This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 17 – 23 DEC

Brothers,

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

19 DEC 1917

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

22 DEC 1944

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

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

20 DEC 1968

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New Journal is Here

The Latest issue of the SigEp Journal is here.

This issue is dedicated to all the SigEps who have served in the Armed Forces over the years since the fraternity was founded. (I am proud to be in that number.)

There is also a nice two page spread on the LinkedIn SigEp group and how it is helping brothers to network and find professional opportunities.

On technical item. This issue online has active links in the articles so you can jump to the referenced web page or article directly from the reader.

Open publication - Free publishing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


JUNE LOSSES TO THE ROLL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

This Week in the History of SigEp Patriots, 22 – 28 MAY

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heros never dies.
~Moina Michael, 1915

LET US NEVER FORGET
As we prepare for our three day weekend, it is very important to remember why we have this holiday.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 05 MAY 1868 by General John Logan, U.S. Army, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 MAY 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

While few of us can travel to Arlington, all of us can find a cemetery near our homes to honor the men and women who served our country, some making the ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, Each American can also show their respect through the National Moment of Remembrance. The resolution passed in December 2000 asks that at 3pm local time, all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps.”
http://www.usmemorialday.org/Speeches/President/may0200.txt

OUR BROTHER HEROS

28 MAY 1917
On this day, WWI Veteran and Ace Fighter Pilot / Brother / Major James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service (NY Beta / Cornell), having dropped out of Cornell, enlisted in the Army Signal Service (the branch of the Army then tasked with flying) as a Private First Class.

23 MAY 1934
Brother / First Lieutenant David Carpenter, U.S. Army Reserve (VT Alpha / Norwich University ’57) was born on this day in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Needham High School in Massachusetts, and received a degree in business administration from Norwich University.

27 MAY 1943
Vietnam Veteran / Brother George Dunmore Hovey was born on this day in Hickory, North Carolina. While his branch of service is unknown, Brother Hovey served from 1966 to 1968.

23 MAY 1944
Brother / First Lieutenant James Walter Swan, U.S. Army – Korean (ID Alpha / Idaho State University) was born on this day in Caldwell, Idaho. He graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. At that time Jim was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the ISU ski team.

After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a First Lieutenant in Texas and then in Korea on the DMZ. At that time he was responsible for an orphanage about which he was passionate. He strived every day to ensure the best of care for the children.

Less than a year ago, Brother Swan, 66, passed away on 08 SEP 2010, and he was interned with military honors at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.

28 MAY 2005
On this day, WWII Veteran / Brother George “Scotty” Clark, U.S. Army Signal Corps (IL Alpha / University of Illinois) passed away. The first lines of Brother Clark’s obituary read as such, “Clark, George "Scotty" 89, a 52 year resident of Elmhurst, passed away 28 MAY 2005, at Elmhurst Extended Care. He was born 19 JUL 1915, in Chicago, to Robert A. and Esther Clark. He graduated from Austin High School and attended the University of Illinois, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.” Scotty is interned at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

I don’t know about you, but I believe it displays a great deal of respect and love that Scotty would put SigEp in the third line of his obituary. He and his service to our country deserve an even greater degree of respect.

DEPLOYING SOON
Brother / Second Lieutenant Adam Wilson, U.S. Army (CA Theta / California State University, Sacramento ‘10) is preparing to deploy overseas. Best of luck, Adam! Let us know if you need anything.

WELCOME HOME, Brothers!
On Sunday, Afghanistan Veteran / Brother / Captain Mike Tregle, U.S. Army (LA Gamma / Loyola University) arrived back home from his second tour in Afghanistan. At the conclusion of his tour, Brother Tregle was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Another Afghan Veteran is nearly home. At the time of this posting, Brother / First Lieutenant Roger Foley, U.S. Army (FL Beta / Stetson University ’07) is working his way back to the States with his own Bronze Star Medal for his work with and training of Afghan police officers.

