This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 16 – 22 SEP

Brothers,
[Reminder: To see the complete work including pictures, go to www.sigepblog.org.]

“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

Even though today is the day after POW/MIA Remembrance Day, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) believes it is important to always honor the following Brothers who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action:

Robert Douglas Avery – MIA & POW, TN Gamma ‘65

Paul S. Beard – POW, OH Epsilon ‘04
Heywood Davis – POW, DC Alpha
William C.A. Enke – POW, MT Alpha
Elmer J. Gray – POW, PA Delta
James Downs Latham – POW, KS Beta ‘69
George Robert Law – POW, WI Alpha ‘34
John “Bill” William Rambo, Sr. – POW, TN Alpha ‘58
Waldo E. Schmitt – MIA & POW, DC Alpha ‘40
John R. Vaughn – POW, CO Gamma ‘38
Edgar A. Waite, Jr. – POW, PA Delta ‘49

NEVER FORGOTTEN

18 SEP 1946

World War II Veteran and CA Alpha Brother Captain William E. Turpen, U.S. Army was discharged on this date after more than six years of service.

NH Alpha Brother
James V. Forrestal

17 SEP 1947

On this date, President Truman’s selection as first U.S. Secretary of Defense was sworn in – World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Lieutenant James Vincent Forrestal, U.S. Navy Reserve. 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

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) on this date.

20 SEP 2008

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

Scott was born in 1964 in Maryville, MO, and graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1988 with a BS degree in Business Administration. 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.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 27 MAY – 02 JUN

“Those who throw dirt only lose ground.” (From a chalk board on ESPN’S “Pardon the Interruption”)

Brothers, 

28 MAY 1917

On this date, NY Beta Brother James Armand Meissner dropped out of Cornell and enlisted in the U.S. Army Signal Service (the branch of the Army then tasked with flying) as a Private First Class. He went on to become a World War I Ace, earn the rank of Major, and founded the Alabama Air National Guard – serving as the unit’s first commanding officer.

02 JUN 1917

Like Brother Meissner, NH Alpha Brother James Vincent Forrestal answered the call of duty following the declaration of war by Congress, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman Second Class on this date. Brother Forrestal went on to become Secretary of the Navy, and serve as the first Secretary of Defense.

30 MAY 1961

U.S. Army Veteran NC Beta President Charles Henry Mateer was killed on this date after volunteering to serve as a co-pilot with Air America (CIA) in Laos. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1936, Brother Charles was in ROTC at North Carolina State University, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation from there in 1958. He served as an Army helicopter pilot before flying with the CIA.

Respect can be paid to Brother Mateer at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, NC.

01 JUN 1962

AZ Alpha Brother Edward C. Logan was commissioned on this date through Air Force ROTC at Arizona State. Brother Logan retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982 after serving in Okinawa, Thailand, Korea, NY, DC, TX, OK, and CA.


PA Iota Brother
Second Lieutenant
Charles J. Schultz, USMC

03 JUN 1967

On this date, a SigEp Patriot made the ultimate sacrifice. PA Iota President and Second Lieutenant Charles Joseph Schultz, U.S. Marine Corps was killed in action in Vinh Huy Village, Que Son Valley, South Vietnam.

The previous day, during Operation UNION II in the Que Son Valley, the Marines found the enemy entrenched in and around the Vinh Huy village complex. Heavy fighting on the 2nd and 3rd cost 67 American lives. Charles was assigned to F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

His awards include the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign medals.

Brother Schultz is honored on Panel 21E, Line 52 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and respect can also be paid to him at the site of his interment at Hillside Cemetery, Metuchen, New Jersey.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 05 – 11 NOV

Brothers,

On this Veteran’s Day the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) takes this opportunity to say THANK YOU to every brother who has served or continues to serve, and a special recognition to our brothers currently serving in harm’s way. Stay safe, brothers, and get home soon.

For those of you that have the day off on Monday, SPP hopes you will use the information posted here to pay respect to brothers who serve our nation – especially those SigEp Patriots who have passed away.

On this Veteran’s Day, SPP reaffirms its pledge to always honor and remember all brothers who serve our great country. We hope you will pass the word about our efforts, and help us to find and honor our brothers today and every day.

08 NOV 1932

On this day, World War I Veteran and VA Eta Brother Joel West Flood was elected as a Democrat to the Seventy-second Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Henry St. George Tucker, and served from 08 NOV 1932 to 03 MAR 1933. He was not a candidate for election to the Seventy-third Congress. Joel served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1918 to 1919.

05 NOV 1944

World War II Veteran and SigEp Brother Second Lieutenant Clarence C. Roudebush, Jr., U.S. Army was killed in action on this date in Pescara, Italy. Brother Roudebush was a member of 60^th Troop Division.

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, 14 – 20 MAY

Brothers,

Happy Armed Forces Day to all SigEps who serve – past and present! The day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense (under the first Secretary of Defense, World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother James V. Forrestal).

Yesterday, just before the periodontist started scrapping part of my gums, the conversation turned to the global war on terrorism and the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The young and compassionate dental assistant said, “You don’t hear enough about the good work done by U.S. service members in Afghanistan. Ya know, I don’t know anyone in the military.”

