Kappa Sigma - Louisiana Tech University

2 K A P P A S I G M A F R A T E R N I T Y W hile George "Woodie" Jackson '54 was attending C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, one of his best friends, Joe Townson '52, who was a year older, ended up joining Epsilon Gamma Chapter. Once Woodie arrived at Louisiana Tech University, his old friend was there to introduce him to Kappa Sigma—and even ended up being his Big Brother. "During rush I visited Pi Kappa Alpha, Lambda Chi Alpha, Theta Xi, and Kappa Sigma," Woodie said. "I received a bid from all of them and accepted Kappa Sigma's in September of 1953." Woodie was initiated on March 7, 1954, along with his 35 pledge brothers. One of his favorite memories from his time as an active member of Epsilon Gamma was participating in, and winning, the campus Stunt Night and Sing Week competitions. Preparing for these competitions was always a fun bonding experience for Woodie and his brothers. "Being a Kappa Sigma is a confidence builder," Woodie said. "There have been many times in my life where I have had to call on my ability to handle difficult situations." In the summer of 1956, Woodie was informed by a friend who worked for the city's draft board office that his number was coming up and he was to be drafted into the U.S. Army. He immediately went to his local Navy recruitment office and signed up for the Naval Cadet Program. "I was not selected for it," Woodie said. "After that, I began a six-year tour as an enlisted sailor." Following his graduation from Louisiana Tech in 1964, Woodie was accepted into the Navy Flight Officer Program and was commissioned an ensign in 1964. He was awarded Navy Wings of Gold in November 1965, and his career took off from there. In 1968, Woodie served on the USS Yorktown CVS-10 in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam, with fellow Kappa Sigma George Bolge, Purdue. "The teachings of Kappa Sigma and the brotherhood I enjoyed helped me through some difficult and troubling times along the way," Woodie said. Woodie's passion for learning more about Kappa Sigma's history, values, and traditions has not waivered since graduating in 1964. He has attended six Grand Conclaves, five Leadership Conferences, the Grand Opening of National Headquarters, and the 125th Anniversary Conclave last year. He has served Epsilon Gamma as AAA and AA. Additionally, he held the position of District Grand Master for 10 years in North Louisiana where he oversaw six Kappa Sigma chapters. Woodie has visited Epsilon Gamma frequently over the years, attending the Founder's Day dinner nearly every year for the past five years and the Hawaiian Party every summer he gets the chance. He encourages his alumni brothers to reconnect with Epsilon Gamma, even if they haven't been involved for years. "You are missing out on some really good times by not keeping in touch in some way," Woodie said. "I always enjoy the opportunity to be part of anything having to do with Epsilon Gamma." After 31 years of enlisted and commissioned service, Woodie retired as a Navy commander in 1995. Today, he lives in Shreveport, Louisiana. You can reach out to Woodie at cdrret@shreve.net. SERVING COUNTRY AND BROTHERHOOD George "Woodie" Jackson '54 Reflects on His Kappa Sigma and Military Experiences "Being a Kappa Sigma is a confidence builder."

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