This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 24 – 30 JUN

Brothers,

What a difference a year makes. The same time last year, the archives of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) contained the names and information about slightly more than 2,500 brothers who serve/served in the U.S. military, and as of today there are 4,003 – including four-star generals & admirals, computer scientists, congressman, governors, and 63 brothers listed as killed/missing in action.

A year ago, the SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve (SWS) – had 470 members. Today, the only FB group comprised solely of SigEp Patriots numbers 600! You can find SWS at www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Then send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

Thanks to the numerous SPP chapter points of contact, brothers, friends and Headquarters personnel who have helped keep this noble effort successfully moving forward for another year. Please keep passing the word and helping SPP connect, honor, recognize and remember brothers who have given so much to the nation.

24 JUN 1918

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

27 JUN 1942

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

30 JUN 1942

VT Alpha Brother Donald M. Bagbee entered military service on this date.

26 JUN 1953

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



Willis Smith, NC Gamma Brother
World War I Veteran, Congressman

Willis was born in 1887 in Norfolk, VA, and pledged SigEp at Trinity College (now Duke University). After graduating in 1910, he attended law school, and was admitted to the bar in 1912.

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

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

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

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

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, 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, 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.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 29 AUG – 04 SEP

I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." ~ George Washington

01 SEP 1894
The Sigma Phi Epsilon Journal (Volume 16, Number 1 – October 1918) reported that World War I Veteran and OR Alpha Brother Milton A. Kooreman, U.S. Army (who joined SigEp at Oregon Agricultural College – now Oregon State) was born in Alton, Iowa on this date.

29 AUG 1929
Korean War Veteran, Member West Virginia State Delegates and WV Beta Brother David L. Solomon, U.S. Army was born in Shinnston, West Virginia on this date.

02 SEP 2004
World War II Veteran and CO Alpha Brother Donn Beck Brown, U.S. Navy died peacefully on this date.

He was born on 17 DEC 1916, in Dayton, Ohio, and attended the University of Colorado where he was a member of SigEp and earned his mechanical engineering degree.

World War II brought Donn to California. He served in the United States Navy in underwater demolition, which was the precursor to the Navy SEALs.

After his military service, Donn began his career with A.J. Bayer, Co. in Los Angeles, eventually becoming President and Chairman of the company. One of Donn's greatest joys was helping others. He served on the Board of Directors of many organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, Florence Crittenton Center, Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, First Lincoln Financial Corp. and Union Bank. He was also an enthusiastic and longtime member of the Rotary Club/LA 5, Los Rancheros Visitadores, Southern Skis, the Beach Club, and the Wine and Food Society of Southern California.

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

01 SEP 2010
World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Walter William Rust, U.S. Navy died at home on this date in Bellevue, Washington.

Walter was born 25 FEB 1926 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A prolific skater, he set national records in the 1/2 and 3/4 mile as a juvenile and junior en route to several State, National and North American race titles.

In 1944, he graduated from Elgin High School. He was inducted into the Elgin Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. Walt served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman aboard the escort aircraft carrier USS Puget Sound (CVE-113) from 1944 to 1946 in the South Pacific.

He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1950 where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

In 1961, Walter's job with Weyerhaeuser took the family to their home in Los Alamitos, CA where they lived until 1966. Then it was back to Bellevue where he retired from Weyerhaeuser in 1980. Spotting an opportunity, he started his own business, Pasayten Incorporated, in MAR 1980.

In 2008, he returned to retired life. Walt was an active outdoorsman, athlete, photographer, sailor, wood carver and Little League umpire. He competed in cycling and placed in state, national, and world events into his 70's. He was active in the Boy Scouts for more than 20 years. He served as Scout Master and Assist ant Scout Master with Troop 600 of Bellevue and was awarded the Silver Beaver.

Remembrances may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Chief Seattle Council, P.O. Box 440408, Seattle, WA 98114 or Friends of Youth, Family Resource Center Campus, 16225 NE 87th Street, Suite A-6, Redmond, WA 98052-3536.

Brother Rust was laid to rest at Sunset Hills Memorial Park.

