LEADERSHIP | POLITICS | SOCIAL JUSTICE
HONORING THOSE WHO SERVE AND OUR VETERANS IN 2015 BY MELVIN “SHAWN FOGLE
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s the fraternity marches into 2015 and the coming General Convention in Charlotte, N.C., it is important for the brotherhood to be fully updated on the affairs and activities of the Tandy-Kelley Military Affairs Committee. While August may seem off in the distance, it will be here before you know it. The committee’s goal is to have a robust showing of military brothers, as well
as a tribute to those who serve both our country and our fraternity. The history of Alpha Phi Alpha has been steeped in military tradition since Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy served as a first lieutenant in the 15th Infantry of the New York State National Guard. Jewel George Biddle Kelley also strengthened the fraternity’s ties to the military, as he attended Troy Military Academy. Today, brothers serve in every segment of the U.S. armed forces, from enlisted ranks to the highest levels of leadership. The committee is hard at work on many outstanding programs like various “Salute to the Military” events that will pay homage to those who
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protect us. The goal is for this to be a premier event at the General Convention. This will give all brothers an opportunity to acknowledge the brave sacrifices of Alpha brothers who have served their country. With the assistance of some stalwart brothers such as Daryl Sharp Sr., Langston Smith and E. Sean Lanier, the committee has worked hard to develop a clear vision and some lofty but achievable goals. The Military Committee is focused on four goals: • Recognition of Alphas who serve and have served in the military • Establishment of a military presence at all regional and General Conventions • Establishment of active and functional regional Military Affairs Committees • Establishment of a line of communication and support with brothers deployed overseas The current regional Military Affairs Committee chairmen, who are assisting the national committee, include: Darryl W. Sharp Sr. [Beta Gamma, ‘86] of the Eastern Region; Marion Wimberly [Beta Gamma, ‘67] of the Midwestern Region; Rich Stoglin [Beta Tau Lambda, ‘03] of the Southwestern Region, and Michael Files [Omicron Epsilon Lambda, ‘03] of the Western Region. It is quite fulfilling to find Alpha men in every corner of the world, “holding up the light of Alpha.” Brothers are on every continent and serving in places like Afghanistan, Kuwait, Korea, and more. No matter where you go, an Alpha man is not far away.
Melvin “Shawn” Fogle [Theta Theta Lambda, ’05] is a chief master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and chairman of the fraternity’s Tandy-Kelley Military Affairs Committee.
THE SPHINX