This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 07 – 13 JAN 2013

Brothers,

The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) ended 2012 with,

- 3,686 SigEp Patriots in the Project database;
- 102 brothers-in-arms receiving email via the SPP list serve;
- 712 pages of stories and information about brothers who serve/served in the U.S. military;
- 637 photographs of military brothers;
- 548 SigEp Patriots are members of SigEps Who Serve – the Official Facebook group of SPP, and
- 37 brothers volunteering at chapters around the country as a liaison or point of contact (POC) with SPP in a mutually beneficial relationship of sharing and remembrance.

07 JAN 1941
DE Alpha Brother G. H. Kadel entered the U.S. Army on this date.

09 JAN 1941
On this date, IL Alpha Brother Joseph Metcalf Hissem joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and received a commission as an Ensign. He would go on to heroically serve at the Battle of Midway and made the ultimate sacrifice being reported missing in action / buried at sea.

08 JAN 1943

After graduating from Purdue, IN Alpha Brother William J. Meyer, Jr. entered the Army on this date.

10 JAN 1943

On this date, World War II Veteran and WA Alpha Brother Captain Ben Francis Ferguson, U.S. Army performed gallantly at Guadalcanal while leading his company to an assault position in the face of intense enemy fire. He proceeded to direct an enveloping movement towards the objective, resulting in the occupation of the enemy’s position. For this, he was cited for bravery in action and awarded the Silver Star on 24 MAR 1943.

11 JAN 1944

TX Alpha Brother T. Roland Parrett entered the Army on this date.

12 JAN 1944

On this date, TX Alpha Brother Richard T. Scott joined the Army Air Force and served in the medical corps.

13 JAN 1944
A ship named in honor of Brother Hissem was commissioned on this date, Lieutenant Commander W. W. Low in command. The ship, USS Hissem, was a Destroyer Escort of the EDSALL class, with the designation DE-400. It was launched by Brown Shipbuilding Company, Houston, TX, and sponsored by Miss Elizabeth D. Hissem, Joseph’s sister. Hissem received one battle star for World War II service.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 12 – 19 MAR

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

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, 26 DEC – 01 JAN

31 DEC 1917
World War II – Battle of Midway – Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Ensign Joseph Metcalf Hissem, U.S. Navy Reserve was born on this date in Mount Carroll, Illinois.

01 JAN 1920
On this date, World War I Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for extraordinary heroism in action near Cierges, France on 29 SEP 1918.

27 DEC 1934
Vietnam War Veteran and OR Alpha Brother Major George “Vern” Ellison, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) was born this date in Eugene, Oregon.

30 DEC 1944
For his actions at Bastogne, France while serving as the acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division, World War II and Korean War Veteran, SigEp Citation Recipient and WV Beta Brother General Anthony Clement McAuliffe, U.S. Army (Retired) was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by General George S. Patton.

26 DEC 1947
On this date, Former Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Persian Gulf War and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran, SigEp Citation Recipient and MO Zeta President General James Terry Conway, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) was in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.

26 DEC 1953
World War I Veteran, U.S. Ambassador and KS Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Monnett Bain Davis, U.S. Army died on this date in Ramat Gan, Israel while serving as U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

Respect can be paid to Brother Davis at Arlington National Cemetery.

26 DEC 1997
Korean War Veteran and Prisoner of War, TN Alpha Brother Sergeant First Class John William “Bill” Rambo, U.S. Army / Tennessee National Guard passed away on this date in Fairfax Station, Virginia after a lengthy illness. A native of Knoxville, he grew up in the Fountain City area and was a graduate of Central High School. He was a member of the Tennessee National Guard and was among the first to serve in Korea. He was a Prisoner of War for 19 months, and was given a heroes welcome by his hometown upon his return in 1953. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Silver Star and the Korean Gold Medal of Honor for his military service. He graduated in 1958 from the University of Tennessee, and was active in student affairs and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Bill was with Kay's Jewelers for over 30 years, serving in many cities prior to his retirement in 1990 as senior vice president and general manager.

