GRAND POLEMARCH'S MESSAGE
I highly encourage all brothers, whether individually or through a chapter, to recognize both Kappa veterans and brothers who currently are serving in our nation's armed forces. We must acknowledge them not only for their personal achievements but also for their elevation of Kappa Alpha Psi ® !
Afghanistan on his military resume. (He also held an M.B.A. and was working toward a Ph.D. when he died.) While African American soldiers and veterans historically have been on the backburner regarding recognition of their military contributions, the sacri- fices of their families has been a mere afterthought, if that. Therefore, it is im- portant that we support military families’ broad array of needs and always provide them with prayer and encouragement. So much has changed in the political and military landscape since Septem- ber 11, 2001 that there is now a keen awareness of the seriousness of military service. Gen Xers, Baby Boomers and the senior generation can recall when a deployment would last for six months at best whereas now 10 months to a year is not uncommon. The soldier returns home for, say, two weeks and goes out again for a year, missing birthdays, holidays, weddings and other special occasions with loved ones. This real scenario can lead to emotional toil for a family, yet, families too are proud of their sacrifice that allows a spouse, sib- ling or child to rise to the occasion for all our sake. This bravery and commit- ment to protect you, me and America is vital to preserving the freedoms and privileges we claim and avail as U.S. citizens. As mentioned, Kappa Alpha Psi ® always has understood the significance of sol- diers and veterans to our nation as well as within the fraternity. More recently,
my administration’s creation of the Military and Veterans Affairs Commis- sion (MVAC) has served as a prominent example. This commission is derived from the Kappa 6 Point Plan’s Commu- nity Service component, which aims to inspire public service interest through parallel initiatives on all levels of the fraternity. A main goal of the MVAC is to acknowledge and celebrate members of our noble clan who are both veter- ans and active duty military personnel. Furthermore, the commission serves as a strategic vehicle for reclamation. Through reclamation, which, too, is a Kappa 6 Point Plan component, the commission works to bring veterans home to Kappa and re-integrate them into the Bond. Brother Hawthorne “Peet” Proctor, who chairs the Com- mission, is directing the creation of programs for active and retired military veterans. I highly encourage all brothers, whether individually or through a chapter, to recognize both Kappa veterans and brothers who currently are serving in our nation’s armed forces. We must acknowledge them not only for their personal achievements but also their elevation of Kappa Alpha Psi ® . This edition of the Journal is unique in that it features a “roll call” of the fraternity’s soldiers, which is categorized by their branch of service. As a preface to the roll call, I take pride in calling out the name of each of our nation’s armed forces:
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The United States Navy The United States Army The United States Marines The United States Air Force The United States Coast Guard
and …
♦
The military family spouses and children
As you reflect on or formally acknowl- edge the sacrifices of our Kappa soldiers and their families, heed this May 9, 1864 message from President Abraham Lincoln: “I am, indeed, very grateful to the brave men who have been struggling with the enemy in the field, to their noble com- manders who have directed them, and especially to our Maker....While we are grateful to all the brave men and officers for the events of the past few days, we should, above all, be very grateful to Almighty God, who gives us victory.”
Yours in the Bond,
Thomas L. Battles, Jr. Grand Polemarch
Publishing achievement for 105 years
THE JOURNAL | 5
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