21 minute read
The Spark
Rekindle your interest in the Order
ONE QUESTION
The Journal asked Loyal Order members to share their favorite Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Holiday Traditions. The responses totaled 17 pages—KAs sure celebrate! Here are a few of those traditions to share:
HALLOWEEN
We enjoy going to the pumpkin patch with friends before Halloween & carving pumpkins.
c Zach Nadler (Gamma Epsilon–Arizona 2004)
THANKSGIVING
My favorite holiday tradition is my family's Annual Thanksgiving Beach Walk. We started this tradition in 2017 in Sanibel, Florida. After we eat, we take a walk down to the beach and watch the sunset. The way the island of Sanibel is gives one of the best sunsets in the world.
c Kenneth Mika
(Epsilon Phi–George Mason 2012)
My favorite holiday season tradition was traveling each year to New York City at Thanksgiving with family and friends. The excitement of the Macy's Day parade, going to the theater to see Mama Mia, lunch at Tavern On the Green, seeing the Rockettes perform their Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall, and watching the ice skaters at Rockefeller Center at midnight will always hold cherished memories.
c Mark Beard
(Delta Delta–East
Tennessee State 1977)
Brisketgiving:
On Thanksgiving, our various immediate families in our local area have different directions to go. Thus, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we hold “Brisketgiving” at our house. Everyone has already had Turkey, so we have the whole family over to have Brisket and Texas BBQ and celebrate together. It's a ball!
c John Leigh
(Delta Omega–
Baylor 1982)
We enjoy going to our house at Wrightsville Beach at Thanksgiving. Keena and I host our son McLean (Epsilon Mu–Elon 2014), daughter Ashley and husband Jon (as of Nov. 6) for this fun and peaceful holiday. On Friday, after the traditional meal the day before, McLean and Jon head out to find the freshest and best oysters that they roast on the grill, using McLean's tailgate as a perfect serving table. Ashley, who loathes oysters, enjoys her chicken fingers. Good music, cold beverages, and family love make it the best.
c David M. “Dink”
Warren (Tau–
Wake Forest 1878)
CHRISTMAS
Our Christmas traditions usually start with my wife decorating the house, usually starting right after Thanksgiving. But, our real tradition is that we go to an earlier Christmas Eve service, go to our an earlier Christmas Eve service, go to our favorite restaurant for an early dinner and come home to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" while we wait for our son to go to sleep. Then we have to bring out his presents for what is always an early Christmas morning.
Rob Simms
(Epsilon Phi–George Mason 1989)
My favorite Christmas tradition involves singing Christmas carols. Our local chapter of Hospice sponsors a community walk down Main Street of our small town, with each caroler holding a lit candle while singing. The walk is in memory of those we have lost to cancer. It has become especially meaningful to me since I lost my older brother to cancer 7 years ago. The walk ends in the town square which features luminarias bearing the names of loved ones. At the end of the walk, everyone sings "Silent Night" as candles are blown out. Then the Mayor lights the community Christmas tree as everyone sings "Joy to the World" in celebration of new life given to each of us by the Christ child. The tradition never gets old, and I look forward to it every year!
Steve Grist (Alpha –
Washington & Lee 1993) A Full Table
I love to cook and bake so I make "Goody Baskets" for my friends. Through the years, it's changed. There are so many I bake for, I now bake Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, Salsa, Queso, and Rum Cake. It's so much fun to do something for my friends but they love the homemade touch and the fact that they don't have to cook dinner.
Greg Reynolds
(Gamma Sigma–
West Texas A&M–1975)
Every year, my extended family gathers at our grandmother's house for homemade ravioli and meatballs. This began when our parents were kids and now our own generation's children are coming now. It is a wonderful time to reconnect with family.
Freddie Leatherbury
(Beta Rho–Roanoke 2017)
Our now 37-yearold son Andrew Lee Bunting, named after our Spiritual Founder, has Down Syndrome. Over the years on Christmas Eve, he wears a red elf hat signifying his exclusive authority to recognize donee [giver] names on presents which he hand-delivers across the room individually. The sustained joy Andrew displays, punctuated with a series of cute remarks attending each delivery, serves to remind us of the true joy we all share in celebration of God's Plan Of Salvation that defi nes the true meaning of Christmas.
