Last Week in SigEp Patriot History, 25 MAR – 01 APR

25 MAR 1942
World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother Henry George Gansz was killed in action on this date. The SigEp Patriots Project (SPP) pledges that Brother Gransz and his service will be always be remembered.

30 MAR 1945
On this date, World War II Veteran and IL Alpha Brother First Lieutenant John Robinson Lang, U.S. Army Air Corps was reported missing in action over Luzon while serving with the 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group in the Philippines. John was a gunnery instructor in Texas before going overseas.

Brother Lang is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines. You and your service will always be remembered by SPP, Brother.

01 APR 1952
For his actions 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 was awarded the Silver Star for gallant action over Korea.

On 04 JUN 1952, Headquarters, Far East Asia Forces issued General Order Number 272:
“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 09 JUL 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Iven C. Kincheloe, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as pilot, 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 01 APR 1952. While leading a flight of four F-86 type aircraft, Captain Kincheloe encountered sixteen enemy aircraft attempting to intercept friendly fighter-bombers, Captain Kincheloe quickly broke his flight into elements to engage the enemy, and boldly attacked although greatly outnumbered. He pressed attacks against two of the enemy, completely disregarding efforts of other aircraft to deter him. Displaying unusual aggressiveness, Captain Kincheloe severely damaged the aircraft of the enemy flight leader, forcing him to eject himself, and despite heavy damage to his own aircraft, attacked another and destroyed it completely. Captain Kincheloe's destruction of the two aircraft effectively broke up the enemy force and prevented their attack on the friendly fighter-bombers. Through his personal courage, outstanding airmanship, and devotion to duty, Captain Kincheloe reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.”

28 MAR 1970
World War II Veteran, Governor (Montana), Montana State Supreme Court Justice and MT Alpha Brother Colonel John Woodrow Bonner, U.S. Army died on this date in Helena, Montana.

Brother Bonner, the thirteenth governor of Montana, was born in Butte, Montana on 16 JUL 1902. Bonner first entered politics as the secretary treasurer of the State Democratic Central Committee. He also was chairman of the Lewis and Clark County Democratic Central Committee, and served as attorney general of Montana from 1941 to 1942. His political career was temporarily interrupted with the outbreak of World War II. He served as a major in the U.S. Army, was promoted to the rank of colonel, and earned several medals for his courageous service including the Bronze Star and Croix de Guere. After his military duty, John secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by a popular vote in NOV 1948. During his tenure, a state home for the senile aged was established; highway construction was advanced; the pioneer veterans memorial building was initiated; the department of labor, industry and agriculture was restructured; and a veterans' preference law was sanctioned. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Bonner left office, and returned to his legal practice. From 1968 to 1970, he served as a justice on the Montana State Supreme Court.

Respect can be paid to Brother Bonner at Section 9, Site 6305, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

29 MAR 1973
This was a great day for the nation and the family and friends of Vietnam War Veteran and Prisoner of War, SigEp Citation Recipient and KS Beta Brother Brigadier General James Downs Latham, U.S. Air Force (Retired). On this date, Captain Latham was released from captivity in North Vietnam.

On 05 OCT 1972, Brother Latham was shot down while flying an F-4E Phantom II over North Vietnam was assigned to the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

28 MAR 2005
U.S. Army Veteran and AL Beta Brother Edward H. Moseley died on this date.

31 MAR 2006
U.S. Army Veteran and IL Kappa Brother Richard Sean Clarke died on this date in Tampa, Florida. Born in Clearwater, Brother Clarke moved back to Tampa in 1996 from Chicago, IL. He was an information technology technician and an Army veteran paratrooper stationed in Germany.

28 MAR 2009
World War II and Korean War Veteran, KS Gamma Brother and Captain Dr. Lawrence Pierre Stream, U.S. Army died on this date. Born 13 MAR 1923 in Kansas City, Kansas, he was recruited by the legendary Phog Allen to play basketball at the University of Kansas. While he was a freshman, he became a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity however, his education was put on hold at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and he joined the enlisted reserve corps and was called into service in March, 1943. After basic training he was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program and sent to Texas A&M. After 12 weeks he was given a medical aptitude test and was transferred to a 3-semester Baylor University pre-dental program. He then spent 6 months at the Borden General Hospital in Chickasha, OK, as an orderly and went to the University of Oklahoma Medical School in July, 1945, where he met his soon to be wife, Millicent Marrs, the daughter of an OU sociology professor. Dr. Stream spent the last 2 years of medical school at the University of Oklahoma Medical School. Brother Stream was then called back into active military service by the doctor's draft during the Korean War, during which he received the Bronze Star medal and attained the rank of Captain. From 1958 to 1988 he was in private practice.