I see two important points here.

Without sounding like one of those people who thinks the “main stream media” has a grand plan against society, this humble observer believes there is a considerable focus on negative stories that cast a poor light on the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

That said, there are news items and websites about “good news stories” out of Afghanistan, and if people don’t “hear” it is because they are not listening.

As for the second point, a few years ago, I was watching a television show attempting to explain the current disconnect between the American public and members of the U.S. military. During the show it was stated that during World War II one in three Americans directly knew someone in the military. Today, that number is estimated to be one in eight. As we all know, it is natural to support someone with which you have a personal connection.

With this in mind, the SigEp Patriots Project continues its efforts to assist others in learning about, remembering and hopefully connecting with those patriotic brothers past and present who allow us to live our lives in freedom.

19 MAY 1944

On this date, World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother James Vincent Forrestal became Secretary of the Navy. He guided the Navy through the last year of the war and the two difficult years of demobilization after the Japanese surrender. Brother Forrestal served during WWI as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and would go on to become the first Secretary of Defense.

15 MAY 1973 / 15 MAY 1974

May is a meaningful month for AL Alpha Brother Colonel Wallace Jack Paschal II, U.S. Air Force. Before he joined the Air Force, Brother Paschall enlisted in the Alabama National Guard as a draftsman, 15 MAY 1973. A year later, he was promoted to Private First Class.

16 MAY 1981 / 16 MAY 1984

May also holds meaning for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and VT Gamma Brother Major General Michael D. Dubie, U.S. Air National Guard (Vermont). On these dates, Brother Dubie was promoted to Second Lieutenant and First Lieutenant, respectively.

20 MAY 2005

On this date, U.S. Army World War II D-Day Veteran DE Alpha Brother Robert L. Snowberger died at his home in Wilmington, Delaware.

Robert, affectionately known as "Grumps" by his grandchildren, graduated from A.I. DuPont High School and was an all-state football player. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II, participating in the Normandy Invasion at Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action against an "out numbering enemy force" in Germany, 06 APR 1945. After military service, he went on to graduate from the University of Delaware, and then worked for the DuPont Company in advertising. Taking an early retirement, he became an independent manufacturer's representative and was actively involved in many entrepreneurial ventures.

19 MAY 2010

Two SigEp Patriots were lost to us on this date.

World War II Veteran and CO Delta Brother First Lieutenant Douglas Lawrence Pearce, U.S. Army Air Corps was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and raised in Carbon County, Utah where his father worked as a mining engineer. Brother Pearce graduated with an engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines in 1942, and soon thereafter enlisted in the Army in Salt Lake City as a First Lieutenant, 9th Air Force. He served on active duty until 1946 and in reserves until 1949.

Respect can be paid to Brother Pearce at Highland Cemetery in Casper, Wyoming.

U.S. Army Reserve Veteran KS Epsilon Brother James R. Roth died at his home in Wichita, Kansas on this date. Brother Roth was a 1963 graduate of Emporia State University, where he majored in business and was a member of the golf and debate teams. Three years later, Jim graduate from Washburn University School of Law. He practiced law in Topeka for several years before moving to Wichita where he remained in private practice for more than 40 years. From 1966-1972, Brother Roth served in the U.S. Army Reserve. In 1992, the Governor of Kansas appointed him to the Washburn University Board of Regents, and he continued to serve on the Board for 18 years at the request of two subsequent governors – including four years as Chairman. Brother Roth was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Washburn Law School (2005) and from the Washburn University Alumni Association (2010).

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL

29 APR – WA Alpha President Ensign Gordon Ernest Ruehl, U.S. Navy passed away in Spokane, Washington in his sleep nineteen months after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma (asbestos cancer). In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials may be made to Hospice of Spokane, Westminster Congregational Church, to WSU School of Architecture c/o Greg Kessler, PO Box 64220, Pullman WA 99163 or to the charity of your choice.

12 MAY – World War II Navy Veteran, SigEp Citation Recipient and IL Gamma Founding Father Harold Arthur “Red” Poling passed away in Pacific Grove, California at the age of 86. In July 1943, at the age of 17 and just two weeks after graduating from high school, Red enlisted in the Navy and serves as an aviation cadet before being discharged in October 1945 following an injury. In 1993, the United States Navy Memorial presented Brother Poling the Lone Sailor Award adding him to an impressive list of Navy veterans who have distinguished themselves by drawing upon their military experience to become successful in their subsequent careers and lives, while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to friends, family and chapter brothers of Gordon and Red, and the SigEp Patriots Project pledges that their service will always be remembered. 

CELEBRATIONS!

WELCOME HOME! Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and FL Iota Brother Specialist Adam Pietri, U.S. Army returned from Kuwait last week. Adam’s unit, 2-8 CAV, 1BCT was among the last to withdraw from Iraq. On Thursday, two-time Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and HI Alpha Brother Major Siegfried Ramil, U.S. Army returned from his tour in Afghanistan. Thanks to brothers Pietri and Ramil for their patriotic service.

