Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, Volume 26 / 2014, 01 – 07 SEP

Brother,

The first day of this week marked the 75th anniversary of the start of World War II, a war that would shape the world. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) works tirelessly to learn about all of our military brothers, but takes particular interest in the WWII patriots as the VA says they are dying at the rate of 1000 a day. Obituaries are one way to learn about a person. However, I can’t possibly articulate the loss we experience if we fail to learn something about these men and their service from them while they are still alive. A shout out to the men of the California Pi chapter who get it, and are working with the Library of Congress’ Veteran’s History Project to interview veterans living near Stanford University.

WWI U.S. Army
Ambulance Service Patch

01 SEP 1918
This marks the date New Hampshire Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles E. Tayntor, U.S. Army Ambulance Service, Army Medical Corps sailed for France for his World War I service in Europe.

05 SEP 1919
World War I Veteran and Ohio Gamma Brother Captain Robert L. Tavenner, U.S. Army completed his service in Europe with the American Expeditionary Force on this date.

01 SEP 1942
On this date, the same year he became a SigEp, Alabama Alpha Brother William H. Weldon joined the U.S. Navy.

05 SEP 1942
A graduate of the University of Delaware (Class of ’34), Delaware Alpha Brother S. Clifford Dunn entered the Army on this date.

05 SEP 1944
Ohio Epsilon Brother Haldean S. Lindsey, member of the Class of ’34 at Ohio Wesleyan, entered the service of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps on this date.

05 SEP 1945
Discharged on this date after nearly 42 months of service was World War II Veteran and District of Columbia Alpha Brother Staff Sergeant Logan P. Crossland, U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC).

07 SEP 1956
A SigEp Patriot made aviation history on this date.

Bell X-2
Photo Credit Wikipedia

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 16 – 22 SEP

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEVER FORGOTTEN

18 SEP 1946

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

NH Alpha Brother
James V. Forrestal

17 SEP 1947

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

22 SEP 1995

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

20 SEP 2008

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

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

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

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, 17 – 23 JUN

Brothers,

We are at 3,884 and counting! Those of us at the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) may be crazy, but one of our goals is to learn at least the name of every brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon that ever served in uniform. We realize this is a daunting task – in addition to gathering stories of brothers’ accomplishments, but our diligence is reinforced by the amazing feats we learn daily of patriotic brothers, and we hope that by sharing them they will inspire you as well. Perhaps some of you will consider helping us, and we look forward to hearing from you.

21 JUN 1918

On this date, OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army began his World War I service with the 37th Division, American Expeditionary Force, and would see action in France & Belgium before being discharged.

18 JUN 1940

KY Epsilon Brother Joseph Fry Odle, Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on this date and later served in the pacific theater, including the Battle of Solomon Islands.

17 JUN 1942

VA Alpha Brother John Beverley Blanton, Jr. enlisted in the Army on this date.

19 JUN 1942

On this date, Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr. graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an Ensign. He went on to serve in World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars in a notable career that included being appointed the youngest U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). As the 19th CNO, Admiral Zumwalt reformed U.S. Navy personnel policies in an effort to improve enlisted life and ease racial tensions. He was initiated a renaissance brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon on 10 APR 1985 – 11 years after his retirement from the Navy.

IA Gamma Brother
William L. Peters, Jr.
KIA 21 JUN 1969 Vietnam



21 JUN 1969

On this date, Vietnam War Veteran and IA Gamma Brother First Lieutenant William Lee Peters, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps Reserve made the ultimate sacrifice when his helicopter crashed while under enemy gunfire during operations in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. Brother Peters was a pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-165), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN (MAG-16), First Marine Aircraft Wing (1ST MAW).

In separation actions, First Lieutenant Peters was awarded the Navy Cross (one of only two SigEp Patriots known to have been awarded the second highest military decoration for valor bestowed to a member of the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps for extraordinary heroism in combat) and a Silver Star (the third highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to any person serving in any capacity with the United States Armed Forces).

