veteran, WV Beta Brother and Captain James Mitchell Atchison, U.S. Army made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. His heroic actions on that day are recognized in the following award citation issued by Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders Number 1984 (May 21, 1970):

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Armor) James Mitchell Atchison, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 12 April 1970, while serving as a Pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Atchison was flying a reconnaissance mission over known enemy locations. While making several low-level passes, the craft came under intense ground fire from the dense jungle. Although he was wounded, he realized that the helicopter's controls were seriously damaged and attempted to aid the pilot to maneuver the craft. Captain Atchison quickly briefed the crew on how to prepare for the crash. As a result of his actions, four men were saved and soon evacuated. Captain Achison's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”

Born 02 JAN 1945 in Paintsville, Kentucky, James graduated from Frederick High School, Frederick, Maryland, and earned his B.A. in History at the University of West Virginia where he was a member of the marching band, Sigma Alpha Theta History Honorary Fraternity, ROTC and the Scabbard & Blade Society, in addition to Sigma Phi Epsilon. He received his commission as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army, upon graduation in 1967.

In April 1969, Brother Atchison graduated from the Army Primary Helicopter School at Fort Wolters, TX. He was then stationed at Hunter Army Air Field, Savannah, GA, where he received advanced flight training, and earned his Wings in AUG 1969. His tour of duty in Vietnam started in OCT 1969, and he received his Captaincy in DEC 1969. In addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Captain Atchison’s awards include the Air Medal (with seven oak leaf clusters), Purple Heart, and National Defense Service Medal.

Respect can be paid to Brother Atchison at Section 8, Site 6371 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

14 APR 1970
World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Veteran, Chief of Naval Operations and Renaissance Brother Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr., U.S. Navy (Retired) was nominated on this date by President Nixon to be Chief of Naval Operations – the highest military office in the U.S. Navy.

15 APR 2007
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and TX Alpha Brother Elbert Eldridge Miller died on this date in Beaumont, TX. Born in Beaumont 14 JUL 1924, Elbert performed his patriotic service before attending University of Texas and graduated in 1948.

10 APR 2010
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and OK Beta Brother Major General Darrell Lee Moore, U.S. Marine Corps assumed his duties as Director, Reserve Affairs, Quantico, VA on this date.

10 APR 2010
U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran TN Alpha Brother James Milton Delzell died on this date. Born 24 JUN 1924, James served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Pacific theater during World War II. After the war, he received his bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee. He retired from National Life and Accident Insurance Company, and served on the Board of Ravenwood Country Club.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* On 05 APR, World War II Veteran and AL Alpha Brother Lieutenant Donald Culler Jennings, U.S. Navy Reserve passed away in Hinesville, Georgia.
* On 07 APR, we lost U.S. Army Veteran and UT Alpha President Richard Dale Crump to bacterial meningitis at the age of 45.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Brothers Jennings and Crump.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
12 APR 1922 – World War II Veteran and NY Delta Brother Lieutenant Edward Nicholas Stevensen Jr., U.S. Marine Corps was born in Queens, New York on this date.
13 APR 1923 – On this date, U.S. Navy World War II Veteran, Korean War Veteran and NE Alpha Brother Doctor F. Gene Dixon was born in Superior, Nebraska.
12 APR 1937 – U.S. Army Veteran VA Alpha Brother Thomas Wade Adams was born on this date.
10 APR 1974 – On this date, NH Alpha Brother Captain Timothy Francis Farrell, U.S. Marine Corps was born.

Happy Birthday Brothers! Did we miss you? If so, it is because we don’t know your birthday. Send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com if you wish to allow us the honor of celebrating your day.

CELEBRATIONS!
* Welcome home to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veterans OH Kappa Brother Sergeant Mike Woodall and FL Iota Brother Corporal Alex Boody, U.S. Marine Corps!
* Congratulations to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and OH Sigma Brother Lance Corporal Steven Maire, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for completing a Tough Mudder this week.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE
* The SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – is very happy to welcome CA Theta Brother and U.S. Marine James Riggins and U.S. Army Veteran FL Nu Brother Brian Grogan!

Any brother who serves/served can join SigEps Who Serve by going to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join the SPP listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. For both, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

Translation: "They're organized. We aren't. Boo-Hoo"

2012-04-13T18:38:00.000-05:00

How the Greeks Killed Democracy - Opinion - Daily Campus - Southern Methodist University: "America prides itself in being one of the oldest democracies in the world-- by the people and for the people. But modern politics has deviated from Aristotle’s original mean. The leaders of our country are not the common man.

Oil tycoons, business heirs, and stock investors dictate the political culture and public policy of our nation. The New York Times found nearly half of Congressmen are millionaires, with a median net worth of $913,000. Congress is made of an established and rising aristocracy.

SMU proves no different.

For the past two years, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon has controlled Student Senate. As current President Austin Prentice steps down from his post next year, unopposed candidate Alex Mace plans replace him. Mace is a member of SigEp too.

Sig Ep is just one of the many Interfraternity Council chapters on campus. The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life reports active IFC member costs can range from $1200 to $2450 per semester. In short, Greek students have some money.
...
Forty-one percent of the student population at SMU is in a fraternity or sorority. Sixty percent of the candidates running for Student Senate are Greek. While the numbers may not be identical, they match an overwhelming theme of Greek rule.
Greek order has killed democracy at SMU. The ruling order is an aristocracy branded by arrows, keys, dragons and crescent moons. Tight race or not, it is a safe bet to assume Greeks will dominate the Student Senate executive board."
'via Blog this'

Time capsule commemorates church's past

2012-04-13T18:05:00.004-05:00

Michigan Alpha Sig Eps are moving in to an old church. Lets hope that they have the heavy duty lightning rods installed.