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 APR – 06 MAY

Brothers,

This month, hundreds, perhaps thousands of patriotic Americans around the country will graduate from college, take the oath and receive their commission as officers in the U.S. military. Meanwhile, every day across this great land, Americans are signing up to join the military. The SigEp Patriots Project believes the beginning of this selfless journey is worthy of recognition, and it gives us another reason to be proud to call such men brother.

02 MAY 1918

On this date, NY Beta Brother (then) First Lieutenant James 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 a WWI Ace.

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 in 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.

02 MAY 1998

FL Theta Brother Lieutenant Commander Christopher Sacra, U.S. Navy began his military service on this date. Thank you Brother Sacra for 14 years (and going) of patriotic service!

01 MAY 1999

On this date, TN Theta Brother Kenneth Michael Ballard began his patriotic service in the U.S. Army.

05 MAY 2008

World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Captain George Sander, U.S. Army Air Force of Whiting, New Jersey, died on this date.

George was born 04 JUL 1916 in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Ocean City.  He attended Norwich where he was part of the baseball team, basketball, team, track, intramurals, and was a member of the Junior Weekend and the Winter Carnival Committees.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1938.

Following his service as a radar officer in the U.S. Army Air Force, he was a district sales manager for Johnson Controls and made his home in Baldwin, Long Island until his retirement in 1981.

Respect can be paid to Brother Sander at Section KS, Site 8479 of Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, New Jersey.

01 MAY 2009

World War II Veteran and CO Delta Brother Ensign Floyd D. Burnside, U.S. Navy Air Corps died on this date.

Born in Westfield, Pennsylvania in 1922, Floyd met his wife Charlotte while attending Painted Post High School in New York. Floyd graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a professional degree in petroleum engineering, and in 1941, he enlisted with the Navy Air Corps serving as an ensign with Navy Squadrons 18 and 20 from 1941 to 1946.

On 03 JUL 1948, Floyd and Charlotte were married in Bath, NY. Together they traveled the world, climbing the pyramids in Egypt and kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland. They raised their family in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Floyd spent 28 years with Shell Oil and also enjoyed several years as a petroleum instructor with his friend, Jerry Bond.

Respect can be paid to Brother Burnside at Section 26, Site 900 of Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* 19 APR – U.S. Army Veteran MO Gamma Brother Donald Preston Wilson, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Roper, North Carolina.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the chapter brothers, family and friends of Brother Wilson. Unfortunately, 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

* Two more brothers honored us this week by joining the SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve. It is our pleasure to welcome aboard MO Kappa Brother Jake Bauer who recently completed BCT, and AL Alpha Brother Staff Sergeant Chris Howard, U.S. Army.

* 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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 13 – 19 FEB

Brothers,

Yesterday, I had the honor of visiting the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA during a visit to the brothers at VA Omicron. If you have never seen this memorial, I highly recommend it. As I stood there and tried to envision the incredible acts of valor and selfless commitment during the largest invasion in world history, I couldn’t help but think, “I wonder how many brothers heroically served on the beaches of Normandy on 06 JUN 1944.” It is a shame that we as a Fraternity can’t recognize the incredible acts performed this day by our brothers, but it is a goal of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) to learn the names and accomplishments of those brothers.

15 FEB 1891
WWI Veteran and PA Delta Brother Doctor Major William Bates, U.S. Army was born on this date.

19 FEB 1914
World War II Veteran and NC Delta Brother Staff Sergeant Clifton Robert “Tip” Faucette, Jr., U.S. Army was born on this date.

17 FEB 1921
WWII Veteran and CO Delta Brother First Lieutenant Douglas Lawrence Pearce, U.S. Army Air Corps was born on this date in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He graduated with an engineering degree, and soon thereafter enlisted in the Army in Salt Lake City as a First Lieutenant, 9th Army Air Force.

On the same date, U.S. Army World War II Veteran UT Alpha Brother Worth Barber McNeel was born in Afton, Wyoming. He served in the Philippines, Okinawa and Korea, and was discharged in 1946. He then went to Utah State, graduating in 1947, and in later years he joined the Idaho National Guard.

14 FEB 2006
On this date, one of our brothers made the ultimate sacrifice, and the SigEp Patriots Project pledges that his selfless devotion to all of us will never be forgotten.

Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and LA Delta Brother Lance Corporal Matthew Ryan Barnes, U.S. Marine Corps was killed in action six years ago 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.

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

Respect can be paid to Brother Barnes at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Calhoun, LA.

16 FEB 2006
U.S Coast Guard World War II Veteran DC Alpha Brother Vernon Edgar “Ben” Benjamin died on this dates in Bradenton, Florida. Ben was born in East Moriches, Long Island, New York, and a graduate in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University. He served in the United States Coast Guard during WWII as an electrical technician on the atomic bomb project at Los Alamos, NM.

13 FEB 2010
CO Beta Brother Captain Robert Donnice Urbana, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired) died on this date. Brother Urbana was born in Denver on 25 JAN 1930, and raised there among his large, extended Italian family. Bob joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, 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.

The Navy moved Bob to San Diego where he served as executive officer on the USS Koka. He left active duty in 1955, but continued his naval career as a reservist in Boise, Idaho. 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, Oregon. He finished his naval career as the RDAC officer (recruiting district assistance council) 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. 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.

