This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 15 – 21 JUL

Brothers,

15 JUL 1918

For his actions on this date, World War I Veteran and VT Alpha Brother (then) Major Guy Ichabod Rowe, U.S. Army was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross – second only to the Medal of Honor – with War Department General Orders No. 99 of 1918:

Distinguished
Service
Cross



“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) Guy I. Rowe, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, A.E.F., east of Chateau-Thierry, France, 15 July 1918. For fourteen and a half hours on 15 July 1918, Major Rowe held his battalion in an advanced and exposed position on the Marne, although violently and persistently attacked on his front and on both flanks by greatly superior enemy forces.”

Brother Rowe went on to serve in WWII and attain the rank of Brigadier General.

16 JUL 1918

On this date, World War I Veteran and NY Alpha Brother Lieutenant Henry Q. Griffin, U.S. Army / American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) made the ultimate sacrifice during while engaging the enemy near St. Agnan, France. Brother Griffin was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his action on this date.

 “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Harry Q. Griffin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, A.E.F., on Hill 200, near St. Agnan, France, 16 JUL 1918. When the first attack on Hill 200 was made by American troops on 16 JUL 1918, Second Lieutenant Griffin led his platoon to the most advanced point reached by any detachment and was killed when within 20 yards of an enemy machine-gun emplacement.”

19 JUL 1918

IL Alpha Brother
First Lieutenant
Louis Irving Phillis
U.S. Army

World War I Veteran and First Secretary of IL Alpha First Lieutenant Louis Irving Phillis, U.S. Army Aviation Corps was killed on this date in Tours, France. Information obtained by SPP states Brother Phillis was killed in an accident versus in combat as previously reported.

Brother Phillis was reportedly the first secretary of IL Alpha and the first chapter brother to cross the Atlantic to “fight the Kaiser.” Unfortunately, he was also the first IL Alpha man to be killed in World War I. At the time of his death, Brother Phillis was serving in the same unit – the 95th Aero Squadron – as Quentin Roosevelt, the son of Former President Theodore Roosevelt.

Respect can be paid to Brother Phillis at Union Cemetery, Morrisonville, New York.

21 JUL1918

MT Alpha Brother Albert Schak was awarded the French Croise de Guerre for his action on this date during the final stages of the Battle of the Marne, and was subsequently with the first unit to cross the Rhine River.

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

Brothers,

02 MAY 1918

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

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

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

04 MAY 1925

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

01 MAY 1942

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

01 MAY 1956

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

02 MAY 1998

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

01 MAY 1999

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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 22 – 28 April

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” ~ Steve Jobs

Brothers,

24 APR 1942

World War II Veteran and WI Alpha Brother Everett Roudebush entered the U.S. Army on this date after finishing a concert tour with Salvatore Baccaloni, noted Metropolitan Opera Company star. Everett would go on to achieve the rank of Corporal before being discharged.

27 APR 1964

World War I Veteran, Judge (5th Judicial Circuit) and U.S. Congressman (Virginia) VA Eta Brother Private Joel West Flood, U.S. Army died on this date in Richmond, VA. During WWI, Brother Flood served in Company A, 350th Engineers, 80th Division before being discharged in 1919.

Joel was born in 1894 near Appomattox, Virginia, became a SigEp at University of Virginia, and later attended Oxford University. After studying law he was admitted to the bar in 1917 and commenced practice in Appomattox.

The same year he completed his military duty, Joel was elected Virginia State Commonwealth Attorney of Appomattox County. He served until 08 NOV 1932 when he was elected to the Seventy-Second Congress to fill a vacancy. Brother Flood then resumed the practice of law, and after serving as a delegate to the 1936 Democratic National Convention was appointed assistant United States attorney for the western district of Virginia in 1939.

In JAN 1940, Joel was elected as a judge of the fifth judicial circuit of Virginia, and he served in this capacity until his death.

Respect can be paid to Brother Flood at the Flood Mausoleum, Appomattox Courthouse Square, Appomattox, VA.

29 APR 2005

U.S. Army World War II Veteran and NY Alpha Brother R. Charles Backus died on this date in Mexico, New York at the age of 84. During WWII he was a cryptographer in the Signal Corps.

