This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 01 – 07 JUL

Brothers,

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

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

01 JUL 1957

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

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

07 JUL 2006

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

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

07 JUL 2008

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

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

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

04 JUL 2010

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

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

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

03 JUL 2012

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

07 JUL 2012

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

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

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to Brothers Smith, Hanson and Busch!

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

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

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

Brothers,

02 MAY 1918

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

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

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

04 MAY 1925

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

01 MAY 1942

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

01 MAY 1956

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

02 MAY 1998

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

01 MAY 1999

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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 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, 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, 21 – 27 NOV

In this edition of “This Week:”
- Welcome Home Brother Bosson!
- More SigEp Patriots Getting Married
- AZ Beta Recognizes Three U.S. Navy Chapter Brothers
- NE Beta Weighs In
- Update: SigEp Patriots Project

22 NOV 1918
On this date, World War I Veteran and VA Epsilon Brother Second Lieutenant Cralle Fauntleroy Blackwell, U.S. Army was commissioned a second lieutenant of coast artillery and given his honorable discharge at the same time.

21 NOV 1921
World War II Veteran and NE Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Charley Lewis Dickey, III, U.S. Army was born in Columbus, Nebraska on this date.

25 NOV 1936
U.S. Army Korean War Veteran NC Delta Brother Nathaniel Sullivan Crews was born on this date in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

27 NOV 1950
On this date, U.S. Army WWI Veteran, Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, U.S. Senator (North Carolina) and NC Gamma Brother Willis Smith began his term as U.S. Senator representing North Carolina.

22 NOV 1987
World War II Veteran, Mayor (Jacksonville), Governor (Florida) and MA Theta Brother Lieutenant William Haydon Burns, U.S. Navy died on this date. Born 17 MAR 1912 in Chicago, Illinois, Haydon (as he was often called) an accomplished pilot, initially served in World War II as an aeronautical salvage specialist with the rank of lieutenant in the Office of the Secretary of the United States Navy.

Following his military service, Brother Burns made his home in Florida, and during his first bid for public office (in 1949), was elected to his first of 15 consecutive terms as Mayor of Jacksonville, FL. Haydon served as such until 1965 when he took his post as the 35th Governor of Florida during a “short term” (1965-67).

Changing the course of Florida in two years.

Governor Burns utilized his short tenure to allocate massive funding increases for the state park and educational systems of Florida. In addition, he established strong trade ties with South America, implemented significant revisions of the Florida Constitution, and advocated for tax reform. But perhaps his single most far-reaching accomplishment was to convince the executives of the Walt Disney Corporation to expand their second theme-park in central Florida.

Testaments to Brother Burn’s diligence and commitment to the people of Florida still exist today.

In 1966, the building located at 605 Suwannee Street in Tallahassee, Florida opened and was named the W. Haydon Burns Building. It became home to the State Road Department, now the Florida Department of Transportation.

In 2004, the City of Jacksonville renamed the old City Hall the Haydon Burns City Hall Annex.

In addition to be a being a Brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon, Haydon was also a Freemason, Shriner and member of the Kiwanis and Knights of Pythias.

Respect can be paid to Brother Burns at Oaklawn Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL.

23 NOV 1987
On this date, Vietnam and Persian Gulf War Veteran Renaissance Brother General Colin Luther Powell, U.S. Army (Retired) began his tenure as the 16th National Security Advisor in the administration of President Ronald Reagan.

23 NOV 2009
U.S. Army World War II Veteran and OH Epsilon Brother Dr. Nicholas Billeris died on this date. He was born on 12 MAR 1923 in Youngstown, Ohio, and as a young boy, during the depression years, he and his family moved to Tarpon Springs, FL. He graduated valedictorian and president of his class from Tarpon Springs High School in 1941, and pursued his education by hitchhiking to Tennessee, then traveling on to California to attend UCLA at night where he was employed with the Douglas Aircraft Factory during the day.

In 1943, Brother Billeris was drafted from Los Angeles and served as a sergeant with the Army Air Corps Weather Squadron 2nd Division, gathering and decoding data to transfer to meteorology stations. He also served as a Greek interpreter for Army Intelligence and received four Bronze Stars for his service in the European Theater.

After World War II, Nicholas graduated from Ohio Wesleyan, and was then accepted to Northwestern University in Chicago where he earned his D.D.S. degree in dentistry, graduating with top honors. He also taught meteorology in Chicago to cadets enrolled in the ROTC program.

After moving back to Florida, Brother Billeris had a successful practice for 40 years, and volunteered his time at schools and county dental programs to treat patients who had no resources to receive dental care.

