Housemother gives KU’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity a touch of home

Housemother gives KU’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity a touch of home - KansasCity.com:

BY DUGAN ARNETT

The Kansas City Star

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/05/04/4997970/for-fraternity-house-mom-its-all.html#storylink=cpy

At the moment, she was cutting flowers for the dining room in preparation for that evening’s dinner, but at alternate times over the next couple of hours, she would meet with a vending machine representative, refill her candy dishes, check on the temperature in one of the house’s sitting rooms and retrieve a patched-up pair of jeans for one of her boys.

“As you can see,” she said between chores, “my job consists of mom-like things.”

Company is the housemother at Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the University of Kansas, a smiling, joking presence who, when not overseeing the various tasks around the house, is charged with keeping tabs on the 95 testosterone-infused young men who fill the building and nearby annexes.

For the past eight years, she has served as the lone maternal presence inside the big house at 1645 Tennessee St. in Lawrence: taking sick fraternity members soup, teaching them to use a washing machine and generally filling in for the dozens of mothers who are unable to regularly look after their sons once they leave for college.

Company is one of almost 30 housemothers on the KU campus who fill a long-standing Greek life tradition. And with Mother’s Day quickly approaching, it seems like the perfect time to recognize this unusual kind of “mom.”

“I can’t fathom sending my kids there without Sally,” said Tammy Thomas, who has served as president of the Mom’s Club and has sent two children through SigEp.

Today, the job comes as naturally as breathing for Company.

She’s a constant stream of motion, checking on this, looking into that, making sure the boys know her door is always open.

A decade ago, however, it would have been hard to imagine this life.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 18 – 25 AUG

(To get us back to our correct format, this work covers 8 days.)

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

 

Brothers,

19 AUG 1966

World War II Veteran and WI Alpha Brother James R. Boren died on this date in Marinette, Wisconsin.

18 AUG 1980

World War II Veteran and KS Gamma Brother Major General Frank H. Spink, Jr., U.S. Air Force Reserve died on this date.

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

20 AUG 2007

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

Major Marsh returned to Jacksonville with his family, becoming the director of the NE FL chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and later the NE FL chapter of the Leukemia Society. He devoted over 20 years to helping those stricken with these diseases. In his most recent years he was the owner of Marsh Tax Services.

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

19 AUG 2012

OH Eta Brother
Dick Allyn,
CDR, US Navy (Retired)

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

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

Respect can be paid to Brother Allyn at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.

KU SigEp 90th Anniversary Weekend Recap

Congratulations to KU SigEps on their 90th anniversary:


KU SigEp 90th Anniversary Weekend Recap from Justin Bond on Vimeo.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 04 – 09 March 2013

08 March 1918
On this date, World War I Veteran and Ace, NY Beta Brother Lieutenant James “Jimmy” Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service reported to Major John Huffner, Commander, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, American Expeditionary Force. Known as the “Hat in the Ring Squadron” it was the first entirely American fighter squadron to serve in WWI.

Contrary to popular belief and the information passed by SigEp about Brother Kiffen Rockwell,

Jimmy went on to be the most successful SigEp Ace fighter pilot to serve with the U.S. Army Air Service in World War I. While he served nobly as an aviator during WWI, Rockwell served in the French Air Service.

Brother Meissner went on to attain the rank of Major, and founded the Alabama Air National Guard, serving as the unit’s first commanding officer.

05 March 1941

NC Delta Brother Lieutenant Seymour Anderson Johnson, U.S. Navy died on this date when the Grumman F4F-3 he was piloting crashed near Norbeck, Maryland. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.

Seymour was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, graduated from Goldsboro High School and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for three years before entering the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. After graduating from the academy, Seymour was commissioned as an ensign and entered flight training at Pensacola, FL. He received his pilot wings in 1929, and after completing flight training he served as a pilot aboard battleships and aircraft carriers.

In 1937, he volunteered for duty as a test pilot, an assignment usually lasting two years. Brother Johnson was assigned to Anacostia Naval Air Station in Washington, DC beginning in 1938 and served as a test pilot until his death. During his last flight, he reported he was at 43,000 feet and was getting low on oxygen. His death was attributed to a lack of oxygen at high altitude.

