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

Remembering a SigEp giant, Brother Mack Rankin

It has been a month since many of us gathered for the 2013 Conclave, yet the names of our members who had their last “roll call” during the Necrology are still with us in memory. Since then we have added to their numbers, with the latest SigEp, Brother B.M. “Mack” Rankin Jr., Texas-Austin ’50, passing into perpetuity.

A lifelong Texan, Mack grew up in Gladwater and attended the University of Texas at Austin where he joined our Texas Alpha Chapter in 1947.

After graduating, he served for four years in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant and was stationed in Germany during the implementation of the Marshall Plan. When Mack returned home, he began a highly successful career in the oil and precious metal industry.

Mack was a passionate advocate and activist. Indeed, it was his passion for life and cut-to-the-chase attitude that led to his many accomplishments. He wanted to get things done – and done in the right way. Mack invested substantial time in training the next generation of oil industry professionals and gave generously to the institutions he believed in. Among other projects, he sponsored endowments at the University of Texas for the head football coach and a professorship in the business school. He also partly funded the Longhorn Dining Hall, which bears his name, and led a successful fundraising campaign for the expansion of the Darrel K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

Mack also gave generously to SigEp, serving on the National Board of Directors and as a Life Trustee of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation. In 1981, we honored Mack with the Sigma Phi Epsilon Citation.
Mack was someone who inspired others by his character and his service. Below are some of the words from the friends and brothers who knew him best.

“Mack Rankin was truly one of a kind. Those of us who had the privilege of working with him on local chapter issues, National Board issues and SigEp Foundation issues always knew where he stood and, most importantly, why. We turned to Mack for solid business advice that was so important to SigEp being a successful not-for-profit organization."
Gary Griffith, Texas-Austin ‘70 

“Mack was an inspiration to everyone that served on the National Board with him. He was a straight-talking, no-nonsense businessman who, under a seemingly gruff demeanor, clearly had a love for not only Texas Alpha, but for SigEp. He added a great deal of business sense to the board and insights to the undergrads and alumni alike. He also created some very amusing and memorable moments. He was, indeed, a special guy.”
Norm Nabhan, Purdue ’71 

“His style was direct, but caring; he was patient to a point, then demanded action. Some of his most effective moments expressed this, such as, ‘Brothers, please, I will speak with him. It will be corrected.’ We all knew there would be no negotiation. He was a really big Texan, an immensely proud Texas Alphan and a demanding brother. What a gift to us who knew him.” 
Ken Maddox, Oregon State ‘75

Thank you, Mack, for everything you taught us and did for our Fraternity. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” You will be missed.

Fraternally,

Rev. Ray Ackerman
National Chaplain

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.

TX Alpha SigEp organizes blood drive for victims of West explosion

Our guys at Texas got busy to help out the victims in the West, TX explosion. Great job!

Sigma Phi Epsilon organizes community blood drive to assist victims of West explosion | The Daily Texan:

Finance sophmores Ashley Davison and Matt Johnson give blood
during the Sigma Phi Epsilon blood drive for West families Monday
afternoon. More than 30 people signed up to help bring relief to the
victims of the fertilizer plant explosion on April 17.
Photo Credit: Charlie Pearce | Daily Texan Staff

BY MATTHEW HART

The explosion in West last Wednesday led officers of Sigma Phi Epsilon to organize a community blood drive Monday to help residents of the small town.

Business accounting senior Payton Schramm,Vice President of Philanthropy for Sigma Phi Epsilon, organized Monday’s blood drive in the fraternity’s parking lot at the corner of 25th and Pearl streets. Approximately 30 donors attended the drive.

“There’s always one or two events we do every semester to give back to the community,” Schramm said. “There are also spontaneous events like this blood drive that I organized. We’re always trying to do our part to give back, so when the explosion hit West Texas last week, we decided a blood drive would fit perfectly.”

Schramm said he organized the event with The Blood Center of Central Texas and set it up in the fraternity parking lot from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..

“I know a lot of blood drives aren’t available in this zip code but I found [the Blood Center of Central Texas],” Schramm said. “I got in contact with them and it was a really easy process. You don’t pay them anything, they just show up. You just give them an idea of how many people are coming and then they just work with you.”