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations twice over are due to Brother / Captain Scott Rubenstein, U.S. Air Force (FL Gamma / University of Miami ‘05). Last Saturday, Scott was promoted to his current rank, and the day he got married! All the best to you and Melissa, Captain.

COMMISSIONS
Along with graduation, the Class of 2011 has additional military commissions to celebrate including:

Brother / Ensign Dan Bandong, U.S. Navy (DC Alpha / George Washington University ’11)
Brother / Ensign Patrick Dees, U.S. Navy (DC Alpha / George Washington University ’11)
Brother / Second Lieutenant Christopher Helali, U.S. Army (Cal Beta Beta / University of San Diego ’11)
Brother / Ensign John McSorley, U.S. Navy (CA Beta Beta / University of San Diego ’11)
Brother / Second Lieutenant Richard Stromberg, U.S. Army (KS Beta / Kansas State University ’11)

Congratulations and best of luck, Brothers!

FUTURE MARINE OFFICERS
Brothers Tyler Sweet (CA Omega / California State University, Fullerton ‘12) and Brentt Mcgee (KY Epsilon / Murray State University ’13) begin Marine Corps OCS at Quantico today via the PLC Program. As Tyler said, they will have six weeks of “fun” this summer, and then do another six weeks next summer to complete the program and get their commissions. Best of luck, Brothers!

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT and SIGEPS WHO SERVE
At the time of this submission, SigEps Who Serve (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_5903232706) – the Facebook presence for the SigEp Patriots Project – has 293 brothers. If you are a brother who serves/served in the U.S. military or you know of one please drop me an email.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

This Week in the History of SigEp Patriots, 15-21 MAY

LET US NOT FORGET
At least eight brothers are currently serving in harm’s way overseas and others continue to get the call. All of them need our diligent support. While some brothers are in sensitive locations, others can receive mail. If you are interested in contacting a deployed brother and providing support just give me a call.

With that, it is a great pleasure to welcome home recent returnees from the U.S. Central Command theater of operations Brother / Corporal Mike Woodall, U.S. Marine Corps (OH Kappa / Bowling Green State University) and Brother / Captain Adrian Montague, U.S. Army (TN Kappa / University of Tennessee at Martin ’04). Meanwhile, Brother Mike Tregle, U.S. Army (LA Gamma / Loyola University ’01) is nearly back in the States.

15 MAY 1918
On this day, the French government showed their appreciation and recognized the bravery of WWI Veteran / Brother / Major James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service (NY Beta / Cornell) when they awarded him the Croix de Guerre – their medal for bravery.

21 MAY 1926
WWII Veteran/Brother/Sergeant George Edward "Geo" Canney, U.S. Army (VT Alpha / Norwich University) was born on this day.

17 MAY 1929
Vietnam Veteran / Brother / Three-time Bronze Star Recipient / Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Munsell, U.S. Army (Armor) and Vermont Army National Guard (retired) (VT Alpha / Norwich University ’54) was born in Cleveland, OH on this day.

16 MAY 1931
On this day, Brother Edgar Jackson “Jack” Venable, U.S. Army (NC Eta / High Point College ’53) was born.

15 MAY 1970
WWII Veteran / Vietnam Veteran / Renaissance Brother / Admiral Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr., U.S. Navy was relieved as Commander Naval Forces, Vietnam on this day in preparation of his assignment as Chief of Naval Operations.

20 MAY 2005
At the age of 82, WWII Veteran of D-Day and Omaha Beach / Bronze Star Recipient / Brother Robert L. Snowberger, U.S. Army (DE Alpha / University of Delaware) died at his home after a long illness.

19 MAY 2010
Two SigEp Patriot Brothers died on this day a year ago. WWII Veteran / Brother / 1Lt Douglas L. Pearce, U.S. Army Air Corps (CO Delta / Colorado School of Mines ’42, and Brother James R. Roth, U.S. Army Reserve (KS Epsilon / Emporia State University ’63).

20 MAY 2010
At the age of 90, WWII Veteran / Purple Heart Recipient / Brother John Howard Lawrence, U.S. Navy (VA Epsilon / Washington & Lee ’42), a veteran of the pacific campaigns at Tarawa, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima, died on this day.