02 SEP 2010
World War II and Vietnam Veteran and UT Alpha Brother Lieutenant Colonel William J. Gibson, U.S. Air Force (Retired) passed away on this date at the age of 90. He was born in Ogden, Utah on 28 APR 1920.

Brother Gibson was a distinguished and decorated veteran of World War II and the Vietnam War. He entered active duty with the Army Air Corps in OCT 1941 as a B-17 pilot. Immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he deployed to the Pacific Theater, where he flew numerous combat missions against enemy shipping and ground targets. At 24, he was the youngest Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Air Corps, commanding a squadron of B-29s. In the last mission of the war, he led a composite crew drawn from all the air crews in the Pacific Theater to fly the official photos of the Japanese surrender back to Washington, D.C. He died on the 65th anniversary of that mission.

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

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

CELEBRATIONS!
*Welcome Aboard, Brother! KY Delta Brother and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran Sergeant First Class Roger Thomas, U.S. Army joined the SigEps Who Serve group this week! Brother Thomas is currently deployed, and we send our thoughts and prayers out to him, his Soldiers and all SigEp Patriots serving in harm’s way.

*Congrats to Navy Veteran and SC Beta Brother Anthony Seifert who celebrated his 11th wedding anniversary earlier this week!

*A year ago this week, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and FL Beta Brother Captain Nate Davis, U.S. Army was promoted to his current rank.

REFLECTION AND PURPOSE
On this date in 1917, American forces in France suffered their first fatalities of World War I. Do we know if any Brothers were among those first casualties in Europe? At Guadalcanal on 04 SEP 1942, the Japanese received additional reinforcements. Off the coast, two older American destroyers utilized as transports were sunk by Japanese destroyers. It is very likely that Brothers served at Guadalcanal. How many made the ultimate sacrifice there? Where any SigEp Patriots aboard those downed destroyers?

During the Vietnam War on this date in 1967, the U.S. 1st Marine Division launched Operation SWIFT in Quang Nam and Quang Tin Provinces. During four days of fighting, 114 men of the U.S. 5th Marine Regiment were killed. Is there a list of SigEps wounded and killed during SWIFT?

On this date in 2004, insurgents clashed with U.S. and Iraqi troops in northern Iraq. A suicide attacker detonated a car bomb in the northern city of Kirkuk, killing 17 and wounding 36. Saboteurs blew up an oil pipeline in southern Iraq. Were SigEp Patriots in harm’s way on this day?

In any of these situations as well as in the future, it is the goal of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) to be able to recognize and honor the men involved, and provide support to them and their families. Ambitious goals to be sure, but at Conclave we were reminded that dedicated men are capable of great things, and with determination and some assistance the goals of the Project will be achieved.

To date, the SPP has made some progress, but there is still much information to be gathered. Various degrees of detail on the military careers of more than 320 SigEp Patriots have been collected, and an additional 327 Brothers have joined the official SPP Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve. Thank you for your assistance in passing the word about this effort.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
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

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 25 - 31 July

30 JUL 1889
On this date, World War I Veteran / PA Delta Brother / Doctor Edwin P. Longaker, U.S. Army Medical Corps (University of Pennsylvania, 1913) was born.

29 JUL 1939
Vietnam War Veteran / OR Alpha Brother / Captain Ernest “Ernie” A. Harris, U.S. Marine Corps (Oregon State University ’61) was born on this date in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

26 JUL 1958
On this date 53 years ago, Korean War Veteran and Ace / IN Alpha Brother / Captain Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force (Purdue University ’49) crashed to his death near Rosamond Dry Lake while flying an F-104 ultrasonic jet from Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) over the Mojave Desert. Brother Kincheloe was laid to rest with full military honors in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.

Kinch was born in Detroit, Michigan on 02 JUL 1928, but grew up in Cassopolis, Michigan. He attended Purdue University, and graduated with degrees in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering and entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officers Training Corps. He took pilot training at Randolph AFB, Arizona, where he got his wings and commission in 1950.

In 1950-51 he served with the 4th and 51st Fighter Wings in Korea, flying 101 combat missions in F-86 Sabrejets and 30 in F-80 Shooting Stars. He shot down ten communist planes, being one of 12 Air Force pilots with ten or more jet victories to his credit during that war. He earned the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals.