Brother Peters is honored on The Wall – the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – on Panel 22W Line 107.

Respect can be paid to Brother Peters at Elmwood Cemetery, De Witt, Iowa.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 27 MAY – 02 JUN

“Those who throw dirt only lose ground.” (From a chalk board on ESPN’S “Pardon the Interruption”)

Brothers, 

28 MAY 1917

On this date, NY Beta Brother James Armand Meissner dropped out of Cornell and enlisted in the U.S. Army Signal Service (the branch of the Army then tasked with flying) as a Private First Class. He went on to become a World War I Ace, earn the rank of Major, and founded the Alabama Air National Guard – serving as the unit’s first commanding officer.

02 JUN 1917

Like Brother Meissner, NH Alpha Brother James Vincent Forrestal answered the call of duty following the declaration of war by Congress, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman Second Class on this date. Brother Forrestal went on to become Secretary of the Navy, and serve as the first Secretary of Defense.

30 MAY 1961

U.S. Army Veteran NC Beta President Charles Henry Mateer was killed on this date after volunteering to serve as a co-pilot with Air America (CIA) in Laos. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1936, Brother Charles was in ROTC at North Carolina State University, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation from there in 1958. He served as an Army helicopter pilot before flying with the CIA.

Respect can be paid to Brother Mateer at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, NC.

01 JUN 1962

AZ Alpha Brother Edward C. Logan was commissioned on this date through Air Force ROTC at Arizona State. Brother Logan retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982 after serving in Okinawa, Thailand, Korea, NY, DC, TX, OK, and CA.


PA Iota Brother
Second Lieutenant
Charles J. Schultz, USMC

03 JUN 1967

On this date, a SigEp Patriot made the ultimate sacrifice. PA Iota President and Second Lieutenant Charles Joseph Schultz, U.S. Marine Corps was killed in action in Vinh Huy Village, Que Son Valley, South Vietnam.

The previous day, during Operation UNION II in the Que Son Valley, the Marines found the enemy entrenched in and around the Vinh Huy village complex. Heavy fighting on the 2nd and 3rd cost 67 American lives. Charles was assigned to F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

His awards include the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign medals.

Brother Schultz is honored on Panel 21E, Line 52 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and respect can also be paid to him at the site of his interment at Hillside Cemetery, Metuchen, New Jersey.

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, 24 – 30 DEC

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

Brothers,

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

 

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

30 DEC 1919

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

26 DEC 1943

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


USS Hissem (DE-400)

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

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

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 03 - 09 SEP

Brothers,

On 05 SEP 1969, the Guardsmen of the 116th Engineer Battalion (Combat) were released from active duty having just returned from their eleven-month tour of service in Vietnam. This marked the sixth time in 70 years that the battalion served on active duty. In fact, the 116th was the only Guard unit, Army or Air, to serve in theater during both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

How many SigEps served with this dedicated group of men? Nobody knows – not yet, for the SigEp Patriots Project (SSP) will continue to work to answer this and other questions pertaining to SigEps who serve, and we hope you can help us. Please write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com if you are or know of a brother who served with the 116th.

05 SEP 1919

World War I Veteran and OH Gamma Brother Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army completed his service in Europe with the American Expeditionary Force on this date.

07 SEP 1956

On this date, Korean War Veteran and Ace, SigEp Citation Recipient and IN Alpha Brother Captain Iven Carl "Kinch" Kincheloe, Jr., U.S. Air Force piloted the Bell X-2 research rocket plane more than 2,000mph and to a world's record altitude of 126,200 feet – the first flight ever above 100,000 feet. For this he was nicknamed "America's No. 1 Spaceman" and received the Mackay Trophy the next year.

06 SEP 2003

World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War Veteran, and PA Mu Brother Brigadier General William Robert Sarber, Jr., U.S. Army (Retired) died on this date in a nursing home in Yorktown, Virginia.

