This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 20 – 26 MAY

“Now do your duty. Your officers cannot have entire command over you now. Each man must do all in his power for his country.” ~ Captain Isaac Hull, Commanding Officer, USS Constitution at the beginning of the battle with HMS Guerriere, the War of 1812

Brothers,

22 MAY 1949

On this date, World War I Veteran, Secretary of the Navy, first Secretary of Defense and NH Alpha Brother Lieutenant James Vincent Forrestal, U.S. Navy Reserve died in Bethesda, Maryland. When the U.S. entered World War I, Brother Forrestal enlisted in the United States Navy as a Seaman Second Class on 02 JUN 1917. After flight training, he was commissioned an Ensign, Naval Reserve Flying Corps at Boston, Massachusetts, and he gained his wings of gold before the year was out. He served until late 1919 when he was discharged with the rank of Lieutenant.

James was born in 1892 in Matteawan (now Beacon), New York. After graduating from high school, he worked for three years on local newspapers in New York before entering Dartmouth College in 1911 where he became a Brother of SigEp. The following year he transferred to Princeton University, however he left school in his senior year prior to completing work on this degree.

During World War II, Brother Forrestal held several government jobs, and was appointed Secretary of the Navy on 19 MAY 1944. He participated prominently in the development of the National Security Act of 1947, and went on to become the first Secretary of Defense upon the creation of that position.

James Forrestal is the second SigEp to have a U.S. Navy ship named after him, and I proudly served on that ship. The aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59), the first U.S. super-carrier, was affectionately referred to as the “FID,” recognizing the ships motto “First in Defense.”

President Truman and 2,500 guests attended the ceremony where Brother Forrestal was laid to rest with full military honors. Honorary pallbearers at his funeral included Herbert Hoover, former President of the United States; Fred M. Vinson, Chief Justice of the United States; General of the Army George C. Marshall, former Secretary of State and former Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, and General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Respect can be paid to Brother Forrestal in Section 30, Site 674 SH at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

22 MAY 1970

AR Beta Brothers Gregory Felling and Jack Elwin Helms were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army at their graduation on this date.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 29 April – 05 May

Brothers,

02 MAY 1918

On this date, NY Beta Brother (then) First Lieutenant James “Jimmy” Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service won his first aerial engagement while flying a French-made Nieuport 28 about three miles above Foret De La Rappe, France. Jimmy would go on to become an American Ace during WWI and attain the rank of Major.

For his service on this date, Brother Meissner was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in accordance with General Order 121, W.D., 1918,

“The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James A. Meissner, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the Toul Sector on 02 MAY 1918. First Lieutenant Meissner attacked three enemy planes at an altitude of 4,800 meters over the Foret De La Rappe, France. After a short fight he brought down one of the machines in flames. During the combat the entering wedge and the covering of the upper wings of his plane were torn away and after the battle he was subjected to heavy fire from antiaircraft batteries, but by skillful operation and cool judgment he succeeded in making a landing within the American lines.”

04 MAY 1925

Born in Ontario, Canada, World War I Veteran and Renaissance Brother Captain James Naismith, U.S. Army National Guard (Kansas) became a naturalized U.S. citizen on this date.

01 MAY 1942

MT Alpha Brother John Woodrow Bonner entered the U.S. Army on this date and served during World War II.

01 MAY 1956

On this date, World War II Veteran and VA Zeta Brother General Robert Jefferson Wood, U.S. Army became commanding general of Fort Bliss and commandant of the Antiaircraft Artillery and Guided Missile School. Brother Wood was presented with the SigEp Citation in 1967.

02 MAY 1998

FL Theta Brother Christopher Sacra began his patriotic service in the U.S. Navy on this date.

01 MAY 1999

On this date, TN Theta Brother Kenneth Michael Ballard began his patriotic service in the U.S. Army. He would serve until 30 MAY 2004 when, while serving as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he was killed in Najaf, Iraq.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 01 – 07 April

06 APR 1945
For his actions on this date while serving in Germany, U.S. Army D-Day World War II Veteran DE Alpha Brother Robert L. Snowberger was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action against an "out numbering enemy force."

