Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 04 – 11 NOV

"Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it." -Pericles

It has been a few weeks since our last edition of "This Week in SigEp Patriots History" and we believe it is  very important to cover the events throughout the years that took place this particular week.

Happy (belated) Veterans’ Day to all SigEp Patriots and their relatives who serve/served!

It is believed that the U.S. Army Rangers were the first to have “leave no man behind” as a motto and part of their belief system. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) believes that to be so of all brothers, but especially true that we never leave a military brother behind – especially by forgetting about him.

With that in mind, last Saturday SPP held its first Veterans’ Day Observance event at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) to show our respect and honor the 35 SigEp Patriots known to be buried there. A single red rose was placed at the gravesite of each brother.

 

As you can see from the photo of most of the participants, the event was a great success. SPP would like to thank the undergraduate brothers from MD Beta, DC Gamma and DC Delta, as well as the alums and their friends living in the area, for being involved in this important event.

07 NOV 1927

Leroy Marshall Burkholder was initiated as a SigEp at the PA Eta chapter on this date. Brother Burkholder graduated from Penn State in 1930, joined the U.S. Army within a year of the attack on Pearl Harbor, graduated from OCS early in 1943, and earned at least the rank of First Lieutenant upon his honorable discharged at the conclusion of WWII.

07 NOV 1942

On this date, U.S. Army World War II Veteran and NC Epsilon Brother Charles Walker Sample participated in the initial landings of American troops in North Africa.

05 NOV 1944

On this date, World War II Veteran and IN Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Clarence Cleveland Roudebush, Jr., U.S. Army made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action. Clarence and other members of the 60th Troop Division where aboard a mission aircraft when it was shot down near Pescara, Italy. After being temporarily interred in Europe, Clarence was repatriated in Spring 1949.

Respect can be paid to Brother Roudebush at Glen Haven Cemetery, Harrison, OH.

07NOV1958

World War II Veteran of the Africa and Italy Campaigns and MD Alpha Brother Charles Elmer Jung was promoted to his final rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force on this date. Buried at ANC, the undergraduate brothers from one of the Washington, DC area chapters laid a red rose at his gravesite and paid their respect in observance of Veterans’ Day.

06 NOV 1964
On this date, U.S. Army World War II Veteran VA Zeta Brother J. Robert Massie, Jr. died on this date in Everglades, Florida after suffering a heart attack.

08 NOV 1969

MT Alpha Brother Benjamin B. Briscoe, III died on this date. Brother Briscoe was a ROTC Cadet and member of the Class of 1970 at University of Montana when he died as a result of injuries suffered in a three-car highway accident.

In addition to ROTC, Brother Briscoe was student body president, chairman of the Leadership Camp, and a participant in the Vietnam Moratorium and 19-year-old vote committees. Ben and a friend were involved in the car accident they were returning from the state capitol at Helena where they campaigned at the State Democratic Convention to gain support for lowering the voting age to 19.

Respect can be paid to Brother Briscoe at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls, MT.

05 NOV 2000

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran NE Beta Brother Mark Alan Hurtz died on this date in Flagstaff, Arizona.

10 NOV 2004

On this date, U.S. Navy World War II Veteran FL Alpha Brother Byrd C. Fryer, Jr. died in Gainesville, Florida. A year after graduating from the University of Florida, Byrd was commissioned as an Internal Revenue Agent. He worked for the IRS in Jacksonville, FL until his retirement in 1974 – his work only interrupted by his service in the Pacific Theater with the Navy during WWII. After the war, he served as an officer in the Navy Reserve.

10 NOV 2008

CO Delta Brother
Ev Ferris

World War II & Korean War Veteran, CO Delta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Evans “Ev” Ferris, U.S. Air Force died on this date in Santa Barbara, California. During WWII, Ev flew C-87s on cargo duty between India and China, and after the war he worked as an airline pilot for Continental Airlines.

Brother Ferris was a graduate of the Class of 1938 at Colorado School of Mines, where he graduated with a degree in mining engineering. While we know he flew for Continental for 32 years before retiring, we do not have any details about his Korea War service during that same time.

Upon his retirement, Ev and his wife moved to Santa Barbara where he loved to play golf. In 1981 and 1982, he was the president of the board of directors of the La Cumbre Country Club.

Respect can be paid to Brother Ferris at Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses, KS.