On the same date, we lost U.S. Army World War II Veteran and OH Mu Brother Joseph E. “Joachim” Vouros of Youngstown, Ohio. He was a prominent attorney, community leader, and lifelong Youngstown area resident. Brother Vouros, or “Kimmey,” as his family and friends knew him was born 28 AUG 1922, and graduated from East High School in 1941 as the salutatorian of his class and a member of the National Honor Society.

While a student at Youngstown State University, Brother Vouros interrupted his college studies to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1941. After being discharged, he returned to Youngstown State, where he earned a bachelor of science in education degree, a bachelor of arts in business administration degree, and a juris doctorate degree.

Joseph will be remembered for his successful defense in representing the Youngstown Board of Education in the historic and landmark case of Alexander v. Youngstown Board of Education. He will also be remembered for the case of Fraternal Order of Police, Youngstown Lodge No. 28, et al. vs. Hunter, Mayor, et al. regarding the constitutional question as to whether a municipality can require its employees to be residents of said city, which case was first heard before the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, 303 N.E.2d 103, then before the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Appellate Judicial District, 49 Ohio App.2d 185, before the Ohio Supreme Court, and finally, before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Brother Vouros was also an active participant in many organizations including the American Legion, Youngstown Post 15 and the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Ohio Mu Chapter.

26 MAR 2010
U.S. Air Force Veteran TX Beta Brother Charles W. “Bill” Estes died on this date in Sherman, Texas after a brave two year battle with cancer. Bill was born on 03 JUL 1942 in Denton, TX, and went to North Texas University, lettering in college freshman basketball, and earning his BS and masters degrees from the university. He worked as a student fireman in Denton his sophomore through senior years at NTSU.

Brother Estes joined the Air Force in 1968 and went to pilot school at Enid Air Force Base. He was stationed in various bases in Florida, Virginia, and Oregon and finished his USAF career in Diyarbakir, Turkey.

Bill pursued a coaching and teaching career, and he moved his family to Sherman in 1976 for Bill to teach and coach. He was head basketball coach from 1979-1984, and his teams reached the playoffs twice. He retired from coaching to continue teaching science at the high school as head of the science department until his retirement in 1996. He and his wife Kay operated the Book Rack for 27 years until 2008.

Respect can be paid to Brother Estes at West Hill Cemetery, Sherman, TX.

On the same date, U.S. Army Air Corps World War II Veteran and NC Beta Brother Walter “Bud” Thomas Foreman, Jr. died in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bud was born 29 JUN 1924 in Asheville, NC, and as a teenager he achieved Eagle Scout status. Part of our greatest generation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during WWII and flew over 30 missions as a bombardier. After the war, Bud received a mechanical engineering degree from NC State University.

29 MAR 2011
Just one year ago, U.S. Air Force Veteran and NE Beta Brother Kenneth D. Kremers died on this date in Omaha, Nebraska. Ken served in the USAF from 1953-1956, and retired from Qwest/US West after 35 years of services as a director of operator services.

RECENT LOSS TO THE ROLL
It is with sadness and regret that we recognize the passing of the following SigEp Patriot and American hero:
* U.S. Veteran and NC Zeta Brother John Edward “Jack” Mueller passed away in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was 85 years old. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Wake Forest University, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 7227, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, 800-752-8568; or to East Carolina University, Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, 901 E. Fifth St., Greenville, NC 27858-4353.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
25 MAR – ROTC Cadet and WI Zeta Brother Joel Meller.
28 MAR – DC Gamma Brother and U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer Hunter Sheetz.
28 MAR – NE Gamma Brother Captain Alex Straatmann, U.S. Army Reserve.
28 MAR 1931 – U.S. Army Veteran IA Beta Brother John Lambert Phillips was born on this date in Muscatine, Iowa.
30 MAR 1943 – Vietnam War Veteran and WA Beta Brother First Lieutenant Michael S. LaFromboise, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
30 MAR 1956 – U.S. Air Force Veteran and SC Alpha Brother Joseph R. Turnage, Jr.
27 MAR 1978 – Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and MD Delta Brother Captain Rob Taber, U.S. Army.
29 MAR 1980 – OH Theta Brother Lieutenant Phillip Gagen, U.S. Navy.