Bill was buried with military honors in Section 70, Site 1706 in Arlington National Cemetery.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 24 - 30 OCT

In this “Last Week” edition:
- A World War I Ace’s activity over France
- Birth of the internet by SigEp Citation recipient
- Death of World War II Veteran and Congressman
- A Brother who made the ultimate sacrifice
- Two more SigEp Patriots passed away this week
- A Brother safely returns from a successful Afghanistan deployment
- The SigEp Patriots Project and the official Facebook group continues to grow

28 & 29 OCT 1918
World War I Veteran and Ace NY Beta Brother Major James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service had his seventh and eighth (final) aerial kills over Bantheville and Buzancy, France, respectively.

26 OCT 1922
U.S. Army World War II Veteran OH Gamma Brother Robert W. Bishop was born on this date in Cleveland, Ohio.

26 OCT 1936
On this date, MI Alpha Brother First Lieutenant George Henry Cress, U.S. Army was born.

25 OCT 1964
Operation DESERT STORM Veteran MO Lambda Brother Jay Scott Danner, U.S. Air National Guard (Missouri) was born on this date in Maryville, Missouri.

29 OCT 1969
On this date the internet was born when U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and SigEp Citation Recipient OR Alpha Brother Dr. Doug Engelbart’s ARPANET (the precursor to the internet) computer at Stanford Research Institute (SRI) received the first message sent between two nodes. The message, sent from the SDS Sigma 7 computer at UCLA to SRI's SDS 940 computer, was supposed to consist of the word "log", followed by Engelbart's reply of "in", thus spelling the word "log-in". The computer at UCLA crashed after sending only two characters — "lo" — but those letters were instantaneously received at 10:30 PM local time on 29 OCT 1969 at Engelbart's SRI laboratory, making it arguably the birthplace of the internet.

26 OCT 1997
World War II Veteran, FL State Representative, U.S. Congressman and FL Alpha Brother Captain Donald Ray Matthews, U.S. Army died on this date in Gainesville, Florida. Born in Micanopy, FL on 03 OCT 1907, Brother Matthews was a school teacher, principal and member of the Florida state house of representatives before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Discharged at the rank of Captain, Don served as an alternate delegate from Florida to the Democratic National Convention in 1952, and went on represent the Florida 8th District in the U.S. Congress from 1953-67. Respect can be paid to Brother Matthews at the Hawthorne Cemetery, Hawthorne, FL.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 10 - 16 OCT

While putting the finishing touches to this edition of “This Week” I was watching the Chicago Bear – Minnesota Vikings game. In the third quarter, the Bears observed one of their home field traditions of stopping the game to honor and recognize a member of the U.S. military. The Bears are the only team in the NFL that has this tradition.

This is quite an emotional week in SigEp Patriot history. Eight years ago today, Nashville native TX Rho Brother Lieutenant Colonel Kim S. Orlando, U.S. Army was killed in action in Karbala, Iraq. Earlier this week, it was learned that another son of Tennessee made the ultimate sacrifice when TN Eta Brother Captain Joshua S. Lawrence, U.S. Army was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Our heartfelt condolences to all the families, friends and Brothers who have lost loved ones.

It is because of these and other Brothers that the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) was formed – to honor and recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of Brothers who serve/served our great nation in the U.S. military and insure they are always remembered. SPP welcomes partnerships in this effort with Richmond as well as representatives from individual chapters.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

10 OCT 1918
World War I Veteran and Ace, NY Beta Brother Major James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army had his sixth aerial victory / “kill” on this date over Bantheville, France in a SPAD XIII aircraft.

11 OCT 1923
World War II Veteran NE Alpha Brother Colonel Addis Thompson “Tad” Ward, U.S. Army / U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) was born on this date.