After the war, Brother Kincheloe became a test pilot participating in the testing of the Century Series of fighter aircraft. In the mid-1950s, Kincheloe joined the Bell X-2 program and on 07 SEP 1956, he flew the Bell X-2 research rocket plane more than 2,000 mph (3,200 km/h) and to a height of 126,200 feet (38,500 m) (some sources list 126,500), the first flight ever above 100,000 feet.

In SEP 1959, Kinross AFB in Upper Peninsula, Michigan was renamed Kincheloe AFB in his honor (the base closed in SEP 1977), and a monument also stands a few miles east of his hometown of Cassopolis, Michigan – it is an angular stone slab twelve feet high bearing a silver model of the X-2 pointed skyward. In 1992, he was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor, and the Iven C. Kincheloe Award is named in his honor.

30 JUL 1983
World War II Veteran / Congressman / DE Alpha Brother / Major Herbert Birchby Warburton, U.S. Army (University of Delaware ‘38 of Wilmington, Delaware died on this date.

Born in Wilmington on 21 SEP 1916, Brother Warburton graduated from UD in 1938 and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Recruit Officer Training Command (ROTC) program. It appears Herbert graduated from the Dickinson School of Law before commencing active duty as a first lieutenant of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Antiaircraft Battalion (SEP 1941).

Upon his release from active duty in 1945, Brother Warburton began practicing law in Wilmington, and served as city solicitor from 1949 to 1952 before being elected to the Eighty-Third Congress (1953-55).

Herbert continued his service to the American public with his appointment as special assistant to Secretary of Labor James P. Mitchell (02 MAR 1955 – 07 NOV 1957), as general counsel, Post Office Department (07 NOV 1957 – 20 JAN 1961), and as minority counsel to the House Government Operations subcommittee (MAR 1961 to SEP 1964).

Upon his death, Brother Warburton was cremated and the family retained his ashes.

28 JUL 2004
AL Beta Brother / First Lieutenant William “Bill” D. Yates, U.S. Army (University of Alabama ’55) passed away on this date. Bill was a member of the Pledge Class of Fall 1951 and was in ROTC while at Bama. Upon graduation he received a commission in the U.S. Army, and after his discharged Brother Yates returned to his hometown of Lanett, Alabama. There he owned and operated Yates Printing and Office Supplies until his retirement in 1997.

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

Born 16 JUN 1924, Brother Collicott was a lifelong Senatobia resident. He retired as owner of the Callicott Insurance Agency, a business his grandfather began in 1915.

Bill served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1960 to 1976, and later served as Mayor of Senatobia for three terms.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Senatobia.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISMENTS, MILESTONES AND GREAT NEWS
During July –
-VA Beta Brother / Chris Costello, U.S. Army graduated from 88M (truck) training.
-OH Gamma Brother / Second Lieutenant Scott Dudis, U.S. Army (Veterinary Corps) was commissioned to his present rank.
-AK Alpha Brother / Joel Fix, U.S. Army Reserve has been mobilized and deployed overseas.
-MT Alpha Brother Paul Gerhardt (formerly USMC) got engaged!
-CA Theta Brother / Ted Hornstra graduated from Airborne school.
-VA Beta Brother Erik Kelly joined the U.S. Navy’s Delayed Entry Program and is scheduled to begin serving on active duty when he goes to Recruit Training Command (“boot camp”) in February 2012.

If you have a recent accomplishment, drop me a line at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

ADDITIONAL LOSSES TO THE ROLL IN JULY
Sadly, the following SigEp Patriots were lost in July and have not been previously listed:

07 JUL
World War II Veteran / NH Alpha Brother / Lieutenant Commander Robert Eastwood Neill, U.S. Navy / U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired) (Dartmouth College ’35) (14 MAR 1914 – 07 JUL 2011). Brother Neill served in the South Pacific during WWII.

09 JUL
World War II Veteran / MI Alpha Brother / Major Robert Jackson Ogden, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (University of Michigan ’42) (29 JAN 1920 – 09 JUL 2011). Brother Ogden served in Alaska during WWII.

