Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 26 / 2014, 01 – 07 SEP

Brother,

The first day of this week marked the 75th anniversary of the start of World War II, a war that would shape the world. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) works tirelessly to learn about all of our military brothers, but takes particular interest in the WWII patriots as the VA says they are dying at the rate of 1000 a day. Obituaries are one way to learn about a person. However, I can’t possibly articulate the loss we experience if we fail to learn something about these men and their service from them while they are still alive. A shout out to the men of the California Pi chapter who get it, and are working with the Library of Congress’ Veteran’s History Project to interview veterans living near Stanford University.

WWI U.S. Army
Ambulance Service Patch

01 SEP 1918
This marks the date New Hampshire Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles E. Tayntor, U.S. Army Ambulance Service, Army Medical Corps sailed for France for his World War I service in Europe.

05 SEP 1919
World War I Veteran and Ohio Gamma Brother Captain Robert L. Tavenner, U.S. Army completed his service in Europe with the American Expeditionary Force on this date.

01 SEP 1942
On this date, the same year he became a SigEp, Alabama Alpha Brother William H. Weldon joined the U.S. Navy.

05 SEP 1942
A graduate of the University of Delaware (Class of ’34), Delaware Alpha Brother S. Clifford Dunn entered the Army on this date.

05 SEP 1944
Ohio Epsilon Brother Haldean S. Lindsey, member of the Class of ’34 at Ohio Wesleyan, entered the service of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps on this date.

05 SEP 1945
Discharged on this date after nearly 42 months of service was World War II Veteran and District of Columbia Alpha Brother Staff Sergeant Logan P. Crossland, U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC).

07 SEP 1956
A SigEp Patriot made aviation history on this date.

Bell X-2
Photo Credit Wikipedia

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 26 AUG – 01 SEP

Brothers,

29 AUG 1918

Founding Father
First Lieutenant
Franklin Webb Kerfoot
U.S. Army

On this date, Founding Father and Chaplain First Lieutenant Franklin Webb Kerfoot, U.S. Army (Chaplain Corps) was killed in a collision of an automobile and a train on the Southern Railway in Chatham, Virginia. Brother Kerfoot had temporarily returned home from Newport News, VA where he was serving as a Baptist chaplain working among the soldiers departing overseas.

Franklin was born in Buckland, VA in 1986. He was Class of 1902 at Richmond College and later attended Crozer Theological Seminary. At his memorial service he was remembered as “the most original preacher of his time” and it was stated that God took him to welcome the soldiers who had “passed on” from the battlefield.

Respect can be paid to Founding Father Kerfoot at Green Hill Cemetery in Berryville, VA.

01 SEP 1918

NH Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles Enos Tayntor, U.S. Army Ambulance Service, Army Medical Corps sailed for France for his World War I service in Europe on this date.

IL Alpha Brother
Ensign
Joseph M. Hissem
U.S. Navy Reserve

30 AUG 1941

IL Alpha Brother Joseph Metcalf Hissem received his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve on this date. Brother Hissem would go to be killed at the Battle of Midway, and awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery in combat.

26 AUG 1942

World War II Veteran CO Gamma Brother John H. Price, Jr. entered the U.S. military on this date. He would serve 18 months on Guadalcanal before being discharged at the end of the war.

30 AUG 1953

On this date, with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement the previous month, John W. “Bill” Rambo, Sr. was released after 19-months in captivity. Following his Korean War service, he joined the TN National Guard and attended the University of Tennessee where he became a SigEp.

01 SEP 1962

On this date, World War II Veteran and VA Zeta Brother General Robert Jefferson Wood, U.S. Army (Retired) was promoted to the rank of general (four-stars). In 1967, Brother Wood would receive the SigEp Citation.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 27 AUG – 02 SEP

Brothers,

Another one of those “just when you start thinking the world is a big place” stories – The other day Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and FL Iota Brother First Lieutenant William “Chase” Busch, U.S. Army sent me a Facebook message telling me about how he was conducting some training of his replacement in Afghanistan, and when they got to talking they learned they were both brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon. What are the chances of that? Two SigEp Patriots not only find each other in Afghanistan, but one is relieving the other.

29 AUG 1918

On this date, Founding Father and Chaplain First Lieutenant Franklin Webb Kerfoot, U.S. Army (Chaplain Corps) was killed in a collision of an automobile and a train on the Southern Railway in Chatham, Virginia. Brother Kerfoot had temporarily returned home from Newport News where he was served as a Baptist chaplain working among the soldiers departing overseas.

Franklin was born at Buckland, Prince William County, Virginia on 02 OCT 1986. He was Class of 1902 at Richmond College and later attended Crozer Theological Seminary. At his memorial service he was remembered as “the most original preacher of his time” and it was stated that God took him to welcome the soldiers who had “passed on” from the battle field.

Respect can be paid to Founding Father Kerfoot at Green Hill Cemetery in Berryville, VA. While he is gone, SPP will proudly join others in remembering Brother Kerfoot’s life and patriotic service.

01 SEP 1918

World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles Enos Tayntor, U.S. Army Ambulance Service, Army Medical Corps sailed for France for his service in Europe on this date.

30 AUG 1941

World War II Battle of Midway Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Joseph Metcalf Hissem received his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve on this date.

01 SEP 1962

On this date, World War II Veteran, SigEp Citation Recipient and VA Zeta Brother General Robert Jefferson Wood, U.S. Army (Retired) was promoted to the rank of general (four-stars).

02 SEP 2004

U.S. Navy World War II Veteran CO Alpha Brother Donn Beck Brown died peacefully on this date. He was born on 17 DEC 1916, in Dayton, Ohio, and attended the University of Colorado where he earned his mechanical engineering degree. World War II brought Donn to California. He served in the United States Navy in underwater demolition, which was the precursor to the Navy Seals. After his military service, Donn began his career with A.J. Bayer, Co. in Los Angeles, eventually becoming President and Chairman of the company. One of Donn's greatest joys was helping others. He served on the Board of Directors of many organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, Florence Crittenton Center, Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, First Lincoln Financial Corp. and Union Bank.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy Reserve
Founder, SigEp Patriots Project
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

OUR BROTHER HEROS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations and best of luck, Brothers!

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

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

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

This Week in the History of 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