14 FEB 2010
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and FL Iota Brother Lance Corporal Yoni Haim, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve was mobilized to active duty one year ago on this date for his first deployment to Afghanistan. Brother Haim volunteered for mobilization, and is safely back home. We honor his commitment to the Corps and the Country.

19 FEB 2010
On this date, World War II Veteran and IN Alpha Brother Captain Harvie M. Merrill, IV, U.S. Army Air Corps died in Winter Park, Florida. Born in Detroit Michigan, he graduated at the top his class at Purdue University with a degree in chemical engineering. In addition to SigEp, he was a member of Scabbard & Blade, and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. He did graduate work at Yale University and served in World War II as a captain in the US Army Air Corps. He had a long career at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. Later, he became Vice-President of Stauffer Chemical Co. before becoming President of Hexcel Corp. in San Francisco. As Chairman and CEO there, he initiated international divisions of the company in Paris, London and Brussels and brought the company to listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

19 FEB 2011
World War II Veteran and OH Gamma Brother First Lieutenant Robert Warren Bishop, U.S. Army died a year ago in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was born 26 OCT 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of The Ohio State University.

Bob is a U.S. Army veteran of World War II where he served in Central Europe as a Company Commander in the Corps of Engineers in General Patton’s 3rd Army. During his career he had worked for General Motors, Philco Corporation, Westinghouse and J.I. Case Company, where he served as general manager of the Terre Haute plant before his retirement. Very active in the Terre Haute community, Bob was past president and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Downtown Terre Haute Rotary Club, and a past president and board member for 16 years for Junior Achievement.

Brother Bishop was laid to rest with full military honors, and respect can be paid to him at Mount Hope Cemetery in Huntington, Indiana. The family kindly requests that memorial contributions may be made to Union Hospital Foundation, 1606 N. 7th St., Terre Haute, IN 47804; or to Hospice of the Wabash Valley, 400 8th Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47804.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* World War II Veteran and NY Delta Brother Lieutenant Edward Nicholas Stevensen Jr., U.S. Marine Corps died on 28 JAN in Windsor Lakes, Connecticut. Brother Stevensen’s obituary stated, “He was commissioned a Lieutenant (most likely a Second Lieutenant) in the U.S. Marine Corps (1943-1946) and served as an Engineering Officer with the Third Marine Aircraft Wing on Midway Island during World War II.”
* U.S. Merchant Marine World War II Veteran Leander Newton "Pete" Trammell, born 13 JUL 1927, in Atlanta, Georgia died 13 FEB 2012 at Hospice Atlanta. After his World War II service he attended Davidson College in North Carolina.
* World War II Veteran and VA Eta Brother Major George Claiborne Calkins, U.S. Air Force (Retired) also passed away on 13 FEB while residing in a retirement community in Winter Park, Florida. Brother Calkins began his patriotic military service at the age of 19 in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and later became an Air Force officer and pilot.

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.

CELEBRATIONS!
* Last weekend, during his reserve duty, the U.S. Marine Corps recognized the leadership potential of FL Iota Brother Frank Slamka and meritoriously promoted him to the rank of Lance Corporal!
* MD Alpha Brother Adam H. Reiffen, U.S. Navy will be moving to Jacksonville, FL to join helicopter squadron HSM-74 – the Swamp Foxes. HOOYAH!
* After 13 years of committed service in the U.S. Army, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and LA Alpha Brother Brock Bosson was honorably discharged on 10 FEB 2012 at the rank of Captain. Thank you for your service!

Congratulations to all of our brothers!

UPDATE: SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP)
* SPP now has data about 1,080 SigEp Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military!
* The official SPP Facebook group now numbers more than 430 SigEp Patriots with the addition of the following Brothers: Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and FL Iota Brother Corporal Alex Boody, U.S. Marine Corps; Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and former Florida National Guard Staff Sergeant FL Iota Brother Frank Ring; Operation DESERT STORM and OPERATION NEW DAWN Veteran, CA Theta Brother Lieutenant Ian Marks, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve; CA Theta Brother Nathan Fleshman, U.S. Army, and OH Gamma Brother Yannis Hadjiyannis, U.S. Army.

To join the Facebook group go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join our listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. All we need to know is 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, 23 – 29 JAN

Brothers,

“The lists of members of Illinois Alpha in service were published regularly in the SigEp Journal. The first such listing was in November 1941 and these continued to be published until February 1946. The records indicate that our chapter had 154 members in military service during World War II.” ~ Taken from IL Alpha website

Why hasn’t The Journal regularly done the same since the beginning of the global war on terrorism? The SigEp Patriots Project has plenty of information and continues to desire to assist Richmond in recognizing our patriotic Brothers.

23 JAN 1928
KY Beta Brother Pharmacist Mate Third Class Kenneth James Goodman, U.S. Navy was born on this date.

25 JAN 1930
On this date, CO Beta Brother Captain Robert Donnice Urbana, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired) was born in Denver, Colorado.