'via Blog this'

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, 07 – 13 JAN 2013

Brothers,

The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) ended 2012 with,

- 3,686 SigEp Patriots in the Project database;
- 102 brothers-in-arms receiving email via the SPP list serve;
- 712 pages of stories and information about brothers who serve/served in the U.S. military;
- 637 photographs of military brothers;
- 548 SigEp Patriots are members of SigEps Who Serve – the Official Facebook group of SPP, and
- 37 brothers volunteering at chapters around the country as a liaison or point of contact (POC) with SPP in a mutually beneficial relationship of sharing and remembrance.

07 JAN 1941
DE Alpha Brother G. H. Kadel entered the U.S. Army on this date.

09 JAN 1941
On this date, IL Alpha Brother Joseph Metcalf Hissem joined the U.S. Navy Reserve and received a commission as an Ensign. He would go on to heroically serve at the Battle of Midway and made the ultimate sacrifice being reported missing in action / buried at sea.

08 JAN 1943

After graduating from Purdue, IN Alpha Brother William J. Meyer, Jr. entered the Army on this date.

10 JAN 1943

On this date, World War II Veteran and WA Alpha Brother Captain Ben Francis Ferguson, U.S. Army performed gallantly at Guadalcanal while leading his company to an assault position in the face of intense enemy fire. He proceeded to direct an enveloping movement towards the objective, resulting in the occupation of the enemy’s position. For this, he was cited for bravery in action and awarded the Silver Star on 24 MAR 1943.

11 JAN 1944

TX Alpha Brother T. Roland Parrett entered the Army on this date.

12 JAN 1944

On this date, TX Alpha Brother Richard T. Scott joined the Army Air Force and served in the medical corps.

13 JAN 1944
A ship named in honor of Brother Hissem was commissioned on this date, Lieutenant Commander W. W. Low in command. The ship, USS Hissem, was a Destroyer Escort of the EDSALL class, with the designation DE-400. It was launched by Brown Shipbuilding Company, Houston, TX, and sponsored by Miss Elizabeth D. Hissem, Joseph’s sister. Hissem received one battle star for World War II service.

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 05 – 11 NOV

Brothers,

On this Veteran’s Day the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) takes this opportunity to say THANK YOU to every brother who has served or continues to serve, and a special recognition to our brothers currently serving in harm’s way. Stay safe, brothers, and get home soon.

For those of you that have the day off on Monday, SPP hopes you will use the information posted here to pay respect to brothers who serve our nation – especially those SigEp Patriots who have passed away.

On this Veteran’s Day, SPP reaffirms its pledge to always honor and remember all brothers who serve our great country. We hope you will pass the word about our efforts, and help us to find and honor our brothers today and every day.

08 NOV 1932

On this day, World War I Veteran and VA Eta Brother Joel West Flood was elected as a Democrat to the Seventy-second Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Henry St. George Tucker, and served from 08 NOV 1932 to 03 MAR 1933. He was not a candidate for election to the Seventy-third Congress. Joel served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1918 to 1919.

05 NOV 1944

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

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, 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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 10 - 16 OCT

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

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

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

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Week in SigEp Patriot History, 01 – 07 AUG

"It is only the dead who have seen the end of war." ~ Plato

05 AUG 1917
World War I Veteran / OH Gamma Brother / Captain Robert Lester Tavenner, U.S. Army (Ohio State University, 1908) was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and Infantry Officer on this date, and went on to serve in France and Belgium during WWI. At OSU, Brother Tavenner was Junior Class President and Captain of the Company of Cadets.

01 AUG 1918
On this date, World War I Veteran and Ace / NY Beta Brother / Major James Armand Meissner, U.S. Army Air Corps had his fifth air victory while a member of the 147th Aero Squadron while flying a SPAD XIII over Fère-en-Tardenois, France northeast of Paris.


01 AUG 1920
CA Beta Brother / Ensign Gaylor Goble, U.S. Navy (University of Southern California ’45) was born on this date in Flagstaff, Arizona. Brother Goble attended USC and graduated from USC School of Dentistry in 1945. He was an Ensign in the U.S. Navy aboard the escort aircraft carrier, USS Point Cruz (CVE-119).

06 AUG 1924
WV Beta Brother James Frederick Haught (West Virginia University) was born in Weston, Lewis County, West Virginia on this date. Political Graveyard stated his affiliations include the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), organizations with U.S. veterans on their role.

Brother Haught served in the West Virginia State Legislature (1959-60), and as a primary worker for the 1960 Kennedy for President Campaign in West Virginia. In addition, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum contains the transcript of an 18-page interview Brother Haught had with President Kennedy on 13 JUL 1964.

