Putting a Face on the War in Iraq

This article from the Knoxville News Sentinel profiles one of the latest casualties from Iraq, a recent Univ. of Tennessee graduate. While he was not a Sig Ep, he was a fraternity member and could have been someone you knew.


Marine 1st Lt. Andrew K. Stern

Marine 1st Lt. Andrew K. Stern, also known as Andy, was killed Thursday by hostile fire while conducting security operations. Stern was only one month away from leaving the Middle East and heading back to Tennessee.

Stern, 24, will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery and a memorial service was held Tuesday in his hometown of Germantown, near Memphis.

Several of Stern's fraternity brothers and friends drove to the other end of the state to attend and pay their respects to their fallen friend.

"He was the sole reason why I wanted to join Beta Theta Pi," said Adam Perutelli, Stern's fraternity little brother.

Thomas Whealton, the current president of Beta Theta Pi, noted that Stern was the reason he joined the fraternity.

"He was the recruitment director when I rushed," Whealton said. "I remember when I came through the fraternity house I talked to him - he was one of the nicest and the most welcoming guy I first met in college. He helped me find my home."

Marine, UT grad, killed while on duty in Iraq