This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 04 – 09 March 2013

08 March 1918
On this date, World War I Veteran and Ace, NY Beta Brother Lieutenant James “Jimmy” Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service reported to Major John Huffner, Commander, 94th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, American Expeditionary Force. Known as the “Hat in the Ring Squadron” it was the first entirely American fighter squadron to serve in WWI.

Contrary to popular belief and the information passed by SigEp about Brother Kiffen Rockwell,

Jimmy went on to be the most successful SigEp Ace fighter pilot to serve with the U.S. Army Air Service in World War I. While he served nobly as an aviator during WWI, Rockwell served in the French Air Service.

Brother Meissner went on to attain the rank of Major, and founded the Alabama Air National Guard, serving as the unit’s first commanding officer.

05 March 1941

NC Delta Brother Lieutenant Seymour Anderson Johnson, U.S. Navy died on this date when the Grumman F4F-3 he was piloting crashed near Norbeck, Maryland. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC.

Seymour was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, graduated from Goldsboro High School and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for three years before entering the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. After graduating from the academy, Seymour was commissioned as an ensign and entered flight training at Pensacola, FL. He received his pilot wings in 1929, and after completing flight training he served as a pilot aboard battleships and aircraft carriers.

In 1937, he volunteered for duty as a test pilot, an assignment usually lasting two years. Brother Johnson was assigned to Anacostia Naval Air Station in Washington, DC beginning in 1938 and served as a test pilot until his death. During his last flight, he reported he was at 43,000 feet and was getting low on oxygen. His death was attributed to a lack of oxygen at high altitude.

 

Seymour had more than 4,000 hours in a variety of Naval and Grumman Aircraft Corporation aircraft. He had been selected for promotion to lieutenant commander and would have pinned on his oak leafs in June 1941.

In August 1940, the War Department designated the airport near Goldsboro as essential to national defense, and in December funds were authorized for the construction of a U.S. Army Air Corps Technical Training School. On 30 October 1942, Congressman Graham H. Barden informed the Goldsboro News-Argus that "the Army Air Forces Technical Training School in Goldsboro had been named Seymour Johnson Field."

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is the only Air Force base named in honor of a naval officer.

Respect can be paid to Brother Johnson at Section 7, Site 8153, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

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, 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, 30 JAN – 05 FEB

“If all the world were just, there would be no need of valor.” ~ Plutarch, Greek Biographer and Author

30 JAN 1925
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran, Computer Pioneer and Inventor of the Computer Mouse, SigEp Citation Recipient and OR Alpha Brother Dr. Douglas Carl Engelbart was born on this date in Portland, Oregon.

04 FEB 1929
U.S. Air Force Veteran and CO Alpha Brother Kenneth W. Drager was born on this date in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

01 FEB 1951
On this date, World War I Veteran, U.S. Ambassador and KS Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Monnett Bain Davis, U.S. Army / American Expeditionary Force was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

02 FEB 1969
Vietnam War Veteran and POW, SigEp Citation Recipient and KS Beta Brother Brigadier General James Downs Latham, U.S. Air Force (Retired) was commissioned a second lieutenant on this date.

03 FEB 2004
U.S. Navy Korean War Veteran ME Alpha Brother Roger William Fisher, died on this date in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada at the age of 72. Brother Fisher was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Navy from 1951 until 1955, some of that time on the USS Newport News. He was employed as a U.S. customs officer in Vanceboro, Maine, from 1963 until 1990. He was a member of the American Legion, Masons, and Elks.

30 JAN 2009
On this date, World War II Veteran and VA Alpha Brother Pharmacist Mate Third Class Dr. Ota Treville “O.T.” Graham, Jr, U.S. Navy died in Richmond, VA after a lengthy illness. Brother Graham 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.

O.T. returned to Richmond in the fall of 1946, and entered the University of Virginia and 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. Brother Graham was an active member of the MCV Alumni Association, and served as its president for two years. He was a member of The Richmond Academy of Medicine, Medical Society of Virginia, and the Sons of the American Revolution.

