Sigma Chi - Montana State University

3 SIGMA CHI tions (one of the largest installations anywhere), the troops, the equipment, the facilities, the sup- port communities around the post, and the obvi- ous respect and love among everyone, from the Chinese restaurant, to the mess halls, to the facil- ity tours, museums, simulators, and the interface with the Funk Generals and their loyal troops, was just heart-rending! e Troops clearly love Lt. Gen. Funk and he loves working with them. Aer a full day of VIP activities on the post, we formed a convoy to travel a half hour west to the famous Spearhead Ranch, the Funk's Her- eford cattle operation. e planned Texas bar- becue had to be moved inside but Butch's wife, Danny, and the big family put on a fine cocktail party with spectacular hors d'oeuvres followed by a great, sit-down dinner in their huge party room. All the Beta Rho Sigs and families, kids, grandkids, great-grandson, friends (includ- ing Major General Paul Calvert, and his family, CG 1st Cavalry Division, a Sigma Chi Friend)) gathered around, as Bryan Henson '84 emceed the official Significant Sig ceremony. e key- note address was masterfully delivered by Walt Smith '85 from Seattle, and there was not a dry eye in the house. Helen Sloan observed, 'I'm just blown-away by this tremendous, military-family atmosphere that permeates everything around Ft. Hood and the Funks.' e Saturday schedule afforded additional mili- tary VIP tours and opportunities to mingle with the troops as well as the brothers before heading back home. We all departed with a new apprecia- tion for our military and their very professional Beta Rho Sigs Unite at Fort Hood (Continued from page 1) A s seventh in a long line of Sigma Chis, there was only one fraternity for Lt. Gen. Paul Funk II '84. Paul comes from a proud family of Soldiers and Sigma Chi alumni. Funk II followed his father Lt. Gen. (Retired) Paul "Butch" Funk '61, who served Beta Rho as Magister and Consul and 32 years as a Soldier. Both sides of Paul's family have strong ties to Montana State University and the Beta Rho chapter of Sigma Chi. Paul's family of Montana State University alumni in- cludes his father Paul "Butch" Funk, mother Sheila "Danny" Funk, grandfather Frank Brown '30, uncles Chester "Chet" Brown '59, Robert "Bebo" Brown '62, Jon Funk '65, and cousin Col. Darrel Charlton '64. "I learned the value of service to this nation by watch- ing my father as he served his country for over 32 years" Paul says. "Montana State and Beta Rho gave me the opportunity to follow his example." In his early days at Montana State University, Paul was attracted to Sigma Chi's core values. "As the son of a Soldier, and part of the Army family for 57 years now myself, I think it's hard to overstate the importance of justice, friendship, and learning. e values this organization instills in its members helped shape my college experience and those same values are no less important to me today." As a student, Beta Rho pushed Paul to succeed. "I like to joke that I wasn't always the best student, and if I wasn't part of an organization that valued learning, I might not have graduated at all." Paul graduated MSU with a speech communication degree and a commis- sion in the United States Army through the MSU Army ROTC program. Paul continued his journey of lifelong learning in both his civilian and military education. He later earned his Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. As a Soldier, Paul is a graduate of the Army Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College, and the Senior Service College as a fellow attending the Institute of Advanced Technology at the University of Texas in Austin. It wasn't just the focus on values and learning that Paul appreciates from his time in Beta Rho. "Bud Hall '61 and Barry Hedrich '81, our Consul at the time, were strong mentors, even aer we graduated. eir support was so important to me." He stays in contact with many other Beta Rho brothers, including Tom Heck '80, Terry Bruckbauer '82, Larry Larsen '82, Bob Morton '82, Bryan Henson '84, Walt Smith '85, Tom Sullivan '86 and his wife, Gina Sullivan, Skip Higgins '84, and our sweetheart, Betty Higgins. Bill Funk, Darrel Charlton '64, Terry Bruckbauer '82, Russ Newberry '84, Dave Sloan '60, Roy Ewen '82, Larry Larsen '82,Ralph Simpson '81, Bob Morton '82, and Dennis McSweeney '83 Paul Funk surrounded by his brothers from the '80s at the ird Cavalry Museum. dedication to the defense of America. It was an event that will long be re- membered for the very impressive military operation, the quality of the facilities and the troops, the great hospitality of the Funk family, and the long-term, multi-generational brotherhood of Beta Rho of Sigma Chi. We all can share in the pride of accomplishment of Lt. Gen. Paul Funk II, as he has followed the big footprints of his dad, Lt. Gen. Paul "Butch" Funk (Ret.). All honor to these two great Army Generals and Significant Sigs! Like Father, Like Son Significant Sig Lt. Gen. Paul Funk II and His Beta Rho Experience (Continued on page 6) Presentation of Significant Sig Award to Brother Paul Funk II by Bryan Henson '84. On March 28, 2019, upon orders signed by President Trump, the U.S. Senate of- ficially confirmed U.S. Army Pentagon HQDA Appoint- ment to the rank of General (4th Star) to Paul E. Funk II, with assignment as Com- manding General, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virgin- ia. Brothers, this is a big job, a huge responsibility, and a great honor! Funk Sr (left), Funk II (center), and Funk II's father-in- law, Lieutenant General Yeosock (right) when they all commanded together in Desert Storm.

• Cover