Time capsule commemorates church's past - The Michigan Daily:

New home of Michigan Alpha

"Amid the construction at Memorial Christian Church, located on the corner of Tappan and Hill Streets, members of its former congregation and of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity essentially heard its walls speak when a time capsule embedded in the building’s cornerstone from 1914 was opened yesterday as part of a decommissioning service at the church.

Among the contents of the dented copper box were a Bible, a map of Ann Arbor, a history of the church with names of members and officers and an American flag with only 48 stars. The occasion was bittersweet for members of the Disciples of Christ, some of whom had attended services held at the church for more than 30 years. The event symbolized a parting and a meeting as Sig Ep is renovating the church to become its new University chapter house."

'via Blog this'

In all seriousness, this is a great way to preserve an historic structure and keep it useful.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 02 – 08 APR

2012-04-08T21:03:00.006-05:00

Brothers,

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." ~ Robert F. Kennedy

06 APR 1945
For his actions on this date, U.S. Army D-Day World War II Veteran DE Alpha Brother Robert L. Snowberger was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action against an "out numbering enemy force" while serving in Germany.

07 APR 1984
U.S. Navy Veteran and NE Beta Brother Kenneth G. Doeschot died on this date in Newark, California.

03 APR 1996
VT Beta Brother, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and 35th Secretary of Commerce Captain Ronald Harmon Brown, U.S. Army died on this date when the Air Force CT-43 he was traveling in on the way to an official trade mission in Croatia crashed in to a mountainside killing all on board.

Born 01 AUG 1941 in Washington, DC, Ron was raised in Harlem, New York, and attended Middlebury College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and was the first African-American brother of our beloved fraternity.

Brother Brown served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1967 rising to the rank of captain, and in 1970 earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law.

From 1967 to 1979, Ron worked for the National Urban League, rising to the position of deputy executive director for Programs and Governmental Affairs. He was elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 1989 and played an integral role in the election of President William Clinton. President Clinton then appointed Brown Secretary of Commerce in 1993.

In honor of Brother Brown, President Clinton established the Ron Brown Award for corporate leadership and responsibility. The United States Department of Commerce annually gives out the Ronald H. Brown Innovator Award and there is the Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights and Economic Development at St. John’s University School of Law. In 2001, Brown was posthumously presented the Presidential Citizens Award.

Respect can be paid to Brother Brown at Section 6, Lot 8389, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

07 APR 2001
On this date, CA Beta Brother Ensign Gaylord Goble, U.S. Navy died in La Jolla, California. Born 01 AUG 1920, in Flagstaff, Arizona he attended USC and graduated from USC School of Dentistry in 1945.

Brother Goble served aboard the aircraft carrier Point Cruz (CVE-119), and retired from his dental practice in Beverly Hills in 1981.

03 APR 2007
U.S. Army World War II Veteran and NC Epsilon Brother William Alexander “Bill” Dixon died on this date in Belmont, North Carolina.

Brother Dixon served in the U.S. Army from JUL 1945 to JAN 1947, and upon discharge he entered Davidson and received his degree. Upon graduation, he joined his father in Dixon Oil Company. In 1959 he began a real estate business, working as a broker, home builder, land developer, and appraiser, retiring in 1996. Bill was active in civic affairs as a member of the Belmont Rotary Club serving as president in 1959, a founding member of the Belmont Chamber of Commerce serving as president in 1967, and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2005.

He also served as a Scoutmaster from 1950-59, as district and council chairman of leadership training, and in 1965 he was awarded the Silver Beaver from Piedmont Council for outstanding service. Bill served as president of the Belmont Satellite of Habitat for Humanity for seven years, and thereafter as construction coordinator.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
02 APR 1922 – U.S. Marine Corps World War II Veteran and NE Alpha Brother Jay Franklin Hoffman was born in Austin, Minnesota.
07 APR 1927 – World War II Veteran and PA Delta Brother Sergeant John Metcalf Bickelhaupt, U.S. Army Air Corps.
08 APR 1929 – National Guard Veteran (Montana) and MT Beta Brother Daniel William Ayres was born in Bozeman, Montana.
02 APR 1938 – DC Alpha Brother Lieutenant Commander Hans Zassenhaus, U.S. Navy (Retired).
08 APR 1944 – VA Alpha Brother and Major / Doctor William Fielding Bryce V, U.S. Air Force was born in Richmond, VA.
06 APR 1987 – UT Beta Brother and U.S. Navy pilot Chase Winsor.
08 APR 1988 – MO Eta Brother Specialist Brian Milbach, U.S. Army Reserve
04 APR 1989 – NJ Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Andrew Boyle, U.S. Army.
05 APR 1989 – PA Gamma Brother Ensign Paul Ellison, U.S. Navy.
07 APR 1989 – MO Kappa Brother ROTC Cadet Matthew Boyd.

Happy Birthday Brothers! Did we miss you? If so, it is because we don’t know your birthday. Send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com if you wish to allow us the honor of celebrating your day.

CELEBRATIONS!
* On Wednesday, Dartmouth College announced its medical school is being named Audrey and Theodor Geisel School of Medicine.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE
* The SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – is quickly closing in on 460 members, and this week we were very happy to welcome NC Mu Brother Second Lieutenant Jacob Rudy, U.S. Marine Corps and especially proud of our recently initiated KS Beta Brother and U.S. Marine Corps PLC Candidate Doug Brown. Any brother who serves/served can join SigEps Who Serve by going to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join the SPP listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. For both, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.
* The SPP archives have grown to 1,767 since the last installment of “This Week”.
* Any undergrad or alumni interested in joining Team SPP as a chapter point of contact just drop 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

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 25 MAR – 01 APR

2012-04-03T22:37:00.009-05:00

25 MAR 1942
World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Henry George Gansz was killed in action on this date. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) pledges that Brother Gransz and his service will be always be remembered.