RECENT LOSSES IN THE RANKS
The SigEp Patriots Project wants to send condolences to the families and friends of the five brother patriots who recently passed away:

21 APR 2011
WWII Veteran / Brother Charles Taylor Foley, U.S. Navy (NC Delta / University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill ’50)

24 APR 2011
Korean War Veteran / Brother / First Lieutenant Robert Kinsman Horne, U.S. Army (VT Alpha / Norwich University ’53)

26 APR 2011
WWII Veteran / Brother / Flight Surgeon Richard Elwood Nitschke, U.S. Army Air Corps (NC Gamma / Duke University) and Brother Thomas M. Hamilton, U.S. Air Force (IA Delta / Drake University).

10 MAY 2011
WWII Veteran / Korean War Veteran / Brother / Doctor John Russell Carney, U.S. Army (WWII) and Captain, U.S. Air Force (Korean War) (CO Gamma / Colorado State University).

A FEW STATS
To date, the SigEp Patriots Project has 235 pages of information about SigEps who serve/served our great nation. While no SigEp has been awarded the Medal of Honor, four Army Distinguished Service Crosses have been awarded to brothers, as well as one Navy Cross, six Silver Stars, 28 Bronze Stars (five for Valor) and 10 Purple Hearts. I am sure there is more out there, and I hope you will share a few things from your military service.

LOTS OF GREAT WARRIOR NEWS
Today is a big day for several SigEp Patriots. Brother Ted Slusher, NC Mu / Elon University ’11 will be commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, and Brothers Nate Cross, NY Lambda / Canisius College ’11 and Maurice “Mo” Cooper, NY Lambda / Canisius College ’11 will be commissioned Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Best of luck in your new careers!

Brother Mike Pullen, Va Pi / Christopher Newport University '07 reported on Facebook yesterday that he is now a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy! Mike has been very busy and multiple congrats are due to him since he got married 02 APR, he bought a new house, and he graduates from medical school tomorrow.

We can’t print the exact announcement from Facebook, but we are very please to pass to you here that Brother John Rushing, U.S. Army (NY Chi / Clarkson University) has survived the rigorous selection process and has been chosen for Special Forces / Green Beret training! Way to go, John!

Congratulations to Brother Brent Crosner, U.S. Army (WV Delta / Davis & Elkins College ’06) on his recent engagement to Erin Kittleberger.

Brother Kolby Bissell, U.S. Army (IL Eta / Southern Illinois University – Evansville ‘09) reports from the sandbox that he is now a First Lieutenant! Stay safe on deployment, LT and get back home!

Brother Sam Curtis, U.S. Army VA National Guard (VA Beta / Virginia Commonwealth University ’14) began his basic training with the National Guard on Monday, and directly after that he will be going to AIT for field artillery. He will be back on September 5th, and I am sure he would appreciate any support you send him.

Brother / Drill Sergeant Liam Engle (a proud fellow NY Eta brother from Buffalo State College) honorably separated from the active duty Army last Thursday. Thank you for your service, Liam.

Congrats to Brothers now Lieutenant Junior Grade Mario Bencivenga (CT Epsilon / Quinnipiac University ‘09) and Ensign Steven Whelpley, U.S. Navy (VA Pi / Christopher Newport University ‘07) on their graduation from Officer Development School.

Late congrats are going out to Brothers TJ Tebbe, U.S. Army IL National Guard (IL Nu / Eastern Illinois University ‘08) and Brian Bierwirth, U.S. Army (NY Chi / Clarkson University ‘10) on their completion of the U.S. Army Field Artillery Basic Officer Leaders Course. TJ headed back to Illinois, and Brian is been tapped for some additional work with the Army. Also, in late April, Brother Eric Mui, U.S. Marine Corps (NJ Alpha / Stevens Institute of Technology) learned he had been selected for promotion to Captain and will pin on his new rank in October.