04 FEB 2011
World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Sergeant George Edward "Geo" Canney, U.S. Army died on this date at the age of 84 in Rutland, VT. Brother Canney was born on 21 MAY 1926, in Rutland, VT, and graduated from high school in 1944 before enlisting in the Army. After his discharge in 1946 he attended Norwich University.

Geo worked as a disc jockey and commentator at WHWB radio station for many years. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service at Metromail Inc. for several years. He was an active member of the American Postal Workers Union. He also spent many hours with his friends at the Carriage Room, Two Sheas, Magoo's and the American Legion Post 31.

Respect can be paid to Brother Canney at Calvary Cemetery in Rutland.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran NY Delta Founding Father Byron Davega Forster passed away 04 JAN in Dallas, TX.
* Vietnam War Veteran, First National SigEp Alumni Chairman, Founder and Past President of the Northern New Jersey Alumni Chapter & District Governor NC Delta Brother Lieutenant Commander Henry John Ouderkirk, U.S. Navy died 11 JAN in Atlanta, GA.
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran WA Alpha Brother Clifford E. Oligher passed away 25 JAN in Davenport, WA.
* U.S. Army World War II and Korean War Veteran WV Beta Brother George D. Siehl II died 27 JAN in Okeechobee, FL.
* U.S. Navy Veteran NE Beta Brother Richard Lear Graham passed away 31 JAN in Omaha, NE.

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.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 23 – 29 JAN

Brothers,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ever the Renaissance man, Swede enjoyed reading and sharing poetry or a good story, and was always the first to figure out an innovative way to fix something. In 1987, he retired from a career with Amoco Oil and moved to Grand Junction, Colo. It was there that he became active in the local Rotary club, participating in community activities and organizing its annual Christmas bell-ringing activities. Swede’s love of life was recognized throughout his lifetime and he received many honors and distinctions including the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Loyal Alumnus Award from the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from his fellow Rotarians.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

This (past) Week in SigEp Patriot History, 16 - 22 JAN

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 16 – 22 JAN
22 JAN 1898U.S. Army World War I Veteran, State of Nebraska Supreme Court Justice, Alternate Delegate to the 1936 Democratic National Convention and SigEp Brother Adolph Eilert Wenke was born in Pender, Nebraska on this date.

16 JAN 1936
World War I Veteran and Ace, Founder of the Alabama Air National Guard and NY Beta Brother Major James “Jimmie” Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service died on this date in Birmingham, Alabama.

The son of a U.S. Steel board member, he was born on 30 JUL 1896 in Novia Scotia, Canada. After high school, Jimmie enrolled at Cornell University. There he majored in engineering, and was a Private First Class in the Cadet Corps.

On 06 APR 1917, President Woodrow Wilson requested a declaration of war against Germany from Congress, and less than two months later, Brother Meissner dropped out of Cornell, and enlisted in the Army Signal Service (the branch of the Army then tasked with flying) as a Private First Class.

His military career moved quickly. In July, he entered the U.S. Army School of Military Aeronautics, but about a week in to pilot training Private First Class Meissner boarded a ship for France where he would continue his training. After completing his flight training, Brother Meissner was commissioned a First Lieutenant, and three months later his military career would take a life changing turn.

Lieutenant Meissner reported to the 94th Pursuit Squadron on 08 MAR 1918. Known as the “Hat in the Ring Squadron”, the 94th was the first entirely American unit to fly a fighter patrol. Two days before Meissner arrived at the unit, another young Lieutenant by the name of Eddie Rickenbacker reported to the 94th. Lieutenant Rickenbacker would go on to be the highest scoring American ace of the war, shooting down a grand total of twenty-six enemy aircraft.

On 02 MAY 1918, Brother Meissner won his first aerial kill. This action earned him his first of two Distinguished Service Crosses, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Army after the Medal of Honor. Two weeks later the French showed their appreciation for his actions on this mission by awarding him their medal for bravery, the Croix de Guerre.

