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, 01 – 07 April

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

01 APR 1952

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

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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 20 – 26 FEB

Brothers,

“This generation of Americans has come to realize, with a present and personal realization, that there is something larger and more important than the life of any individual or of any individual group – something for which a man will sacrifice, and gladly sacrifice, not only his pleasures, not only his goods, not only his associations with those he loves, but his life itself. In time of crisis when the future is in the balance, we come to understand, with full recognition and devotion, what this nation is, and what we owe to it.”
~ President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his Message to the American People (sometimes referred to as “The Map Speech”); February 23, 1942

25 FEB 1926
On this date, U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Walter William Rust was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Walt served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman aboard the escort aircraft carrier USS Puget Sound (CVE-113) in the South Pacific, and as such was aboard the ship when it entered Tokyo Bay 14 OCT 1945.

26 FEB 1933
NE Beta Brother and First Lieutenant Paul Edgar Fesler, U.S. Air Force was born on this date.

25 FEB 1946
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Veteran and TN Beta Brother Fred Avil Allen III was born on this date.

20 FEB 1992
Gone but never forgotten. NY Eta Brother and First Lieutenant Michael T. Morrisey, U.S. Army Reserve died on this date after being struck by a drunk driver while jogging near his home in Grand Island, New York.

Born in Rochester, NY, he graduated from Grand Island High School, where he was captain of the varsity swim team. While attending Buffalo State College, Mike pledged SigEp, and was very active in the fraternity while also excelling in the ROTC Program at Canisius College.

In memory of Michael, his family set up scholarship funds at Buffalo State College, Canisius College and Geneseo State College. As of 2003, Ninety students have benefited from the generosity of the Morrisey family and other donors.Respect can be paid to Brother Morrisey at St. Stephen's Cemetery on Grand Island.

23 FEB 2008
World War II Veteran PA Delta Brother Sergeant John Metcalf Bickelhaupt, U.S. Army Air Corps died on this date in Saratoga Springs, New York. During WWII, Brother Bickelhaupt served as a pilot and was stationed in the Pacific. After the war, John attended Penn where he was president of the senior class.

Respect can be paid to Brother Bickelhaupt at Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs.

23 FEB 2010
VT Alpha Brother, Maine State Senator and First Lieutenant David Lee Carpenter, U.S. Army Reserve died on this date in Springvale, Maine at the age of 75. Dave was born in Boston, MA, graduated from Needham High School, and received a degree in business administration from Norwich. While at Norwich, Dave was a member of the Outing Club and was a brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Eta Rho. He was also a member of the drill team. Dave served in the Army Reserves as a first lieutenant. He was a co-owner of C&C/Taylor Rental from the late sixties to the mid-seventies when he became a real estate broker with Davis Real Estate, and later owned Carpenter Realty. He was a former member of the Rotary Club and served on the YMCA and Dollars for Scholars boards. Dave ran for the Maine State Senate in 1988 and worked in that capacity for 12 years. The Utilities Committee, State and Local Government and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee were all part of his duties in the Maine State Senate.

A year ago -
* On 22 FEB 2011, U.S Coast Guard Fireman and FL Zeta Brother Tristan Scott McMorran began his patriotic military. Currently, Brother McMorran is serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane (WMEC 903) home ported in Portsmouth, VA.

* A year ago this week, CA Beta Beta Brother and U.S. Air Force ROTC Cadet Bryan Ferrell learned that he had obtained a seat for USAF Flight Training. Brother Ferrell is on track to graduate from the University of San Diego this spring, and after receiving his commission in June he will be assigned to Vance, Air Force Base to begin his flight training.

* CA Theta Brother, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and First Lieutenant Adam Wilson, U.S. Army has been very busy since graduating from the Artillery Officer’s school at Ft. Sill about a year ago. He was promoted to First Lieutenant, successfully earning his tab at Ranger School at Ft. Benning, and deployed to and returned from Iraq – for which he was awarded a Bronze Star.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* Korean War Veteran and CA Beta Brother Captain Glen Chase Ware, U.S. Air Force passed away 17 FEB in The Woodlands, Texas at the age of 83.
* U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran and FL Gamma Brother Dana Blake Jr also passed away on 17 FEB at the age of 69 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Brother Blake served from 1967 to 1969.
* U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran and OH Mu Brother Tom Howard Martindale passed away recently in Tucson, AZ. His obituary did not state a date.
* World War II Veteran, UT Alpha Brother and Lieutenant Colonel Junius Wells Robins, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (Retired) passed away 21 FEB 2012 at the age of 92. Brother Robins served honorably as a U.S. Marine Corps Artillery Officer in the Pacific in World War II and stayed in the Active Reserves until 1975.

As always, 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.

UPDATE: SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP)
* SPP now has the names of more than 1,110 SigEp Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military!
* The SPP leadership ranks continue to grow. SPP would like to welcome the following points of contact that work with SPP to increase the historical holdings of their respective chapters as well as the SPP archives:
#16 – CA Gamma AVC President Brother Scott Carr, #17 – CA Theta Brother and Corporal in the California National Guard Frank Beardsley, and #18 – U.S. Navy Veteran and TX Chi Brother Thurman Walling. Just drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com if you are interested in serving as a chapter POC.
* The official SPP Facebook group is closing in on 440 SigEp Patriots with the addition of the following Brothers:
PA Gamma Brother and Navy ROTC Cadet Charles Brand, OH Gamma Brother Oliver J. Mitchell, CA Theta Brother and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Lance Corporal Matt Buelow, OH Pi Brother and Air National Guard Veteran Brad Badgley, U.S. Navy Veteran and TX Chi Brother Thurman Walling, and MD Zeta Brother and U.S. Navy Aviator Ryan Hunt.

Welcome Brothers! To join the group, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join our listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. 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 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.