11 NOV 2008

OR Beta Brother
Mike Talbot

OR Beta Brother Lieutenant Colonel/Doctor John “Mike” Talbot, U.S. Air Force died unexpectedly on this date of a cerebral hemorrhage. A 1958 graduate of the University of Oregon, Brother Talbot subsequently began his attendance of the University’s Medical School before joining the U.S. Air Force. After medical School, Mike served in Germany and San Antonio, and resigned his commission in 1974 to go in to private practice in Michigan.

In 1980, Mike moved his family back to Portland where he served on the faculty of the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU). He retired after 20 years of teaching, and in 2001 was named professor emeritus of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery and diagnostic radiology from OHSU. He received the Meritorious Achievement Award in May 2001. OR Beta brothers may see Brother Talbot’s name around campus due to his achievements.

Respect can be paid to Brother Talbot at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland.

05 NOV 2011

U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and U.S. Air Force Reserve Veteran VA Zeta Brother Lawrence “Sweeney” Shiflett died on this date.

Sweeney served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and after his discharge he attended Randolph Macon College, became a SigEp, and joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve where he served for 28 years.

Respect can be paid to Brother Shiflett at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Front Royal, VA.

07 NOV 2011

U.S. Army World War II Veteran and TN Alpha Brother Raymond Marshall Hair, Sr. died on this date in Lenoir, Tennessee. After graduating from high school in 1941, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville as a ROTC Cadet and business student. His student deferment at UT was cancelled after the U.S. declared war on the Axis Powers and he was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1942. Raymond served as a member in the 1111th Army Engineer Combat Group, landing with his company on Utah beach in JUN 1944 during the second wave of the Normandy invasion. He fought through France, Belgium and into Germany, participating in every major allied battle in the European Theater. His unit liberated the Nazi concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen, Germany. After the war's end, he continued his college education in France, returning to the U.S. in 1946.

Respect can be paid to Brother Hair at Lakeview Mausoleum in Lenoir.

10 NOV 2011

U.S. Army Veteran TX Alpha President Mervin Bernard Cook died on this date. Merv served in the Army from 1956 to 1959.


TX Alpha President
Merv Cook

After graduating from high school in San Antonio in 1953, he began his study of music at the University of Texas on a full voice scholarship, and was a member of the 1954 Sigma Phi Epsilon pledge class at UT. In 1959 Merv returned to UT to get his B.A. in business and was elected president of TX Alpha.

After graduation, Brother Cook was in management with the Farmers Insurance Group regional office and the Austin Women's Club. Merv’s wife and a friend established Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Catering, and when Merv retired, he became Mother Hubbard. In 2004, Merv retired again and moved to Lake McQueeney in Seguin, TX.

04 NOV 2012

IN Beta Brother First Lieutenant Robert Donnell Arnold, U.S. Army died on this date in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Respect can be paid to Brother Arnold at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis.

On the same date, U.S. Navy Veteran KS Gamma Brother Charles “Charlie” Lee Medlock died in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Charlie served aboard USS Fall River (CA-131) and USS Recruit (AM-285)

Brother Medlock was buried at sea.

06 NOV 2012

U.S. Army World War II Veteran TX Alpha Brother Robert Eugene Brown died on this date.

Respect can be paid to Brother Brown at Austin Memorial Park in Austin, TX.

09 NOV 2012



IN Gamma Brother
Duke Wolfe

Korean War Veteran and IN Gamma Brother Airman First Class Leland “Duke Wolfe, U.S. Air Force died on this date in Granger, Indiana. After graduating from high school, Duke entered the Air Force, and served as jet engine mechanic and instructor in Japan during the Korean War.

Brother Wolfe earned his teaching degree and Master's from Ball State, and was an active member of the IN Gamma chapter. He taught his entire career of 32 years at Penn High School. Many young people learned how to work on cars and build houses from Duke. He and a good friend also earned the Meritorious Teacher Award from the State of Indiana for their creation of the highly successful Penn High Building Trades Program. With the guidance of local professionals in the trades, Brother Wolfe's students completed and sold 22 homes from 1969-1991.