He was an owner of the Oswego County Weeklies for over 50 years. He was a nationally known Holstein Auctioneer with R. Austin Backus Inc. He served many years as a delegate of the National Holstein Convention. He was a member of the Holstein Association of New York State and on the national level. He was a member of the Oswego Country Club and The Elms Golf Course.

Respect can be paid to Brother Backus at Mexico Village Cemetery in Mexico, NY.

27 APR 2006

A hero died on this date at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas as a result of wounds received during combat operations in Habbaniyah, Iraq. Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and MI Beta Brother Sergeant Matthew Alan Webber, U.S. Army National Guard (Michigan) was 23 years old.

Matt attended Western Michigan University, joined the Army National Guard in 1999, and was called to active duty in June 2005. Brother Webber was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Michigan Army National Guard on 21 NOV 2005 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.

Respect can be paid to Brother Webber at Pine Plains Cemetery, Big Rapids, Michigan.

The Last Two Weeks in SigEp Patriot History, 08 – 21 April

“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.” ~ John D. Rockefeller

 

Brothers,

Given the holdings of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) have become quite extensive and the desire of the author to keep “This Week” a reasonable length, it must be stated that this and further editions of this work will not be a full representation of what is known to SPP. We thank all of you for your contributions to date, and we remain interested in hearing from anyone willing to honor and celebrate the service of SigEp Patriots. If you would like to share or learn about a SigEp Patriot, please write to me at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

 

Fraternally,

 

Ed

 

10 APR 1926

World War I Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army died on this date in Columbus, Ohio while serving as an instructor in the Department of Military Science and Tactics at The Ohio State University (OSU).

 

On 05 AUG 1917, Brother Tavenner was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Ohio Army National Guard, and subsequently assigned to the 37^th Division of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). Soon after arriving in the European Theater, he selflessly led his men while performing heroic acts that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) – the highest award presented by the U.S. Army second only to the Medal of Honor.

 

Brother Tavenner is one of five SigEp Patriots to be awarded one or more DSCs.

 

In General Order 98 (1919), the U.S. War Department stated, “The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robert L. Tavenner, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Division, AEF, near Cierges, France, 29 September 1918; and near Olsene, Belgium, 31 October 1918. Without regard for his own safety, Captain Tavenner personally conducted a tank in an attack on a machine-gun nest. After several of the tanks had been put out of action and the others had withdrawn, he walked up and down the firing line under heavy machine-gun fire, cheering his men, despite severe losses, fought till all of their ammunition was exhausted. On 31 October he was severely wounded while making a personal reconnaissance of the enemy's position.”

 

Robert was born in Clark County, Ohio, and attended the College of Arts at OSU where he was also in the Corps of Cadets. He graduated in 1908.

 

Respect can be paid to Brother Tavenner at Mound View Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Ohio.

 

13 APR 1945

On this date, World War II Veteran and OK Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Frank Marion Pinney, U. S. Army made the ultimate sacrifice during action at Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines. Brother Pinney enlisted in the Army in MAY 1941, and during his service he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and Presidential Citation.

 

A son of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Frank was born 12 SEP 1917, and graduated from Stillwater High School. He became a SigEp while attending Oklahoma A & M for three years, where he was also a member of the Pershing Rifles, Scabbard and Blade, and the Aggie Society.

 

Frank is memorialized alongside other patriotic citizens of Oklahoma on the website for The Oklahoma Veteran’s Memorial Gardens, Oklahoma’s War Dead, World War II Years 1941 to 1945.

 

Respect can be paid to Brother Pinney at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

14 APR 1953

U.S. Marine Corps World War I Veteran, Governor (Virginia) and VA Zeta Brother William Munford Tuck began his service to the citizens of Virginia and the United States on this date as a member of the Eighty-Third Congress. Brother Tuck was reelected to seven succeeding Congresses.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 23 – 29 APR

24 APR 1942

World War II Veteran WI Alpha Brother Corporal Everett Roudebush, U.S. Army entered the Army on this date after finishing a concert tour with Salvatore Baccaloni, noted Metropolitan Opera Company star.

27 APR 1964

World War I Veteran, Judge (5th Judicial Circuit) and U.S. Congressman (Virginia) VA Eta Brother Private Joel West Flood, U.S. Army died on this date in Richmond, VA.

Joel was born 02 AUG 1894 near Appomattox, Virginia, became a SigEp at University of Virginia, and later attended Oxford University. After studying law he was admitted to the bar in 1917 and commenced practice in Appomattox.