28 JAN 1931
Korean War Veteran and Prisoner of War, TN Alpha Brother Sergeant First Class John William “Bill” Rambo, U.S. Army / Tennessee National Guard was born on this date.

25 JAN 2004
On this date, U.S. Army World War II Veteran FL Alpha Brother Jack McKay Dyer, Sr. died in Winter Haven, Florida. SigEp Patriot Dyer was born on 20 OCT 1926 in Orlando, FL. His obituary listed him as “a life member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at University of Florida”, and “a U.S. Veteran serving in the Army during WWII.”

Jack was an administrative manager for the groves department with Coca-Cola Foods for 40 years, and past Treasurer and President of the Orlando Amateur Athletic Association.

Respect can be paid to Brother Dryer at the Rolling Hills Cemetery in Winter Haven.

29 JAN 2005
World War II Veteran and CO Delta Brother Private Erling “Swede” Kristian Arnston, U.S. Army died on this date. SigEp Patriot Arnston was born on 04 MAR 1925, and before attending Colorado School of Mines he served as a combat infantryman in the Pacific during World War II.

Ever the Renaissance man, Swede enjoyed reading and sharing poetry or a good story, and was always the first to figure out an innovative way to fix something. In 1987, he retired from a career with Amoco Oil and moved to Grand Junction, Colo. 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.

Respect can be paid to Brother Arnston at Sidney Cemetery in Sidney, Montana.

27 JAN 2009
U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran IL Delta Brother James Powers died on this date in Peoria, Illinois. SigEp Patriot Powers was awarded the Bronze Star medal for his service in World War II, and was a founding member of the Army Air Museum in Great Britain. James was a sales engineer for Wilkins Pipe & Supply, retiring in 1995.

23 JAN 2010
This was a sad day last year for NC Delta.

World War II Veteran and NC Delta Brother Private First Class Samuel Mallette Gattis III, U.S. Marine Corps died at the age of 84, in Hillsborough, North Carolina. SigEp Patriot Gattis was born on 04 DEC 1925, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II before attending the University of North Carolina. Samuel retired after a long career as the first county manager of Orange County. Respect can be paid to Brother Mallette at St. Matthews Episcopal Church Cemetery, Hillsborough, NC.

Vietnam War Veteran and NC Delta Brother Major Robert Monroe McWhorter, U.S. Army (Retired) was a paratrooper and a weapons system operator, completing 137 combat missions in Southeast Asia. While at UNC, he served in the Air Force ROTC. After retiring from the Army, SigEp Patriot McWhorter worked in the banking industry.

24 JAN 2010
U.S. Army Veteran VT Alpha Brother Ferdinand “Ferd” Mario Anair Collins succumbed to Lou Gehrig’s disease at his home in St. Augustine, Florida at the age of 74. Born in Waterbury, Vermont on 08 DEC 1935, Ferd graduated from Waterbury High School where he distinguished himself as class president each year and as a leading contributor to champion basketball, baseball, and ski teams.

SigEp Patriot Collins began an Army career upon his graduation from Norwich with a B.S. in Business Administration and a commission as a Second Lieutenant. He served in the 14th Armored Cavalry, Bad Hersfeld, Germany, followed by a second tour in Germany in the 82nd Airborne Division Tank Battalion where he was promoted to tank company commander during the Berlin Wall tensions and Cold War. His last three-year assignment was at Middlebury College as an assistant professor teaching military science.

In 1968, Ferd began his civilian career at Deck House, Inc. of Acton, MA, rising to New England regional sales manager. During his 17 years at Deck House, he ranked first or second in sales volume each year. In 1984, his career move was to Pella Windows and Doors of New England as executive vice president and general manager. He brought the company to a 50 percent increase in growth and became president and chief operating officer before retiring.

Brother Collins was an incredible steward of the community. A Boy Scout leader, Little League baseball and soccer coach, and for years he was honored to be the Memorial Day parade marshal and to call out, with reverence, the name of each fallen veteran from Carlisle, MA. While living in Massachusetts, Ferd served his alma mater, Norwich University, for 15 years on the Board of Fellows with several committee assignments including recruitment, admissions, and building committee.

When Ferd and his wife retired to St. Augustine, FL in 1999, he continued his service to the community. He was a volunteer for five years at the Tournament of Players, Sawgrass, serving on the commissary committee for the golf pros. He was also a volunteer marshal at the Legends of Golf Tournament, World Golf Village, for several years, and as a member of the RSVP volunteer organization and for three years delivering Meals on Wheels weekly for the Council on Aging.

27 JAN 2011
On this date, two SigEp Patriots were lost to us.

U.S. Army Veteran MS Gamma Brother Rodney Lee Fulton died in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Rodney was a native of Neshoba County and a longtime resident of the Bond Community. He was a retired teacher and taught business education at Moselle, Bond, Neshoba Central, Choctaw Central and Philadelphia High School, and substitute taught at other tribal schools after retirement. Respect can be paid to SigEp Patriot Fulton at the Bond Methodist Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Vietnam War Veteran and TN Beta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Henry Milton Labiche, Jr., U.S. Army Medical Corps died in Johns Creek, Georgia. Born in New Orleans on 04 JUN 1936, his family moved to Jackson, Mississippi and there he became involved in the Boy Scouts of America – becoming an Eagle Scout.