Fraternally and Very Respectfully,

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

sigepswhoserve@gmail.com

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 09 – 15 SEP

Brothers,

13 SEP 1944

World War II Veteran and UT Alpha Brother Lieutenant Paul Pratt Reeder, U.S. Navy made the ultimate sacrifice on this date. Brother Reeder was a pilot with VT-22 off of the USS Cowpens (CVL-25) when he was killed in action when his TBM-1C Avenger crashed during the bombing of Negros Island, Philippines. He entered the Naval Air Corps in OCT 1941, and was commissioned JUL 1942 in Corpus Christi, TX. Before he was killed Brother Reeder had participated in four major battles against the Japanese.

Respect can be paid to Brother Reeder at Plot C-41-10 at Smithfield City Cemetery, Smithfield.

14 SEP 1998

On this date, U.S. Army Air Forces World War II Veteran, Secretary of the Navy, Assistant Secretary of the Army, SigEp Citation Recipient and TX Alpha Brother Frederick Herman Korth, 89, died at his home in El Paso, Texas. After graduating from the University of Texas and receiving a law degree from George Washington University, he returned to Fort Worth to practice law, and joined the Air Transport Command with the outbreak of WWII.

TX Alpha Brother
Frederick H. Korth
World War II Veteran

After the war, Fred became president of Continental National Bank, a post he left for two years to serve as an assistant secretary of the Army in the Truman Administration. In 1962, President Kennedy appointed Brother Korth the 57th Secretary of the Navy. It was here that Fred Korth was a part of history in two respects.

 

During those 13 dark days in October 1962, the U.S. Navy stood their ground staring down Soviet freighters carrying nuclear weapons to Cuba. Fred also fought to upgrade our Navy's ships. He saw that nuclear powered ships were the future and that they would be the most effective way to transport our troops and defend our borders. While not successful in making this change at first, time proved him right. After serving as Secretary of the Navy, Brother Korth spent the next 36 years practicing law with his son in Washington, DC.

In 1965, Fred was presented the SigEp Citation.

Brother Korth was laid to rest under a three century old Texas Live Oak on his ranch.

10 SEP 2008

NY Beta Brother Robert S. Spangler died on this date in Concord, North Carolina. He was a veteran, a retired salesman and marketer, and active in the community.

14 SEP 2010

On this date, U.S. Navy Medical Services Corps World War II Veteran and NC Epsilon Brother Samuel Adamson Burgess, Jr. died in Raleigh, North Carolina. Sam studied at Davidson College until he was old enough to volunteer for service in the Navy, Upon the completion of his military service, he returned to Davidson and graduated in 1948.


NC Epsilon Brother
Samuel A Burgess, Jr
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran

After attending the School of Business at Columbia University in New York City, Brother Burgess was employed in the cashier’s office of the Equitable Life Assurance Society in Harrisburg, PA for a year before entering Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA to study for the Presbyterian ministry. Upon graduation in 1952, he was ordained in Sparta, NC by the Presbytery of Winston-Salem and called to the Elkin Presbyterian Church in Elkin, NC.

Sam and his wife soon went to Scotland to engage in Form Critical New Testament Studies at the University of St. Andrews. Upon completing his studies, Sam returned home and became the organizing pastor of a new Presbyterian church in Garner, NC in 1956. During his pastorate, Sam served as a Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1960, 1976, and 1984. Love of community and people led him to serve in various offices and organizations including Boards of Directors of the American Cancer Society and the Triangle Counseling Center, president of the local PTA, and Chaplain for many years at the Garner Civitan Club. Upon retirement in 1990, Sam volunteered his time tutoring students in the field of reading at Vandora Springs Elementary School and providing support to patients as a volunteer at Rex Hospital.

Respect can be paid to Brother Burgess at Williamsburg Cemetery, Kingstree, SC.

09 SEP 2012

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Edward “Ted” Robert Haskell, 84, died on this date at Southern Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine with his family by his side. Following high school, Ted was accepted at Dartmouth College and then deferred, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1947. After proudly serving in the Marine Corps, he attended Dartmouth, played on the hockey team, and received a business management degree in the Class of 1952.

Brother Haskell worked with his dad to create the Robert Haskell Company, an office products organization, originating in Beverly, MA in 1953. Following the early passing of his dad and the advent of computer technology, the company evolved into Systems Automation, Inc (SAI), and Ted worked to take SAI from one of the prominent Boston area office automation and computer networking companies to one of the nation’s top office automation dealerships.

Ted was a member of the Salem Five Cent Savings Bank Board of Trustees for over 20 years National Association of Accountants, and the Salem Massachusetts Rotary Club Dartmouth College.