09 JUL
TN Alpha Brother / First Lieutenant Thomas Joseph Williams, Jr., U.S. Army National Guard (Tennessee) (University of Tennessee ’07) was 26 years old when he passed away 09 JUL 2011. He is survived by his parents, Thomas Joseph Williams, Sr. and Lynne Tune Williams; sisters, Ann-Marie and Mary Jo Williams; fiancée, Nikki Schmidt, as well as countless friends and loved ones. He was 1LT in the Army National Guard, where he was a pilot of OH-58D(R) and platoon leader in C/1/230th ACS at McGee Tyson Flight Facility. He was the owner and president of Southeast Investment Group. He graduated from Hillwood High School in 2003 and the University of Tennessee in 2007. He was active in Sigma Phi Epsilon and the UT ROTC program.

Brother Williams was laid to rest at the Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.

12 JUL
Vietnam War Veteran / CA Beta Brother James Robert Smoot, U.S. Army (University of Southern California) (21 JUL 1946 – 12 JUL 2011) The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law will honor him with a memorial reception at the school on 08 AUG at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James R. Smoot Memorial Fund at Playhouse on the Square, 66 South Cooper Street, Memphis, TN 38104 or the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Make checks payable to University of Memphis Foundation and mail to: Department 238, U of M Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148-0001. Include instructions to designate your gift to the Dean Emeritus James R. Smoot Scholarship Fund. Online gifts may be made by visiting www.memphis.edu/law/faculty/smoot.php.

27 JUL
World War II Veteran / MA Beta Brother / Corporal Harold “Harry” Melden, Jr., U.S Marine Corps (Asiatic Pacific Area) (Worcester Polytechnic Institute ’49) (19 JUN 1924 – 27 JUL 2011)

Brother Melden’s obituary stated that the burial plans will be private, and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to support student financial aid may be sent to WPI, Office of Development & Alumni Relations, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609 or Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed "Otter" Jones
Chief, U.S. Navy Reserve
NY Eta '93

This Week in the History of Sigma Phi Epsilon Patriots, 24 - 30 January

Brothers,

1925
30 JAN
Do you enjoy your computer mouse and the internet?

You have the man born in Portland, Oregon on this day to thank for it – WWII Veteran / Brother Douglas Carl Engelbart, U.S. Navy (OR Alpha / Oregon State ’48). Brother Engelbart served in the Navy from 1944-46 as a radar operator, and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. (Pictured at Left)

An electrical engineer and computer pioneer, Brother Engelbart is best known for inventing the computer mouse, and for his involvement in designing the earliest form of the internet at his lab at the Stanford Research Institute in Palo Alto, California.


1930
25 JAN
Brother / Captain Robert Urbana, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired) (CO Beta / University of Denver ’52) was born on this day in Denver, Colorado. Bob joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and graduated from North Denver High School in 1948. He went through the naval ROTC program and graduated from the University of Denver in December 1952 with a degree in business and a commission in the U.S. Navy.

Brother Urbana served on active duty until 1955, but he continued his naval career as a reservist in Boise, Idaho. He retired in 1987 after 31 years of service.

1950
28 JAN
Today was the last day in office for the 55th Governor of Virginia, WWI Veteran / Governor / Congressman / Brother William Munford Tuck, U.S. Marine Corps (attended VA Delta / William & Mary and graduated from VA Epsilon / Washington and Lee University ’21).

2005
29 JAN
WWII Veteran / Brother Erling “Swede” Arnston, U.S. Army – Infantry (CO Delta / Colorado School of Mines ’52) died peacefully at home at age 79. Quick with a smile and comfortable with conversation, Brother Arnston had the qualities of a man who enjoyed life. He enjoyed reading and sharing poetry or a good story, and was always the first to figure out an innovative way to “fix” something. His days were filled with gardening, carving wooden ducks, fly fishing, a good joke and the occasional outing in his ’59 MGA. Before attending Mines, Swede served as a combat infantryman in the Pacific during World War II. At Mines, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. In 1987, Brother Arnston retired from a career with Amoco Oil and moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. It was there that he became active in the local Rotary club, participating in community activities and organizing its annual Christmas bell-ringing activities. Swede’s love of life was recognized throughout his lifetime and he received many honors and distinctions including the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Loyal Alumnus Award from the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from his fellow Rotarians.