30 MAR 1945
On this date, World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother First Lieutenant John Robinson Lang, U.S. Army Air Corps was reported missing in action over Luzon while serving with the 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group in the Philippines. John was a gunnery instructor in Texas before going overseas.

Brother Lang is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines. You and your service will always be remembered by SPP, Brother.

01 APR 1952
For his actions on this date, Korean War Veteran and Ace, SigEp Citation Recipient and IN Alpha Brother Captain Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force was awarded the Silver Star for gallant action over Korea.

On 04 JUN 1952, Headquarters, Far East Asia Forces issued General Order Number 272:
“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 09 JUL 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Iven C. Kincheloe, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as pilot, 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 01 APR 1952. While leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft, Captain Kincheloe encountered sixteen enemy aircraft attempting to intercept friendly fighter-bombers, Captain Kincheloe quickly broke his flight into elements to engage the enemy, and boldly attacked although greatly outnumbered. He pressed attacks against two of the enemy, completely disregarding efforts of other aircraft to deter him. Displaying unusual aggressiveness, Captain Kincheloe severely damaged the aircraft of the enemy flight leader, forcing him to eject himself, and despite heavy damage to his own aircraft, attacked another and destroyed it completely. Captain Kincheloe's destruction of the two aircraft effectively broke up the enemy force and prevented their attack on the friendly fighter-bombers. Through his personal courage, outstanding airmanship, and devotion to duty, Captain Kincheloe reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.”

28 MAR 1970
World War II Veteran, Governor (Montana), Montana State Supreme Court Justice and MT Alpha Brother Colonel John Woodrow Bonner, U.S. Army died on this date in Helena, Montana.

Brother Bonner, the thirteenth governor of Montana, was born in Butte, Montana on 16 JUL 1902. Bonner first entered politics as the secretary treasurer of the State Democratic Central Committee. He also was chairman of the Lewis and Clark County Democratic Central Committee, and served as attorney general of Montana from 1941 to 1942. His political career was temporarily interrupted with the outbreak of World War II. He served as a major in the U.S. Army, was promoted to the rank of colonel, and earned several medals for his courageous service including the Bronze Star and Croix de Guere. After his military duty, John secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in NOV 1948. During his tenure, a state home for the senile aged was established; highway construction was advanced; the pioneer veterans memorial building was initiated; the department of labor, industry and agriculture was restructured; and a veterans' preference law was sanctioned. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Bonner left office, and returned to his legal practice. From 1968 to 1970, he served as a justice on the Montana State Supreme Court.

Respect can be paid to Brother Bonner at Section 9, Site 6305, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

29 MAR 1973
This was a great day for the nation and the family and friends of Vietnam War Veteran and Prisoner of War, SigEp Citation Recipient and KS Beta Brother Brigadier General James Downs Latham, U.S. Air Force (Retired). On this date, Captain Latham was released from captivity in North Vietnam.

On 05 OCT 1972, Brother Latham was shot down while flying an F-4E Phantom II over North Vietnam was assigned to the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

28 MAR 2005
U.S. Army Veteran and AL Beta Brother Edward H. Moseley died on this date.

31 MAR 2006
U.S. Army Veteran and IL Kappa Brother Richard Sean Clarke died on this date in Tampa, Florida. Born in Clearwater, Brother Clarke moved back to Tampa in 1996 from Chicago, IL. He was an information technology technician and an Army veteran paratrooper stationed in Germany.

28 MAR 2009
World War II and Korean War Veteran, KS Gamma Brother and Captain Dr. Lawrence Pierre Stream, U.S. Army died on this date. Born 13 MAR 1923 in Kansas City, Kansas, he was recruited by the legendary Phog Allen to play basketball at the University of Kansas. While he was a freshman, he became a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity however, his education was put on hold at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and he joined the enlisted reserve corps and was called into service in March, 1943. After basic training he was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program and sent to Texas A&M. After 12 weeks he was given a medical aptitude test and was transferred to a 3-semester Baylor University pre-dental program. He then spent 6 months at the Borden General Hospital in Chickasha, OK, as an orderly and went to the University of Oklahoma Medical School in July, 1945, where he met his soon to be wife, Millicent Marrs, the daughter of an OU sociology professor. Dr. Stream spent the last 2 years of medical school at the University of Oklahoma Medical School. Brother Stream was then called back into active military service by the doctor's draft during the Korean War, during which he received the Bronze Star medal and attained the rank of Captain. From 1958 to 1988 he was in private practice.

On the same date, we lost U.S. Army World War II Veteran and OH Mu Brother Joseph E. “Joachim” Vouros of Youngstown, Ohio. He was a prominent attorney, community leader, and lifelong Youngstown area resident. Brother Vouros, or “Kimmey,” as his family and friends knew him was born 28 AUG 1922, and graduated from East High School in 1941 as the salutatorian of his class and a member of the National Honor Society.

While a student at Youngstown State University, Brother Vouros interrupted his college studies to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1941. After being discharged, he returned to Youngstown State, where he earned a bachelor of science in education degree, a bachelor of arts in business administration degree, and a juris doctorate degree.