Born 21 FEB 1929, in Charleston, West Virginia, Brother Sarber graduated from Temple University with a bachelor's degree in Accounting, and began his 31-year military career in 1946. He also received a master's degree in Banking and Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of the Armor School, Transportation School, Command and General Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College and the Industrial College of The Armed Forces. General Sarber's commands included the 7th Transportation Group, Fort Eustis, VA; Kaiserslautern Army Depot Complex, U.S. Army, Europe; and Eastern Area, Military Traffic Management Command, Bayonne, NJ.

Respect can be paid to Brother Sarber at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. While William is gone, SPP pledges that his life and patriotic service will always be remembered.

Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 27 AUG – 02 SEP

Brothers,

Another one of those “just when you start thinking the world is a big place” stories – The other day Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and FL Iota Brother First Lieutenant William “Chase” Busch, U.S. Army sent me a Facebook message telling me about how he was conducting some training of his replacement in Afghanistan, and when they got to talking they learned they were both brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon. What are the chances of that? Two SigEp Patriots not only find each other in Afghanistan, but one is relieving the other.

29 AUG 1918

On this date, Founding Father and Chaplain First Lieutenant Franklin Webb Kerfoot, U.S. Army (Chaplain Corps) was killed in a collision of an automobile and a train on the Southern Railway in Chatham, Virginia. Brother Kerfoot had temporarily returned home from Newport News where he was served as a Baptist chaplain working among the soldiers departing overseas.

Franklin was born at Buckland, Prince William County, Virginia on 02 OCT 1986. He was Class of 1902 at Richmond College and later attended Crozer Theological Seminary. At his memorial service he was remembered as “the most original preacher of his time” and it was stated that God took him to welcome the soldiers who had “passed on” from the battle field.

Respect can be paid to Founding Father Kerfoot at Green Hill Cemetery in Berryville, VA. While he is gone, SPP will proudly join others in remembering Brother Kerfoot’s life and patriotic service.

01 SEP 1918

World War I Veteran and NH Alpha Brother Private First Class Charles Enos Tayntor, U.S. Army Ambulance Service, Army Medical Corps sailed for France for his service in Europe on this date.

30 AUG 1941

World War II Battle of Midway Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Joseph Metcalf Hissem received his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve on this date.

01 SEP 1962

On this date, World War II Veteran, SigEp Citation Recipient and VA Zeta Brother General Robert Jefferson Wood, U.S. Army (Retired) was promoted to the rank of general (four-stars).

02 SEP 2004

U.S. Navy World War II Veteran CO Alpha Brother Donn Beck Brown died peacefully on this date. He was born on 17 DEC 1916, in Dayton, Ohio, and attended the University of Colorado where he earned his mechanical engineering degree. World War II brought Donn to California. He served in the United States Navy in underwater demolition, which was the precursor to the Navy Seals. After his military service, Donn began his career with A.J. Bayer, Co. in Los Angeles, eventually becoming President and Chairman of the company. One of Donn's greatest joys was helping others. He served on the Board of Directors of many organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, Florence Crittenton Center, Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, First Lincoln Financial Corp. and Union Bank.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 30 APR – 06 MAY

Brothers,

This month, hundreds, perhaps thousands of patriotic Americans around the country will graduate from college, take the oath and receive their commission as officers in the U.S. military. Meanwhile, every day across this great land, Americans are signing up to join the military. The SigEp Patriots Project believes the beginning of this selfless journey is worthy of recognition, and it gives us another reason to be proud to call such men brother.

02 MAY 1918

On this date, NY Beta Brother (then) First Lieutenant James 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 a WWI Ace.

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 in 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.

02 MAY 1998

FL Theta Brother Lieutenant Commander Christopher Sacra, U.S. Navy began his military service on this date. Thank you Brother Sacra for 14 years (and going) of patriotic service!

01 MAY 1999

On this date, TN Theta Brother Kenneth Michael Ballard began his patriotic service in the U.S. Army.

05 MAY 2008

World War II Veteran and VT Alpha Brother Captain George Sander, U.S. Army Air Force of Whiting, New Jersey, died on this date.