01 APR 1952

For his actions on this date over Korea, Korean War Veteran and Ace, SigEp Citation Recipient and IN Alpha Brother Captain Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. On 04 JUN 1952, Headquarters, Far East Asia Forces issued General Order Number 272:

“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 09 JUL 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Iven C. Kincheloe, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as pilot, 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 01 APR 1952. While leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft, Captain Kincheloe encountered sixteen enemy aircraft attempting to intercept friendly fighter-bombers, Captain Kincheloe quickly broke his flight into elements to engage the enemy, and boldly attacked although greatly outnumbered. He pressed attacks against two of the enemy, completely disregarding efforts of other aircraft to deter him. Displaying unusual aggressiveness, Captain Kincheloe severely damaged the aircraft of the enemy flight leader, forcing him to eject himself, and despite heavy damage to his own aircraft, attacked another and destroyed it completely. Captain Kincheloe's destruction of the two aircraft effectively broke up the enemy force and prevented their attack on the friendly fighter-bombers. Through his personal courage, outstanding airmanship, and devotion to duty, Captain Kincheloe reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.”

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 17 - 23 SEP

Brothers,

In a week that saw the anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force, 9/11 and the 34^th observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the following words remain true and a concern of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) serving to motivate and inspire us every day.

“We who have a deep concern for our Fraternity chapter are vitally conscious of the importance of its history. History is tradition and if we are wise, we seek guidance and discipline in tradition. But we observe sadly that events of importance, here today, have a way of becoming lost very quickly in the dim yesterdays. And if we are to make use of our history we cannot be satisfied to let significant events remain buried.”

~ Brother Pedro Campa, Illinois; from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Journal, Volume 67, Number 4, published May 1970



NH Alpha Brother
James Vincent Forrestal



17 SEP 1947

President Truman selected World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Lieutenant James Vincent Forrestal, U.S. Navy Reserve to be the first secretary of defense and he was sworn in on this date. During the same week three years later, a bronze bust of Brother Forrestal was unveiled at the Mall entrance to the Pentagon (22 SEP 1950).

22 SEP 1995

On this date, AZ Beta Brother (then) Captain Alan Mark “Vodka” Gemmill, U.S. Navy completed his tour as Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) after serving since 20 MAR 1993.

20 SEP 2008

Operation DESERT STORM Veteran MO Lambda Brother Jay Scott Danner, U.S. Air National Guard (Missouri) died on this date at St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 43.

Scott was born 25 OCT 1964 in Maryville, Missouri, and was a 1984 graduate of Maryville High School. He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1988 with a BS degree in Business Administration. Brother Danner served in the Missouri Air National Guard and was a veteran of Desert Storm. He worked for Philip Morris USA for 19 years and his final job was as a Unit Manager.

Respect can be paid to Brother Danner at Prairie Home Cemetery, Graham, MO. While gone, SPP pledges that Scott and his patriotic service will always be remembered.

19 SEP 2009

U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and CO Delta Brother Theodore “Ted” Louis Goudvis died on this date in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Born in 1918, Ted grew up near New York City. He graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a professional degree in mining engineering.

During World War II Ted was a Navy “Seabee” (Construction Battalion) and served in France and the Philippines. After the war, he and a college friend started a small business in northern Ohio manufacturing concrete products. He visited and fell in love with Aspen, Colo., in the 1960s, and built a house there when he retired in 1980. Ted was an avid hiker, skier and nature lover.

At this time, SPP does not know Ted’s final resting place, but we hope you will write if you have that information. In the meantime, SPP will keep looking, and pledges that Ted and his military service are always remembered.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 05 – 11 MAR

Brothers,

We keep being asked, so we will repeat it again. For more than 10 years, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) has had several goals, and one of the most important goals is to honor and remember the service, accomplishments and sacrifices of brothers who serve our family, friends and fellow brothers while defending the freedoms we enjoy in this great Nation. At the moment, while the American public has the macro view of the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, several SigEp Patriots are training to deploy to Afghanistan in the near future. In addition, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has stated that more than 1000 World War II Veterans pass away every year, and SPP is concerned that once those brothers are gone their stories are gone with them. We want to capture the stories of all SigEp Patriots.