Joseph will be remembered for his successful defense in representing the Youngstown Board of Education in the historic and landmark case of Alexander v. Youngstown Board of Education. He will also be remembered for the case of Fraternal Order of Police, Youngstown Lodge No. 28, et al. vs. Hunter, Mayor, et al. regarding the constitutional question as to whether a municipality can require its employees to be residents of said city, which case was first heard before the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, 303 N.E.2d 103, then before the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Appellate Judicial District, 49 Ohio App.2d 185, before the Ohio Supreme Court, and finally, before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Brother Vouros was also an active participant in many organizations including the American Legion, Youngstown Post 15 and the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Ohio Mu Chapter.

26 MAR 2010
U.S. Air Force Veteran TX Beta Brother Charles W. “Bill” Estes died on this date in Sherman, Texas after a brave two year battle with cancer. Bill was born on 03 JUL 1942 in Denton, TX, and went to North Texas University, lettering in college freshman basketball, and earning his BS and masters degrees from the university. He worked as a student fireman in Denton his sophomore through senior years at NTSU.

Brother Estes joined the Air Force in 1968 and went to pilot school at Enid Air Force Base. He was stationed in various bases in Florida, Virginia, and Oregon and finished his USAF career in Diyarbakir, Turkey.

Bill pursued a coaching and teaching career, and he moved his family to Sherman in 1976 for Bill to teach and coach. He was head basketball coach from 1979-1984, and his teams reached the playoffs twice. He retired from coaching to continue teaching science at the high school as head of the science department until his retirement in 1996. He and his wife Kay operated the Book Rack for 27 years until 2008.

Respect can be paid to Brother Estes at West Hill Cemetery, Sherman, TX.

On the same date, U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and NC Beta Brother Walter “Bud” Thomas Foreman, Jr. died in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bud was born 29 JUN 1924 in Asheville, NC, and as a teenager he achieved Eagle Scout status. Part of our greatest generation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during WWII and flew over 30 missions as a bombardier. After the war, Bud received a mechanical engineering degree from NC State University.

29 MAR 2011
Just one year ago, U.S. Air Force Veteran and NE Beta Brother Kenneth D. Kremers died on this date in Omaha, Nebraska. Ken served in the USAF from 1953-1956, and retired from Qwest/US West after 35 years of services as a director of operator services.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL
It is with sadness and regret that we recognize the passing of the following SigEp Patriot and American hero:
* U.S. Veteran and NC Zeta Brother John Edward “Jack” Mueller passed away in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was 85 years old. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Wake Forest University, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 7227, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, 800-752-8568; or to East Carolina University, Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, 901 E. Fifth St., Greenville, NC 27858-4353.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
25 MAR – ROTC Cadet and WI Zeta Brother Joel Meller.
28 MAR – DC Gamma Brother and U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer Hunter Sheetz.
28 MAR – NE Gamma Brother Captain Alex Straatmann, U.S. Army Reserve.
28 MAR 1931 – U.S. Army Veteran IA Beta Brother John Lambert Phillips was born on this date in Muscatine, Iowa.
30 MAR 1943 – Vietnam War Veteran and WA Beta Brother First Lieutenant Michael S. LaFromboise, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
30 MAR 1956 – U.S. Air Force Veteran and SC Alpha Brother Joseph R. Turnage, Jr.
27 MAR 1978 – Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and MD Delta Brother Captain Rob Taber, U.S. Army.
29 MAR 1980 – OH Theta Brother Lieutenant Phillip Gagen, U.S. Navy.

Happy Birthday Brothers! Did we miss you? If so, it is because we don’t know your birthday. Send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com if you wish to allow us the honor of celebrating your day.

CELEBRATIONS!
* WELCOME HOME to two-time Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and KS Beta Brother Sergeant Jon Unruh, U.S. Army Reserve who arrived at Ft. Hood this past weekend! We join the chorus of people who welcome you home!
* The Air Force recognized the leadership, experience and accomplishments of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran, TN Beta Brother Captain Aaron Karcher, U.S. Air Force, and notified him that he has been selected for promotion to Major.
* Love is in the air. U.S. Navy and LA Alpha Brother Luke Richmond is now engaged, and OH Pi Brother and U.S. Air Force IT Specialist Scott Klement posted on FB Thursday that he set the date for his wedding to his fiancée, Courtney.
* NY Rho Brother Private First Class Gabriel Vazquez, U.S. Marine Corps completed Marine Corps boot camp on Friday!
Thank you for allowing us to celebration your recent blessings and accomplishments, and SPP sends hearty congratulations your way!

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) LEADERSHIP
* Welcome to CA Mu Brother Marvin Samiano who has volunteered to serve as the HI Alpha POC. Brother Samiano lives in Honolulu and is the 25th chapter representative for SPP.
SPP looks forward to working with Marvin and any undergraduate or alumni brother that is interested in serving as a POC. Just write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SPP UPDATE
* The SPP archives have grown to 1,728 since the last installment of “This Week”.
* Another good week for the SigEp Patriots Project official Facebook page – SigEps Who Serve (SWS) as we welcome ROTC Cadet and CA Eta Brother Andrew Yacovone, OH Pi Brother and U.S. Air Force IT Specialist Scott Klement, and Clarkson ROTC Cadet and member of the Vermont National Guard NY Chi Brother Matthew Brosseau.

To join SWS, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join the SPP listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. For both, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

SigEp Makes a Profound Impact - UNC

2012-03-31T19:09:00.000-05:00

The SigEp UNC website has an interesting feature - a Q&A with an alumnus about his time in the chapter. Are other chapter websites doing something like this? Tell us about it in the comments.