12 OCT 1942
Vietnam War Veteran TN Alpha Brother Major Selman “Sam” L. Bass, U.S. Army (Retired) was born on this date in Madison College, Tennessee.

12 OCT 1961
Kosovo and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran FL Epsilon Brother Colonel William Wesley Wood, U.S. Army was born on 12 OCT 1961 in Lubbock, Texas where his father was serving in the Air Force.

Last week in SigEp Patriot History, 22 – 28 August

Greetings from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii! As I sit here across from the USS Arizona Memorial, I am solemnly reminded as to the importance and many functions of remembering history. It is my hope that each of you will continue to make others aware of the group, as well as share stories about your lives and military careers so that they can be preserved and remembered.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

"He belongs to history as furnishing one of the greatest examples of successful patriotism. He belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in the principles of liberty and freedom. He belongs to the present by his virtue and his achievements.”
~ General Douglas MacArthur, U.S. Army (Speaking of the American man under arms)

26 AUG 1897
On this date, World War I Veteran / VA Epsilon Brother / Mayor (Kenbridge, VA) / Virginia State Representative / Second Lieutenant Cralle Fauntleroy Blackwell, U.S. Army was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia.

28 AUG 1922
World War II Veteran / OH Mu Brother Joseph E. “Joachim” Vouros, U.S. Army was born on this date in Youngstown, Ohio. In 1941, soon after commencing his studies at Youngstown State University, Brother Vouros interrupted his college studies to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1941.

24 AUG 1924
On this date, CO Gamma Brother / World War II and Korean War Veteran Dr. John Russell Carney, U.S. Army (WWII) and Captain, U.S. Air Force (Korean War) was born on this date in Greely, Colorado.

23 AUG 1949
MT Alpha Brother / Lieutenant Commander Richard Wesley Eddy, Jr., U.S. Navy was born on this date in Balboa, Panama Canal Zone.

28 AUG 2008
On this date, Former District Governor / IN Alpha Brother Rex A. Sebastian, U.S. Navy (Purdue University ’51) passed away.

Brother Sebastian was born 16 SEP 1929. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University (1951) and a MBA from Indiana University (1952). His first position after graduating from Indiana University was in production management supervision for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. Then he served for 33 months as an officer in the Supply Corps of the U.S. Navy.

Rex served as Senior Vice President-Operations, Office of the Chairman, Dresser Industries, Inc., from JAN 1975 to JUL 1985, at which time Mr. Sebastian took early retirement. In his capacity, Mr. Sebastian had total corporate responsibility for one of Dresser's defined product segments, the General Industrial Segment. In terms of annual revenue, the General Industrial Segment accounted for approximately $1 billion.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
Since the last rendition of “This Week,” the following SigEp Patriots have passed away:

*NE Alpha Brother / World War II Veteran Colonel Addis “Tad” Thompson Ward, U.S. Army & U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) was lost to us on 04 AUG. Brother Ward was born 11 OCT 1923 in Bancroft, Nebraska, and served in the Army during WWII and in the Army Reserve from 1946 to 1983. In his recent obituary, Tad proudly listed his presidency of a Sigma Phi Epsilon AVC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 6001 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510; St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 691, Borrego Springs, CA 92004; or Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools Foundation, 708 Main Street, Bancroft, NE 68004.

Of note: A memorial service will be held at 10am this Saturday (03 SEP), at Holy Trinity Church, 6001 A Street, Lincoln, NE. A brunch is to follow.

*World War II Veteran / SigEp Citation Recipient / OH Epsilon Brother Dr. Hugh A Harter, U.S. Army died 13 AUG in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

His distinguished career in education and literature was disrupted only once, for his service in World War II with the Military Intelligence 3d Army at Normandy and then the Air Transport Command.

Brother Harter’s military service was recognized with a burial with military honors at Greenlawn Cemetery in Housatonic, MA. A memorial service will be held in Portsmouth at a later date.