Recognized as a leader, Jimmie was appointed commander of the 147th Aero Squadron in July, and scored four more victories while commanding the 147th.

After the Great War ended in Europe, Brother Miessner returned to the U.S. and was discharged from the Army on 25 MAR 1919, having reached the rank of Major just five months before at the age of 22. Striving for success, Jimmie stayed busy returning to Cornell University, earning his Masters Degree, and moving to Birmingham, Alabama to begin working at a rail mill. Even with all that, before the year was out he also co-created the Birmingham Flying Club.

However, simply starting a flying club was not enough, for Jimmie wanted to continue to serve his country and his new state. So shortly after forming the club, our hero brother set out to have the flying club officially recognized by the federal government as an air unit of the National Guard.

As you can imagine, the process of gaining federal recognition for the club was not easy. The first state to establish an air arm of its National Guard was New York, and that was only four years earlier. National Guard units at the turn of the twentieth century were not looked upon favorably due in large part to their involvement in the breaking up of strikes and labor disputes. And then there was Congress. The federal government was concerned that once they provided funds and aircraft to the Guard the unit it would then use the new resources for commercial gain.

After more than two-years of diligent commitment, the War Department organized the 135th Observation Squadron on 21 JAN 1922, and allotted it to the State of Alabama. Placing it under the command of Major James Meissner, the new observation squadron became the first Air National Guard unit in Alabama and only the seventh such unit in the United States.

When the father of the Alabama Air National Guard died from pneumonia, the city held a memorial service including a flyover by the planes of the unit. Additionally, Brother Meissner’s old friend and brother in arms, Eddie Rickenbacker, came to Birmingham to be an honorary pall-bearer for his former wingman. Four months later, our brother’s ashes were buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

The results of his hard work and determination continue to be recognized in the growth and changes to the unit he helped establish. After several designations and mission changes, the now 106th Air Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing continues missions to this day.

During the 2011 Veterans Day and Wreaths Across America ceremonies, we stopped by Brother Meissner’s gravesite to pay our respects. You can do so at Section 2 Site 4791 ES.

16 JAN 1946
On this date, U.S. Marine Corps World War I Veteran, Governor (Virginia) and Congressman SigEp Brother William Munford Tuck began his term in office as Governor of Virginia (16 JAN 1946 – 28 JAN 1950).

21 JAN 2002U.S Navy World War II Veteran, Delegate to the 1964 Republican National Convention, Governor (Colorado) and CO Beta Brother John Arthur Love died on this date in Colorado.

Born on a farm near Gibson City, Illinois on 29 NOV 1916, his family moved to Colorado Springs five years later. John attended Denver University where he became editor of the student newspaper, The Clarion, during his senior year. He was also elected president of the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Press Association. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938, and received his LLB from Denver University Law School in 1941 and passed the Colorado Bar in the same year.

World War II temporarily interrupted Brother Love’s professional law career. He enlisted in the Navy’s Aviation Cadet Program and served as a U.S. Navy pilot, for which he was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following the war, he opened a law firm in Colorado Springs.

Colorado politics were in a state of flux in 1962 when John decided to run for an office. However, his bid to become El Paso County Republican Chair failed by one vote. Shortly after this unsuccessful attempt, he decided to run for governor so that he could at least make his name more well-known in the political arena. Surprisingly, he won the primary battle against the longtime legislator and Speaker of the House. Due to the flux of in Colorado politics, the winds of change, the unity of the Colorado Republic Party, and Love’s moderate political positions, lack of a particular cause or agenda, and no past record to defend, Brother Love beat the incumbent, and became the 36th Governor of Colorado. He would be the first such governor to be elected to three terms (1963 to 1973).