Henry did his residency in Pathology in the United States Army Medical Corps from 1965 until 1971 where he obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His service in the Army took him to Honolulu, HI, where he worked at Tripler Army Hospital. Because of the Viet Nam conflict, Tripler was the best hospital offered to learn Pathology. Following Honolulu, He was stationed in St. Louis, MO, where he was Commanding Officer of the Medical Clinic.

After leaving military service, Henry and his family settled in Columbus, GA where he joined a practice in Pathology and later became director. Over the years, they moved several times, and upon retirement settled in LaGrange, Georgia. In retirement, Henry and his wife, Francie, enjoyed a number of charitable works including organizing blood drives for the American Red Cross and visiting hospice patients. Henry was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and was last active in Council 9515.

Respect can be paid to SigEp Patriot Labiche at the St. Teresa Cemetery in Campbell, Missouri.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* GA Gamma Brother Lieutenant John Robert O’Neal, Sr., U.S. Navy Reserve died on 31 DEC in Blythewood, SC. Following graduation, John entered the Navy and became a pilot. He served his country on active duty for five years, as well as additional years a reserve officer.
* World War II Veteran and VA Alpha Brother Major John Thomas Watkins, Jr., U.S. Army Air Corps died in Morgantown, WV on 02 JAN. John joined the Army Air Corps in November of 1940, left Langley Field, VA for Australia with the 22nd Bomb Group 08 DEC 1941, and served in action until July 1944, when he was transferred home. He was separated from the service as a Major in 1946.
* World War II Veteran and NC Gamma Brother Captain James William Bew II, U.S. Army Air Corps passed away on 08 JAN 2012 at Treasure Coast Hospice in Stuart, Florida.
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran IA Gamma Brother Everett “Ev” Ermal Jones died at the hospital on 08 JAN 2012.
* U.S. Air Force and South Carolina Air National Guard Veteran, SC Alpha Brother Roger Krick Sr. passed away on 22 JAN 2012.

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

CELEBRATIONS!
* Proud days for NC MU! Brother Brian Plamondon was recently promoted to Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps, and Brother Jacob Rudy left for Marine Corps Officer Candidate School last week!

Congratulations to our Brothers and we wish them the best of luck!

UPDATE: SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP)
* SPP is very pleased to announce that the following SigEp Patriots have joined more than 420 such Brothers in the SigEps Who Serve Facebook group – the official such group of the SigEp Patriots Project:
TN Gamma Brother & Flight Surgeon Brad Sherman, U.S. Navy and TN Kappa Brother & MP Matt Hall, U.S. Army.

Brothers who serve/served in the U.S. military are welcome to join us at http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to join the SPP listserve.

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, 14 – 20 NOV

In this edition of “This Week:”
- GA Delta Brother Bradley “Dad” Thomas Arms Remembered
- SigEps Who Serve Reaches 400!
- Tough Mudders Among Us
- Update: SigEp Patriots Project

19 NOV 1887
World War I Veteran and TN Alpha Brother Captain Matthew McClung, U.S. Army was born on this date in Knoxville, Tennessee.

20 NOV 1917
On this date, World War I Veteran and Ace, Founder of the Alabama Air National Guard and NY Beta Brother Major James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service received a field commissioned as a First Lieutenant.

17 NOV 1922
World War II Veteran, Army Infantry Officer Candidate Hall of Fame Member and KS Beta Brother Merrill H. Werts was born on this date near Smith Center, Kansas.

18 NOV 1927
On this date, World War II Veteran and CO Alpha Brother Fire Controlman Second Class (E-5) Gale Erwin Brown, U.S. Navy was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado.

15NOV 1936
TX Alpha Brother Captain André Bourchard, U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) was born on this date in Austin, Texas.

20 NOV 2001
WWII Veteran and CO Delta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Frank A. Foley, U.S. Army Air Corps / U.S. Army Reserves (Retired) died on this date. Brother Foley was president of his 1940 graduating class in high school. He enrolled at Mines, but put his education on hold in 1942 when he volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps. After three and half years of active duty he returned to Mines. After graduation, Foley worked in hydraulics and pneumatics as a sales engineer. He retired from Haskel Supply in 1989. He was a member of the American Legion and B.P.O. Elks. He served in the Corps of Engineer Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

19 NOV 2004

Yesterday was a sad anniversary. On this date, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and GA Delta Brother Corporal Bradley “Dad” Thomas Arms, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve was killed in action in Anbar Province, Iraq.

Brother Arms, from Charlottesville, Virginia, was 20 years old, and assigned to the 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Baltimore, Maryland.

His dad, Bob Arms, said his son saw the Marine Corps as a way to improve himself and help people.

“After he got back from boot camp, I asked him if it had been hard, and he just looked at me and said, ‘Dad, it was so easy, all you have to do is what they say,’” Bob Arms told The Red & Black student newspaper.

“He had a positive attitude about going to war,” said Brother Matt Tincknell. “He definitely saw his purpose, and he was proud to be there defending his country, which gave us great comfort in knowing he wanted to be there.”