01 AUG 1941
VT Beta Brother / Captain Ronald Harmon Brown, U.S. Army (Middlebury College ’62) was born on this date in Washington, DC. After his military service, Brother Brown served as the 35th Secretary of Commerce.

02 AUG 1994
World War II Veteran / VA Kappa Brother / Major William Pat Jennings, U.S. Army (Virginia Polytechnic Institute ’41) died on this date in Marion, Virginia following an accident in which a tractor he was driving overturned and crushed him. His burial location is unknown.

Following his wartime service in the Europe Theater of Operations with the 29th Infantry as platoon leader, company commander, and operations officer, Brother Jennings was assigned as an instructor in ROTC at the University of Illinois before being discharged in MAY 1946 at the rank of major. William was Smyth County Sheriff from 1948-54 before being elected to the Eighty-fourth and the five succeeding Congresses (03 JAN 1955-03 JAN 1967) as the representative of Virginia’s 9th District.

02 AUG 2006
The nomination of Gulf War and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran / MO Zeta Brother / General James Terry Conway, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) (Southeast Missouri State University ’69) to become the 34th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps was confirmed by the Senate on this date.

03 AUG 2007
On this date, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran / OK Beta Brother / Major Gen Darrell L. Moore, U.S. Marine Corps (University of Oklahoma ’76) completed his assignment as Commanding General, Marine Corps Mobilization Command, Kansas City, Missouri.

05 AUG 2008
VA Pi Brother / Captain Robert May, U.S. Army (Christopher Newport University ’05) retired on this date.

06 AUG 2008
TN Beta Brother Fred Avil Allen III, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (Memphis State University - now University of Memphis) passed away on this date. The location of his interment is unknown.

Fred was always proud to have earned Eagle Scout status and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity in college, serving as treasurer.

02 AUG 2010
A year ago this week, World War II Veteran / VA Epsilon Brother John Howard Lawrence, U.S. Navy (Washington & Lee ’42) died peacefully at the age of 90.

Following graduation, John joined the Navy in AUG 1942, and was present at some of most intense battles of the Pacific Theater of Operations – serving as the Gunnery Officer and later the Executive Officer on the USS LST-84 (a landing ship tank) in the amphibious invasions of Tarawa, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. He was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal for taking charge of a shipboard fire fighting detail to battle a gasoline fire between three gun batteries on the ship, and he received a Purple Heart Medal for a wound received during a kamikaze attack at the invasion of Saipan. He later served as the Executive Officer of the USS Agenor (ARL-3), a landing craft repair ship.

CONGRATULATIONS!
We missed these great news items in July.

Heartfelt congratulations go out to CA Upsilon Brother Yannis Dracopoulos upon his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

Brother Dracopoulos is following in the footsteps of his older brother, fellow CA Upsilon Brother / Captain Costas Dracopoulos, U.S. Air Force (California State University – San Bernardino ’05) and like Costas, Yannis will train to become a navigator. Best of luck, Yannis!

It late July, it was announced that congratulations are in order for TX Alpha Brother Robert Hicks, U.S. Navy (University of Texas ’08) on his engagement to Ms. Hadyn Jobe. Brother Hicks served as president of TX Alpha, and earned his commission upon completion of Navy officer candidate school in AUG 2010.

More recently, Robert completed Basic Underwater Demolition Training (BUD/S) for the U.S. Navy SEALs.

Brother Hicks’ wedding is scheduled for 04 SEP at Holman Ranch in Carmel, California.

If you have news, accomplishments or just want to share a story please send an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

If you are a SigEp Patriot who serves/served in the U.S. military in any capacity – including currently in ROTC – you can join more than 300 of your brothers-in-arms on Facebook by requesting to join the “SigEps Who Serve” group. Not on Facebook? Just drop an email to the address above to join nearly 100 military SigEps on the Yahoo listserve.

In either case, just let us know your basic info – military affiliation and home chapter – and any other information you feel like sharing.

SigEps Who Serve is part of the SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) – an effort to honor Brothers who serve/served our great Nation by recording and maintaining a working history in order to recognize and respect their accomplishments and sacrifices. It is an unofficial effort and no monies are collected or requested. SPP is looking for Brothers – UG or alum – that are interested in being a chapter point of contact for information about military SigEps from their specific chapter. Drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com for more details.

SPP will be at Conclave, and it will be great to see everyone – especially Brothers that serve/served.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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