Respect can be paid to Brother Haskell at Swampscot Cemetery in Swampscot, MA.

IA Beta Brother
Whitney McCormack
World War II Veteran

10 SEP 2012



World War II Veteran and IA Beta Brother First Lieutenant Whitney “Whit” McCormack, U.S. Army Air Corps died on this date. He was 89 years old. During his three years of WWII service Whit flew C-54 cargo aircraft. Brother McCormack was a longtime member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and worked for Chance Vought or its successors, Northrop and Lockheed Martin.

Respect can be paid to Brother McCormack at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* NY Beta Brother Lieutenant Colonel James F. Jerome, U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) passed away 05 SEP in Watertown, New York at the age of 83.
* U.S. World War II Veteran and AL Alpha Brother Robert Jones Bedwell passed away 14 SEP in Piedmont, Alabama. Bob graduated from high school in 1944, served in the latter part of World War II, and went to Auburn University after completion of his military service. Funeral services will be at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery AL, tomorrow at 2:00pm with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Jerome and Bedwell. While they are no longer with us, the greatest casualty is being forgotten, and the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) pledges these Brothers will always be remembered.

SPP UPDATE

* As of this writing, the archives of SPP now contain the names of 4,302 SigEp Patriots!
* SPP’s official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – now numbers 618 such Brothers.
* Not on Facebook. No problem, SPP has an email listserve with over 100 Brothers! Just drop me an email.

Did you serve or know a Brother who does? If so, please let us know by emailing sigepswhoserve@gmail.com or go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve to join your brothers-in-arms. We will ask for your home chapter, rank, branch of service, military status (active, reserve, retired, etc.), and whether you are a combat veteran. Please help SPP find our fellow SigEp Patriots by sending them the link.

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, 08 – 14 JUL

Brothers,

09 JUL 1943 – Operation HUSKY, the invasion to liberate Sicily, began. Eight divisions were involved – more than 80,000 men.

10 JUL 1950 – The first engagement between U.S. and North Korean tanks occurred near Chonui, Korea.

11 JUL 1972 – American forces broke the 95-day siege at An Loc in Vietnam.

How many SigEp Patriots were present at these important moments in U.S. military history? The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) thinks it is important to know, and we continue to work to learn the answer to this and many other questions.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History:

10 JUL 1942

On this date, NC Epsilon Brother Robert L. Orr entered the U.S. Army, and went on to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II.

13 JUL 1942

MA Alpha Brother David H. Johnson joined the U.S. Coast Guard on this date, serving as a Soundman Second Class during World War II.

13 JUL 1946

World War II Veteran and AL Beta Brother First Lieutenant James Calabra, Jr., U.S. Army was discharged from the service on this date after nearly three years in the Army, and 17 months in the China-Burma-India Theater with the 3286th Engineers.
 
08 JUL 1986
On this date, World War II Veteran, future SigEp Citation Recipient and VA Zeta Brother General Robert Jefferson Wood, U.S. Army (Retired) – one of five known SigEp Patriots to reach this rank in the U.S. military – died of a stroke at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Washington, DC. Brother Wood was a United States Army four-star general who helped organize the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military organization in the early 1950s and served as director of the military assistance program from 1962 to 1965.
 
Born in 1905 in Petersburg, Virginia, he attended Randolph-Macon College for a year until entering the United States Military Academy in 1926. On 12 JUN 1930, Brother Wood graduated and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps.

During World War II, he served in the Mediterranean Theater, advancing through the grades from Captain to Colonel. Following the war, Brother Wood served as a military aide to Secretary of Defense and NH Alpha Brother James Vincent Forrestal.

 

VA Zeta Brother
Robert Jefferson Wood
General, U.S. Army (Retired)

Following an assignment to the Advanced Planning Group charged with creating Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), the NATO headquarters organization, Robert was promoted to brigadier general in MAY 1952 and assigned as Chief of the Defense Annual Review Team for the U.S. Mission to NATO. On 01 MAY 1956, Brother Wood became commanding general of Fort Bliss (Texas) and commandant of the Antiaircraft Artillery and Guided Missile School.