FROM THE HOME OFFICE
Greetings from Washington, DC. It has been a while since a rendition of “This Week in the History of SigEp Patriots” has been posted on SigEpblog.org. Quite a bit has been going on including a 35 day flu/bronchitis period, and while I promised I would always do my best by this project, sometimes something has to give. I appreciate your patience and keep sending those news items!

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

Two Weeks in the History of Sigma Phi Epsilon Patriots, 31 JAN – 13 FEB

Life gets a little busy sometimes, so this is a two week version.

04 FEB 1929
Brother Kenneth W. Drager, U.S. Air Force (Colorado Alpha / University of Colorado ’51) was born on this day in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Brother Drager graduated from UC with his degree in journalism prior to joining the Air Force.

At the moment, that is all I have and I look forward to hearing from anyone that has information about Brother Drager and/or his military service.

01 FEB 1951
This marks the day the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of WWI Veteran / Ambassador / Brother / First Lieutenant Monnett Bain Davis, U.S. Army (Kansas Alpha / Baker University) as Ambassador to Israel. Brother Davis would serve in this capacity until his death in DEC 1953.

During World War I, Brother Davis served in Europe in the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) of the U.S. Army.

03 FEB 2004
Korean War Veteran / Brother Roger William Fisher, U.S. Navy (Maine Alpha / University of Maine ’58) of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada died on this day at the age of 72.

Prior to attending UM and earning a B.A. in business economics, Brother Fisher served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, some of that time onboard the USS Newport News (CA-148). He was employed as a U.S. Customs Officer in Vanceboro, Maine, from 1963 until 1990. He enjoyed gardening, bee keeping, hunting, fishing, golf, and spending time at his camp. He was a member of the American Legion, Masons, and Elks. He is survived by two children and three grandchildren.

09 FEB 2007
On this day, Vietnam Veteran / Brother / Captain Bruce Edward Crowe, U.S. Marine Corps – Vietnam (TN Gamma / East Tennessee State University) (he graduated from University of Tennessee) passed away at his West Knoxville home with his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Bruce attended East Tennessee State University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, graduated from The University of Tennessee and later earned a master’s degree from Tennessee Tech University. Captain Crowe was the recipient of two Purple Hearts during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He later became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Masons. Brother Crowe was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors in Section 66, Site 7578).

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

13 FEB 2010
Brother / Captain Robert Urbana, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired) (Colorado Beta / University of Denver ’52) passed away last year tomorrow at the age of 80. Brother Urbana was born in Denver on 25 JAN 1930. Bob joined the 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 navy commission. During his brief active duty career, Brother Urbana served as executive officer on the USS Koka (ATA-185) before leaving active duty in 1955. He continued his naval career as a reservist in Boise, Idaho. In his civilian life, he was successful businesses in Boise and later in Portland, Oregon – the later company expanded in to Seattle. Bob's passion was the Navy. As a reservist he completed the Armed Forces Staff College, the Naval War College and was a member of the U.S. Naval Advancement Board. Brother Urbana commanded units in Boise, Longview, Washington and Salem. He finished his naval career as the Recruiting District Assistance Council Officer for Oregon, retiring in 1978 after 31 years of service. Bob instilled his love of the Navy in the next generations. He had the privilege of swearing in his grandson, Alexander, into the U.S. Navy in 1999. Bob was a Sigma Phi Epsilon. He was a member and past president of the Portland Navy League and served on the Rose Festival Naval committee. At various times in his life he belonged to the Kiwanis, Lions and Rotarians and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bob was a deeply spiritual man. His faith sustained him and gave him strength, hope, peace and comfort, especially in the last days of his life. He was an exemplary role model to his family and to all who knew him. He was a man of honor, courage and commitment. He believed that it was by God's grace he had the life he did, that honor inspires courage and with courage comes commitment to follow through with love, kindness and compassion, doing the right thing at all times.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances to Disabled Veterans of America or to a charity of your choice.

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that World War II veterans were dying at a rate of more than 1,000 a day. Something needs to be done to capture the stories and legacy of the brothers among this group as well as other patriots.