*OK Beta Brother and Chapter President Robert M. "Bob" Jernigan Sr., U.S. Army passed away on 17 AUG in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Bob was born on 28 SEP 1935 in Oklahoma City.

Brother Jernigan’s obituary only listed that he was in the Army, and that after serving our country he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma where he was a leader as OK Beta’s chapter president.

Bob’s sacrifices for our Nation were recognized with a military burial at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: All Souls' Episcopal Church (All Souls' Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Penn Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK) or Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation at http://www.sigepfoundation.org/.

*MI Alpha Brother First Lieutenant George Henry Cress, U.S. Army (University of Michigan ’58) died 18 AUG after an extended illness in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was 74 years old.

Our condolences to their friends and family. Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace, Brothers.

NEWS! CONGRATULATIONS!
*We continue to grow! The SigEp Patriots our proud to have another Brother-in-arms among the ranks. OH Sigma Brother Brad Haines was commissioned Friday as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Congratulations and best of luck, Brad!

*This week the SigEp Patriots Project listserve reached the 100 member mark, and military Brothers (regardless of length and/or type of service - ROTC, current and former active duty, reserve and retired) can join brothers on the listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. To find the official Project group on Facebook, click on http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve.

If you would like to share news or information about a SigEp Patriot, please drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 15 – 21 AUG

"Man has a large capacity for effort. In fact, it is so much greater than we think it is that few ever reach this capacity. We should value the faculty of knowing what we ought to do and having the will to do it. Knowing is easy; it is the doing that is difficult. The critical issue is not what we know, but what we do with what we know. The great end of life is not knowledge, but action. I believe that it is the duty of each of us to act as if the fate of the world depended on him... we must live for the future, not for our own comfort or success." ~ Admiral Hyman Rickover, U.S. Navy (Retired), May 1982

15 AUG 1892
NE Alpha Brother and World War I Veteran Thurl B. Strain, U.S. Army was born on this date in Creighton, Nebraska.

20 AUG 1897
PA Delta Brother and World War I Veteran Russell Sherwood Potter, U.S. Marine Corps (University of Pennsylvania ’18) was born on this date. Brother Potter served in the 80th Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. To read about the WWI service of our Brother and the 6th Marine Regiment click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_Marine_Regiment_(United_States.

15 AUG 2009
Oregon Alpha Brother Thomas Dale Walt, U.S. Navy (Oregon State University ’69) died on this date in Raleigh, North Carolina following a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Brother Walt was born 13 JUN 1946, and grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado. At Oregon State, he was captain of the Navy ROTC Scabbard and Blade honor society, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.

Following graduation and his commissioning as an ensign, Tom entered the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Washington D.C., where he served for five years in the Division of Naval Reactors under Admiral H.G. Rickover – “Father of the Nuclear Navy.”

A balanced man, Brother Walt was an avid runner and completed the Portland Marathon in 1985. Tom also volunteered a significant amount of time to the Beaverton School District where he served on the school board for eight years including two years as chairman.

17 AUG 2009
OH Epsilon Chapter President / Lieutenant Commander Charles Henson “Chuck” Pulley, U.S. Navy died on this date of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. Brother Pulley was born 22 APR 1917 in Cambridge, Ohio. He received his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was chapter president.

Chuck joined the Navy in 1941, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR), trained as a fighter pilot, served with naval intelligence and worked in the research and development of the parachute – a step that set the direction for his life's work as a safety advocate.

His work in parachute research led to his first job with Irving Air Chute in 1950. Brother Pulley became president of the company in 1962, which became Irvin Industries, and began the manufacture of automotive seat belts for General Motors.

This established his life-long mission to promote automotive safety and seat belt use worldwide. His advocacy took him throughout the world to address legislative bodies, safety organizations and national media on the life-saving benefits of safety belts and brought him international recognition. In his capacity as president of the American Seat Belt Council, later the Automotive Occupant Restraints Council, he served as spokesman for occupant safety from 1961 until his retirement at age 82.