With his promotion to Lieutenant General in 1960, he was assigned as Commanding General of the Army Air Defense Command (ARADCOM) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and two years later appointed director of the military assistance program in the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, with the rank of full general. The Director of Military Assistance supervised the operational details of arms transfer to NATO allies and other friendly countries. As chief of staff of the foreign military aid program, he was considered to be on the same level as the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and of comparable military rank, but without a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Robert retired on 01 SEP 1965, but was recalled to active duty in 1968 to serve as Director of the Overseas Base Requirements Study Group, a special interdepartmental study group planning future overseas military base locations. With his work completed, he returned to retired status on 31 MAR 1969. He subsequently served on a presidential task force on international development.

His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with oak leaf cluster) and Purple Heart.

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, 31 DEC 2012 – 06 JAN 2013

Brothers,

01 JAN 1920

On this date, World War I Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) and Distinguished Service Medal for his courageous actions while deployed to France & Belgium. The DSC is the second highest military award presented to a member of the U.S. Army for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Brother Tavenner is one of five SigEp Patriots to be awarded the DSC.

03 JAN 1941
World War II Veteran and PA Xi Brother First Lieutenant Paul Harvey Cunningham, U.S. Army was sworn in on this date as a member of the Seventy-seventh Congress. Brother Cunningham served the people of Iowa’s 6th District until 1943 when he was elected to serve the 5th District.

31 DEC 1942

NC Epsilon Brother Charles Henderson joined the U. S. Navy after graduation, and served 26 months overseas before being discharged at the end of the war at the rank of Lieutenant.

01 JAN 1943

On this date, DC Alpha Brother Kenneth H. Brunner, U.S. Army entered the service and obtained the rank of Captain and served on an "interesting duty" with the Manhattan District in Tennessee, headquarters for the atomic bomb before being discharged.

03 JAN 1943

Making the ultimate sacrifice on this date, World War II Veteran and MI Alpha Brother First Lieutenant James L. Lee, U.S. Army was in action over Western Europe while serving as co-pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps 323rd Bomber Squadron, 91st Bomber Group (Heavy). Brother Lee was MI Alpha’s first casualty of WWII.

A SigEp at MI Alpha between 1935 and 1937, Brother Lee entered the service in the fall of 1941 after graduating from Carnegie Institute of Technology at Pittsburgh. He received his preliminary training at Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL, and was later sent to Camden and Sumter, SC, before receiving his silver wings and commission at Shaw Field, in the summer of 1942.

His awards include the Purple Heart and Air Medal.

Brother Lee is memorialized at the Brittany American Cemetery, St. James (Manche), France.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 10 – 16 DEC

Brothers,

“It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of nonviolence to cover impotence.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

“I have just received the February issue of the Journal. I can say that I have read this issue with more than ordinary interest, partly because out here we are hungry for news of our friends and partly because I found out for the first time that at least two of the officers that I know here are Sig Eps.” ~ Written by a Brother serving in North Africa, and published in the April 1943 edition of the Journal

14 DEC 1918

On this date, U.S. Army World War I Veteran and MT Alpha Brother Albert Schak was with the first unit to cross the Rhine at Coblenz, Germany. As the U.S. Third Army occupied Coblenz, it is likely Brother Schak’s unit was attached to the Third.

13 DEC 2000

U.S. Army World War II Veteran and GA Alpha Brother Thomas J. Biggs died on this date in Charleston, WV.

Respect can be paid to Brother Biggs at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, West Virginia.

12 DEC 2004

U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and AL Beta President Glen Allen Deuel died in Huntsville, Alabama on this date at the age of 82. After high school he enlisted and served in the 15^th Army Air Force, 460^th Bomb Group of World War II. When the war was over, he attended the University of Alabama and graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Glen was born in Loxley, Alabama, and grew up in Castleberry, Alabama. After graduating from college, Brother Deuel worked for two years on B-52s for Boeing in Seattle. He then went on to Redstone Arsenal in 1952 of Huntsville, Alabama, and joined the ABMA Wernher Von Braun first launch team and later NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center where he worked on major space programs from 1952-1979. He was also a member of the American Rocket Society.

While walking the beaches of Cape Canaveral during the first Redstone launches of our space program, Glen found a new passion in sea shells. He was a founding member of North Alabama Shell Club and Past President of Conchologists of America, the national organization of shell collectors.

