This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 16 – 22 SEP

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEVER FORGOTTEN

18 SEP 1946

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

NH Alpha Brother
James V. Forrestal

17 SEP 1947

On this date, President Truman’s selection as first U.S. Secretary of Defense was sworn in – World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Lieutenant James Vincent Forrestal, U.S. Navy Reserve. During the same week three years later, a bronze bust of Brother Forrestal was unveiled at the Mall entrance to the Pentagon (22 SEP 1950).

22 SEP 1995

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

20 SEP 2008

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

Scott was born in 1964 in Maryville, MO, and graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1988 with a BS degree in Business Administration. He worked for Philip Morris USA for 19 years and his final job was as a Unit Manager.

Respect can be paid to Brother Danner at Prairie Home Cemetery, Graham, MO.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 18 – 25 AUG

(To get us back to our correct format, this work covers 8 days.)

“It may be taken as our position, and the basis of our system, that every man who enjoys the protection of a free government owes not only a portion of his property but even of his personal services in defense of it.” ~ George Washington

 

Brothers,

19 AUG 1966

World War II Veteran and WI Alpha Brother James R. Boren died on this date in Marinette, Wisconsin.

18 AUG 1980

World War II Veteran and KS Gamma Brother Major General Frank H. Spink, Jr., U.S. Air Force Reserve died on this date.

Respect can be paid to Brother Spink at Section O, Site 282, Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Fort Leavenworth, KS.

20 AUG 2007

U.S. Navy Veteran and FL Epsilon Founding Father Major Herbert Luther Marsh, U.S. Air Force (Retired) died on this date in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 80. Herbert joined the Navy following his graduation from high school, and after completing his tour he attended Florida State University where he was a charter member of FL Epsilon. He later attended Georgetown University, and subsequently joined the Air Force retiring at the rank of Major after 20 years of service.

Major Marsh returned to Jacksonville with his family, becoming the director of the NE FL chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and later the NE FL chapter of the Leukemia Society. He devoted over 20 years to helping those stricken with these diseases. In his most recent years he was the owner of Marsh Tax Services.

Respect can be paid to Brother Marsh at Greenlawn Cemetery in Jacksonville.

19 AUG 2012

OH Eta Brother
Dick Allyn,
CDR, US Navy (Retired)

Korean War Veteran and OH Eta Brother Commander Richard “Dick” Hall Allyn, U.S. Navy (Retired), 81, died on this date in Albany, New York. In 1954, Brother Allyn accepted a commission in the U.S. Navy. He was a naval aviator and flight instructor during his service to the country during the Korean War and continued his military service through 1977.

Dick cared deeply about his vocation as an executive for the Boy Scouts of America for more than 30 years. He held all the important positions in the organization in several councils across the country. His service culminated in a position on the National Staff Northeast Region.

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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 22 – 28 JUL

Brothers,

 

Sixty years ago yesterday, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed insuring a cessation of hostilities ending the Korean War. Almost 1.8 million Americans served during the Korean War. How many SigEp Patriots served? The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) has information showing that at least 68 Brothers served in the Korea War, but we believe we are missing many names. If you are or know of a Brother who served in Korea, we hope you will pass him our way.

22 JUL 1940

CA Alpha Brother William E. Turpen began his service with the U.S. Army on this date.

23 JUL 1943

On this date, World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Corporal Willard Harold Lindeman, U.S. Army Air Corps made the ultimate sacrifice during action in New Guinea while serving as a gunner with the 408th Bomber Squadron, 22nd Bomber Group (Heavy). Willard was born in 1920, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in JAN 1941. After a year at the University of Illinois, Brother Lindeman left for service in the Pacific.

Respect can be paid to Brother Lindeman at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Plot Q, Row 0, Site 73.

26 JUL 1945

USS Hissem (DE-400) arrived at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on this date following service in the Atlantic Theater, and she would remain there through the end of the war. Hissem was named in honor of IL Alpha Brother Ensign Joseph Metcalf Hissem, U.S. Navy Reserve who was killed in action at the Battle of Midway. For his heroic actions, Brother Hissem was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross – making him one of the highest decorated SigEp Patriots.

26 JUL 1958

Korean War Veteran and Ace, American test pilot, SigEp Citation Recipient and IN Alpha Brother Captain Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force died on this date when his F-104 Starfighter crashed near Rosamond Dry Lake in California. Brother Kincheloe earned fame for piloting the Bell X-2 research rocket plane to a world's record of 126,200 feet on 07 SEP 1956. He was nicknamed “America’s No. 1 Spaceman.”

Born in Detroit in 1928, Iven was interested in aircraft from a very young age. At just four years of age, he took his first airplane ride with a barnstormer, and obtained his pilot’s license when he was 16 years old.