 

Seymour had more than 4,000 hours in a variety of Naval and Grumman Aircraft Corporation aircraft. He had been selected for promotion to lieutenant commander and would have pinned on his oak leafs in June 1941.

In August 1940, the War Department designated the airport near Goldsboro as essential to national defense, and in December funds were authorized for the construction of a U.S. Army Air Corps Technical Training School. On 30 October 1942, Congressman Graham H. Barden informed the Goldsboro News-Argus that "the Army Air Forces Technical Training School in Goldsboro had been named Seymour Johnson Field."

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is the only Air Force base named in honor of a naval officer.

Respect can be paid to Brother Johnson at Section 7, Site 8153, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 17 – 23 DEC

Brothers,

While it is terrific that some SigEp Patriots have recently returned home from service overseas, it important to remember that brothers (and other Americans serving to defend our country) are still standing duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Bahrain, Kuwait and other parts of the world. Please keep them in mind when you express your thanks this holiday season, and always remember the sacrifices they make all year.

19 DEC 1917

World War I Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Robert Lester Tavenner was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant on this date.

22 DEC 1944

On this date, after being presented a proposal for the surrender of the troops under his command at Bastogne, WV Beta Brother Brigadier General Anthony Clement McAuliffe, U.S. Army spoke the most famous quote of World War II: “Nuts!”

To read the entire story go to http://www.sigepblog.org/2012/12/22-december.html#idc-container

20 DEC 1968

World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Raymond J. McGarry died on this date at the age of 64 in the Veterans Hospital at White River Junction, Vermont after a short illness.

Respect can be paid to Brother McGarry at the Calvary Cemetery in Rutland, Vermont.

19 DEC 1979
Mexican War and World War I Veteran CO Beta Brother Colonel Maurice C. Bigelow, U.S. Army died on this date. Maurice became a member of the Colorado National Guard in 1908, and graduated from the University of Denver in 1912 before studying law for two years at UD and another two semesters at the University of Munich. After graduation, he returned to the States and worked briefly at a bank before he was mobilized to the Mexican border with the First Colorado Infantry. When the U.S. declared war on Germany, his unit was immediately redesignated the 157th Infantry. Brother Bigelow was made a captain in the 157th Infantry and sent to Europe where he commanded the machine gun company of that regiment.

While overseas he was transferred to the First Division, which suffered over 100% casualties. At the outset the division numbered approximately 28,000 men and 31,000 men, including replacements, were lost in the conflicts in which this division was engaged. Even so, Maurice was never wounded. He proved to be a very efficient officer and gained much practical experience in the science of military tactics. He returned from Germany with the Third Machine Gun Battalion, First Division – the first to be sent to Europe for the war and the last to return.

After his return, Maurice was sent to several commands before being detailed to Fort Benning, Georgia where he attended the infantry school and graduated in 1923.

OWA State College in Ames, Iowa secured the services of Brother Bigelow to be assistant professor of Military Science and Tactics on a four years detail. He instructed in machine guns and automatic weapons, and their use in modern warfare.

Respect can be paid to Brother Bigelow at Section 4, Site 2701, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 07 – 13 MAY

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

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

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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 27 FEB – 04 MAR

Brothers,

02 MAR 1904
A man was born on this date that would affect millions around the world. Our NH Alpha Brother, World War II Veteran and Captain Theodor Seuss Geisel, U.S. Army was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.

28 FEB 1919
On this date, U.S. Marine Corps World War I Veteran and NE Alpha Brother Frank Dewey Carman was discharged following his military service.

04 MAR 1925
World War II Veteran, CO Delta Brother and Private Erling “Swede” Kristian Arnston, U.S. Army was born on this date.

28 FEB 1929
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and DE Alpha Brother James Robert McCarthy was born on this date in Cleveland, Ohio.

03 MAR 1938
U.S. Air Force Veteran and IA Delta Brother Thomas Michael Hamilton was born on this date in Davenport, Iowa.