During his tenure, Governor Love was able to influence the passage of many bills including increased state support for public schools and universities, and increased scholarships and tuition waivers for college students despite the fact that during his first term he supported a raise in college tuition. During his last term Colorado set a nation-wide precedence by passing the Sunshine Law which opened government meetings to the public and set disclosure requirements.

During one of the most contentious decades in our history because of the Viet Nam War and civil rights disparities in the 1960s, Love was known for his moderation. He was influential in keeping the state relatively undivided and continually prosperous. He resigned the governorship in 1973 to become the nation's first director of the Office of Energy Policy for President Richard M. Nixon but resigned this post after five months due to much political bickering and feeling like he did not have enough to do. The upheaval of the Watergate scandal and the subsequent resignation of Nixon possibly influenced his decision to return to the private sector where he took a position on the board of directors for the concrete and potash maker, Ideal Basic Industries. He would later become the CEO of the firm while remaining counsel to the Denver law firm of Davis, Graham & Stubbs, and in addition taught history at the University of Northern Colorado.

Upon his death, John was cremated, and the location of his ashes is unknown. To learn more about Brother Love’s service as Governor of Colorado you can go to the Colorado State Archives.

This Week in the History of Sigma Phi Epsilon Patriots, 17 - 23 January

"Let the record be made of the men and things of to-day, lest they pass out of memory to-morrow and are lost. Then perpetuate them not upon wood or stone that crumble to dust, but upon paper, chronicled in picture and in words that endure forever." --Kirkland

1898
22 JAN
On this day, WWI Veteran / Judge / Brother Adolph Eilert Wenke, U.S. Army (school affiliation unknown) was born in Pender, Thurston County, Nebraska. Little is known about Brother Wenke’s military service except that he served in the U.S. Army during World War I. If you have any information regarding this SigEp patriot I look forward to hearing from you.

1922
21 JAN
On this day, World War I Ace/ Brother / Major James “Jimmie” Armand Meissner, U.S. Army – Air Service (NY Beta) and other members of the “flying club” finally overcame all of the setbacks when officials in the War Department organized the 135th Observation Squadron, and allotted it to the state of Alabama. Placing the unit under the command of Major Meissner, the new observation squadron became the very first Air National Guard Unit in the state of Alabama and only the seventh such unit in the United States. (See the previous version for more information about Brother Meissner.)

Correction of last week’s entry regarding Brother Meissner: Jimmie Meissner is regarded by many as the father of the Alabama Air National Guard. The word “father” was inadvertently left out.

1961
20 JAN
This day marks the last day of service of WWII Veteran / Congressman / Brother / Major Herbert Birchby Warburton, U.S. Army (DE Alpha / University of Delaware ’38) as general counsel, Post Office Department (07 NOV 1957 to 20 JAN 1961).

Brother Warburton was in ROTC at University of Delaware and commissioned a second lieutenant, and then began active Army duty as a first lieutenant of the 122nd Antiaircraft Battalion in SEP 1941. Subsequently, 1LT Warburton graduated from Command and General Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in SEP 1945, and became battalion commander the next month. In DEC 1945, he was relieved from active duty as a Major.

2002
21 JAN
WWII Veteran / Governor / Brother John Arthur Love, U.S. Navy – pilot (CO Beta / University of Denver ’38) died on this day in Denver, Colorado. He was 85 years old.

In addition to his bachelor of arts degree, during his time at University of Denver Brother Love was editor of the student newspaper, The Clarion, during his senior year, and he was also elected president of the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Press Association. World War II would interrupt his civilian career.

While very little is posted in the public record about his military service, Brother Love was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice during his service to his country. When the war was over, Brother Love returned to Colorado Springs and began a law practice.

Brother Love had a long and distinguished career of service to the people of Colorado. In 1960 he was a member of the Colorado Republican State Central Committee, and in 1963 he began 10 years of service as the 36th Governor of the State of Colorado.