Clayton E. Bunting
(Eta–Richmond 1969)
Living in Hawaii guarantees Christmas without snow or cold weather. We have a Christmas song "Mele Kalikimaka is a Bright Sunny Day" which it nearly always is. We usually walk out to the beach for a swim and then walk the park nearby our home and literally no one is there. They are home with 24 years ago, my Rose and I adopted our son, at the age of 20 months, from Russia. Our son is Autistic with Attention Defi cit Hyper-activity Disorder (ADHD). Our fi rst Christmas together my mother gave him a mechanical Mickey Mouse tree topper. Mickey's head swivels back and forth as he raises a lantern up and down in his free hand. When the tree is all decorated with lights, ornaments, and garland, the last decoration we put on is the tree topper. We have our son climb the step stool to place the ornament himself.
Bob Kelly
(Delta Pi–
Missouri Southern 1973)
their own families enjoying their own special Christmas. It is magical on that day when one time each year we are alone with family enjoying the special fruits of our blessed location on Christmas Day and the aloha of our Christian faith.
Mike Paulin
(Beta Sigma–Southern
California 1960)
Toasting Friendship
Former National Undergraduate Chairman, Brother John Clemson Gasque (Delta Tau–Francis Marion 1975), telephones every Christmas Eve (or I call him) and we toast to our friendship, using the exact same original glasses every year for good luck. This tradition has been going on for 35 years so far and we have never missed a year. I'd say that’s pretty lucky!
James C. (Jim) Parker, Jr.
(Delta Tau–
Francis Marion 1977)
Twas’ The Night Before
Reading the Cajun Night Before Christmas by Howard Jacobs for my family in South Louisiana in my infamous Cajun accent from North Louisiana. It always makes for a ton of laughs.
Matthew O'Neal (Gamma Alpha–
Louisiana Tech 2006)
My favorite holiday tradition is Christmas Eve candlelight service at church. In the midst of the commercial and secular avalanche of Christmas, it is good to refl ect on the real reason for the season.
John Meade (Epsilon–
South Alabama 1981) Lights
As a family we take a night to truly take in all the holiday lights … we usually start with a trip around the (DC) Beltway to walk the gardens at the Mormon Temple in Silver Springs around twilight, followed by a run to Bull Run State Park and one of the more amazing drive throughs that exists in the country. The Fairfax Times publishes a map of what they view as the best individual home displays in the area. All in all, it's about 4 hours of family time where it's all about the lights and not the day-to-day challenges of life.
Russell Klosk (Beta Sigma–
Southern
California 1991)
To All A Good Night
My family and I make and write down predictions every Christmas. One, three, and 10 year predictions. Everything from the politics to price of gas to stock market to who will have kids and who will get married. It is really fun to begin opening those 10-year predictions from 2009, 2010, and soon 2011.
WHY I DJ
I love music. I got my start DJing on accident by having more CD’s (those are the little circle disc looking things) than anyone else when I was a freshman pledge at Middle Tennessee State University. We were having a house party one night, and I got nominated to go man the house stereo system and keep the music going for the party. The Number I at the time, Gabe Smith, must have seen something because not long after that my chapter bought “DJ equipment.”
I had never thought about DJing before. I was a business administration major, but everything changed that fateful night. I started DJing all of our parties, and doing sorority formals and even other fraternity parties before moving into bars and clubs.
I’ve been blessed to travel all over and stand on the same stage with artists I grew up listening to. I toured with Rascal Flatts across the United States, provided the stadium soundtrack for 60,000 screaming Tennessee Titans fans at Nissan Stadium for four seasons, and many other countless memories.
DJing has also allowed me to share in many joyous occasions for other people; from friend’s birthdays and weddings to strangers partying with their best friends and forgetting troubles they may have had. There’s something about smiling faces and people singing along and jumping up and down to the music I’m playing.
