Phi Delta Theta - University of Missouri

MO ALPHA PHI M I S S O U R I A L P H A C H A P T E R O F P H I D E L T A T H E T A THE UNIVERSIT Y OF MISSOURI FALL 2021 The F ollowing the 150th Missouri Alpha Chapter Reunion on October 1-2 and the dedication of the War Memorial in front of the chapter house on October 3, which honored Missouri Alpha Phis who died while serving in the U.S. Military, Ed Travis '56 wrote a thank you to the brothers who organized and participated in these events. His appreciation provides a great summary for those of you who were unable to attend, and we're happy to share it, in part, with you below. Friday night's welcome bash in the Boswell's magnificent home overlooked a lighted Jesse Hall Dome from any of the three deck elevations. Brad Boswell and his wife, Martha, hosted us with warm hospitality, bountiful beverages, and delicious hors d'oeuvres. After attending the Missouri vs. Tennessee game on Saturday, we drowned our sorrows atop the bank's rooftop bar, arranged for and hosted by Matt Beckett. Sunday's memorial extravaganza would be as hard to forget as it will be to describe. Bruce Beckett's masterful command of the microphone as master of ceremonies guided us through one emotional moment after another. Waiting for guests as they arrived were 100 Phi Delt undergraduates all dressed in navy blue suits and blazers. Nothing was overlooked—absolutely nothing. The presentation of colors was done by the ROTC color guard; the National Anthem was sung by undergraduate Phi Aidan Matlock '23 and invocation was done by chapter chaplain Matt Boyer '22; an introduction of special guests, including Phi Delta Theta's General Council President Moe Stephens II, University of Southern Indiana '99, General Headquarters Executive Vice President and CEO Sean Wagner, Widener University '02, and the Columbia-based father of one of our fallen Phis and the daughters of another listed on the Memorial, rounded off the ceremony. Undergrad Phi Josh Tegtmeyer gave a wonderful introduction of the honored guest speaker, brother Col. John W. Clark, USAF. When John spoke, everyone listened. A hero in every sense of the word, brother John was a Vietnam RF-4C Phantom Jet pilot with over 80 combat missions before being shot down in the jungle, captured, and M iss ou ri A l pha Celebrates 150 Y ears! Reunion Recap and Honoring Those Who Served "Conceiving, organizing, orchestrating, and executing an entire celebratory weekend for Missouri Alpha's 150th Birthday Anniversary was not an easy undertaking. There are no Oscar awards in my closet, but I will create Tiger awards for all who participated in the planning and execution of a magical Mizzou memory. Master of Ceremonies: Bruce H. Beckett '69 Memorial Committee and Saturday Night Rooftop Host: Matthew Beckett '96 Friday Night Host: Brad Boswell '93 and Martha Boswell Honored Hero and Guest Speaker: John Clark '61 Memorial Committee: Travis Condict '93 Chapter Advisor During Resurrection: Chris Crocker '96 HC President and 150th Birthday Book, Flagpole, and memorial Construction: Mike Ruesler '15 ROTC Color Guard and Sunday Program: Josh Tagtmeyer '23 Dedication Director and Memorial Committee: Chris Widmer '93 American Legion Post 202 Organizer for Rifle Salute and Taps: Paul Hobbs Thank you one and all. (Continued on page 2) (Left) Alumni and undergraduates take a moment of silence at the war memorial dedication. (Right) Col. John Clark '62, POW and keynote speaker, delivering his speech at the dedication.

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