During WWI, Brother Flood served in Company A, 350th Engineers, 80th Division. The same year he completed his military duty, Joel was elected Virginia State Commonwealth Attorney of Appomattox County in 1919. He served until 08 NOV 1932 when he was elected to the Seventy-second Congress to fill a vacancy. Brother Flood then resumed the practice of law, and after serving as a delegate to the 1936 Democratic National Convention was appointed assistant United States attorney for the western district of Virginia in 1939.

In JAN 1940, Joel was elected as a judge of the fifth judicial circuit of Virginia, and he served in this capacity until his death.

Respect can be paid to Brother Flood at the Flood Mausoleum, Appomattox Courthouse Square, Appomattox, VA.

29 APR 2005

World War II Veteran and NY Alpha Brother R. Charles Backus died on this date in Mexico, New York at the age of 84. He was an owner of the Oswego County Weeklies for over 50 years. He was a nationally known Holstein Auctioneer with R. Austin Backus Inc. He served many years as a delegate of the National Holstein Convention. He was a member of the Holstein Association of New York State and on the national level. He was a member of the Oswego Country Club and The Elms Golf Course. He was a cryptographer during WWII in the Signal Corps.

Respect can be paid to Brother Backus at Mexico Village Cemetery.

27 APR 2006

A hero died on this date at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas as a result of wounds received during combat operations in Habbaniyah, Iraq. Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and MI Beta Brother Sergeant Matthew Alan Webber, U.S. Army National Guard (Michigan) was 23 years old.

Matt attended Western Michigan University and joined the Army National Guard in 1999. He was called to active duty in June of 2005. Brother Webber was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Michigan Army National Guard when he sustained injuries 21 NOV 2005 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.

Respect can be paid to Brother Webber at Pine Plains Cemetery, Big Rapids, Michigan.

25 APR 2008

U.S. Army Veteran PA Epsilon Brother Robert Edward Lee Anderson died on this date in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Born in Lancaster, Robert was the son of the late Herbert K. and Ella P. Anderson. He was a 1945 graduate of J. P. McCaskey High School and served in Europe as a member of the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948. After his patriotic serve, Brother Anderson graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Lehigh University where he was pole vault champion.

Robert retired from Philadelphia Suburban Corp., formerly Huth Engineers.  He was a past president of the American Business Club and a former board member of the Lancaster chapter of United Cerebral Palsy.Repect can be paid to Brother Anderson at Greenwood Cemetery, Lancaster, PA.

25 APR 2008

World War II Veteran and PA Delta Brother TECH 5 C. Crandall Shaffer, Jr., U.S. Army of Dublin, Ohio died on this date.

Respect can be paid to Brother Shaffer at Kingwood Memorial Park, Lewis Center, OH.

24 APR 2011

On this date, Korean War Veteran VT Alpha Brother First Lieutenant Robert Kinsman Horne, U.S. Army died at his home in Palm Desert, California following a valiant fight against Alzheimer's/Dementia.

At Norwich University, Brother Horne played three sports and was Captain of the Hockey Team the 52-53 season. The Team was inducted into the Norwich Hall of Fame in 1993, and in 1998 Bob was inducted personally into the Hall. Following college he served as an Army First Lieutenant in Germany during the Korean War. He is a lifetime member of the Melrose Wyoming Lodge of Masons. His business career included work in Truck Leasing with several companies reaching a pinnacle as a National Sales VP for the Hertz Co. He concluded his career as President of "Trader Horne" - a Transportation Consulting Co.

He relished in physical activity and dancing of any kind. His busy life was full of gardening, photography and international trips where he and his wife visited many exotic countries where they were assimilated into the local communities eating, dancing, living and reveling in many different cultures. Our saying was "If it's muggy and buggy and the natives wear bones in their noses, we'll be there."

Respect can be paid to Brother Horne at Pacific View Memorial Park, Corona del Mar, California.

26 APR 2011

U.S. Army Air Corps Flight Surgeon and World War II Veteran Flight Surgeon, NC Gamma Brother Richard Elwood Nitschke died on this date at the age of 97.