Glen served his country during WWII and through his work at NASA for a combination of 30 years. He also volunteered in his community as a member of Huntsville’s Metro Kiwanis Club and received Layman of the Year Award.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 10 – 16 SEP

Brothers,

This week is the 11th anniversary of the attacks on 11 SEP 2001, and to the best of our knowledge 12 brothers have lost their lives while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please don’t allow yourself to forget them or the Brother’s that continue to serve to protect our way of life. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) will continue to work on behalf of brothers living and dead who have served our great nation, and we welcome any assistance with this effort.

15 SEP 2009

On this date, Kosovo, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran AK Alpha Brother Joel Fix, Sr. was promoted to Master Sergeant, U.S. Army

14 SEP 2010

U.S. Navy Medical Services Corps World War II Veteran and NC Epsilon Brother Samuel Adamson Burgess, Jr. died on this date in Raleigh, North Carolina.

He was born in Jacksonville, FL, and immediately upon graduation from high school he entered Davidson College, where he studied until he was old enough to volunteer for the United States Naval Medical Corps during World War II. Upon completing his military service at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, he returned to Davidson College and graduated in 1948. After attending the School of Business at Columbia University in New York City, Sam was employed in the cashier’s office of the Equitable Life Assurance Society in Harrisburg, PA for a year before entering Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA to study for the Presbyterian ministry. Upon graduation in 1952, he was ordained in Sparta, NC by the Presbytery of Winston-Salem and called to the Elkin Presbyterian Church in Elkin, NC.

Brother Burgess and his wife soon went to Scotland to engage in Form Critical New Testament Studies at the University of St. Andrews. Upon completing his studies, Sam returned home and became the organizing pastor of a new Presbyterian church in Garner, NC in 1956. During his pastorate, Sam served as a Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1960, 1976, and 1984. Love of community and people led him to serve in various offices and organizations including Boards of Directors of the American Cancer Society and the Triangle Counseling Center, president of the local PTA, and Chaplain for many years at the Garner Civitan Club. Upon retirement in 1990, Sam volunteered his time tutoring students in the field of reading at Vandora Springs Elementary School and providing support to patients as a volunteer at Rex Hospital.

Respect can be paid to Brother Burgess at Williamsburg Cemetery, Kingstree, SC. While Sam is gone, SPP pledges that his life and patriotic service to the nation will always be remembered.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

- U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Edward “Ted” Robert Haskell passed away 09 SEP 2012 at Southern Maine Medical Center with his family by his side.

- World War II Veteran and IA Beta Brother First Lieutenant Whitney "Whit" McCormack, U.S. Army Air Corps passed away 10 SEP 2012. Visitation will be at Jeter and Son Funeral Home, 6-8pm, 17 SEP. Funeral Service will be at 11am, Tuesday at Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church, 6000 S Hampton Road, Dallas, Texas 75232. Interment with Military Honors will follow at D/FW National Cemetery.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and chapter brothers of SigEp Patriots Haskell and McCormack. While gone, SPP pledges that Ted and Whit will never be forgotten.

CELEBRATIONS!

* Congratulations are in order for U.S. Army Veteran TX Delta Brother David Ames, Jr. and his wife, Karin as they learned they going to have their first son – a future SigEp, I am sure. Congratuations to the Ames family!

* On Friday, AL Epsilon Navy Brother Leslie Long successfully completed Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) school in Coronado, CA. Quite an amazing accomplishment – we are all proud of you, Leslie!

* Also on Friday, the hard work and commitment of CA Theta Brother Corporal Frank Beardsley, U.S. Army California National Guard was recognized with the awarding of the Army Commendation Medal.

* Congratulations to OH Iota Brother Master Sergeant Ross Altenburger, Ohio Air National Guard as he started his transition to civilian life earlier this week. Best of luck to you, and thank you for your service, Ross!

Fraternally and Very 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, 02 – 08 APR

Brothers,

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." ~ Robert F. Kennedy

06 APR 1945
For his actions on this date, 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" while serving in Germany.

07 APR 1984
U.S. Navy Veteran and NE Beta Brother Kenneth G. Doeschot died on this date in Newark, California.

03 APR 1996
VT Beta Brother, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and 35th Secretary of Commerce Captain Ronald Harmon Brown, U.S. Army died on this date when the Air Force CT-43 he was traveling in on the way to an official trade mission in Croatia crashed in to a mountainside killing all on board.