If it wasn’t for some dogged determination and a lost bid for office, Brother Love may have never became Governor of Colorado. In 1962, when John decided to run for an office, his bid to become El Paso County Republican Chair failed by one vote. Shortly after this unsuccessful attempt, he decided to run for governor so that he could at least make his name more well-known in the political arena. “Surprisingly (these words are from his online bio), he won the primary battle against the longtime legislator and Speaker of the House, David Hamil.” At this time in state politics, Coloradans were looking for a change in their leadership. In addition to being a moderate Republican, Brother Love had no particular cause or agenda to promote, and while he was new in politics, he had no past record to defend and, as yet, few enemies. This gained him broad based support, and he beat the incumbent, Stephen McNichols to become the first Colorado governor to be elected to three terms.

(From L to R, President Nixon, Secretary of Defense Laird and Brother John A Love in the Oval Office, 24 NOV 1973)

In 1973, Governor Love resigned his position to become the nation's first Director of the Office of Energy Policy (nicknamed the "Energy Czar") in the administration of President Richard M. Nixon, but resigned this post after five months due to much political bickering and feeling like he did not have enough to do. The upheaval of the Watergate scandal and the subsequent resignation of Nixon possibly influenced his decision to return to the private sector where he took a position on the board of directors for the concrete and potash maker, Ideal Basic Industries. He would later become the CEO of the firm while remaining counsel to the Denver law firm of Davis, Graham & Stubbs, and in addition taught history at the University of Northern Colorado.

In addition to Sigma Phi Epsilon, his associations include the American Bar Association, Rotary, American Legion and Omicron Delta Kappa.

Brother Love was cremated and the location of his ashes is unknown.

2008
22 JAN
Iraq War Veteran / Brother / Staff Sergeant Jonathan Kilian Dozier, U.S. Army (TN Theta / Middle Tennessee State University) was laid to rest on this day with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 60 Site 8727.

Last year, three NC Delta SigEp Patriots died within days of each other, two on the same day.

2010
17 JAN
WW II Veteran / Brother P. Adger Williams, U.S. Merchant Marines & U.S. Army (NC Delta / University of North Carolina ’51) died on this day at the age of 81 in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Following high school, he joined the Merchant Marines and then served in the Army in WWII. At UNC, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon. Brother Williams retired as senior vice president and actuary for Travelers Insurance Co. He also served as president of the American Academy of Actuaries.

2010
23 JAN
WWII Veteran / Brother Samuel Mallette Gattis III , U.S. Marine Corps (NC Delta / University of North Carolina ’50) of Hillsborough, North Carolina died on this day at the age of 84. Brother Gattis retired after a long career as the first county manager of Orange County. He was named North Carolina Manage of the Year.

Vietnam War Veteran / Brother / Major Robert Monroe McWhorter, U.S. Army (Retired) (NC Delta / University of North Carolina ’65) passed away in Summerfield, Florida at the age of 71. In his military career, he was a paratrooper and a weapons system operator. He completed 137 combat missions in Southeast Asia. He belonged to Sigma Phi Epsilon and AFROTC at UNC. After retiring from the U.S. Army with the rank of Major, Brother McWhorter worked in the banking industry.

Information as to where respects can be paid to these dedicated patriots was not found, and if you have any such information a comment on this blog would be greatly appreciated.

Good News Item!
SigEps Who Serve recently learned that congratulations are in order for Brother Chris Costello, U.S. Army National Guard (VA Beta / Virginia Commonwealth University) who was just promoted to Private First Class. Chris reports that he spends each drill weekend with a Recruit Sustainable Program where he assists with the presentation of training classes for new privates as they prepare for basic training. Keep leading from the front PFC Costello!

Fraternally and Respectfully,

Ed Jones
Chief, USNR
NY Eta/Buffalo State College
sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

Still looking for you!
The SigEps Who Serve group on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5903232706) is open to and comprised of ONLY SigEp patriots who serve or have served in the U.S. military. Brothers-in-Arms from all the services are welcome whether they are currently in ROTC, Reserve, Active, Retired, National Guard or have left the service