04 MAR 1945
On this date, KS Gamma President Robert Ellsworth Stoddard, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, was killed during the Battle of Iwo Jima while serving with the 23rd Marines.

04 MAR 2011
In a small world example of how we are all connected, 66 years after the death of Brother Stoddard, fellow World War II Veteran, TX Alpha President and First Lieutenant Charles Lynn West, U.S. Army Air Corps died peacefully in Midland, TX.

During the war, Charles served as a bombardier with the 7th Air Force, 30th Bomb Group in the South Pacific aboard a B-24 Liberator nicknamed “Ruff Knights.” Brother West and the Ruff Knights led the entire bomb group on the final tactical assault upon Iwo Jima before the assault on Iwo by Brother Stoddard and his Marines.

Brother West was born 26 MAY 1923, in Miami, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was assigned to bombardier training in Big Spring, TX. In 1943, he received a commission to the rank of First Lieutenant and ordered to Tonopah, NV, to finish training. From there, it was off to war flying in the Liberator from bases on Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, he and a crew of ten other daring young men, and even an ornery dog named "Snuffy," combined to fly 43 missions.

Following the war, Charles attended Louisiana State University and The University of Texas. He graduated in 1951, and worked as an independent petroleum geologist for multiple companies, most notably Texas Pacific Oil & Gas and Beach Exploration, in a career spanning nearly 60 years through booms and busts. Charles was an active member of the Midland Downtown Lions Club, Midland Masonic Lodge #623, Scottish Rite, Dallas Valley, and Suez Shrine.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* IN Alpha Brother and Colonel Ryan Edward Steele, U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) of West Windsor, New Jersey passed away on 13 FEB 2012, with his family by his side.
* U.S. Marine Corps World War II Veteran and WI Beta Brother Daniel Raymond Femal of Houston, Texas peacefully passed away on 14 FEB 2012. Memorial services will be held for David Friday, 09 MAR 2012, 11am at the Houston National Cemetery.
* U.S. Army and Army Reserve Veteran, and AL Alpha Brother James “Bo” Franklin Anthony passed away in Trussville, Alabama on 19 FEB 2012 at the age of 77.* WV Beta Brother and First Lieutenant John Granville Meador, U.S. Army passed away on 28 FEB in Pensacola, Florida.

As always, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of these Brothers, and the SigEp Patriots Project pledges that their service to the Nation will never be forgotten.

CELEBRATION!
Congratulations to TN Eta Brother Clint Van Ert on his recent commissioning to Second Lieutenant, U. S. Army! Best of luck, Brother!

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) LEADERSHIP
The SPP leadership ranks now number 20! We welcome the following points of contact (or POCs) that will work with SPP to increase the historical holdings of their respective chapters as well as the SPP archives:
#19 – WI Beta POC is Max Witkowski, former WI Beta Chapter President
#20 – NY Lambda POC is Nate Cross; NY Lambda Brother and Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army

Thank you for leadership and commitment! Others interested in serving as POCs can write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SPP NUMBERS
* SPP now has the names of 1,175 SigEp Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military!

* 440! The membership of the official SPP Facebook group now numbers 440 SigEp Patriots with the addition of the following Brothers:
U.S. Navy Veteran and KY Zeta Brother Bradley James Ballard, TN Eta Brother and Second Lieutenant Clint Van Ert, U.S. Army, and MO Eta Brother and Specialist Brian Millbach, U.S. Army Reserve.

Welcome Brothers!

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. 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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 06 – 12 FEB

“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.”
~ Thomas Paine (Englisth born American writer and political pamphleteer, 1737-1809)

09 FEB 2007
Five years ago today, we lost Vietnam War Veteran and TN Gamma Brother Captain Bruce Edward Crowe, U.S. Marine Corps when he passed away at his West Knoxville after a courageous battle with cancer. Bruce attended East Tennessee State University, graduated from The University of Tennessee and later earned a master’s degree from Tennessee Tech University. Brother Crowe received two Purple Hearts during his service in the Marine Corps, and later became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Masons.

Memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 736 N. 4th Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917 and/or the American Cancer Society, 871 Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.

Brother Crowe was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. In 2011, the SigEp Patriots Project paid respect to Bruce on Founders and Veteran’s Day and you can too at Section 66, Site 7578.

08 FEB 2011
U.S. Army World War II Veteran OH Kappa Brother James Owen Simpson died on this date in Moultrie, Georgia. His obituary listed him as a “Lieutenant” but it is unknown whether he earned the rank of First or Second Lieutenant.Brother Simpson was born 06 JUN 1926, in Akron, Ohio, and he served in the Army prior to attending college. Employed by Equifax after college, Jim and his wife lived in Minnesota, Atlanta, Columbia, SC, and, finally, Columbus, OH, where he was executive sales manager until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement, he was able to achieve his life-long goal of traveling the world.

Respect can be paid to Brother Simpson at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

09 FEB 2011
U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran KS Gamma Brother Robert Rousseau Ambrose died on this date in Overland Park, Kansas. Bob was born in Topeka, Kansas, 10 JAN 1917, lived most of his life in the Kansas City area, and attended the University of Kansas.

Brother Ambrose served as a flight engineer aboard B-24s during WWII, and flew on 50 bombing missions over Africa, Italy and the European Theatre. He was awarded four Air Medals during his service.

Bob owned and operated Ambrose Weinand Company for many years before he retired. He was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church and the Serra Club of Kansas City, Kansas. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Serra Club of Kansas City, Kansas or Hospice Care of the Midwest.

Respect can be paid to Brother Ambrose at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, MO.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Marine Corps Veteran FL Delta Brother Robert “Hoppy” Attree Hopkins died peacefully on 03 FEB at his home in Reston, Virginia. Hoppy attended Florida Southern College, graduating with a BS degree in Business, and after college he served in the Marine Corps as an officer stationed at Quantico, Virginia from 1961-1964. The visitation and celebration of Brother Hopkins’ life will be held at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia on Saturday, 11 FEB 2012 from 1 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, in memory of Robert A. Hopkins, 3800 Fettler Park Drive Suite 104, Dumfries, VA 22025.
* U.S. Army Reserve Veteran NC Beta Brother Charles A. “Yogi” Denson, Jr., 71, of Mooresville, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, 07 FEB 2012 at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM tomorrow (09 FEB) at Central United Methodist Church. The body will lie in state beginning at 10:00 AM at the church. The family will receive friends at a reception in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. Burial will take place at 4:00 PM at Glenwood Memorial Park in Mooresville.
* In addition, tomorrow (09 FEB) there were will be a memorial for an amazing SigEp Patriot that passed away 22 SEP 2011. World War II Veteran and CA Gamma Brother Captain Kenneth “Lindy” Newton Linder, Sr., U.S. Marine Corps served as a Corsair pilot with VMF-214 the “Black Sheep Squadron”, and as First Lieutenant Linder was given half credit for shooting down the Japanese bomber that struck the USS Benjamin Franklin (CV-13) on 19 March 1944. The bombing and ensuing fires resulted in the death of 772 aboard the Franklin including 32 Black Sheep members. For more details regarding the memorial being held in Santa Barbara, California please contact Brother Scott Carr, CA Gamma AVC President.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of these Brothers, and the SigEp Patriots Project pledges that their service to the Nation will never be forgotten.

UPDATE: SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP)
* SPP now has data on nearly 1,045 SigEp Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military.
* We are happy to announce that the following SigEp Patriot has joined more than 425 such Brothers in the SigEps Who Serve Facebook group – the official group of SPP:
Two-time Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and KY Beta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Ed Nickerson, U.S. Army.
*SPP has added a 16th chapter point of contact. CA Gamma AVC President Scott Carr has stepped up to offer his energy and assistance with our efforts. Welcome aboard, Scott!