CELEBRATE!
* It continues to look like that time of year. TN Beta Brother Captain Brian Park, U.S. Air Force is now engaged to Ms. Abby Forrester, and U.S. Army Veteran OH Rho Brother Wes Ehninger is engaged to Ms. Janelle Hayes. Congratulations and best of luck to Don & Abby, and Wes & Janelle!
* Welcome Home to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and LA Alpha Brother Captain Brock Bosson, U.S. Army! For his hard work, Brock was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Congratulations and thank you for your service, Brother.
* On Monday, FL Iota Brother Chase Busch on his promotion to First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Congratulations Chase!
* At their inaugural event on 04 NOV 2011, AZ Beta presented U.S. Navy Veteran AZ Beta Brother Richard G. Guthrie with a service award named in this honor, and inducted the following AZ Beta Patriots in to their Hall of Fame:
- Rear Admiral Mark Gemmill, U.S. Navy (Retired) and Ensign John A. Robertson, U.S. Navy
* U.S. Navy Veteran, SigEp Patriots Project IN Beta Point of Contact and Brother Sean Benge is heading back to Fort Meade, this time as a civilian. He was stationed there while attached to Navy Information Operation Command Maryland between May '07 and December '09 as a cryptology technician (CT). We wish him luck in his future endeavors as he continues to support war fighters home and abroad.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE
- 360. 410. 11. 430.
* There are now more than 360 pages of information in the SPP archives.
* With the help of fellow SigEp Patriots referring Brothers, SigEps Who Serve (SWS), the official SPP Facebook group now numbers 410. We welcome Brothers Wes Ehninger, Dan Clark, Robert Graves, Steve Haley and Jeff Burriss.

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. In addition to Facebook, SPP also has a listserve that you can join by writing to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

* SPP Chapter Representatives / Points of Contact (POCs). There are now 11 Chapter POCs, and SPP would like to welcome the following Brothers and thank them for their interest in honoring brothers who serve/served:

- TX Delta POC – U.S. Navy Veteran and TX Delta Brother Petty Officer Third Class Chris Mejia. Chris served aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and was just elected chapter president.

- OH Theta POC – OH Theta Brother Ben Garner, U.S. Air Force ROTC at University of Cincinnati.

POCs can be undergraduate or alumni brothers. Contact SPP at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to establish a POC.

* This was a great research week for the Project. The names of more than 430 SigEp Patriots were added to the roll. A huge thank you goes out to NE Beta Alumni & NE Beta AVC VP of Communication and Finance Cory Butler for exemplifying our cardinal principles through his efforts to honor Brothers and add information about 30 NE Beta Patriots.

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, 08 – 14 AUG

These weekly works are a result of research by the SigEp Patriots Project – an effort to honor Brothers who serve/served our great Nation in the U.S. military by recording and maintaining a working history in order to recognize and respect their accomplishments and sacrifices. It is an unofficial effort and no monies are collected or requested.

We are however looking for YOU – an undergrad or alumnus – interested in being the chapter point of contact for information about military SigEps from your chapter. Any Brother can serve in this position meant to further the understanding and knowledge of the contributions to your chapter’s history by Brothers-in-arms. Drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com for more details on this effort.

“Regard your soldiers as children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys. Look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.” ~ Sun Tzu

Seems this lesson could also be applied to the Fraternity.

13 AUG 1893
World War I Veteran / U.S. Ambassador / KS Alpha Brother / First Lieutenant Monnett Bain Davis, U.S. Army was born on this date in Greencastle, Indiana.

09 AUG 1965
Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran / UT Alpha Brother / Lieutenant Colonel David Yockey, U.S. Air Force (Utah State University; graduated from the University of Montana) was born on this date in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

11 AUG 1975
World War II and Korean War Veteran / WV Beta Brother / General Anthony Clement “Nuts!” McAuliffe, U.S. Army (Retired) passed away on this date in Chevy Chase, Maryland at the age of 77. He was laid to rest with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 3, Site 2536.

Born in Washington, DC, on 02 JUL 1898, Anthony was a student at West Virginia University from 1916 to 1917, and graduated from West Point in NOV 1918. He rose through the ranks from second lieutenant in 1918 to four-star general in 1955.

On D-Day, Brother McAuliffe was serving as Commander of Division Artillery of the 101st Airborne Division when he parachuted into Normandy. He subsequently entered into Holland during Operation Market Garden in a military glider. In DEC 1944, when the German army launched the surprise Battle of the Bulge, General Maxwell D. Taylor, commander of the 101st Airborne Division, was away, attending a staff conference in the United States.

In Taylor's absence, acting command of the 101st and its attached troops fell to (then) Brigadier General McAuliffe (as pictured at left in this undated World War II photo). At Bastogne, the 101st was besieged by a far-larger force of Germans under the command of General Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz.