George was born 04 JUL 1916 in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Ocean City.  He attended Norwich where he was part of the baseball team, basketball, team, track, intramurals, and was a member of the Junior Weekend and the Winter Carnival Committees.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1938.

Following his service as a radar officer in the U.S. Army Air Force, he was a district sales manager for Johnson Controls and made his home in Baldwin, Long Island until his retirement in 1981.

Respect can be paid to Brother Sander at Section KS, Site 8479 of Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, New Jersey.

01 MAY 2009

World War II Veteran and CO Delta Brother Ensign Floyd D. Burnside, U.S. Navy Air Corps died on this date.

Born in Westfield, Pennsylvania in 1922, Floyd met his wife Charlotte while attending Painted Post High School in New York. Floyd graduated from Colorado School of Mines with a professional degree in petroleum engineering, and in 1941, he enlisted with the Navy Air Corps serving as an ensign with Navy Squadrons 18 and 20 from 1941 to 1946.

On 03 JUL 1948, Floyd and Charlotte were married in Bath, NY. Together they traveled the world, climbing the pyramids in Egypt and kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland. They raised their family in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Floyd spent 28 years with Shell Oil and also enjoyed several years as a petroleum instructor with his friend, Jerry Bond.

Respect can be paid to Brother Burnside at Section 26, Site 900 of Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado.

RECENT LOSSES TO THE ROLL

* 19 APR – U.S. Army Veteran MO Gamma Brother Donald Preston Wilson, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Roper, North Carolina.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the chapter brothers, family and friends of Brother Wilson. Unfortunately, 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

* Two more brothers honored us this week by joining the SPP official Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve. It is our pleasure to welcome aboard MO Kappa Brother Jake Bauer who recently completed BCT, and AL Alpha Brother Staff Sergeant Chris Howard, U.S. Army.

* 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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 05 – 11 MAR

Brothers,

We keep being asked, so we will repeat it again. For more than 10 years, the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) has had several goals, and one of the most important goals is to honor and remember the service, accomplishments and sacrifices of brothers who serve our family, friends and fellow brothers while defending the freedoms we enjoy in this great Nation. At the moment, while the American public has the macro view of the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, several SigEp Patriots are training to deploy to Afghanistan in the near future. In addition, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has stated that more than 1000 World War II Veterans pass away every year, and SPP is concerned that once those brothers are gone their stories are gone with them. We want to capture the stories of all SigEp Patriots.

Feel free to keep the questions coming.

08 MAR 1918
On this date, NY Beta Brother and U.S. Army Lieutenant James “Jimmy” Armand Meissner, reported to Major John Huffner, commander of the 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 in WWI. 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, attain the rank of Major, and found the Alabama Air National Guard.

07 MAR 1925
World War II Veteran and DE Alpha Brother Pharmacist Mate Second Class Donald Lee Huston, U.S. Navy was born on this date.

05 MAR 1933
On this date, OH Alpha Brother and Second Lieutenant Emil Eugene "Skip" Chiles Jr., U.S. Air Force was born in Lima, Ohio.

11 MAR 1949
U.S. Navy World War I Veteran, World War II Army Veteran, KS Gamma Renaissance Brother and Brigadier General Arthur E. Stoddard, U.S. Army Reserve was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General on this date.

10 MAR 1978
World War II Veteran and IN Alpha Brother Brigadier General Marion Charles Smith, U.S. Air Force (Retired) died on this date.

Marion was born in Kansas City, Kansas in 1909. After a year at the University of Kansas he transferred to Purdue University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1931. At Purdue he was active in the Purdue Band, Symphony Orchestra, debating and dramatics.

When he was commissioned a first lieutenant in APR 1942 at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Macon, GA it was the beginning of a long and successful career. Within months his unit proceeded to England, and by DEC Brother Smith was in North Africa where he held various assignments supporting combat aircraft in the North Africa Theatre. During this period he was promoted to captain and major.