SigEp Makes a Profound Impact

Thank you to John DeSalva ’87 for participating in this Q&a

Why did you join Sig Ep as an undergraduate?
I originally rushed Sig Ep as an undergraduate because of a friend of mine. I was a freshman. He was a junior transfer from Radford in Virginia. He had pledged Sig Ep in Radford, and when he came to UNC, he went straight to the Sig Ep house. He was the one who made the recommendation to me that I should check out Sig Ep, and I am glad that I did.

What is the funniest memory from your Sig Ep days?
That’s a tough question to answer. There were a lot of them. The ones that most immediately come to mind are some of the trips I went on, in particular my pledge-class trip to Washington DC, a Chapter Leadership regional meeting I went to in Knoxville and bringing some of my brothers home to New York with me over breaks.

How do you stay connected with your brothers as an alumnus?
I have stayed connected with my brothers mainly through Facebook, e-mail and Christmas cards. After graduation, I moved to the NYC metro area, and have been here ever since. I now live in Connecticut with my wife (also a Carolina grad), and our kids. I don't get back to North Carolina often. One of the last times I did, I got to visit with Tony Baker ‘88, whom I had not seen in probably 20 years or more. That was really nice.

After 9/11, I received a phone call from Jeff Kennedy ‘87, who had been flying for the Air Force, and actually had flown patrols over NYC in the days after the attack. I hadn't talked to Jeff in years, but he found me. Jeff had come to NYC with me once during a break, and we reminisced some as we caught up a little bit. National tragedy brought that bond back and a few days later, Jeff sent me a copy of the photo of us Sig Eps taken during a visit to the observation deck of the World Trade Center. It sits on my desk at home to this day.

It would be great to reconnect with more brothers. Perhaps, now that my youngest child is about to go to college, I will have more time and freedom to travel back to Chapel Hill, and when I do, I will definitely look to reconnect with some brothers. There are a bunch that I don't have contact with these days, and wonder how they're doing, hoping they are well. They include Jim O'Brien ‘89, Greg Ellington ‘86, Bill Hayes ‘85, John Conway ‘85, John Dorminey ‘87, Brian Parada ‘86 and many, many others.

What is the single fondest memory you have shared/will share with your children and grandchildren?
I have many fond memories of my time with Sig Ep: taking a bunch of my brothers to NYC and having a photo of us taken on the observation deck of the World Trade Center, the card section that we used to run at Keenan Stadium, some of the parties we had, hanging out with my big brother, Mike Russell ’85, before he graduated, hanging out on the rooftop with Jeff Byrd ’85 (rest in peace, Jeff), the day my bid was extended to me by Chip Medlin ’84 (also rest in peace), being all together in the house when the space shuttle blew up in 1986 and my roommate, Brian Smith ‘87, staying up late to break the news to me that a friend of mine back home had died to name a few. They weren’t all laughs and fun, but burned into my soul nonetheless. And of course, I met my wife while at Sig Ep. We actually met at a Sig Ep house party in August of 1986. We recently celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary.

What about your membership in Sig Ep makes you the most proud?
When my wife and I got married, we had no money. Her folks weren't able to throw us a big wedding, so we had a pretty small affair in a small town outside of Charlotte. We got married the day after New Year's, and several brothers were in my wedding. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, I could not invite all that I wanted to. What I will never forget is that when I walked into the church for the ceremony, there were a whole bunch of Sig Ep brothers there. They didn't stay for the reception, but they made the trip to share that moment with me. I will never forget that.

How would your life be different today if you had never joined Sig Ep?
Being there in good times and bad, having a bond that lasts for years, those are the things that endure from my Sig Ep experience. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. I grew up as a person during my Sig Ep days. I learned how to deal with other people (sometimes the hard way). But it all contributed to the person I am today, and to my ability to lead my organization and my family.

Where has life taken you since graduation? What's new in your life today?
Today I run a pretty big financial services firm. I founded the firm and am very busy every day with that operation. We have 120 financial advisers in 14 states handling the investment, retirement planning, and protection needs for individuals and corporations around the country. Our firm has about $3 billion of assets under management. I also have three children, ages 22, 20 and 17.

The LinkedIn (SigEp) Lawyer

2012-03-26T23:03:00.002-05:00

Last week I was contacted by Raymond Waid, an attorney in New Orleans and a member of the LinkedIn SigEp Group. He wanted to know if he could set up a subgroup there for SigEp lawyers. He told me that of the 12,000 members in the group at least 500 are in the legal profession and he believed there would be interest in forming a group where they could network and have discussions about topics that might not be in the general interest.

I was happy to help him set up a "SigEp Lawyers" subgroup and install him as the manager. He got right to work and started canvassing the main group for those who might be interested:

The new SigEp Lawyers subgroup is up and running.

There are over 500 members of this group who are lawyers of various geography, experience, and specialty. Our goal in forming this subgroup is to create a forum where these SigEps can share their experience and expertise in both the law, and their local legal market. My hope is that this new subgroup will be an asset to our members' practice.

Obviously, it will take some time before the subgroup reaches its full potential, so please be patient as the forum slowly develops. That said, we're off to a good start. In just three days the subgroup roster has grown to over 75 members.

We are accepting SigEp lawyers, paralegals, law students, and professionals in associated areas such as insurance claims, compliance, and contracting. For now we are not accepting undergraduates, but we may expand membership in the future once we've built a strong foundation of industry members.

Here is the link to the subgroup: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=4363284

Just a few days later the group is very close to breaking 100 members. Thanks, Raymond, for running with your idea. I have every confidence this will be an active addition to our LinkedIn group.

If you are a SigEp and in the legal field, or are preparing to be, why not join Ray and the other SigEp Lawyers? You will need 3 things to join the group;
1) Be a member of LinkedIn.com (free to join - You should already be a member);
2) Request membership in the SigEp LinkedIn Group (also free - and recommended, but you will need to request membership and you should provide your school and chapter name); and
3) Request membership in the "SigEp Lawyers" subgroup (again, no charge).