Richard was born 05 JUL 1913 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and he lived there until the age of six when the family re-located to Philadelphia and later to Utica, NY. He entered an accelerated undergraduate program at Duke University in 1931. Brother Nitschke was the number one half miler on the cross country track team that won the Southern Conference Championship. After graduating from Duke Medical School in 1937, Dr. Nitschke moved to New York City for his internship at Columbia Presbyterian and residency at Roosevelt Hospital. His specialty was internal medicine but he also trained at the Neurological Institute of New York. While still in New York, he enlisted in the Manhattan Division of the 101st horse cavalry. Upon the onset of World War II, he was assigned to the School of Aviation Medicine at Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas. Brother Nitschke served as Flight Surgeon with the Army Air Corps, with the 30th Bomb Group of the 5th Fighter Wing and was stationed at Ballinger, Texas, Lubbock, Texas and Oahu, Hawaii. Dr. Nitschke was a dedicated physician of Internal Medicine, serving his patients in the San Antonio community from 1946 until his retirement in 1985.

On this date, U.S. Air Force Veteran and IA Delta Brother Thomas Michael Hamilton also died after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Tom was born on 03 MAR 1938 in Davenport, Iowa. At Drake University he played football and was a proud member of the 1958 Sun Bowl team. He received his undergraduate degree in business, followed by a Master's Degree in Psychology. After graduation, Brother Hamilton served his country in the Air Force. He began his professional career at Northwestern Bell and then worked with Personnel Inc. before founding Hamilton & Associates in 1972. There he truly found a profession he loved, helping clients achieve success through talent acquisition while taking great satisfaction in assisting individuals in advancing their careers. He merged his business with McGladrey and Pullen in 1988 and worked as a Senior Consulting Partner until he retired from the firm in 1999. He then co-founded Selection Resources with his son and offered advanced pre-employment testing services. He was an accredited SPHR through the Society of HR Management. His career was also highlighted by community service in leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce, Youth Homes of Mid America, the YMCA, Hope Ministries and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a member of Rotary International for 43 years and was a "7 Gallon" blood donor to the Blood Center of Iowa.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* World War II Veteran and VA Alpha Brother Lieutenant Grover Cleveland Pitts Jr., U.S. Navy

Grover Cleveland Pitts Grover Cleveland Pitts Jr., 94, passed away on Friday, 20 APR 2012, at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia.
* U.S. Army Korean War Veteran DE Alpha Brother Warren VanArsdalen Jr. also passed away peacefully Friday, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Delaware.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the chapter brothers, family and friends of brothers Pitts and VanArsdalen. This list is likely incomplete, and the small group of dedicated brothers working the SigEp Patriots Project could use your help. If you know of a brother patriot that has passed away we appreciate an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE

* 461! The SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – reached 460 members and pushed one over that mark last week when TX Alpha Brother Captain Connie Lane, U.S. Army and DC Delta Brother 2LT Charlie Kerry, U.S. Marine Corps honored us by joining our ranks. Welcome aboard brothers!

* 2356! Over the past week, the SPP database gained names and information about over 540 brothers-in-arms, bringing our holdings to 2356 brothers who serve/served patriotically in the U.S. military.

We are always looking for brothers-in-arms, and we hope you will reach out. Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com to join the listserve. In both cases, 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

Brothers,

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noice of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. ~ Steve Jobs

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, 12 – 19 MAR

Brothers,

16 MAR 1894
U.S. Army World War I Veteran and NE Alpha Brother Ralph Leroy Theisen was born on this date in West Point, Nebraska.

13 MAR 1911
On this date, World War II Veteran, U.S. District Court Senior Chief Judge Northern District of Florida and FL Alpha Brother Major Winston Eugene Arnow, U.S. Army was born in Micanopy, Florida.

17 MAR 1912
World War II Veteran, Mayor (Jacksonville), Governor (Florida) and MA Theta Brother Lieutenant William Haydon Burns, U.S. Navy was born in Louisville, KY on this date.

15 MAR 1919
On this date, U.S. Marine Corps World War II Veteran, Legislator in the 77th General Assembly (Kentucky) and KY Epsilon Brother Joseph Fry Odle, Jr. was born in Puryear, Tennessee.

13 MAR 1920
World War II Veteran and VA Alpha Brother Major John Thomas Watkins, Jr., U.S. Army Air Corps was born on this date in Richmond, Virginia.