The three pieces immediately above are all obituaries, and the only information I could find so far on these great men. If you have any additional information about Brothers Fisher, Crowe or Urbana it would be great to hear from you.

Welcome Home, Patriot Brothers!
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veterans / Brother / Captain Nate Davis, U.S. Army (Florida Beta / Stetson ’07) and Brother / Captain Jeff Lehmkuhl, U.S. Air Force (California Upsilon / California State University, San Bernardino ’05) have returned to the States very recently after successful tours in Afghanistan! It’s great to have you both back home safe.

Also, due to OPSEC considerations we won’t list their names here, but a huge shout out to three military brothers who are home temporarily while on mid-deployment leave. Have a great time, and if you are visiting Washington, DC remember the door is red here. Continued success when you return to the desert, stay safe, and get home again soon!

Movers and Shakers
Congratulations are in order for Brother / First Sergeant Wendell Thompson, U.S. Army (AL Theta / Jacksonville State University ’91) who was promoted to his current rank this week. Hooyah, Brother!

Last week, Brother / First Lieutenant Doug Allen, U.S. Air Force (New York Chi / Clarkson University) recently completed T-6 training and Brother / Second Lieutenant Grant Milbourn, U.S. Air Force (Oklahoma Alpha / Oklahoma State ‘10) successfully completed the T-6 simulator, and is preparing for his instrument check-ride and formation. Keeping aiming high, Brothers!

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
Chief, USNR
NY Eta '91
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

This Week in the History of Sigma Phi Epsilon Patriots, 17 - 23 January

"Let the record be made of the men and things of to-day, lest they pass out of memory to-morrow and are lost. Then perpetuate them not upon wood or stone that crumble to dust, but upon paper, chronicled in picture and in words that endure forever." --Kirkland

1898
22 JAN
On this day, WWI Veteran / Judge / Brother Adolph Eilert Wenke, U.S. Army (school affiliation unknown) was born in Pender, Thurston County, Nebraska. Little is known about Brother Wenke’s military service except that he served in the U.S. Army during World War I. If you have any information regarding this SigEp patriot I look forward to hearing from you.

1922
21 JAN
On this day, World War I Ace/ Brother / Major James “Jimmie” Armand Meissner, U.S. Army – Air Service (NY Beta) and other members of the “flying club” finally overcame all of the setbacks when officials in the War Department organized the 135th Observation Squadron, and allotted it to the state of Alabama. Placing the unit under the command of Major Meissner, the new observation squadron became the very first Air National Guard Unit in the state of Alabama and only the seventh such unit in the United States. (See the previous version for more information about Brother Meissner.)

Correction of last week’s entry regarding Brother Meissner: Jimmie Meissner is regarded by many as the father of the Alabama Air National Guard. The word “father” was inadvertently left out.

1961
20 JAN
This day marks the last day of service of WWII Veteran / Congressman / Brother / Major Herbert Birchby Warburton, U.S. Army (DE Alpha / University of Delaware ’38) as general counsel, Post Office Department (07 NOV 1957 to 20 JAN 1961).

Brother Warburton was in ROTC at University of Delaware and commissioned a second lieutenant, and then began active Army duty as a first lieutenant of the 122nd Antiaircraft Battalion in SEP 1941. Subsequently, 1LT Warburton graduated from Command and General Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in SEP 1945, and became battalion commander the next month. In DEC 1945, he was relieved from active duty as a Major.

2002
21 JAN
WWII Veteran / Governor / Brother John Arthur Love, U.S. Navy – pilot (CO Beta / University of Denver ’38) died on this day in Denver, Colorado. He was 85 years old.

In addition to his bachelor of arts degree, during his time at University of Denver Brother Love was editor of the student newspaper, The Clarion, during his senior year, and he was also elected president of the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Press Association. World War II would interrupt his civilian career.

While very little is posted in the public record about his military service, Brother Love was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice during his service to his country. When the war was over, Brother Love returned to Colorado Springs and began a law practice.

Brother Love had a long and distinguished career of service to the people of Colorado. In 1960 he was a member of the Colorado Republican State Central Committee, and in 1963 he began 10 years of service as the 36th Governor of the State of Colorado.