In APR 1943, Major Smith was assigned as assistant chief of staff, personnel to a special task group which was formed to take part in the invasion of the Mediterranean Island of Pantelleria and command the allied garrison. When the group was inactivated in SEP 1943, Major Smith was then assigned as the wing adjutant and assistant chief of staff, personnel in the 42nd Bomb Wing in North Africa. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel and appointed as the wing executive officer and served with the bomb wing in North Africa, Sardinia, Corsica and France until the end of World War II.

In August 1946, he returned from overseas duty and was assigned to the War Department General Staff in the Plans and Operations Division. In this assignment, he was in charge of War Department activities in the establishment and operation of U.S. Latin and South America Army and Air Force missions.

Lieutenant Colonel Smith was assigned to the Pentagon in 1949 where he became the deputy chief of the Operational Plans Branch. In the spring of 1950 he was assigned as executive officer to the Air Force vice chief of staff and was promoted to colonel in JUL 1950.

Brother Smith left the Pentagon and served for almost five years in Europe in various positions at U.S. and NATO commands before returning to the U.S. in the summer of 1955. After successfully completing the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Marion served for several years at Air Materiel Command and then returned to the Pentagon. In 1960, he became the director of procurement and production, and was promoted to brigadier general in MAY 1961.
Brigadier General Smith retired 30 NOV 1964.

Respect can be paid to Brother Smith in Section 60, Site 4904, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

05 MAR 2003
U.S. Navy World War II Veteran and TN Alpha Brother James Thomas “Jim” Brantley died on this date in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, and served as a Navy Corpsman during World War II.

Jim was a retired supervisor with ConAgra of Knoxville, TN, and a member of the Coffee County Esquire Association, Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association, Manchester Lions Club, and the American Legion Gold Star Post 78.

Respect can be paid to Brother Brantley at the Robinson Cemetery in Loudon County.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL
* U.S. Army World War II Veteran, Korean War Veteran and PA Eta Brother Colonel Paul Joseph Scally, U.S Air Force (Retired) passed away in Sterling, Virginia on 25 FEB. Paul’s family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 327, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Brother Scally. The SigEp Patriots Project pledges that their service to the Nation will never be forgotten.

CELEBRATIONS!
* Welcome home from Afghanistan, SigEp Patriots! U.S. Army Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran and VA Zeta Brother Tom Kelly just returned to the States after a successful deployment, and CA Upsilon Brother and fellow Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran Major Mason Moore, U.S. Army is back after completing a one-year deployment. Thank you for your service, Brothers!

* Congratulations to CA Theta Brother and California National Guardsman Frank Beardsley and his fiancée Allysa on the birth of their son Mason Tucker Beardsley on 06 MAR.

SPP LEADERSHIP
* There are now 21 chapter points of contact (POC) as SPP welcomes NY Chi Brother Captain Bill Toft, U.S. Army as the NY Chi POC. Thanks for your leadership and commitment!

Others interested in serving as POCs can write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

Correction: In the previous edition, Brother Max Witkowski was listed incorrectly as the WI Beta POC. He is in fact serving as the WI Zeta POC for SPP, and is the former WI Zeta Chapter President.

SPP NUMBERS
* 1,191! SPP now has the names and information of nearly 1,200 SigEp Patriots who serve/served in the U.S. military, and we look forward to hearing from you!

* 444! With the addition of the following four SigEp Patriots, the membership of the official SPP Facebook group – SigEps Who Serve – now numbers 444:
Marine Corps Veteran and NY Epsilon Brother Ron Sigeti, NJ Zeta Brother and New Jersey National Guard solder Rich Schmidt, WI Zeta Brother and Army ROTC Cadet Joel Meller, and AL National Guardsman and AL Theta Brother Josh Sims.

Welcome Brothers!