Brothers who serve/served in the U.S. military are welcome to join brothers-in-arms by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com, as well as join our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

This Week in the History of Sigma Phi Epsilon Patriots, 04 – 10 July

04 JUL 1916
Brother George Sander, U.S. Air Force (VT Alpha / Norwich University ’38) was born on this day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Norwich, Brother Sander went on to serve as a radar officer in the U.S. Air Force.

04 JUL 1927
Korean War Veteran / Brother Boyd Lee Burns, U.S. Army (KS Gamma / University of Kansas ’50) was born in Chanute, Kansas on this day. Brother Burns was drafted into the Army shortly after graduation and served in Germany during the Korean War.

07 JUL 2006
Five years ago today, Brother Daniel William Ayres, Montana National Guard (MT Beta / Montana State University) died in Cody, Montana at the age of 77.

04 JUL 2010
On this day, World War II Veteran / Brother Vernon Sprague White, U.S. Army Air Corps (OR Beta / University of Oregon) passed away at the age of 88. After graduating from Oregon, Vern served during WWII in the U.S. Army Air Forces' 95th Bomb Group.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to the Legacy Hospice Services, P.O. Box 4484, Portland, Oregon 97208, or to the Vernon White Memorial, c/o Trumpeters, 3236 S.W. Kelly Ave., Portland, Oregon 97239.

07 JUL 2010
A year ago today, Korean War Veteran / Vietnam War Veteran / Brother Donald E. Cummings, U.S. Navy (retired) VA Alpha (University of Virginia ’46) passed away. While at UVA, Brother Cummings was a member of the University’s championship boxing team, and during his service in the Navy he boxed in the finals of the Olympic trials.

Brother Cummings served as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot from 1946 to 1969, and his last assignment was Air Boss of the USS SHANGRI-LA (CVA-38) – an aircraft carrier then stationed in the Mediterranean. After retiring from the Navy, Don was the corporate pilot for Campbell-Ewald Advertising Corporation.


JUNE LOSSES TO THE ROLL

04 JUN 2011
On this day, Korean War Veteran / Brother James Frederick Miller, U.S. Air Force (IA Delta / Drake University) passed away.

Brother Miller was born in 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated in 1946 from Ankeny (Iowa) High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served several tours of duty repairing airplane bombsights and auto pilot landing systems. Returning to Des Moines in 1949, he enrolled at Drake University. In 1950, he was called back into the service for the Korean War. He returned to graduate from Drake University and was a life-long member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Jim worked for his father in the insurance business and eventually moved to Houston, Texas, where he owned an underwriting insurance company. Brother Miller was president of James Miller & Company and Texas Surplus Association. He is survived by his son, Dr. Greg Miller; daughter-in-law, Robin Miller and grandchildren, Hannah and Eli of Albany, New York; daughter, Tracy Quinlan-Butler; son-in-law, Bill Butler and granddaughter, Rebecca Quinlan of Tomball, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association , P.O. Box 15186, Austin, Texas 78761. Online condolences may be made to www.eickenhorstfuneral.com.

21 JUN 2011
Korean War Veteran / Brother Joseph “Pat” Hall, U.S. Army (KY Alpha / University of Kentucky) of Louisville, Kentucky passed away at the Hospice Inpatient Unit at Norton Pavilion.

Born in Covington, Kentucky, Brother Hall was an Army veteran of the Korean War, and a retired properties manager for the Regional Airport Authority. Pat was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, the American Legion in Somerset, and Disabled American Veterans.

Pat is survived by his children, Patti S. Hall (Kelley Brendler), Jay Pat Hall (Marlaina), Sally H. Bowen (Bob), Sharon L. Brown (Chris), and Julia A. Hasty (Jim); a cherished friend and companion, Lois Adams; thirteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Brother Hall was laid to rest at the Kentucky Veteran’s Cemetery Central.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus of Louisville or Disabled American Veterans.


SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT and SIGEPS WHO SERVE
Thank you! Both efforts to continue to grow. As of today there are 306 Brothers-in-arms in SigEps Who Serve (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_5903232706) – the Facebook presence for the SigEp Patriots Project – and we hope you will continue to pass the word.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
Chief, U.S. Navy (NY Eta / Buffalo State College)
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com