In emails home, Brother Arms wrote about his hopes for Iraq, and that his experiences at war “strengthened his resolve to live the life a balanced man and lead by example.”

Bradley’s commitment to country was recognized when the Marine Corps League Detachment in Charlottesville was named in his honor – the Bradley T. Arms Marine Corps League Detachment 1256.

On 12 AUG 2008, the 110th Congress of the United States approved Public Law 110-307 officially renaming the name of the main post office in Charlottesville, Virginia the “Corporal Bradley T. Arms Post Office Building.” At the dedication, Bob Arms said the Bradley’s “Marine commitment of honor, courage and commitment were very deeply embedded in his life.”

Brother Arms was laid to rest in Charlottesville, VA.

15 NOV 2008
OH Iota Brother Harold G. Waters, U.S. Air Force Reserve died on this date at the age of 75. Brother Waters was born in Toledo in 1933, and served in the Air Force Reserve. Harold taught music, was the band director for 36 years at Gateway Middle School and Maumee High School, retiring in 1993, and was an avid Buckeye fan. Respect can be paid to Brother Waters at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

14 NOV 2010
U.S. Air Force Veteran and CO Alpha Brother Kenneth W. Drager passed away on this date at the age of 82. Kenny owned an advertising agency for 37 years serving many local businesses before retiring and moving to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands in 1989. Brother Drager was born on 04 FEB 1929 in Ft. Collins, Colorado and graduated in 1951 from the University of Colorado in journalism prior to serving in the Air Force. In addition to SigEp, he was a member of Sigma Delta Chi honorary. An avid fan of CU football, a scuba diver and gardener. Kenny is remembered as a man of high character with a quick sense of humor and the love of family.

15 NOV 2010
U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and AR Alpha Brother Harold Bell Watt passed away on this date. He was born 24 DEC 1919 in Augusta, Kansas, raised in Texas and graduated from Amarillo High School in 1938. After serving in the Army Air Corps from NOV 1940 to NOV 1945, he graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1949 with a degree in geology. Harold was employed by Lane Wells Company, which became Dresser Atlas, and retired in 1984 after 32 years with the company. Brother Watt was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. Respect can be paid to Brother Watt at the Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

17 NOV 2010
MI Alpha Newton Holladay Webb, U.S. Navy (Retired) died at the age of 90 on this date. Brother Webb was born in London, England, where his father was employed. The family moved to Paris, France, and then located in Pelham, NY. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Engineering where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He was an aviator for the U.S. Navy for 20 years. Newton moved to Richmond in the 1950s and worked as a mechanical engineer throughout the state of Virginia. Brother Webb was laid to rest at Westhampton Memorial Park.

LOSSES TO THE ROLL
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends, family and Brothers of the following patriotic SigEps:
* U.S. Navy Veteran (Retired) and KS Delta Brother Marvin Leroy Sorg passed away on 28 OCT 2011 and respect can be paid to Brother Sorg at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
For Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) Veteran and TN Gamma Brother Staff Sergeant Tanner Stephen Kuth, U.S. Army who underwent a spinal tap on Thursday.

CELEBRATE!
* GA Epsilon Brother Captain Tripp Bishop, U.S. Marine Corps recently completed the incredibly strenuous training to become an aircraft carrier qualified aviator. Congratulations to Brother Bishop!
* Tough Mudder’s among us! Congratulations to PA Gamma Brother Second Lieutenant Jamie Derr, U.S. Marine Corps and NY Chi Brother ROTC Cadet Pat Mcpartland for completing the Tri-State Tough Mudder last weekend in New Jersey. This was Jamie’s first TM and Pat’s second.
* Pat is heading up an effort for a TM in May 2012. You can join Team Captain Krunch and the Cereal Killers by clicking on http://register.toughmudder.com/register/default.aspx?newgroup=true&event=5634&cat=20812
* Jamie is the executive assistant at Veterans Moving Forward, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity founded by veterans to help alleviate the critical need for assistance dogs for our nations heroes. You can go to http://www.facebook.com/vetsfwd and http://www.vetsfwd.org/ to learn more about the group and their great work.
* SigEps Who Serve (SWS), the official Facebook group of the SigEp Patriots Project, reached 400 Brothers when OEF Veteran, KY Zeta Brother and ROTC Cadet Anthony Palmer joined the group. You honor us with your presence, Anthony.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE
* SWS had the honor of 16 additional SigEp Patriots added to the roll in the six days since the last edition of “This Week” and now numbers 405 Brothers who serve/served! We wish a sincere welcome to the following Brothers:
Hunter Sheetz, Todd Leavitt, Brian Wagner, Sean Martin, Gary Adkins, Scott Knighton, TJ Freno, Aaron Bacus, G. Paul Lewis, Eric Sitzmann, Anthony Palmer, Jason Fredrick, Jacob Hicks, Shawn Farrington, Ernesto DiVittorio and Davin Heaton.

If you are a SigEp Patriot and on Facebook, just click on the link to go to the SWS page http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. All we need to know is your home chapter and military affiliation.