If it wasn’t for some dogged determination and a lost bid for office, Brother Love may have never became Governor of Colorado. In 1962, when John decided to run for an office, his bid to become El Paso County Republican Chair failed by one vote. Shortly after this unsuccessful attempt, he decided to run for governor so that he could at least make his name more well-known in the political arena. “Surprisingly (these words are from his online bio), he won the primary battle against the longtime legislator and Speaker of the House, David Hamil.” At this time in state politics, Coloradans were looking for a change in their leadership. In addition to being a moderate Republican, Brother Love had no particular cause or agenda to promote, and while he was new in politics, he had no past record to defend and, as yet, few enemies. This gained him broad based support, and he beat the incumbent, Stephen McNichols to become the first Colorado governor to be elected to three terms.

(From L to R, President Nixon, Secretary of Defense Laird and Brother John A Love in the Oval Office, 24 NOV 1973)

In 1973, Governor Love resigned his position to become the nation's first Director of the Office of Energy Policy (nicknamed the "Energy Czar") in the administration of President Richard M. Nixon, but resigned this post after five months due to much political bickering and feeling like he did not have enough to do. The upheaval of the Watergate scandal and the subsequent resignation of Nixon possibly influenced his decision to return to the private sector where he took a position on the board of directors for the concrete and potash maker, Ideal Basic Industries. He would later become the CEO of the firm while remaining counsel to the Denver law firm of Davis, Graham & Stubbs, and in addition taught history at the University of Northern Colorado.

In addition to Sigma Phi Epsilon, his associations include the American Bar Association, Rotary, American Legion and Omicron Delta Kappa.

Brother Love was cremated and the location of his ashes is unknown.

2008
22 JAN
Iraq War Veteran / Brother / Staff Sergeant Jonathan Kilian Dozier, U.S. Army (TN Theta / Middle Tennessee State University) was laid to rest on this day with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 60 Site 8727.

Last year, three NC Delta SigEp Patriots died within days of each other, two on the same day.

2010
17 JAN
WW II Veteran / Brother P. Adger Williams, U.S. Merchant Marines & U.S. Army (NC Delta / University of North Carolina ’51) died on this day at the age of 81 in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Following high school, he joined the Merchant Marines and then served in the Army in WWII. At UNC, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon. Brother Williams retired as senior vice president and actuary for Travelers Insurance Co. He also served as president of the American Academy of Actuaries.

2010
23 JAN
WWII Veteran / Brother Samuel Mallette Gattis III , U.S. Marine Corps (NC Delta / University of North Carolina ’50) of Hillsborough, North Carolina died on this day at the age of 84. Brother Gattis retired after a long career as the first county manager of Orange County. He was named North Carolina Manage of the Year.

Vietnam War Veteran / Brother / Major Robert Monroe McWhorter, U.S. Army (Retired) (NC Delta / University of North Carolina ’65) passed away in Summerfield, Florida at the age of 71. In his military career, he was a paratrooper and a weapons system operator. He completed 137 combat missions in Southeast Asia. He belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon and AFROTC at UNC. After retiring from the U.S. Army with the rank of Major, Brother McWhorter worked in the banking industry.

Information as to where respects can be paid to these dedicated patriots was not found, and if you have any such information a comment on this blog would be greatly appreciated.

Good News Item!
SigEps Who Serve recently learned that congratulations are in order for Brother Chris Costello, U.S. Army National Guard (VA Beta / Virginia Commonwealth University) who was just promoted to Private First Class. Chris reports that he spends each drill weekend with a Recruit Sustainable Program where he assists with the presentation of training classes for new privates as they prepare for basic training. Keep leading from the front PFC Costello!

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

Still looking for you!
The SigEps Who Serve group on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5903232706) is open to and comprised of ONLY SigEp patriots who serve or have served in the U.S. military. Brothers-in-Arms from all the services are welcome whether they are currently in ROTC, Reserve, Active, Retired, National Guard or have left the service