Born 01 AUG 1941 in Washington, DC, Ron was raised in Harlem, New York, and attended Middlebury College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and was the first African-American brother of our beloved fraternity.

Brother Brown served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1967 rising to the rank of captain, and in 1970 earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law.

From 1967 to 1979, Ron worked for the National Urban League, rising to the position of deputy executive director for Programs and Governmental Affairs. He was elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 1989 and played an integral role in the election of President William Clinton. President Clinton then appointed Brown Secretary of Commerce in 1993.

In honor of Brother Brown, President Clinton established the Ron Brown Award for corporate leadership and responsibility. The United States Department of Commerce annually gives out the Ronald H. Brown Innovator Award and there is the Ronald H. Brown Center for Civil Rights and Economic Development at St. John’s University School of Law. In 2001, Brown was posthumously presented the Presidential Citizens Award.

Respect can be paid to Brother Brown at Section 6, Lot 8389, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

07 APR 2001
On this date, CA Beta Brother Ensign Gaylord Goble, U.S. Navy died in La Jolla, California. Born 01 AUG 1920, in Flagstaff, Arizona he attended USC and graduated from USC School of Dentistry in 1945.

Brother Goble served aboard the aircraft carrier Point Cruz (CVE-119), and retired from his dental practice in Beverly Hills in 1981.

03 APR 2007
U.S. Army World War II Veteran and NC Epsilon Brother William Alexander “Bill” Dixon died on this date in Belmont, North Carolina.

Brother Dixon served in the U.S. Army from JUL 1945 to JAN 1947, and upon discharge he entered Davidson and received his degree. Upon graduation, he joined his father in Dixon Oil Company. In 1959 he began a real estate business, working as a broker, home builder, land developer, and appraiser, retiring in 1996. Bill was active in civic affairs as a member of the Belmont Rotary Club serving as president in 1959, a founding member of the Belmont Chamber of Commerce serving as president in 1967, and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2005.

He also served as a Scoutmaster from 1950-59, as district and council chairman of leadership training, and in 1965 he was awarded the Silver Beaver from Piedmont Council for outstanding service. Bill served as president of the Belmont Satellite of Habitat for Humanity for seven years, and thereafter as construction coordinator.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
02 APR 1922 – U.S. Marine Corps World War II Veteran and NE Alpha Brother Jay Franklin Hoffman was born in Austin, Minnesota.
07 APR 1927 – World War II Veteran and PA Delta Brother Sergeant John Metcalf Bickelhaupt, U.S. Army Air Corps.
08 APR 1929 – National Guard Veteran (Montana) and MT Beta Brother Daniel William Ayres was born in Bozeman, Montana.
02 APR 1938 – DC Alpha Brother Lieutenant Commander Hans Zassenhaus, U.S. Navy (Retired).
08 APR 1944 – VA Alpha Brother and Major / Doctor William Fielding Bryce V, U.S. Air Force was born in Richmond, VA.
06 APR 1987 – UT Beta Brother and U.S. Navy pilot Chase Winsor.
08 APR 1988 – MO Eta Brother Specialist Brian Milbach, U.S. Army Reserve
04 APR 1989 – NJ Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Andrew Boyle, U.S. Army.
05 APR 1989 – PA Gamma Brother Ensign Paul Ellison, U.S. Navy.
07 APR 1989 – MO Kappa Brother ROTC Cadet Matthew Boyd.

Happy Birthday Brothers! Did we miss you? If so, it is because we don’t know your birthday. Send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com if you wish to allow us the honor of celebrating your day.

CELEBRATIONS!
* On Wednesday, Dartmouth College announced its medical school is being named Audrey and Theodor Geisel School of Medicine.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE
* The SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – is quickly closing in on 460 members, and this week we were very happy to welcome NC Mu Brother Second Lieutenant Jacob Rudy, U.S. Marine Corps and especially proud of our recently initiated KS Beta Brother and U.S. Marine Corps PLC Candidate Doug Brown. Any brother who serves/served can join SigEps Who Serve by going to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join the SPP listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. For both, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.
* The SPP archives have grown to 1,767 since the last installment of “This Week”.
* Any undergrad or alumni interested in joining Team SPP as a chapter point of contact just drop an email to 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, 12 – 18 SEP

"We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit
violence on those who would do us harm." - George Orwell

12 SEP 1917On this date, World War II Veteran and OK Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Frank Marion Pinney, U. S. Army was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

12 SEP 1924
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and CA Beta Brother David Raynes Billings was born on this date in Los Angeles, California.