To join the group, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join our listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. 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 (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 SigEp Patriot History, 14 – 20 NOV

In this edition of “This Week:”
- GA Delta Brother Bradley “Dad” Thomas Arms Remembered
- SigEps Who Serve Reaches 400!
- Tough Mudders Among Us
- Update: SigEp Patriots Project

19 NOV 1887
World War I Veteran and TN Alpha Brother Captain Matthew McClung, U.S. Army was born on this date in Knoxville, Tennessee.

20 NOV 1917
On this date, World War I Veteran and Ace, Founder of the Alabama Air National Guard and NY Beta Brother Major James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Service received a field commissioned as a First Lieutenant.

17 NOV 1922
World War II Veteran, Army Infantry Officer Candidate Hall of Fame Member and KS Beta Brother Merrill H. Werts was born on this date near Smith Center, Kansas.

18 NOV 1927
On this date, World War II Veteran and CO Alpha Brother Fire Controlman Second Class (E-5) Gale Erwin Brown, U.S. Navy was born in Fort Morgan, Colorado.

15NOV 1936
TX Alpha Brother Captain André Bourchard, U.S. Army Reserve (Retired) was born on this date in Austin, Texas.

20 NOV 2001
WWII Veteran and CO Delta Brother Lieutenant Colonel Frank A. Foley, U.S. Army Air Corps / U.S. Army Reserves (Retired) died on this date. Brother Foley was president of his 1940 graduating class in high school. He enrolled at Mines, but put his education on hold in 1942 when he volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps. After three and half years of active duty he returned to Mines. After graduation, Foley worked in hydraulics and pneumatics as a sales engineer. He retired from Haskel Supply in 1989. He was a member of the American Legion and B.P.O. Elks. He served in the Corps of Engineer Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

19 NOV 2004

Yesterday was a sad anniversary. On this date, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and GA Delta Brother Corporal Bradley “Dad” Thomas Arms, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve was killed in action in Anbar Province, Iraq.

Brother Arms, from Charlottesville, Virginia, was 20 years old, and assigned to the 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Baltimore, Maryland.

His dad, Bob Arms, said his son saw the Marine Corps as a way to improve himself and help people.

“After he got back from boot camp, I asked him if it had been hard, and he just looked at me and said, ‘Dad, it was so easy, all you have to do is what they say,’” Bob Arms told The Red & Black student newspaper.

“He had a positive attitude about going to war,” said Brother Matt Tincknell. “He definitely saw his purpose, and he was proud to be there defending his country, which gave us great comfort in knowing he wanted to be there.”

In emails home, Brother Arms wrote about his hopes for Iraq, and that his experiences at war “strengthened his resolve to live the life a balanced man and lead by example.”

Bradley’s commitment to country was recognized when the Marine Corps League Detachment in Charlottesville was named in his honor – the Bradley T. Arms Marine Corps League Detachment 1256.

On 12 AUG 2008, the 110th Congress of the United States approved Public Law 110-307 officially renaming the name of the main post office in Charlottesville, Virginia the “Corporal Bradley T. Arms Post Office Building.” At the dedication, Bob Arms said the Bradley’s “Marine commitment of honor, courage and commitment were very deeply embedded in his life.”

Brother Arms was laid to rest in Charlottesville, VA.

15 NOV 2008
OH Iota Brother Harold G. Waters, U.S. Air Force Reserve died on this date at the age of 75. Brother Waters was born in Toledo in 1933, and served in the Air Force Reserve. Harold taught music, was the band director for 36 years at Gateway Middle School and Maumee High School, retiring in 1993, and was an avid Buckeye fan. Respect can be paid to Brother Waters at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

14 NOV 2010
U.S. Air Force Veteran and CO Alpha Brother Kenneth W. Drager passed away on this date at the age of 82. Kenny owned an advertising agency for 37 years serving many local businesses before retiring and moving to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands in 1989. Brother Drager was born on 04 FEB 1929 in Ft. Collins, Colorado and graduated in 1951 from the University of Colorado in journalism prior to serving in the Air Force. In addition to SigEp, he was a member of Sigma Delta Chi honorary. An avid fan of CU football, a scuba diver and gardener. Kenny is remembered as a man of high character with a quick sense of humor and the love of family.