Feel free to keep the questions coming.

08 MAR 1918
On this date, NY Beta Brother and U.S. Army Lieutenant James “Jimmy” Armand Meissner, reported to Major John Huffner, commander of the 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 in WWI. 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, attain the rank of Major, and found the Alabama Air National Guard.

07 MAR 1925
World War II Veteran and DE Alpha Brother Pharmacist Mate Second Class Donald Lee Huston, U.S. Navy was born on this date.

05 MAR 1933
On this date, OH Alpha Brother and Second Lieutenant Emil Eugene "Skip" Chiles Jr., U.S. Air Force was born in Lima, Ohio.

11 MAR 1949
U.S. Navy World War I Veteran, World War II Army Veteran, KS Gamma Renaissance Brother and Brigadier General Arthur E. Stoddard, U.S. Army Reserve was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General on this date.

10 MAR 1978
World War II Veteran and IN Alpha Brother Brigadier General Marion Charles Smith, U.S. Air Force (Retired) died on this date.

Marion was born in Kansas City, Kansas in 1909. After a year at the University of Kansas he transferred to Purdue University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1931. At Purdue he was active in the Purdue Band, Symphony Orchestra, debating and dramatics.

When he was commissioned a first lieutenant in APR 1942 at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Macon, GA it was the beginning of a long and successful career. Within months his unit proceeded to England, and by DEC Brother Smith was in North Africa where he held various assignments supporting combat aircraft in the North Africa Theatre. During this period he was promoted to captain and major.

In APR 1943, Major Smith was assigned as assistant chief of staff, personnel to a special task group which was formed to take part in the invasion of the Mediterranean Island of Pantelleria and command the allied garrison. When the group was inactivated in SEP 1943, Major Smith was then assigned as the wing adjutant and assistant chief of staff, personnel in the 42nd Bomb Wing in North Africa. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel and appointed as the wing executive officer and served with the bomb wing in North Africa, Sardinia, Corsica and France until the end of World War II.

In August 1946, he returned from overseas duty and was assigned to the War Department General Staff in the Plans and Operations Division. In this assignment, he was in charge of War Department activities in the establishment and operation of U.S. Latin and South America Army and Air Force missions.

Lieutenant Colonel Smith was assigned to the Pentagon in 1949 where he became the deputy chief of the Operational Plans Branch. In the spring of 1950 he was assigned as executive officer to the Air Force vice chief of staff and was promoted to colonel in JUL 1950.

Brother Smith left the Pentagon and served for almost five years in Europe in various positions at U.S. and NATO commands before returning to the U.S. in the summer of 1955. After successfully completing the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Marion served for several years at Air Materiel Command and then returned to the Pentagon. In 1960, he became the director of procurement and production, and was promoted to brigadier general in MAY 1961.
Brigadier General Smith retired 30 NOV 1964.

Respect can be paid to Brother Smith in Section 60, Site 4904, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

05 MAR 2003
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and TN Alpha Brother James Thomas “Jim” Brantley died on this date in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, and served as a Navy Corpsman during World War II.

Jim was a retired supervisor with ConAgra of Knoxville, TN, and a member of the Coffee County Esquire Association, Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association, Manchester Lions Club, and the American Legion Gold Star Post 78.

Respect can be paid to Brother Brantley at the Robinson Cemetery in Loudon County.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran, Korean War Veteran and PA Eta Brother Colonel Paul Joseph Scally, U.S Air Force (Retired) passed away in Sterling, Virginia on 25 FEB. Paul’s family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 327, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Brother Scally. The SigEp Patriots Project pledges that their service to the Nation will never be forgotten.

CELEBRATIONS!
* Welcome home from Afghanistan, SigEp Patriots! U.S. Army Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and VA Zeta Brother Tom Kelly just returned to the States after a successful deployment, and CA Upsilon Brother and fellow Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran Major Mason Moore, U.S. Army is back after completing a one-year deployment. Thank you for your service, Brothers!