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

CELEBRATIONS!
* WELCOME HOME to two-time Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran and KS Beta Brother Sergeant Jon Unruh, U.S. Army Reserve who arrived at Ft. Hood this past weekend! We join the chorus of people who welcome you home!
* The Air Force recognized the leadership, experience and accomplishments of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran, TN Beta Brother Captain Aaron Karcher, U.S. Air Force, and notified him that he has been selected for promotion to Major.
* Love is in the air. U.S. Navy and LA Alpha Brother Luke Richmond is now engaged, and OH Pi Brother and U.S. Air Force IT Specialist Scott Klement posted on FB Thursday that he set the date for his wedding to his fiancée, Courtney.
* NY Rho Brother Private First Class Gabriel Vazquez, U.S. Marine Corps completed Marine Corps boot camp on Friday!
Thank you for allowing us to celebration your recent blessings and accomplishments, and SPP sends hearty congratulations your way!

SIGEP PATRIOTS PROJECT (SPP) LEADERSHIP
* Welcome to CA Mu Brother Marvin Samiano who has volunteered to serve as the HI Alpha POC. Brother Samiano lives in Honolulu and is the 25th chapter representative for SPP.
SPP looks forward to working with Marvin and any undergraduate or alumni brother that is interested in serving as a POC. Just write to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com.

SPP UPDATE
* The SPP archives have grown to 1,728 since the last installment of “This Week”.
* Another good week for the SigEp Patriots Project official Facebook page – SigEps Who Serve (SWS) as we welcome ROTC Cadet and CA Eta Brother Andrew Yacovone, OH Pi Brother and U.S. Air Force IT Specialist Scott Klement, and Clarkson ROTC Cadet and member of the Vermont National Guard NY Chi Brother Matthew Brosseau.

To join SWS, go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve. Not on Facebook? Join the SPP listserve by sending an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com. For both, you will be asked to provide your military affiliation and home chapter.

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, 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, 08 – 14 AUG

These weekly works are a result of research by the SigEp Patriots Project – an effort to honor Brothers who serve/served our great Nation in the U.S. military 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.

We are however looking for YOU – an undergrad or alumnus – interested in being the chapter point of contact for information about military SigEps from your chapter. Any Brother can serve in this position meant to further the understanding and knowledge of the contributions to your chapter’s history by Brothers-in-arms. Drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com for more details on this effort.

“Regard your soldiers as children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys. Look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.” ~ Sun Tzu

Seems this lesson could also be applied to the Fraternity.

13 AUG 1893
World War I Veteran / U.S. Ambassador / KS Alpha Brother / First Lieutenant Monnett Bain Davis, U.S. Army was born on this date in Greencastle, Indiana.

09 AUG 1965
Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran / UT Alpha Brother / Lieutenant Colonel David Yockey, U.S. Air Force (Utah State University; graduated from the University of Montana) was born on this date in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

11 AUG 1975
World War II and Korean War Veteran / WV Beta Brother / General Anthony Clement “Nuts!” McAuliffe, U.S. Army (Retired) passed away on this date in Chevy Chase, Maryland at the age of 77. He was laid to rest with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 3, Site 2536.

Born in Washington, DC, on 02 JUL 1898, Anthony was a student at West Virginia University from 1916 to 1917, and graduated from West Point in NOV 1918. He rose through the ranks from second lieutenant in 1918 to four-star general in 1955.

On D-Day, Brother McAuliffe was serving as Commander of Division Artillery of the 101st Airborne Division when he parachuted into Normandy. He subsequently entered into Holland during Operation Market Garden in a military glider. In DEC 1944, when the German army launched the surprise Battle of the Bulge, General Maxwell D. Taylor, commander of the 101st Airborne Division, was away, attending a staff conference in the United States.

In Taylor's absence, acting command of the 101st and its attached troops fell to (then) Brigadier General McAuliffe (as pictured at left in this undated World War II photo). At Bastogne, the 101st was besieged by a far-larger force of Germans under the command of General Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz.

On 22 DEC 1944, through a party consisting of a major, captain, and two privates under a flag of truce that entered the American lines southeast of Bastogne (occupied by Company F, 2nd Battalion, 327th Glider Infantry), General von Lüttwitz sent the following ultimatum to General McAuliffe:

“To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.

The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.

There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.

If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.

All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.

The German Commander.”

