This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 01 – 07 JUL

Brothers,

As the original Independence Day, July 4, 1776, was just that – the day the subjects of King George III inhabiting the American colonies declared their independence from British rule. It is important to remember that the fledging Continental Army & Navy had to go out and make that declaration a reality, and secure our independence by defeating the Royal Army and Navy.

My holiday weekend was spent in Normandy, France, and it was a very moving experience. There were so many incredible tributes honoring the brave Americans who participated in D-Day and the subsequent liberation of Europe, and the French people living in the area – young and old – still remember and respect the sacrifices that were made on their behalf.

01 JUL 1957

On this date, U.S. Army World War II Veteran and VA Zeta Brother Robert Jefferson Wood was assigned as the Army's Deputy Chief of Research and Development, working on a variety of projects including anti-missile weapons and germ and gas warfare systems.

In the early 50s, Brother Wood was involved with the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s military system. In 1986, he retired as a four-star general, and was subsequently awarded the SigEp Citation.

07 JUL 2006

U.S Army National Guard (Montana) Veteran MT Beta Brother Daniel William Ayres died on this date at his home in Cody, Montana. Born in Bozeman, Montana in 1929, Daniel graduated from Gallatin County High School and attended Montana State University, Bozeman, and the University of Montana in Missoula.

Brother Ayres was an active Gideon, a certified swimming and sailing instructor and a 4-H leader. He was also a sandblast artist in the Bozeman Granite Works, a family-owned business, and worked as a dairy-route driver, proprietor of Rainbow Water Service, a real estate broker, and a charter tour bus driver. He especially enjoyed tours into Yellowstone Park.

07 JUL 2008

On this date, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Veteran and VA Eta Brother Commander Donald Eugene Cummings, U.S. Navy (Retired) died in The Woodlands, Texas. Brother Cummings served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1969 as a fighter pilot. While in the service, he boxed in the finals of the Olympic trials. His last assignment was as Air Boss on the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-la (CV-38) serving with the Atlantic Fleet and assigned to deploy to the Mediterranean Sea.

While at the University of Virginia Donald was a member of the championship boxing team. After retiring from the Navy, he was the corporate pilot for Campbell-Ewald Advertising Corp.

Respect can be paid to Brother Cummings in Section C-1, Row D, Site 38 at Houston National Cemetery, Houston Texas.

04 JUL 2010

U.S Army Air Force World War II Veteran and OR Beta Brother Vernon Sprague White, 88, died on this date. During WWII, Brother White served in the U.S. Army Air Forces' 95th Bomber Group.

Born in Salem, Oregon in 1921, Vern graduated from Portland's Washington High School and the University of Oregon. He had a lifelong avocation of politics, and his hobbies included history, genealogy, and the concept of smaller government with reduced taxes. He was editor of the Daily Journal of Commerce.

In 1961, Brother White became managing editor of "Western Timber Industry and News," which merged in 1971 with "World Wood Products." He was chairman of the Young Republicans in 1953 and founding president of the Trumpeters in 1957. From 1958 to 1960, Vern was chairman of the Multnomah County Republican Party.

03 JUL 2012

World War II Veteran of the Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland Campaigns and VA Zeta Brother Staff Sergeant Morris Kent Mallory, U.S. Army died on this date.

07 JUL 2012

Vietnam War Veteran and VT Gamma Brother Captain Charles Vincent Masick, U.S. Army died on this date in Cooperstown, New York.

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

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* 05 JUN – U.S. Army Air Force World War II Veteran MO Beta President Albert Montford Plourde passed away in Webster Groves, MO.
* 27 JUN – FL Alpha Brother Captain Wilton Royce Miller, U.S. Air Force, 80, passed away on this day in Tallahassee, FL. A memorial service to celebrate Brother Miller's life will be held at 2:00 P.M., EDT Monday, 08 JUL at CrossWay Church in Tallahassee, 1698 Village Square Boulevard (located near the I-10 and Thomasville Road exit). In honor of Wilton's belief that education is a great blessing, his family suggests donations be made in lieu of flowers to the following scholarship, which Wilton established at the University of Florida prior to his death.

Wilton R. Miller Family Excellence Scholarship, Fund #013333, University of Florida Foundation, P. O. Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604-2425, (352) 846-3444. Checks may be made to the "University of Florida Foundation, Inc" with "Wilton R. Miller Family Excellence Scholarship" in the memo.
* 20 JUN – Korean War Veteran and OH Epsilon Brother First Lieutenant Robert L. “Bob” Harnden, Jr., U.S. Air Force passed away in Mentor, OH on this day. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Breckenridge Village Life Care Fund in memory of Robert Harnden, 36859 Ridge Road, Willoughby, OH 44094.

CELEBRATIONS!
* 01 JUL – NY Iota Brother Adam Smith was promoted to Boatswain Mate Third Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard! While he is pinning on his new rank insignias on 10 JUL, the 1st is the date of rank of the Navy Reserve’s newest LCDR, operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM veteran and IN Zeta Brother Troy Hanson.

* 05 JUL – Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and FL Iota Brother First Lieutenant Chase Busch, U.S. Army got engaged!

Congratulations to Brothers Smith, Hanson and Busch!

Please keep sending your good news stories to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 22 – 28 April

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

Brothers,

24 APR 1942

World War II Veteran and WI Alpha Brother Everett Roudebush entered the U.S. Army on this date after finishing a concert tour with Salvatore Baccaloni, noted Metropolitan Opera Company star. Everett would go on to achieve the rank of Corporal before being discharged.

27 APR 1964

World War I Veteran, Judge (5th Judicial Circuit) and U.S. Congressman (Virginia) VA Eta Brother Private Joel West Flood, U.S. Army died on this date in Richmond, VA. During WWI, Brother Flood served in Company A, 350th Engineers, 80th Division before being discharged in 1919.

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

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

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

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

29 APR 2005

U.S. Army World War II Veteran and NY Alpha Brother R. Charles Backus died on this date in Mexico, New York at the age of 84. During WWII he was a cryptographer in the Signal Corps.

He was an owner of the Oswego County Weeklies for over 50 years. He was a nationally known Holstein Auctioneer with R. Austin Backus Inc. He served many years as a delegate of the National Holstein Convention. He was a member of the Holstein Association of New York State and on the national level. He was a member of the Oswego Country Club and The Elms Golf Course.

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

27 APR 2006

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

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

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

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 23 – 29 APR

24 APR 1942

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

27 APR 1964

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

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

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

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

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

29 APR 2005

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

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

27 APR 2006

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

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

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

25 APR 2008

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

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

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

25 APR 2008

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

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

24 APR 2011

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

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

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

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

26 APR 2011

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

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

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

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

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

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

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

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

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE

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

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

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

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

Brothers,

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

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.