16 SEP 1929
U.S. Navy Veteran IN Alpha Brother Rex A. Sebastian was born on this date.

15 SEP 1940In Roundup, Montana, U.S. Navy Vietnam War Veteran and MT Beta Brother Robert Allen Lundstrom was born on this date.

15 SEP 1973On this date, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and AL Alpha Brother Colonel Wallace Jack Paschal, U.S. Air Force (previously U.S. Army) was promoted to the rank of Private on this date. A great career starts with one small step.

14 SEP 2010
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and NC Epsilon Brother Samuel Adamson Burgess, Jr (Davidson College ’48) died on this date in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Born in Jacksonville, FL, Brother Burgess grew up there before enrolling at Davidson College. There he studied until old enough to volunteer for the United States Naval Medical Corps during World War II. Upon completing his military service at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia, Sam returned to Davidson College and graduated in 1948.

While at Davidson, Sam was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After attending the School of Business at Columbia University in New York City, he worked for a year in Harrisburg, PA before entering Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA to study for the Presbyterian ministry. Upon graduation in 1952, Brother Burgess was ordained in Sparta, NC by the Presbytery of Winston-Salem and called to the Elkin Presbyterian Church in Elkin, NC.

Upon returning home after completing additional studies in Scotland at the University of St. Andrews, Sam became the organizing pastor of a new Presbyterian church in Garner, NC in 1956. During his pastorate, he served as a Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1960, 1976, and 1984. Love of community and people led him to serve in various offices and organizations including Boards of Directors of the American Cancer Society and the Triangle Counseling Center, president of the local PTA, and Chaplain for many years at the Garner Civitan Club.

When he retired in 1990, Sam volunteered his time tutoring students in the field of reading at Vandora Springs Elementary School and providing support to patients as a volunteer at Rex Hospital.

Jim was laid to rest at Williamsburg Cemetery in Kingstree, SC.

18 SEP 2010
A year ago today, U.S. Army World War II Veteran and CA Beta Brother James H. Cox (University of Southern California ’47) died peacefully at the age of 90.

He grew up on the Ohio River in Toronto, Ohio in a family that shared a deep appreciation of music. He sang in glee clubs, school operettas and church choirs. Jim served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Navigator-Bombardier in WWII.

Following the war, Brother Cox returned to USC to complete his studies. He then earned an MBA from Harvard in 1949, and had a 36 year career with Bullocks Department Stores as buyer, store manager and VP of Stores. Jim’s numerous civic involvements include 30 years perfect attendance in Rotary, and serving as President of the Harvard Club of Orange County. He also served on the Board of The Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay and the Norris Theater, and was editor of numerous bulletins and newsletters. After moving to Fearrington Village, NC, he and his wife Joan opened a fine gift, gourmet food and floral shop, Chapel Hill Florist LTD.

Brother Cox will be remembered as kind and generous, a gentleman and a scholar with delightful sense of humor and wit. In remembrance of our Brother, contributions may be made in his name to The Norris Theater Memorial Fund, 27570 Crossfield Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.

GREAT NEWS!
*Last Wednesday, CA Theta Brother Cameron Jost, U.S. Army signed his Airborne and Ranger contracts!

*On Friday, OK Alpha Brother Second Lieutenant Grant Milbourn, U.S. Air Force learned he was awarded his first choice and will soon begin training to fly the E-3 Sentry (AWACS) aircraft.
Congratulations and best of luck to Brothers Cameron and Milbourn!

We are always looking to post great news items about promotions, SigEp Patriots returning from combat deployments, marriages and alike. If you have something you would like to share please send an email to http://www.blogger.com/sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

THE GROWING RANKS!Thanks to word of mouth and the assistance of Brothers, the SigEp Patriots Project's official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – continues to grow! In the previous edition of this work we were remiss in welcoming IL Mu Brother Matthew Bruce, U.S. Army National Guard (Illinois), and thanks to MT Beta Brother Tony Cerise we are very excited to announce that MT Alpha Brother Randy Hiatt, U.S. Army National Guard (Montana) and MT Beta Brother Patrick Lodahl have also joined the group.

Join us by going to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve and request to join 330 fellow SigEp Patriots. All SigEps who serve/served are welcome!

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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