According to various accounts from those present, when McAuliffe was told of the German demand for surrender he said "Nuts". At a loss for an official reply, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Kinnard suggested that his first remark summed up the situation well, which was agreed to by the others. The official reply: "To the German Commander, NUTS!, The American Commander" was typed and delivered by Colonel Joseph Harper, commanding the 327th Glider Infantry, and his S-3 Major Jones to the German delegation. Harper had to explain the meaning of the word to the Germans, telling them that in "plain English" it meant "Go to hell.”

In Memoriam
In Bastogne, there is McAuliffe Square where a “Nuts!” festival takes place every year. A bust of Anthony was unveiled in 1967 and is located next to a tank at a corner of the square.

In the 1990’s, the Nuts McAuliffe Society was formed and consists of dedicated SigEp volunteers.

A southern extension of Route 33 in eastern Northampton County, Pennsylvania, completed in 2002, was named the General Anthony Clement McAuliffe 101st Airborne Memorial Highway, and in 2009 the post headquarters building at Fort Campbell, Kentucky opened and is named McAuliffe Hall.

Our Brother left us with quite a lot to think about as to how to react and respond in incredibly stressful situations.

09 AUG 2007
Korean War Veteran / PA Epsilon Brother Philip J. Sievering Jr., U.S. Army died on this date in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. The site of his interment is unknown.

11 AUG 2009
On this day two short years ago today, NH Alpha Brother / Captain Timothy Francis Farrell, U.S. Marine Corps died in Frankfurt, Germany while working for the State Department as Vice-Consul in the US Consulate General in Frankfurt. Tim was 35 years old.

He was born 10 APR 1974 in Ocean Township, New Jersey. At Dartmouth, Brother Farrell was a member of the track team, and a four year recipient of the Inter Collegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America (ICAAAA). He was also elected to the All-Ivy League Team, First Team, in 1992-1993 and 1994-1995. In 1995, he received the prestigious Nathan D. Bugbee 1925 Track Prize.

Tim joined the Marine Corps in 1997 and was a decorated Marine captain, stationed in San Diego, deployed to Japan and the Mideast. He also served on the USS Harper's Ferry as a logistics officer. He earned a Masters in International Relations at San Diego State.

Brother Farrell joined Brother McAuliffe and 21 other SigEp Patriots who are known to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

In memoriam, donations can be made to the Timothy Farrell Memorial Fund, Township of Ocean School District, 550 West Park Ave., Oakhurst, NJ 07755, c/o Julia Davidow.

TOMORROW
It looks like HQ is giving serious recognition to the values and knowledge gained with military leadership and experience. On Friday, at Conclave, IN Beta Brother / Colonel Robert Lanham, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) will be presenting “Leadership Lessons from a U.S. Marine.” It should be a great presentation.

BROTHER RETURNS FROM DEPLOYMENT TO AFGHANISTAN
This past Sunday, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM Veteran / TX Beta Brother Cory Sockwell, U.S. Marine Corps reported on Facebook that he was back in the great state of Texas following his deployment.

Welcome Home, Brother! We are all very glad you are back safe. Thank you for your service.

CONGRATULATIONS!
FL Iota Brother Frank Slamka, U.S. Marine Corps recently graduated from Marine Basic Training and CA Theta Brother Cameron Jost, U.S. Army recently graduated from Army Basic Training! Best of luck, Gentlemen!

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

JOIN YOUR BROTHERS-IN-ARMS
SigEps Who Serve (SWS) is the Facebook presence of the SigEp Patriots Project and is the only group there created by and solely comprised of Brothers who serve/served in the U.S. military (including ROTC Cadets). This is YOUR group!

Click on http://www.facebook.com/groups/sigepswhoserve to join more than 300 of your Brothers.

This week, SWS grew by four, and we welcome the aforementioned Brothers Slamka and Jost, PA Theta Brother Carl Spindler, U.S. Marine Corps and TX Delta Brother Victor Bucio, U.S. Army. Thanks to SigEp Patriots Carl Misitano and Jose Pedraza for adding the latter two Brothers-in-arms to the group. Keep passing the word!

Not on Facebook? Just drop an email to sigepswhoserve@gmail.com and join nearly 100 military SigEps on the Yahoo listserve. Just let us know your basic info – military affiliation and home chapter – and anything else you feel like sharing.

Also, if you know of a Brother that serves/served please let us know at the above address.

Thank you to those Brothers who have expressed kind words, comments and suggestion for the project so far at Conclave.

Fraternally and Respectfully,

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