On 22 DEC 1944, through a party consisting of a major, captain, and two privates under a flag of truce that entered the American lines southeast of Bastogne (occupied by Company F, 2nd Battalion, 327th Glider Infantry), General von Lüttwitz sent the following ultimatum to General McAuliffe:

“To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.

The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.

There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.

If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.

All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.

The German Commander.”

According to various accounts from those present, when McAuliffe was told of the German demand for surrender he said "Nuts". At a loss for an official reply, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Kinnard suggested that his first remark summed up the situation well, which was agreed to by the others. The official reply: "To the German Commander, NUTS!, The American Commander" was typed and delivered by Colonel Joseph Harper, commanding the 327th Glider Infantry, and his S-3 Major Jones to the German delegation. Harper had to explain the meaning of the word to the Germans, telling them that in "plain English" it meant "Go to hell.”

In Memoriam
In Bastogne, there is McAuliffe Square where a “Nuts!” festival takes place every year. A bust of Anthony was unveiled in 1967 and is located next to a tank at a corner of the square.

In the 1990’s, the Nuts McAuliffe Society was formed and consists of dedicated SigEp volunteers.

A southern extension of Route 33 in eastern Northampton County, Pennsylvania, completed in 2002, was named the General Anthony Clement McAuliffe 101st Airborne Memorial Highway, and in 2009 the post headquarters building at Fort Campbell, Kentucky opened and is named McAuliffe Hall.

Our Brother left us with quite a lot to think about as to how to react and respond in incredibly stressful situations.

09 AUG 2007
Korean War Veteran / PA Epsilon Brother Philip J. Sievering Jr., U.S. Army died on this date in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. The site of his interment is unknown.

11 AUG 2009
On this day two short years ago today, NH Alpha Brother / Captain Timothy Francis Farrell, U.S. Marine Corps died in Frankfurt, Germany while working for the State Department as Vice-Consul in the US Consulate General in Frankfurt. Tim was 35 years old.

He was born 10 APR 1974 in Ocean Township, New Jersey. At Dartmouth, Brother Farrell was a member of the track team, and a four year recipient of the Inter Collegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America (ICAAAA). He was also elected to the All-Ivy League Team, First Team, in 1992-1993 and 1994-1995. In 1995, he received the prestigious Nathan D. Bugbee 1925 Track Prize.

Tim joined the Marine Corps in 1997 and was a decorated Marine captain, stationed in San Diego, deployed to Japan and the Mideast. He also served on the USS Harper's Ferry as a logistics officer. He earned a Masters in International Relations at San Diego State.

Brother Farrell joined Brother McAuliffe and 21 other SigEp Patriots who are known to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

In memoriam, donations can be made to the Timothy Farrell Memorial Fund, Township of Ocean School District, 550 West Park Ave., Oakhurst, NJ 07755, c/o Julia Davidow.

TOMORROW
It looks like HQ is giving serious recognition to the values and knowledge gained with military leadership and experience. On Friday, at Conclave, IN Beta Brother / Colonel Robert Lanham, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) will be presenting “Leadership Lessons from a U.S. Marine.” It should be a great presentation.

BROTHER RETURNS FROM DEPLOYMENT TO AFGHANISTAN
This past Sunday, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran / TX Beta Brother Cory Sockwell, U.S. Marine Corps reported on Facebook that he was back in the great state of Texas following his deployment.

Welcome Home, Brother! We are all very glad you are back safe. Thank you for your service.

CONGRATULATIONS!
FL Iota Brother Frank Slamka, U.S. Marine Corps recently graduated from Marine Basic Training and CA Theta Brother Cameron Jost, U.S. Army recently graduated from Army Basic Training! Best of luck, Gentlemen!

GOT SOME NEWS?
If you have news, accomplishments or just want to share a story please send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

JOIN YOUR BROTHERS-IN-ARMS
SigEps Who Serve (SWS) is the Facebook presence of the SigEp Patriots Project and is the only group there created by and solely comprised of Brothers who serve/served in the U.S. military (including ROTC Cadets). This is YOUR group!

Click on http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve to join more than 300 of your Brothers.

This week, SWS grew by four, and we welcome the aforementioned Brothers Slamka and Jost, PA Theta Brother Carl Spindler, U.S. Marine Corps and TX Delta Brother Victor Bucio, U.S. Army. Thanks to SigEp Patriots Carl Misitano and Jose Pedraza for adding the latter two Brothers-in-arms to the group. Keep passing the word!

Not on Facebook? Just drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com and join nearly 100 military SigEps on the Yahoo listserve. Just let us know your basic info – military affiliation and home chapter – and anything else you feel like sharing.

Also, if you know of a Brother that serves/served please let us know at the above address.

Thank you to those Brothers who have expressed kind words, comments and suggestion for the project so far at Conclave.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

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