* Congratulations to CA Theta Brother and California National Guardsman Frank Beardsley and his fiancée Allysa on the birth of their son Mason Tucker Beardsley on 06 MAR.

SPP LEADERSHIP
* There are now 21 chapter points of contact (POC) as SPP welcomes NY Chi Brother Captain Bill Toft, U.S. Army as the NY Chi POC. Thanks for your leadership and commitment!

Others interested in serving as POCs can write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

Correction: In the previous edition, Brother Max Witkowski was listed incorrectly as the WI Beta POC. He is in fact serving as the WI Zeta POC for SPP, and is the former WI Zeta Chapter President.

SPP NUMBERS
* 1,191! SPP now has the names and information of nearly 1,200 SigEp Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military, and we look forward to hearing from you!

* 444! With the addition of the following four SigEp Patriots, the membership of the official SPP Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – now numbers 444:
Marine Corps Veteran and NY Epsilon Brother Ron Sigeti, NJ Zeta Brother and New Jersey National Guard solder Rich Schmidt, WI Zeta Brother and Army ROTC Cadet Joel Meller, and AL National Guardsman and AL Theta Brother Josh Sims.

Welcome Brothers!

To join the group, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join our listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. 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, 30 JAN – 05 FEB

“If all the world were just, there would be no need of valor.” ~ Plutarch, Greek Biographer and Author

30 JAN 1925
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran, Computer Pioneer and Inventor of the Computer Mouse, SigEp Citation Recipient and OR Alpha Brother Dr. Douglas Carl Engelbart was born on this date in Portland, Oregon.

04 FEB 1929
U.S. Air Force Veteran and CO Alpha Brother Kenneth W. Drager was born on this date in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

01 FEB 1951
On this date, World War I Veteran, U.S. Ambassador and KS Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Monnett Bain Davis, U.S. Army / American Expeditionary Force was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

02 FEB 1969
Vietnam War Veteran and POW, SigEp Citation Recipient and KS Beta Brother Brigadier General James Downs Latham, U.S. Air Force (Retired) was commissioned a second lieutenant on this date.

03 FEB 2004
U.S. Navy Korean War Veteran ME Alpha Brother Roger William Fisher, died on this date in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada at the age of 72. Brother Fisher was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Navy from 1951 until 1955, some of that time on the USS Newport News. He was employed as a U.S. customs officer in Vanceboro, Maine, from 1963 until 1990. He was a member of the American Legion, Masons, and Elks.

30 JAN 2009
On this date, World War II Veteran and VA Alpha Brother Pharmacist Mate Third Class Dr. Ota Treville “O.T.” Graham, Jr, U.S. Navy died in Richmond, VA after a lengthy illness. Brother Graham 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.

O.T. returned to Richmond in the fall of 1946, and entered the University of Virginia and 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. Brother Graham was an active member of the MCV Alumni Association, and served as its president for two years. He was a member of The Richmond Academy of Medicine, Medical Society of Virginia, and the Sons of the American Revolution.

04 FEB 2011
World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Sergeant George Edward "Geo" Canney, U.S. Army died on this date at the age of 84 in Rutland, VT. Brother Canney was born on 21 MAY 1926, in Rutland, VT, and graduated from high school in 1944 before enlisting in the Army. After his discharge in 1946 he attended Norwich University.

Geo worked as a disc jockey and commentator at WHWB radio station for many years. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service at Metromail Inc. for several years. He was an active member of the American Postal Workers Union. He also spent many hours with his friends at the Carriage Room, Two Sheas, Magoo's and the American Legion Post 31.

Respect can be paid to Brother Canney at Calvary Cemetery in Rutland.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran NY Delta Founding Father Byron Davega Forster passed away 04 JAN in Dallas, TX.
* Vietnam War Veteran, First National SigEp Alumni Chairman, Founder and Past President of the Northern New Jersey Alumni Chapter & District Governor NC Delta Brother Lieutenant Commander Henry John Ouderkirk, U.S. Navy died 11 JAN in Atlanta, GA.
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran WA Alpha Brother Clifford E. Oligher passed away 25 JAN in Davenport, WA.
* U.S. Army World War II and Korean War Veteran WV Beta Brother George D. Siehl II died 27 JAN in Okeechobee, FL.
* U.S. Navy Veteran NE Beta Brother Richard Lear Graham passed away 31 JAN in Omaha, NE.