12 MAR 1923
World War II Veteran and OH Epsilon Brother Sergeant Nicholas Billeris, U.S. Army Air Corps was born on this date in Youngstown, Ohio.

13 MAR 1923
World War II and Korean War Veteran and KS Gamma Brother Captain Dr. Lawrence Pierre Stream, U.S. Army was born on this date in Kansas City, Kansas.

14 MAR 1981
This is quite a week in the life of Brother Winston Eugene Arnow, for it was on this date that he assumed senior status on the bench of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, and he served as such until his death in 1994.

13 MAR 2004
World War II Veteran, DE Alpha Chapter President and First Lieutenant Roland V. “Deacon” Reed, Jr., U.S. Army died on this date. Born in Wilmington, DE on 21 JUL 1922, Roland earned Eagle Scout and Quartermaster Rank Sea Scout before graduating high school in JUN 1940. Although he entered the University of Delaware directly after high school, his education was interrupted by a call to duty, and he entered the U.S. Army in 1943 – completing Infantry Officer Training School the next year. First Lieutenant Reed served in Leyte, Philippine Islands and Japan from DEC 1944 – JUL 1946.

Deacon returned to the University of Delaware and graduated in JUN 1947. While a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, not only did he serve as Editor-in-Chief of the DELALPHAN and president of DE Alpha, he was a cheerleader, member of the soccer team, an ROTC cadet, Secretary of Student Council and on the staff of the student newspaper, The Review.

Dr. Reed graduated from the Dental School, University of Maryland in 1951, the beginning of a distinguished career that spanned 37 years. He was a lifetime member of the Delaware State Dental Society and served as president from 1962-63. In 1984, he was inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists in recognition of his outstanding and meritorious service to dentistry. During the 1960's and 70's, Dr. Reed volunteered for the Children's Bureau of Delaware and served on their Board. He provided dental services to indigent patients and worked with young athletes to help promote the use of mouth guards in contact sports. In addition, he was active in the alumni associations for the University of Delaware and the Dental School, University of Maryland.

His love of the sea and fishing prompted a permanent move to Rehoboth in 1971, where he could spend more time on his boat, The Viking II. From 1988 until he was incapacitated by Alzheimer's disease, he and his wife, Catherine, divided their time between their homes in Exuma, Bahamas and Henlopen Acres, DE. After retirement from dentistry, he rekindled his love of writing. In the 1980's and 90's, his articles were published in the Bulletin of the History of Dentistry, Journal of the History of Dentistry and the British Dental Journal. In 1991, he became a member of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry in recognition of his contributions to the field. He was the author of the book Exuma Humor as well as various volumes of poems, essays and fishing stories.

Respect can be shown to Brother Reed at Lower Brandywine Cemetery.

15 MAY 2007
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and AK Alpha Brother Joel Fix, Sr. was promoted to Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army on this date. Currently, Master Sergeant Fix is awaiting word as to whether he has been selected for Sergeant Major. We wish him the best of luck in his continued success.

14 MAR 2008
On this date, Korean War Veteran and ME Alpha Brother Sergeant Chester “Chet” Nehemiah Kennedy, U.S. Army died in Brewster, Massachusetts at the age of 79. Chet graduated from the University of Maine in 1950 with a bachelor of arts in history and government. He served from 1953 until 1955, and enjoyed an extensive career in education – completing 23 years as a guidance counselor and 26 years as an instructor at Central Connecticut State University.

Respect can be paid to Brother Kennedy at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.

16 MAR 2010
VT Alpha Brother and Lieutenant Colonel William Thomas Collins, U.S. Army and Vermont Army National Guard (Retired) died at home in Waterbury, Vermont on this date.

Bill was born in Burlington, VT on 11 DEC 1932. At Norwich, Brother Collins was a member of the Newman Club, Honor Committee, Winter Carnival Committee, and the baseball, football, and basketball teams. Following his military service with the U.S. Army, Bill joined the Vermont Army National Guard and was based at Camp Johnson in Colchester, VT. A 22-year career included management in the Cannon Field Artillery Office, Personnel Staff Office, and the Supply and Service Management Office, retiring in 1984 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.His memberships included Knights of Columbus, the Waterbury Rotary Club and the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Post 59, where he spearheaded the Post 59 American Legion baseball team for many years.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Air Force Veteran and TX Beta Brother Winford Craig Boyd, M.D. died on 27 FEB 2012 while on a world cruise. Craig was an avid runner and had completed seven marathons. Memorial services will be held at Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church Sunday, 25 March at 2 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church Food Pantry Project.
* OR Alpha Brother and Lieutenant Commander Kent William Wells, U.S. Navy (Retired) died 09 MAR 2012 in Damascus, MD. A Memorial Service will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m. from Molesworth-Williams, P.A., Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, MD 20872. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, Oregon Alpha Endowment, 310 S Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220.