During his tenure, the Council worked for the passage of seat belt use laws worldwide and helped to increase seat belt usage in the U.S. from less than 15% to more than 60%, while saving tens of thousands of lives.

19 AUG 2009
OH Theta Brother / World War II Veteran Private Albert Wernersbach, U.S. Army (University of Cincinnati ’51) died on this date.

After graduation from high school in 1945, Albert was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was trained as an infantryman at Ft. Hood, Texas and sent to Washington State to await potential deployment in a possible invasion of Japan. However, he received the news that the war was over while on a train headed for a ship in the Pacific that was to take him & others to Japan. Brother Wernersbach spent his remaining service time of one year on the South Pacific Island of New Caledonia, serving as a military policeman.

Upon returning from overseas, Albert, who had never expected to attend college, enrolled in the University of Cincinnati under the G.I.Bill. There he received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, and met Judith Elaine Garner, through her brother, one of his chapter brothers.

Brother Wernersbach was founder and chairman of printing & graphic arts supply & service company, Jetcom, Inc. which began in the family basement in 1960. In 1980, the recession led to the only financial loss in the company's history, but by then it was the largest graphic arts supply & service company in the tri-state area with about fifty employees. In 1995, Albert sold Jetcom to a Philadelphia based firm & ultimately the company became a division of Fuji Films.

BROTHER RETURNS FROM IRAQ DEPLOYMENT
WELCOME HOME, IL Eta Brother / Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran First Lieutenant Kolby Bissell, U.S. Army! While we were enjoying Conclave, Kolby returned from his successful deployment to Iraq. We are all glad you are back safe. Thank you for your service!

WELL DONE!
Yesterday, CA Theta Brother Frank Beardsley, Army National Guard (California) successfully completed the 11B Personal Education Course at Camp Robinson in Arkansas.

HAVE SOME NEWS?
If you have news, accomplishments or just want to share a story please send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

CORRECTION
IN Beta Brother / Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran Colonel Robert Lanham, U.S. Marine Corps provided a fantastic leadership presentation at Conclave! When promoting Brother Lanham’s Conclave presentation in the previous edition, Bob was mistakenly listed as retired. For the past 29 years, our Brother has diligently and honorably served our country on active duty and he continues to do so.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
World War II Veteran / MI Alpha Brother George Allan Roney, U.S. Army died on 03 AUG 2011.
World War II Veteran / UT Alpha Brother Worth B. McNeel, U.S. Army died 03 AUG 2011.
OH Alpha Brother / Second Lieutenant Emil E. "Skip" Chiles Jr., U.S. Air Force (Retired) died 11 AUG 2011.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT
At Conclave Phoenix, there was a lot of talk about making a mark. The Project is meant to do just that by honoring Brothers who serve/served our great Nation in the U.S. military, and record and maintain a working history in order to recognize and respect their accomplishments and sacrifices. It is an unofficial effort and no monies are collected or requested.

The Project made great strides at Conclave. There were introductions to Patriots, and at the time of this work the project’s official Facebook page – SigEps Who Serve (SWS) – has increased by seven Brothers and the Patriot listserve has increased by two members. Also, thanks to those of you who had kind words, comments and suggestion for the Project.

Brothers with a military affiliation can join the SWS Facebook group by clicking on http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. To join the SigEp Patriots Project listserve, send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. All that is needed for both is your home chapter and branch of service.

WELCOME ABOARD
Thanks to Patriot Brothers UT Beta Brother / Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran Captain Bill Muthiora, Army National Guard (Idaho) and Navy veteran / IN Beta Brother Sean Benge. They recently volunteered to join the Project and serve as a point of contact for their respective chapters.

It is the goal of the Project to work with Brothers – undergrad or alumnus – interested in being the point of contact for information about past and current military SigEps from your chapter. Any Brother can serve in this position that is meant to further the understanding and knowledge of the contributions to your chapter’s history by Brothers-in-arms. Drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com for more details on this effort.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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