I’ve been DJing for twenty plus years, and this ride has been beyond my wildest dreams. I think I can sum up why I DJ by quoting Bob Marley, “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
— Rod Youree (Delta
Lambda–Middle
Tennessee State ’96)
ERRORS AND OMMISIONS
The Journal regrets combining the Crimson & Gold Society members of the last annual report from Epsilon Iota Chapter at Texas State with the Gamma Chi Chapter at Texas Tech—here they are stand—alone:
Crimson & Gold Society Members Fiscal Year-End, June 30, 2020
Texas State–Epsilon Iota
David W. Cade, 4th Year Andrew P. Carr, 5th Year F. Michael Carr, 2nd Year Scott P. Hamilton, CFP, 1st Year Ross W. Newberry, 6th Year L. Don Stricklin, 5th Year
Gamma Chi–Texas Tech
Blas S. Catalani, II, 3rd Year Ronald S. Childress, 2nd Year Brent B. Hamilton , 2nd Year Charles L. Hamilton, 2nd Year Michael A. Hedlund, 3rd Year Mitchell L. Heidenheimer, 5th Year MAJ Christopher A. Huff, 4th Year William R. Mathews, III, 3rd Year Gordon R. McDowell, 1st Year Curtis Arnold Smith, 2nd Year James B. Smith, 1st Year Paul H. Tarwater, 3rd Year E. Powell Thompson, 7th Year Dr. Idris Rhea Traylor, Jr., 8th Year Dustin S. Whittenburg, 3rd Year On page 92, in the pro le of CAPT Sidney Wood, we accidentally noted that he worked for the National Geophysical Intelligence Agency (NGA)—that “G” should have stood for Geospatial.
The Journal regrets these errors.
FOLLOW UP
The Journal heard good news from Ben Brooks (Delta Epsilon–Newberry 2007) this fall, after publishing a two-page story in the summer issue about his internship:
Social
June 29, 2021
326 Likes @KappaAlphaOrder
Brothers of the KA Internship Program placed in Atlanta, Georgia, enjoyed lunch with infl uential alumni in the area last week.
#LEADERSHIP #BROTHERHOOD
@thomasanderson6 beast
@jleg1098
@calebllambert looking fl y my guy
@mattsimm_
good looks @calebllambert
@e_whit18
Fine lookin bunch of leaders!!
@tootertrees
KAPPAALPHAJOURNAL.COM
KA Internship Video
The E. Fleming Mason Memorial Internship Program supports growing opportunities for brothers across the country. Coming out of the pandemic, resiliency and donations have allowed the internship program to expand into areas including Washington, DC, Atlanta, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas. View a brief video on the program, including the 2021 interns and internships, at KappaAlphaJournal.com.
WHO ARE YOU?
Michael L. Howell
(ALPHA PHI–DUKE ’07) Senior Adviser for Executive Branch Relations, The Heritage Foundation
Mike joined The Heritage Foundation in October 2018 from the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, where he was the chief legal point of contact for the department’s 3,000-lawyer office for all congressional oversight and investigations that concerned any of the department’s headquarters or component offices. There he dealt with congressional staff regarding document requests, transcribed interviews and depositions, legislation, and correspondence. He was on Capitol Hill from 2013–2017 as an attorney for both the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight Committee.
At Heritage, Mike serves as the government relations liaison to the executive branch, where he interacts with several senior officials in the immigration space on matters of policy. He is frequently quoted on matters of immigration and congressional oversight, and also writes on these topics. He is a graduate of Duke University and Emory Law School and an Alexandria, Virginia native. He was initiated by the Alpha Phi Chapter in 2007 where he served as Number II. At the 79th Convention this past summer, Mike served as the KAOEF Leadership Lecturer.
What are you reading right now and why?
Mainly Dr. Seuss and Good Night Moon because my wife and I just had our first baby. But the best book I read this year was a biography of Teddy Roosevelt, Theodore Rex. He embodied a lot of KA values and I think would have made a great brother.