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

This Week in the History of Sigma Phi Epsilon Patriots, 14 – 20 February

15 FEB 1891
WWI Veteran / Brother / Doctor / Major William Bates, U.S. Army (PA Delta / University of Pennsylvania, 1912) was born on this day. After getting his bachelor’s degree, Brother Bates went on to med school and graduated with his M.D. in 1915. He was a Surgeon/1st Lieutenant in 1916, was ordered to active duty in MAY 1917, and served in France at least until APR 1918. He was discharged as a Major in FEB 1919.

17 FEB 1921
On this date, WWII Veteran / Brother / First Lieutenant Douglas L. Pearce, U.S. Army Air Corps (CO Delta / Colorado School of Mines ’42) was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He graduated with an engineering degree, and soon thereafter enlisted in the Army in Salt Lake City as a 1st Lieutenant, 9th Army Air Force.

In JUN 1943, Brother Pearce was stationed South Dakota until he was sent overseas. He served on active duty until 1946 and in the reserves until 1949.

Gone but not forgotten

14 FEB 2006
On this date, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran / Brother / Lance Corporal Matthew R. Barnes, U.S. Marine Corps (LA Delta / University of Louisiana at Monroe) made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in Qa’im, Iraq. He was 20 years old.

Brother Barnes was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC. He was killed when a suicide car bomb attacked the vehicle he was in. Matthew and another Marine were killed when a bomber rammed their Humvee.

Matthew was a student at the University of Louisiana at Monroe until he joined the Marines in May 2004.

08 FEB 2011
WWII Veteran / Brother / Lieutenant James Owen Simpson, U.S. Army (OH Kappa / Bowling Green State University) of Moultrie, died earlier this month at the age of 84.

A memorial service was held on 12 FEB at Cobb Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be held later this spring at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Brother Simpson was born 06 JUNE 1926, in Akron, Ohio. He was a graduate of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Prior to college he was a lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II. While in college he met his loving wife, Margaret Jane “Peggy” Turner Simpson. Employed by Equifax after college, Jim and Peggy lived in Minnesota, Atlanta, Columbia, S.C., and, finally, Columbus, Ohio, where he was executive sales manager until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement, he was able to achieve his life-long goal of traveling the world, said his family.

Memorial contributions may be to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cobb Funeral Chapel.

Please leave condolences to the family at www.moultrieobserver.com.

Update on Brother Kyle Hicks
Brother Kyle Hicks, U.S. Army (AL Theta / Jacksonville State University ’08) was severely injured on Thanksgiving 2010 while on mid-deployment leave. Kyle underwent surgery on 15 FEB 2011 and his dad reported:
"Kyle came through 4.5 hour surgery and is out like a light thanks to modern pharmacology. Dr Dockery said it went well, and now it is wait-and-see for the results. Kyle is tough and the prayer warriors are pulling him through. Another miracle, God is merciful and gracious. Please continue to pray, it is working. Grace and peace, Bob” Another miracle, God is merciful and gracious. Please continue to pray, it is working. Grace and peace, Bob"

Please keep Brother Hicks and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Congrats!
The SigEp Patriots Project recently learned that Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran / Brother / Captain Nate Davis, U.S. Army (FL Beta / Stetson University ’07) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service” during his recent Afghanistan deployment. Brother Davis “led his Platoon on over 140 Combat Operations to include over 11 Air Assaults and over 18 EOD Escort Operations…in over 11 different Districts in every corner of Khowst Province.” [Taken from the award citation] Well done, Brother!

Mobilization News!
Brother / Lance Corporal Yoni Haim, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (FL Iota / University of South Florida ‘11) told the Marine Corps that he was interested in mobilizing to active duty, and Uncle Sam came a calling on Valentine’s Day! I am guessing he didn’t get flowers or chocolate with that gift. Train hard and stay safe on your deployment, Brother.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
NY Eta / Chief, US Navy
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

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