15 NOV 2010
U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and AR Alpha Brother Harold Bell Watt passed away on this date. He was born 24 DEC 1919 in Augusta, Kansas, raised in Texas and graduated from Amarillo High School in 1938. After serving in the Army Air Corps from NOV 1940 to NOV 1945, he graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1949 with a degree in geology. Harold was employed by Lane Wells Company, which became Dresser Atlas, and retired in 1984 after 32 years with the company. Brother Watt was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner. Respect can be paid to Brother Watt at the Evergreen Cemetery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

17 NOV 2010
MI Alpha Newton Holladay Webb, U.S. Navy (Retired) died at the age of 90 on this date. Brother Webb was born in London, England, where his father was employed. The family moved to Paris, France, and then located in Pelham, NY. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Engineering where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He was an aviator for the U.S. Navy for 20 years. Newton moved to Richmond in the 1950s and worked as a mechanical engineer throughout the state of Virginia. Brother Webb was laid to rest at Westhampton Memorial Park.

LOSSES TO THE ROLL
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends, family and Brothers of the following patriotic SigEps:
* U.S. Navy Veteran (Retired) and KS Delta Brother Marvin Leroy Sorg passed away on 28 OCT 2011 and respect can be paid to Brother Sorg at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
For Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) Veteran and TN Gamma Brother Staff Sergeant Tanner Stephen Kuth, U.S. Army who underwent a spinal tap on Thursday.

CELEBRATE!
* GA Epsilon Brother Captain Tripp Bishop, U.S. Marine Corps recently completed the incredibly strenuous training to become an aircraft carrier qualified aviator. Congratulations to Brother Bishop!
* Tough Mudder’s among us! Congratulations to PA Gamma Brother Second Lieutenant Jamie Derr, U.S. Marine Corps and NY Chi Brother ROTC Cadet Pat Mcpartland for completing the Tri-State Tough Mudder last weekend in New Jersey. This was Jamie’s first TM and Pat’s second.
* Pat is heading up an effort for a TM in May 2012. You can join Team Captain Krunch and the Cereal Killers by clicking on http://register.toughmudder.com/register/default.aspx?newgroup=true&event=5634&cat=20812
* Jamie is the executive assistant at Veterans Moving Forward, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity founded by veterans to help alleviate the critical need for assistance dogs for our nations heroes. You can go to http://www.facebook.com/vetsfwd and http://www.vetsfwd.org/ to learn more about the group and their great work.
* SigEps Who Serve (SWS), the official Facebook group of the SigEp Patriots Project, reached 400 Brothers when OEF Veteran, KY Zeta Brother and ROTC Cadet Anthony Palmer joined the group. You honor us with your presence, Anthony.

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) UPDATE
* SWS had the honor of 16 additional SigEp Patriots added to the roll in the six days since the last edition of “This Week” and now numbers 405 Brothers who serve/served! We wish a sincere welcome to the following Brothers:
Hunter Sheetz, Todd Leavitt, Brian Wagner, Sean Martin, Gary Adkins, Scott Knighton, TJ Freno, Aaron Bacus, G. Paul Lewis, Eric Sitzmann, Anthony Palmer, Jason Fredrick, Jacob Hicks, Shawn Farrington, Ernesto DiVittorio and Davin Heaton.

If you are a SigEp Patriot and on Facebook, just click on the link to go to the SWS page http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. All we need to know is your home chapter and military affiliation.

* SPP now has nine chapter reps / points of contact around the country, and we welcome the following Brothers who recently signed on to work with the Project as a SPP POC:

KY Zeta POC – KY Zeta Brother Private First Class Robert Stegall, U.S. Army National Guard (Kentucky)
IA Theta POC – IA Theta Chapter President Matt Funke

Undergraduate or alumni brothers can be chapter reps. Just contact SPP at sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SPP also has a listserve that you can join by writing to the email address above.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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