2009
30 JAN
WWII Veteran / Doctor / Brother / Pharmacist Mate Third Class Ota Treville “O.T.” Graham, Jr., U.S. Navy (VA VA Eta / University of Virginia, ’49) died on this day in Richmond at the age of 83.

“Dr. Graham graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1943. He entered the Accelerated Program of the School of Pharmacy at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in 1944, before joining the U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946, and was attached to the 1st Marine Division of the 7th Marine Regiment in China as a Pharmacist Mate, 3rd Class. He returned to Richmond in the fall of 1946, and entered the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He graduated with a B.A. degree in 1949. He received his medical degree from MCV in 1953, and then completed two years of family practice residency there. He was in private practice for 43 years, before retiring in 1998. He was an active member of the MCV Alumni Association, and served as its president for two years. He enjoyed a long affiliation with Retreat Hospital and the Home for the Daughters of the Confederacy. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and All Saints Episcopal Church. Over the years, he treated thousands of patients, and will be remembered for his willingness to help others, his easy smile, and his gentle manner. He loved his family, his practice, his patients, the family cottage at Sandy Point, and gardening, especially taking care of his azaleas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad, 1101 Horsepen Rd., Henrico, Va. 23229.”

Growing Families!
On 26 JAN 2011, Brother / Sergeant John Cage, U.S. Marine Corps (OK Beta / University of Oklahoma ’97) and his wife welcomed John Austin Gage as the newest member of Gage family. Congratulations to Brother and Mrs. Gage!

Recently Layla Grace Pike was born to Brother / Sergeant Rob Pike, U.S. Army (OK Alpha / Oklahoma State University) and his wife at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Rob says, “She came in at 9 pounds even, 19 3/4 inches long, and with blue eyes like her mother and very light brown hair. We think she’s gunna be a blonde...eek!” Congratulations to Brother and Mrs. Pike!

Off to Cape May!
From the Facebook group SigEps Who Serve, Brother Tristan McMorran (FL Zeta / University of Tampa ’07) writes, “Just letting all my brothers know, I'm shipping out for Coast Guard boot camp 22 FEB 2011. Eight weeks of fun and enjoyment in Cape May, NJ. Semper Paratus.” Best of luck, Brother! I am sure you will make us proud.

Important Event This Thursday!
Navy Memorial Teams Up With Library of Congress to Commemorate “The Legendary ‘Four Chaplains’”

On the 68th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the U.S. Army Transport ship Dorchester in World War II, The United States Navy Memorial and the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project will co-host a commemorative event to honor “The Four Chaplains,” a remarkable group of military spiritual leaders from different denominations who sacrificed their own lives to save scores of others during this fatal German U-Boat attack. Their story will be retold by keynote speaker, Brother / Captain Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff, U.S. Navy – Chaplain Corps (Retired) (NH Alpha / Dartmouth College) this Thursday, 03 February from 1200 to 1300 at the U.S. Navy Memorial at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. The event is free and open to the public.

Join other SigEp Patriots on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5903232706) in the only group open to and comprised of ONLY SigEp Patriots who serve or have served in the U.S. military.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
Chief, USNR
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

Editors Note: As a number of you have asked I will note again that the SigEp Patriots effort is not a function of HQ/National. This is your organization and it is made stronger by your involvement. This is merely a fact, and any perception of an “adversarial tone” to this statement is on the reader. While I have not received any correspondence from Richmond on the topic, I am always open to discussion.

This Week in the History of SigEp Patriots, 27 December - 02 January

Let me know what you think about the slight format change.

This is a significant week in the lives of three brothers that were recognized for extraordinary heroism.

1896
28 DEC - On this day, Brother Joseph Francis Kiep, Jr., US Army - pilot (PA Delta / University of Pennsylvania) was born.

1915
31 DEC - Brother / Major Samuel Eugene Carpenter, US Army - WWII - Pacific (OK Alpha / Oklahoma A&M '37 - now Oklahoma State University) was born on this day in Fairview, Oklahoma. In 1942, Sam entered the Army as a First Lieutenant and served in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. He left the Army as a Major.