Brother Kincheloe graduated from Purdue University with degrees in mechanical and aeronautical engineering, and entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He took pilot training at Randolph Air Force Base, Arizona and earned his wings in 1950. Later that year, Kinch began flying mission over Korea. Before the conclusion of hostilities, he had flown more than 130 missions, and shot down 10 communist planes – making him one of 12 Air Force pilots with 10 or more jet victories. For his exemplary wartime service, Iven was awarded the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals.

As a test pilot, Brother Kincheloe piloted 70 different types of U.S. and foreign aircraft before being selected as a pilot for the X-2 and taking it to its record altitude. For this achievement Kinch was presented with the Mackay Trophy, as well as another Distinguished Flying Cross, and nicknamed.

Brother Kincheloe was selected as one of the first three pilots in the next rocket-powered aircraft program, the X-15, and would have been part of the Man In Space Soonest Project if not for his crash in 1958. Later that year, the Society of Experimental Test Pilots established the Iven C. Kincheloe Award to recognize outstanding professional accomplishment in the conduct of flight testing, and his accomplishments and memory live on each year the award presented.

In SEP 1959, Kinross Air Force Base, Michigan, was renamed Kincheloe Air Force Base in his honor, and remained in service until SEP 1977. He posthumously received a number of awards including the Air Force Association David C. Shilling Award, the Astronautic Award from the American Rocket Society, and the Legion of Merit from the Air Force. A monument also stands a few miles east of his hometown of Cassopolis, Michigan. It is an angular stone slab twelve feet high bearing a silver model of the X-2 pointed skyward.

In 1992, he was inducted into the Aerospace Walk of Honor in Lancaster, CA, and in 2011, Iven was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Respect can be paid to Brother Kincheloe at Section 2, Site 4872-1 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 24 – 30 DEC

"Diligence overcomes difficulties, sloth creates them"
-Ben Franklin

Brothers,

Another year has come and gone, and with it at least 86 of our brother patriots. They served during World War II, in the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars, as well as in Bosnia. Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Guardians and Airmen, active and reserve, they rest in peace as those of us who serve now – their legacy – continue to stand the watch.

 

The SigEp Patriots Project wishes you and yours a terrific 2013!

30 DEC 1919

Following his service in World War I, NH Alpha Brother James Vincent Forrestal was discharged from the Navy Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant on this date.

26 DEC 1943

On this date in SigEp Patriot history, USS Hissem (DE-400) – a destroyer escort of the EDSALL class named in honor of World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Ensign Anthony Metcalf Hissem, U.S. Navy Reserve – was christened and launched in Houston, TX. Brother Hissem was declared Missing In Action / Buried at Sea when none of the aircraft from his squadron returned following an attack against the Japanese during the Battle of Midway. USS Hissem proudly defended the nation from 1944-1970, actively serving in World War II, Vietnam and the Cold War.


USS Hissem (DE-400)

24 DEC 1944
World War II Veteran and KS Beta Brother First Lieutenant John J. Jackson, U.S. Army was killed in action in Belgium on this date. Brother Jackson graduated from Kansas State in 1941, and he taught and coached at Osborne, Kansas for a year. In JUN 1942 he joined the Army, and his armored division was sent overseas in AUG 1944.

Respect can be paid to Brother Jackson at Greenwood Cemetery, Eureka, Kansas.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 16 – 22 APR

Brothers,

18 APR 1993

U.S. Army War II Veteran and OK Alpha Brother Carmon Coleman Harris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma died on this date.

17 APR 2002

NY Alpha Brother Major Oscar Bomboy Millard, U.S. Army (Retired) died on this date. Oscar was born in Centralia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Syracuse University with a business degree. Later he was a resident of Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach, FL. After retiring from the Army, Brother Millard had a career in Civil Service Finance before completely retiring. His memberships included Northeast Florida Chapter of the Retired Officers Association, Solomon Masonic Lodge #20, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry.

Brother Millard was laid to rest with military honors, and respect can be paid to him at Arlington Park Cemetery, Jacksonville, FL.

16 APR 2005

On this date, an American hero entered the U.S. Army. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and TN Eta Brother Captain Joshua Sean Lawrence, U.S. Army, who was killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan last year, raised his hand swearing to defend our country.

19 APR 2005

Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and NY Eta Brother Corporal Jacob M. “Puck” Pfister, U.S. Army made the ultimate sacrifice on this date in Baghdad, Iraq when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Brother Pfister was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and was posthumously promoted to corporal. He was 27 years old, and his wife was pregnant with their first child, Maddison.

Jacob grew up in Buffalo, NY and attended Grover Cleveland High School, where he played tight end on the football team and received a citizenship award at graduation. After attending Buffalo State College, he joined the Army and moved to Florida.

Jacob’s mom described her son as a serious man who loved his family. “The way he put it to me is, ‘Mom, who would you rather have over there defending you, me or some other joker?”’ That was classic Puck.