What is your DVD/Streaming queue and why?
I’m not big on the major streaming services. For something to make it all the way through Netflix quality control basically means I won’t like it. I spend a lot of my time watching YouTube. I really enjoy watching old presidential debates, independent documentaries, and inspirational videos.
What is on your music playlist and why?
I’ve never been a big music guy. May have something to do with that when I was a kid I played the saxophone and completely bombed a Christmas Eve church performance. I listen mostly to podcasts and talk radio. We lost a giant this year with Rush Limbaugh, so I guess you can say I’m searching for someone to fill the void.
What do you do for leisure/hobbies?
One of the great parts about being a new dad is that a whole new world of activities opens up to you. Whether its places you would never go as just an adult, movies, or songs, being a new parent means you get to experience all those childhood memories all over again with your kid. I’m not sure how leisurely that always is, but it’s certainly rewarding.
Best KA memory?
I often think about our senior year parents’ weekend. Our time living together was coming to an end and everyone was getting ready to go out into the world and start chasing their dreams. There was something special that made you realize there was permanence to all of this when we had all of our parents down there together to meet everyone. It also surprised me we were able to clean up that well.
You work in the thick of D.C., if you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change?
Whatever happened in the beginning of the movie Liar, Liar that made Jim Carrey have to tell the truth all the time. I would do that to the whole city of D.C. We could cut out so much noise and start working towards real solutions if folks were just a little more honest.
What is most troubling to you right now in the world of politics and governance?
That our leaders do not seem to understand the urgency of the moment and that America is not guaranteed. The things that made this country great are now subject to vigorous debate and our rivals are gaining steam. We need to get back to the basics and make sure we have a secure, free, and prosperous Nation to leave to our children.
What would you tell a young KA looking to get into politics and policy?
To do it. I think our country would be well-served by any brother, regardless of political stripes, who brought KA values to the world of politics and policy. It can be a deeply rewarding career and the Nation needs your help.
TAKE NOTE
KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society Celebration Dinner
April 28, 2022
The Mint Museum Charlotte, North Carolina
KAOEF Crimson & Gold Society Celebration Dinner
July 28, 2022
Headliners Club Austin, Texas
BID FOR BROTHERHOOD
K a ppa Al pha Order Educational Founda t io n AUSTIN TX
2022
KAOEF Bid for Brotherhood
July 29, 2022
Austin City Limits Austin, Texas
MENTION
Career Advising
This past fall the Order made an effort to test a Career-Advising program pairing Alumni Members with young KA graduates or Active Members to assist them in their career path. The results for the pilot were positive.
Quantitative:
154 Alumni Career Advisor
Applications 54 pairings with young KA
Advisees on mutual industry, geographical location, and interests
1/3 of Advisees who responded to a recent survey said they have had 4 or more interactions with their advisor so far
1/2 of Advisees who responded to a recent survey said that their interactions to date have been meaningful or very meaningful
Qualitative:
Responses from young KA Advisees:
“The career advisor I was assigned has been helped with giving me insight as to what I could do in the future for careers.”
“This is a great program.
My advisor’s accomplishments and understanding of being a CIO in the health care-provider industry gave me a robust perspective of an industry I had little understanding for.” “It has been very helpful having a career advisor in the consulting fi eld. He set me up with practice interviews and a résumé review which was great.” “[My advisor] is an excellent mentor. We have had a couple conversations and he checks in on me regularly. It is nice to have someone who is interested in my career and goals. He also provides genuine advice whenever I need.
I know that I can always reach out to him. His regular check-in provides me with an Avenue to vent my feelings about my career.
Most of the time he listens, and then offers advice based on his experiences.
Responses from Career Advisors:
I have been in touch with [my advisee] a couple of times and he has been enthusiastic and returned phone calls just fi ne.
