GRAND POLEMARCH’S MESSAGE
Brothers All,
T hroughout our great nation, the names of thousands of military heroes glisten on the polished surfaces of granite memorials in cities large and small, and communities suburban and rural. Traditionally, we honor these heroes at events recognizing Veterans Day, a time when we thank everyone who is serving or who has done so and is still with us. We pay tribute as well on Memorial Day, when we reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service to our nation. The sacrifices of African Americans for this cause dates back to the years of America’s revolution, although their feats rarely received widespread acknowledgment historically. Not in newspapers, or textbooks, or public ceremonies, or national speeches. Nevertheless, since its inception 107 years ago, Kappa Alpha Psi ® proactively has bucked this trend. We knew then that we were privileged to have brothers whose stellar military accomplishments exemplified our goal of achievement. After all, seven of our 10 founders served. Also, through the Kappa Alpha Psi ® Journal and many other forums, we have devoted the time to share military Kap- pas’ victories and stories with the global population as well as brothers. In this edition’s cover story, for instance, Lieu- tenant General Leslie C. Smith, the U.S. Army’s newly sworn-in inspector general, shares insights into the family
and professional influences that helped pave the way to his successes. In the feature story, Army Lieutenant General Aundre F. Piggee, Deputy Chief of Staff G4 — a star in his own right — discuss- es his own mentors who “challenged him with incredible opportunities,” and how “competence, commitment and character” are essentials for effective leadership in the Army. Similar per- spectives come from two retired U.S. Air Force veterans, Brigadier Gen- eral David M. Hall and Colonel Eddie Levell Jr.; and retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Edward Moore Jr. We learn and grow from the lessons relayed from such accounts, which also provide our youth with a glimpse of the character and make-up of true role models. These Kappas may have risen to the stature of Four-Star General Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. (see A Look Back Winter 2016 issue, page 107) and 72 nd Laurel Wreath Laureate General Den- nis L. Via (see Cover Story , Summer 2016 issue, page 38). Or, they may be unsung heroes, with achievements not widely known or only recently discov- ered. Count James McCray and Harvey Russell Jr., Coast Guard servicemen during World War II, among those. Also, those who become familiar to us only after a national event with far- reaching effect as in the case of Antonio Davon Brown. In June 2017, Brother Brown was one of 49 shooting fatali- ties at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. It turned out that this U.S. Army Reserve captain had tours of duty in Iraq and
4 | THE JOURNAL
Publishing achievement for 105 years
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