Donations may be made to the Maddison Pfister Fund, c/o J.P. Morgan Chase, 2300 Main Place Tower, Buffalo, NY 14202.
Respect can be paid to Brother Pfister at a memorial cenotaph located at Fort Stewart, GA, or at his gravesite at Saint Vincent de Paul Cemetery, Derby, New York.

20 APR 2006

World War II Veteran and DE Alpha Brother Pharmacist Mate Second Class Donald Lee Huston, U.S. Navy died on this date in Cape Coral, Florida. Don retired as a Civilian Personnel Management Specialist from the Department of Army.

Respect can be paid to Brother Huston at Section WIV, Row A, Site 19 of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, Delaware.

16 APR 2010

World War II Veteran and NC Delta Renaissance Brother Lieutenant Reginald Frederick “Mutt” McCoy, U.S. Army Air Corps died on this date in Laurinburg, North Carolina. During WWII he was stationed in North Africa, Italy and Corsica, and was awaiting transfer to the Pacific Theater when the war ended.

“The Legend of Laurinburg” was born there on 09 JAN 1916, attended local schools, and studied at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Before completing his college degree, he returned to Laurinburg to help support his mother and siblings and began a 60 year career in the Merchantile and Agribusiness sector that was interrupted by his service to the Nation. Mutt became President of John F. McNair, Inc. and later President and Chairman of McNair Investment Company.

He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by Boy Scouts of America in 1957 and supported their work throughout his life. His son's chapter made him an honorary member.

21 APR 2011

U.S. Navy World War II Veteran NC Delta Chapter President Charles Taylor Foley died a year ago today in Stuart, Florida. He was 84 years old. Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, he wintered over in Stuart, while spending the summers in Oxford, OH where he had resided since 1970.

Charles attended the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill earning a degree in business administration after his service to the nation. He was extremely active at UNC, in addition to SigEp, he served as president of the YMCA on campus, sang in the Men's Glee Club, was Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in the student legislature, President of the Veteran's Association and Vice-president of the University Club.

A businessman his entire working life, he worked for several companies including H.K. Porter, Proctor and Gamble and Square D before becoming a successful small business owner. He sold his final business, Foley's Energy Shop, located outside Cincinnati, OH, in 1997.

Respect can be paid to Brother Foley at the mausoleum at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, North Carolina.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* We lost World War II Veteran and AL Alpha President Lieutenant Donald Jennings, U.S. Navy Reserve when he passed in Hinesville, Georgia.

* On 16 APR, U.S. Army World War II Veterans OK Beta Brother Kenneth “Buddy” Bell, and MO Alpha Brother Paul R. Manocchio passed away.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the brothers, family and friends of brothers Jennings, Bell and Manocchio.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE

* The SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – is very happy to welcome ROTC Cadet and SC Epsilon Brother Patrick Hamlin who will graduate this semester and earn his commission in the U.S. Army!

* The SPP database now has the names of more than 1810 SigEp Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military. We are always looking for brothers-in-arms, and we hope you will reach out to join your brothers. Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to join the listserve. For both, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 31 OCT – 06 NOV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 10 - 16 OCT

While putting the finishing touches to this edition of “This Week” I was watching the Chicago Bear – Minnesota Vikings game. In the third quarter, the Bears observed one of their home field traditions of stopping the game to honor and recognize a member of the U.S. military. The Bears are the only team in the NFL that has this tradition.

This is quite an emotional week in SigEp Patriot history. Eight years ago today, Nashville native TX Rho Brother Lieutenant Colonel Kim S. Orlando, U.S. Army was killed in action in Karbala, Iraq. Earlier this week, it was learned that another son of Tennessee made the ultimate sacrifice when TN Eta Brother Captain Joshua S. Lawrence, U.S. Army was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Our heartfelt condolences to all the families, friends and Brothers who have lost loved ones.

It is because of these and other Brothers that the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) was formed – to honor and recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of Brothers who serve/served our great nation in the U.S. military and insure they are always remembered. SPP welcomes partnerships in this effort with Richmond as well as representatives from individual chapters.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

10 OCT 1918
World War I Veteran and Ace, NY Beta Brother Major James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army had his sixth aerial victory / “kill” on this date over Bantheville, France in a SPAD XIII aircraft.

11 OCT 1923
World War II Veteran NE Alpha Brother Colonel Addis Thompson “Tad” Ward, U.S. Army / U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) was born on this date.

12 OCT 1942
Vietnam War Veteran TN Alpha Brother Major Selman “Sam” L. Bass, U.S. Army (Retired) was born on this date in Madison College, Tennessee.

12 OCT 1961
Kosovo and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran FL Epsilon Brother Colonel William Wesley Wood, U.S. Army was born on 12 OCT 1961 in Lubbock, Texas where his father was serving in the Air Force.