What are you waiting for? There are ambulances to be chased, wills to be contested, and excessive hours to be billed!

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 19 – 25 MAR

2012-03-25T12:16:00.005-05:00

Brothers,

Oops, we missed our one week format last week by using an 8-day period. This week we are back on track. Also, with the number of brothers who serve/served quickly approaching 1,600 brothers, a format change was necessary with regard to the recognition of birth dates in this work. Let me know what you think.

Finally, it has been expressed by a few very humble brothers that they “road a desk” or didn’t do anything heroic during their military service, and I say that in order for some to go in to harm’s way, many, many individuals have to drive desks…and boats, planes and trucks.

In my humble opinion, every man and woman who bravely raises their hand solemnly swearing to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” bearing “true faith and allegiance to the same” and doing so knowing that fulfilling that oath may result in the loss of their life is a hero, and very worthy of being remembered and honored.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

A Desk Driver and OIF & OEF Veteran

21 MAR 1969
Vietnam War Veteran and POW, SigEp Citation Recipient and KS Beta Brother Brigadier General James Downs Latham, U.S. Air Force (Retired) began his active duty career on this date.

24 MAR 1969
On this date, U.S. Navy World War I Veteran, U.S. Army World War II, KS Gamma Renaissance Brother and Brigadier General Arthur Ellsworth Stoddard, U.S. Army Reserve passed away in Ogden, Utah.

Art was a thoroughly a self-made man. Born at Auburn, Nebraska on 28 JUL 1895, he started his railroad career as a shop apprentice with the Frisco Lines in 1915 at Springfield, MO, and entered the service of the Union Pacific the next year as a student station helper.

About the time Americans began to fire shots in World War I, Art looked away from railroad telegraphy since the Navy needed dot-and-dash experts even more urgently. He became a radio operator on transport ships plying between the United States and France. At the close of World War I he was assigned to duty in South America until release from his enlistment permitted him to return to railroading.

In World War II, the Transportation Corps called. With the rank of colonel Brother Stoddard was immediately sent to Iran to make a study of the railroads of that country with a view of increasing the tonnage to the Red Army. After a year in the Middle East, he returned to the United States and then moved to England as Assistant Director General of the G-4 Division of Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Forces. Following the invasion of Europe, he was made general manager of the First Military Railway Service in France and was relieved from active duty early in 1946, returning to the Union Pacific (UP).

When not serving his country, Art worked his way up through positions of telegrapher, train dispatcher, trainmaster, assistant superintendent, superintendent, assistant general manager, general manager, and vice-president. He was elected to the UP presidency on 01 MAR 1949.

On 11 MAR 1949, he was appointed Brigadier General in the Officers Reserve Corps of the Army of the United States, and was appointed Deputy Director General of General Headquarters, Military Railway Service. On 15 APR 1951, he assumed command of General Headquarters, Military Railway Service, as Director General.

Art was initiated by the University of Kansas chapter on 27 OCT 1951.

Respects can be paid to Brother Stoddard at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar, California.

20 MAR 1993
On this date, AZ Beta Brother and (then) Captain Alan Mark Gemmill, U.S. Navy assumed command of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Eisenhower (CVN-69). Brother Gemmill later retired at the rank of rear admiral.

21 MAR 2008
On this date, Korean War Veteran and VA Eta Brother Corporal Houston Raleigh Wood, Jr., U.S. Army died in Vero Beach, Florida. Brother Wood served as a paratrooper during the Korean War, and later worked for Weirton Steel for 20 years. Houston was the company’s director of environmental control and governmental affairs when he retired in 1988. He served on the boards of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the West Virginia Manufacturers Association

Respect can be paid to Brother Wood at the Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach, FL.

23 MAR 2010
World War II Veteran, MO Gamma Founding Father and first Chapter President Ensign Don Wheeler Detjen, U.S. Navy died on this date at his home in Kentucky. Don was born in Webster Groves, Missouri on 31 OCT 1925, and he joined the Navy's V-12 Program after graduating from high school. At Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, now University Missouri Rolla, he was instrumental in starting the Missouri Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon and was its first president.

His career was with Ashland Inc, where he was involved in both engineering and operations for Valvoline. He had responsibility for the design, construction and operation of what became 20 plants in the U.S. and Canada. He held the title of VP Operations and Engineering with Valvoline before his retirement in 1991. As a sports enthusiast, he coached baseball as well as played in an Industrial league in Huntington, WV. He enjoyed golf, bowling, long distance running, and was a championship racquetball player. He was president of the Jaycees in Ashland, KY where he also served on the board of the YMCA. After moving to Lexington in 1980, he was on the board of the Central Kentucky Senior Men's Golf Association for several years.