* SPP now has nine chapter reps / points of contact around the country, and we welcome the following Brothers who recently signed on to work with the Project as a SPP POC:

KY Zeta POC – KY Zeta Brother Private First Class Robert Stegall, U.S. Army National Guard (Kentucky)
IA Theta POC – IA Theta Chapter President Matt Funke

Undergraduate or alumni brothers can be chapter reps. Just contact SPP at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SPP also has a listserve that you can join by writing to the email address above.

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, 31 OCT – 06 NOV

In this edition of “This Week:”
- Happy Founders Day!
- OH Gamma Brother wounded, awarded Distinguished Service Cross
- A Brother made the ultimate sacrifice in Italy
- RI Beta Brother inducted in to hall of fame
- GA Epsilon Brother gets engaged in style

01 NOV 1901 – It is my belief that following the events of this date, Sigma Phi Epsilon would shape future military leaders, and, like other groups of Brothers, SigEp Patiots who have lead during peace and in combat would help to shape SigEp.

The former was true nearly immediately when, upon graduating from Richmond College in June 1902, Founding Father Carter Ashton Jenkens began teaching at a military academy in Chase City, Virginia, and was strongly reinforced when the former commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Persian Gulf War and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran, SigEp Citation Recipient and MO Zeta Brother General James Terry Conway, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) stated at Conclave Atlanta that “Virtually everything I needed to know about leadership in the United States Marine Corps I learned as a part of Sigma Phi Epsilon.”

06 NOV 1911
On this date, World War II Veteran and CO Delta Brother Lieutenant Colonel William W. Little, U.S. Army Reserve was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

31 OCT & 06 NOV 1918
World War I Veteran OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army was wounded near Olsene, on the Lys River, and slightly wounded in action at Cruyschauten, Belgium on these dates, respectively. Research by the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) determined that as a result of his actions on 31 OCT 1918, Brother Tavenner became the second SigEp awarded the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) – the only medal the Army can award that is higher than the DSC is the Medal of Honor.

31 OCT 1928
U.S. Air Force Veteran and Governor (Colorado) CO Gamma Brother Roy Romer was born on this date in Garden City, Kansas.

01 NOV 1936
MO Alpha Brother Sam Knott, Jr, U.S. Marine Corps passed away 30 SEP 2009. He was born on 01 NOV 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri.

01 NOV 1941
KS Epsilon Brother U.S. Army Reserve Veteran James R. Roth was born on this date in Great Bend, Kansas.

05 NOV 1944
World War II Veteran and SigEp Brother Second Lieutenant Clarence C. Roudebush, Jr., U.S. Army was killed in action on this date in Pescara, Italy. Brother Roudebush was a member of 60th Troop Division.

05 NOV 2005
On this day, Vietnam War and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran RI Beta Brother Colonel Bill Babcock, U.S. Army / Army National Guard (Rhode Island) was inducted in to the University of Rhode Island ROTC Hall of Fame.

01 NOV 2010
Last year on the 109th anniversary of the founding of Sigma Phi Epsilon, World War II Veteran and IN Alpha Brother Lieutenant William E. Smith, U.S. Army passed away. Bill studied Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University class of '40 where he was editor of the Purdue Exponent. After serving in the U.S. Army as a lieutenant during WWII, Bill owned and built a successful business, the Ceilcote Company based in Berea, Ohio. Ceilcote manufactured and installed corrosion resistant linings, floor toppings and FRP Air Pollution Control Equipment. Brother Smith was active in many volunteer organizations including Moderator of Dover Church in Westlake, OH, member of Community Church of Vero Beach, FL, and President of the Westlake School Board and Board of Fairview Hospital.

GREAT NEWS!
* GA Epsilon Brother Captain Kyle Davis, U.S. Marine Corps is getting married! You want to view an example of SigEp style, check this out http://youtu.be/3mjYBoV9AQ8. Congratulations to Kyle and Sarah!

* The holdings of the SPP grew dramatically this week. With some vigorous research and the help of several people we learned additional information about another SigEp four-star general, a two-star general, and the awarding of a Silver Star for service in Vietnam, nine more Bronze Stars, two additional Purple Hearts, 19 Air Medals, and numerous commendation and achievement medals, as well as the SigEp Citation.

* The official Facebook group of the SPP has also increased by 11 Brothers since the last edition of “This Week” and a special thanks to FL Theta Brother LCDR Christopher Sacra, U.S. Navy for referring several Brothers. We would like to wish a sincere welcome to the following Brothers:
Andy Kellner, Guy Priest (U.S. Army), Omar Sanchez, Dan Pugh, Brian Gresham (U.S. Coast Guard), Ohene Gyapong, (U.S. Navy (Retired)), Chris Quast, Thomas Joseph McNamara, Brian Wiktorski, Jon Schlosser (U.S. Army ROTC), and Russ Avey (U.S. Air Force).

* SPP has grown with the extremely helpful addition of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and KY Eta Founding Father Specialist Seth C. Thompson, U.S. Army Reserve.

If you are a SigEp Patriot click on the link to go to the official SPP Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Know a Brother who serves/served? Please forward the link to him.


Not on Facebook. There is also a listserve that you can join by sending an email to me at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

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

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.