I am trying to connect him with a friend of mine who is a Senior
Project Manager for a large
GC in Texas—he was a Greek at Tennessee, but not KA, what can I say?” I had a chance to get [my advisee] on the phone and discuss his career interests as they related to design or construction in the
Engineering community. I have forwarded numerous engineering periodicals which not only contain good articles on worldwide projects but also lists national and international fi rms for his pursuit.
FROM JOURNALS PAST
One of Jack Jacobs’s story has been little known since growing up in Holdenville, Oklahoma. But The Kappa Alpha Journal, through reports of Beta Eta Chapter at the University of Oklahoma, was the Guys one of the fi rst “news outlets” consistently to honor and promote the physical prowess and football skills of this member of the Creek Nation.
By Jesse Lyons
Beta Eta Chapter was chartered in 1905,
two years before Oklahoma became a state in the Union. Just 34 years later, Jack Jacobs became a KA and the Order has been proud of him ever since.
May 1939
Beta Eta
Chapter Report
Several weeks ago, the freshman football team ended its spring training season with a scrimmage game among themselves and we were proud to see that four of our men were playing together on one side of the line. They were Brothers Bently and Potter, and Pledges West and Jacobs. From what we read and hear, we are expecting All-American material out of Jacobs in a couple of years. … We are glad to announce the pledging of three men who are now wearing the button around the campus. They are: Milton Shimonck, Jack Jacobs, and Kenneth McGoldrick
November 1939
Beta Eta
Chapter Report
We are proud of our three men representing KA on the O.U. football team. Jack Jacobs, pledged in the second semester of last year, is showing up ne. He is just a sophomore and has given some of the seniors something to show that he means business.
January 1940
Beta Eta
Chapter Report
We are glad to announce the initiation of seven of our pledges, who are now the proud possessors of the Kappa Alpha Pin. They are all making ne brothers, and we are happy to add them to our roll. They are: Milton Shimonck, Stanton Cope, Maury West, R.E. Gandy, Jack Jacobs, Kenneth McGoldrick, and R.E. Clement. … along the sports line, we believe our freshmen have done a great job by beating the Betas in our annual Thanksgiving football game with them by a score of 6-0. They all played an All-American game of football (we think). Now we are looking forward to that banquet given for us and our dates by the losing team. Incidentally, with a coach like Jack Jacobs, Sooner back eld star, how could we lose?
I believe this concludes all the news this month from Beta Eta, with the exception that brother Jacobs has taken in a mascot for the house in the form of a pig, who is about four weeks old, and is taking its bottle nourishment from Mother Jacobs at regular ve-hour periods. With the help of several of the boys, the pig was nally named, “Snooks”
May 1940
Beta Eta
Chapter Report
Brothers West, Bentley, and Jacobs, varsity footballers, are making the coaches’ eyes shine with delight every afternoon at Owen Field, where they spring practices workouts are held. All three of these boys are slated as key men on next year’s varsity
November 1940
Beta Eta
Chapter Report
Brother Jack Jacobs in the meantime has made quite a name for himself on the gridiron, and from all indications is getting more well-known every day.
He was “one of the guys,”
coaching the chapter’s intramural football team and, according to the January 1940 report, he was also having a great deal of fun! The Order honored Jacobs in the
November 1941
Beta Eta
Chapter Report
Two of our brothers who played last year and are playing again this year are Jack Jacobs in the back eld, and Bill Bentley at end. As a parting blow we would like to say we were glad to have the brothers from Beta Xi here on September 27 as our guests when O.U. beat Oklahoma A. & M., 19-0!!!
January 1942
Beta Eta
Chapter Report August 1944, January 1945, March 1945, May 1945
As a closing note, we would like to express our sorrow at the passing of Brother Jack Jacobs from the ranks of the collegiate football players. Jake (sic) played his last game Saturday, November 29, in Lincoln, Nebraska, when he was co-captain of Oklahoma’s team in the annual, Oklahoma University— Nebraska clash.
Legion of Honor
Listing, KAs in
Military Service
Beta Eta–Jack Jacobs, Capt., [U.S. Army] Air Corp
by listing his name among hundreds of others serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II .