Respect can be paid to Brother Wheeler at the Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Nicholasville, KY.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
It is with sadness and regret that we recognize the passing of the following SigEp Patriots and American heros:
* U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and VA Eta President James Ritter Phillips passed away on 15 MAR at his home in La Jolla, California, after a long battle with cancer.
* World War II Veteran and PA Xi Brother Staff Sergeant Max Afanesko, U.S. Army, 88, of West Deer Township, Pennsylvania passed from this life 16 MAR, surrounded by his family at his residence.
* U.S. Army Korean War Veteran and IA Beta Brother Harold “Dusty” Rhodes of Duncombe, Iowa passed away 18 MAR with his wife and three children at his bedside at Friendship Haven. He was 82 years.
* U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran and OH Zeta Brother Michael Van Tassel passed away 18 MAR in Southbury, CT at the age of 67.
* Tennessee National Guard Korean War Veteran and TN Alpha Brother James A. “Jim” Wilkerson passed away 19 MAR 2012.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
19 MAR 1914 – World War II Veteran and TN Alpha Brother Colonel R. Theodore “Ted” Davis, U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) was born on this date in Southport, NC.
20 MAR 1918 – U.S. Navy World War II Veteran WA Beta Brother Theodore Otto “Ted” Schimanski was born on this date in Spokane, Washington.
23 MAR 1933 – On this date, U.S. Army Korean War Veteran NC Theta Brother Allan Robert La Torre was born in Charleston, South Carolina.
23 MAR 1972 – Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and IA Delta Brother Major Raymond Vincent Sumner.
21 MAR 1976 – FL Theta Brother Lieutenant Commander Christopher James Sacra, U.S. Navy.
20 MAR 1980 – Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and NY Chi Brother Captain Seth Gordon Pierce, U.S. Army.
25 MAR – ROTC Cadet and WI Zeta Brother Joel Meller.

Happy Birthday Brothers! Did we miss you? If so, it is because we don’t know your birthday. Send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com if you wish to allow us the honor of celebrating your day.

CELEBRATIONS!
* Speaking of birthdays, with the birth of their first child, U.S. Navy Veteran and NY Eta Brother George Duthie and his wife, Stephanie, are now parents.
* U.S. Army Veteran and NE Beta Brother Kurt Kline and his wife welcomed their second daughter, Lucy, in to the world. On the wall of his Facebook page, Kurt wrote, “With 3 ladies, my future will probably be void of hot showers.”
* Earlier this month, OH Sigma Brother Ensign Brad Haines,U.S. Navy completed his first marathon in 4 hours and 12 minutes.
* Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and AL Theta Brother Sergeant First Class Wendell Thompson, Army National Guard (Alabama) graduated at the top of his class at the First Sergeant Academy at Fort Indian Town Gap, Pennsylvania.

Thank you for allowing us to celebration your recent blessings and accomplishments, and SPP sends hearty congratulations your way!

SPP LEADERSHIP
* Welcome to TX Delta Brother and Specialist Jose Pedraza, Army National Guard (Texas) and CT Epsilon Brother Ben Jerome-Lee, the 23rd and 24th SPP chapter points of contact, respectively! SPP looks forward to working with anyone interested in serving as a POC. Just write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SPP NUMBERS
* 1,558! Since the last installment of “This Week” our archives have grown by more than 170 SigEp Patriots, and we are now honored to remember more than 1,500 brothers who serve/served.

* 450! The SigEp Patriots Project official Facebook page – SigEps Who Serve (SWS) – reached 450 brothers-in-arms and moved past that milestone on the same day – today! SPP added five SigEp Patriots since last week, and we would like to welcome Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and NC Nu Brother Sergeant Brannon Williams, U.S. Army; Army National Guardsman (Missouri) and MO Kappa Brother Sam Sheffield; Army National Guardsman (Texas) and TX Theta Brother Ryan Lee Torres; Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and FL Iota Brother Specialist Adam Pietri, U.S. Army, and Air National Guard Vietnam War Veteran and former District 31 district governor AR Alpha Brother John W. Ramsey, Jr.

To join SWS, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join the SPP listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. For both, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

Fraternity rush sobers up at University of Maryland and elsewhere

2012-03-19T22:25:00.000-05:00

See the full article:
Fraternity rush sobers up at University of Maryland and elsewhere - The Washington Post:

"Fraternity rush is sobering up at a number of universities, including Maryland, where administrators ordered the student organizations to overhaul their recruiting — or risk having the university do it for them.

Following incidents at the University of South Carolina and Yale and Cornell universities over the past two years, debate has arisen about the role of fraternities in higher education and whether they should continue to exist. Much of what fraternities offer — a small community at a large school, a network of alumni, community service and leadership opportunities — is now offered by universities themselves.

To survive, fraternities have to change, said Peter Smithhisler, president of the North-American Interfraternity Conference, which represents 75 fraternities with chapters on more than 800 campuses.

“Those chapters that can articulate what it means to be a fraternity man — beyond a drinking culture — are the ones making it,” he said. “Those who rely on the crutch of alcohol won’t make it.”"

'via Blog this'

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 12 – 19 MAR

2012-03-15T11:31:00.006-05:00

Brothers,

16 MAR 1894
U.S. Army World War I Veteran and NE Alpha Brother Ralph Leroy Theisen was born on this date in West Point, Nebraska.

13 MAR 1911
On this date, World War II Veteran, U.S. District Court Senior Chief Judge Northern District of Florida and FL Alpha Brother Major Winston Eugene Arnow, U.S. Army was born in Micanopy, Florida.

17 MAR 1912
World War II Veteran, Mayor (Jacksonville), Governor (Florida) and MA Theta Brother Lieutenant William Haydon Burns, U.S. Navy was born in Louisville, KY on this date.

15 MAR 1919
On this date, U.S. Marine Corps World War II Veteran, Legislator in the 77th General Assembly (Kentucky) and KY Epsilon Brother Joseph Fry Odle, Jr. was born in Puryear, Tennessee.

13 MAR 1920
World War II Veteran and VA Alpha Brother Major John Thomas Watkins, Jr., U.S. Army Air Corps was born on this date in Richmond, Virginia.

12 MAR 1923
World War II Veteran and OH Epsilon Brother Sergeant Nicholas Billeris, U.S. Army Air Corps was born on this date in Youngstown, Ohio.