CELEBRATIONS!
* Congratulations to NY Alpha Brother, SPP NY Alpha POC and ROTC Cadet Jon Schlosser, selected as the Resident Scholar at NY Alpha for 2012-2013!

SPP LEADERSHIP
* We continue to grow, and we now have 22 chapter points of contact (POCs). WY Alpha now has a SPP POC with the addition of WY Alpha Brother Captain Eric Christeson, U.S. Army. SPP looks forward to working with Eric and anyone else interested in serving as a POC. Just write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SPP NUMBERS
* 1,384! Since the last installment of “This Week,” our archives have grown by more than 190, and we are now honored to remember 1,384 SigEp Patriots who serve/served. Every day we hear from brothers, and we look forward to hearing from you!
* 446! We are very happy to have two more SigEp Patriots on the SPP role and as members of the SigEps Who Serve group. Welcome to former U.S. Army Specialist and TX Sigma Brother Mike Murillo and CA Alpha Brother Ensign Charles Coassin, U.S. Navy.

To join the group, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join our listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. 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, 03 – 09 OCT

While these patriotic Americans were not SigEps, these recent stories convey the emotion and commitment to the memory and service of brothers-in-arms and may help some of you understand one of the missions of the SigEp Patriots Projects (SPP):

Hundreds gather for burial of former Vietnam MIA Marvin Foster
Phillips http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/sep/27/a1-laid-to-rest-hundreds-gather-for-burial-of

Four will finally get their due on Vietnam War Memorial wall http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Dogged-effort-will-put-area-man-s-dad-s-name-on-2188527.php

03 OCT 1907
World War II Veteran, FL State Representative, U.S. Congressman, and FL Alpha Brother Captain Donald Ray Matthews, U.S. Army was born in Micanopy, Florida on this date.

03 OCT 1918
According to information published in The Sigma Phi Epsilon Journal, Volume 16, World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles Enos Tayntor, U.S. Army – Ambulance Service, Army Medical Corps died on this date in France.

08 OCT 2010
On this date, U.S. Navy World War II Veteran, and NY Alpha Brother Howard P. Nulse died in Naples, Florida. Born 09 APR 1926 in Charleston, WV, Brother Nulse graduated from Syracuse University School of Engineering, and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He was employed by the DuPont Company for 37 years. A Sailor to the end, his family scattered his ashes in the Chesapeake Bay.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL
Since the previous edition of “This Week” the following SigEp Patriots have passed away:

22 SEP
– World War II U.S. Army Veteran, Kansas State Senator, and KS Beta Brother Merrill H. Werts
25 SEP
– World War II Veteran and CO Alpha Brother Fire Controlman Second Class Petty Officer Gale Erwin Brown, U.S. Navy
– TX Alpha Brother Captain André Bourchard, U.S. Army Reserve (Retired)
– U.S. Veteran, Past Grand President, and Order of the Golden Heart Recipient TX Beta Brother Jackie Don “Jack” Wheeler

26 SEP
– SC Alpha Brother Frederick Lee Day, U.S. Army Ready Reserve/National Guard (South Carolina)

GOOD NEWS!
* In Afghanistan earlier today, U.S. Army and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran IL Eta Brother Zach Deets was promoted to Sergeant – his second promotion during his deployment. Congratulations, Brother!
* The SPP Official Facebook Group – SigEps Who Serve (SWS – http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve) – now numbers 336 with six new members. Welcome Brothers!
* 2Lt Yanni Dracopoulos, U.S. Air Force headed to Naval Air Station Pensacola to continue the journey that is his military career. Through SWS, Yanni was able to connect with three other Brother Patriots currently at NAS Pensacola.

We are always looking to post news items about SigEp Patriots. If you have something you would like to share please send 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