1917
31 DEC - On this day, Brother / Ensign Joseph Metcalf Hissem, US Navy Reserve - WWII - Battle of Midway (IL Alpha / University of Illinois '39) was born in Mt. Carroll, Illinois.

Brother Hissem was postumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at Midway on 04 JUN 1942. The Navy Cross is the highest award presented by the Navy following the Medal of Honor.

1920
01 JAN - This marks the day that Brother / Captain Robert Tavenner, US Army - WWI - France & Belgium (OH Gamma / The Ohio State University '08) was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal and Army Distinguished Service Cross for action during two seperate feats of "extraordinary heroism" on the battlefield in France and Belgium, respectively, in the fall of 1918.

The Army Distinguished Service Cross is the highest award presented by the Army following the Medal of Honor.

1934
27 DEC - On this day, Brother / Major George "Vern" Ellison, US Marine Corps (Retired) - Vietnam (OR Alpha / Oregon State University) was born in Eugene, Oregon.

Vern was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in 1957 and served until he retired as a Major in 1977. He was awarded the Bronze Star with a combat "V" (for valor) and twice awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

1944
30 DEC - On this day, Brother / (then) Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, US Army (WV Beta / West Virginia University) was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross by General Patton for his actions at Bastogne, Belgium.

With this recognition, Brother McAuliffe joined brothers Major James Armand Meissner, US Army Air Service (NY Beta; awarded the Army Distinguished Service Cross twice in 1918), and the aforemention Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, US Army (OH Gamma) and Ensign Joseph Metcalf Hissem, US Navy Reserve (IL Alpha) as the highest decorated brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon that served in the United States military.

Brother Meissner is the only SigEp to receive the Army Distinguished Service Cross twice.

Recent Losses - The following SigEp patriots passed away in the month of December:

*Brother Charles J. "Bud" Foster III, US Marine Corps (DE Alpha / University of Delaware) passed away 12 DEC. Brother Foster was a life-long athlete - medaling in the Penn Relays and running in multiple Boston Marathons, and was a voracious reader of American military history. His final resting place was not listed in his obituary.

*Franklin A. Rouse, US Marine Corps (NC Beta / North Carolina State University) died 18 DEC at Carteret General Hospital. In addition to his military service, Brother Rouse was an Eagle Scout, and very active in the community, including serving as Deputy Secretary of the NC Department of Transportation. He was awarded a membership to the NC Republican Party Hall of Fame, and was a recipient of the J. E. Broyhill Award and Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor. His final resting place was not listed in his obituary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America, payable to ECCBSA, P.O. Box 1698, Kinston, NC 28503, or to the Carteret General Hospital Foundation Critical Care Unit, P.O. Drawer 1619, Morehead City, N.C. 28557.

*Brother Kenneth J. Goodman, US Navy Veteran (KY Beta / University of Louisville) passed away at his home in Louisville on Christmas Eve. Ken was a chapter president at KY Beta, and is survived by his real and fellow chapter brother, Joseph G. Goodman. Ken was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, and expressions of sympathy may be made to Day Spring (www.dayspringky.org) and the Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana (www.pscky.org).

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
Chief, USNR
NY Eta / Buffalo State College
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

The weekly works are part of an effort that is sourced by you - brothers who have and have not served in the military, as well as from research on the internet. It is powered by brotherly love and the belief that our Chapter and National histories are extremely important, and that the accomplishments and sacrifices of these brothers are worthy of remembrance and celebration.

All information is vetted to the best of my ability, and any brother that wishes to share personal information or details about the life of a brother who serve/served our country is strongly encouraged to contact me at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SigEp patriots who serve or have served can connect with more than 250 brothers-in-arms via the Facebook group SigEps Who Serve - www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5903232706. As this is a closed group set up solely for brother patriots that serve/served in the U.S. military - whether that be active, reserve, retired, ROTC - all are welcome! Your name, home chapter and military affiliation will be required before your request to join the group is confirmed.

A special thanks to Wordjunky for the guidance while I fat-finger these submissions to this terrific blog.