13 MAR 1923
World War II and Korean War Veteran and KS Gamma Brother Captain Dr. Lawrence Pierre Stream, U.S. Army was born on this date in Kansas City, Kansas.

14 MAR 1981
This is quite a week in the life of Brother Winston Eugene Arnow, for it was on this date that he assumed senior status on the bench of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, and he served as such until his death in 1994.

13 MAR 2004
World War II Veteran, DE Alpha Chapter President and First Lieutenant Roland V. “Deacon” Reed, Jr., U.S. Army died on this date. Born in Wilmington, DE on 21 JUL 1922, Roland earned Eagle Scout and Quartermaster Rank Sea Scout before graduating high school in JUN 1940. Although he entered the University of Delaware directly after high school, his education was interrupted by a call to duty, and he entered the U.S. Army in 1943 – completing Infantry Officer Training School the next year. First Lieutenant Reed served in Leyte, Philippine Islands and Japan from DEC 1944 – JUL 1946.

Deacon returned to the University of Delaware and graduated in JUN 1947. While a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, not only did he serve as Editor-in-Chief of the DELALPHAN and president of DE Alpha, he was a cheerleader, member of the soccer team, an ROTC cadet, Secretary of Student Council and on the staff of the student newspaper, The Review.

Dr. Reed graduated from the Dental School, University of Maryland in 1951, the beginning of a distinguished career that spanned 37 years. He was a lifetime member of the Delaware State Dental Society and served as president from 1962-63. In 1984, he was inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists in recognition of his outstanding and meritorious service to dentistry. During the 1960's and 70's, Dr. Reed volunteered for the Children's Bureau of Delaware and served on their Board. He provided dental services to indigent patients and worked with young athletes to help promote the use of mouth guards in contact sports. In addition, he was active in the alumni associations for the University of Delaware and the Dental School, University of Maryland.

His love of the sea and fishing prompted a permanent move to Rehoboth in 1971, where he could spend more time on his boat, The Viking II. From 1988 until he was incapacitated by Alzheimer's disease, he and his wife, Catherine, divided their time between their homes in Exuma, Bahamas and Henlopen Acres, DE. After retirement from dentistry, he rekindled his love of writing. In the 1980's and 90's, his articles were published in the Bulletin of the History of Dentistry, Journal of the History of Dentistry and the British Dental Journal. In 1991, he became a member of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry in recognition of his contributions to the field. He was the author of the book Exuma Humor as well as various volumes of poems, essays and fishing stories.

Respect can be shown to Brother Reed at Lower Brandywine Cemetery.

15 MAY 2007
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and AK Alpha Brother Joel Fix, Sr. was promoted to Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army on this date. Currently, Master Sergeant Fix is awaiting word as to whether he has been selected for Sergeant Major. We wish him the best of luck in his continued success.

14 MAR 2008
On this date, Korean War Veteran and ME Alpha Brother Sergeant Chester “Chet” Nehemiah Kennedy, U.S. Army died in Brewster, Massachusetts at the age of 79. Chet graduated from the University of Maine in 1950 with a bachelor of arts in history and government. He served from 1953 until 1955, and enjoyed an extensive career in education – completing 23 years as a guidance counselor and 26 years as an instructor at Central Connecticut State University.

Respect can be paid to Brother Kennedy at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.

16 MAR 2010
VT Alpha Brother and Lieutenant Colonel William Thomas Collins, U.S. Army and Vermont Army National Guard (Retired) died at home in Waterbury, Vermont on this date.

Bill was born in Burlington, VT on 11 DEC 1932. At Norwich, Brother Collins was a member of the Newman Club, Honor Committee, Winter Carnival Committee, and the baseball, football, and basketball teams. Following his military service with the U.S. Army, Bill joined the Vermont Army National Guard and was based at Camp Johnson in Colchester, VT. A 22-year career included management in the Cannon Field Artillery Office, Personnel Staff Office, and the Supply and Service Management Office, retiring in 1984 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.His memberships included Knights of Columbus, the Waterbury Rotary Club and the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Post 59, where he spearheaded the Post 59 American Legion baseball team for many years.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Air Force Veteran and TX Beta Brother Winford Craig Boyd, M.D. died on 27 FEB 2012 while on a world cruise. Craig was an avid runner and had completed seven marathons. Memorial services will be held at Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church Sunday, 25 March at 2 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church Food Pantry Project.
* OR Alpha Brother and Lieutenant Commander Kent William Wells, U.S. Navy (Retired) died 09 MAR 2012 in Damascus, MD. A Memorial Service will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m. from Molesworth-Williams, P.A., Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, MD 20872. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, Oregon Alpha Endowment, 310 S Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220.

CELEBRATIONS!
* Congratulations to NY Alpha Brother, SPP NY Alpha POC and ROTC Cadet Jon Schlosser, selected as the Resident Scholar at NY Alpha for 2012-2013!

SPP LEADERSHIP
* We continue to grow, and we now have 22 chapter points of contact (POCs). WY Alpha now has a SPP POC with the addition of WY Alpha Brother Captain Eric Christeson, U.S. Army. SPP looks forward to working with Eric and anyone else interested in serving as a POC. Just write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SPP NUMBERS
* 1,384! Since the last installment of “This Week,” our archives have grown by more than 190, and we are now honored to remember 1,384 SigEp Patriots who serve/served. Every day we hear from brothers, and we look forward to hearing from you!
* 446! We are very happy to have two more SigEp Patriots on the SPP role and as members of the SigEps Who Serve group. Welcome to former U.S. Army Specialist and TX Sigma Brother Mike Murillo and CA Alpha Brother Ensign Charles Coassin, U.S. Navy.

To join the group, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join our listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. For both, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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