Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

www.alpha6294.com Alphabet T heta Xi strives to instill values of dedication and selflessness within all brothers. For Vic Galante '86 (A1243), Bill Uhrig '95 (A1373), Kevin Delaney '99 (A1449), Rob Strack '99 (A1452), and Nihar Shah '11 (A1603), they each decided to further their commitment to service by joining the military. Below, you can read a word from these brothers on their backgrounds and what makes them proud to serve in their respective positions. Q: Why did you join Theta Xi? "I was looking for a fraternity house close to campus where I might have my own room. Theta Xi advertised a barbecue social during recruitment week where I got to know some of the brothers over barbecue chicken and a few games of cribbage. We hit it off, and I pledged soon after." –Vic "Very simply, I joined for the brotherhood. My best friends in college were all Theta Xi." –Bill "The fraternity was very diverse, but the common core values allowed the fraternity to still work harmoniously. I also appreciated the rich history of Alpha Chapter, especially since it was not a 'bro'-y type fraternity." –Nihar Q: What is your current position within the military? "Veteran, honorable discharge, after 12 years of service as a captain in the U.S. Air Force." –Vic "I am the cyberspace operations division chief for U.S. special operations command." –Bill "I was on active duty in the Marine Corps from 1999-03, then I joined the Marine Corps Reserves in fall 2009 for about four-and-a-half years. After initial officer training, I started flight school in Pensacola, Florida. I soon realized that wasn't for me, so I became a supply officer and served from 2001-2003 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I was on active duty when 9/11 happened, and when we began Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fortunately, I only had to spend just over three months in Kuwait in 2003 until I reached the end of my service contract." –Kevin "I was an active-duty army signal officer for about nine-and-a-half years but separated from active duty in 2008 as a captain (promotable). My most memorable position was as a company commander, and specifically leading that team of 100+ signal soldiers to Baghdad for a 12-month deployment. After leaving active duty, I continued service as an army civilian up until 2021, culminating as the cybersecurity division chief for army installations across the eastern half of the U.S." –Rob "I am currently a major in the U.S. Air Force living in Las Vegas. My current assignment is the director of operations in the Air Force test center's operating location (Nevada). I coordinate with operations on the Tonopah test and training range." –Nihar Q: What motivated you to serve our country? "Initially, my motivation to join the Air Force was financial. I couldn't afford to go to RPI without a significant scholarship. But much like Theta Xi, the military is a brotherhood. I initially only wanted to serve four years, but the longer I served, the more I wanted to continue to work with people who volunteered to serve their country." –Bill "My family has a history of military service, so growing up, I developed a real appreciation for the types of close-knit, well-disciplined teams that the military produced. I was always drawn to the traditions, structure, uniforms, ceremonies, etc., but most importantly, I wanted to be part of my family's military lineage and to serve my country. Also, the ROTC scholarship was a nice extra that, for me, made going to RPI possible." –Rob Q: What does it mean to see so many of your fraternity brothers also serving your country? "During my time in the house, there were several brothers in all three ROTC programs. I remember hotly contested games of Risk going well into the night where Air Force, Army, and Navy brothers battled it out for world domination. I'm so proud of them all." –Vic "The military is kind of like a fraternity in itself. Not everyone does, or even can, join the military. So it's kind of cool to know that there are guys out there with whom I can share both bonds." –Kevin "It is amazing to see the long military tradition in Theta Xi. It is another layer that strengthens and further reinforces the bonds of brotherhood. It also provides yet another opportunity to find great mentors as well as mentor younger fraternity members." –Nihar Q: How, if at all, did being in Theta Xi impact your career path? "Being a Theta Xi, living in the fraternity house, and sharing college life with the brotherhood was a memorable experience—from recruitment week to pledge raids, to parties like "three to three," and 6294—it simply enriches those early years of your life which you'll never forget." –Vic "Theta Xi confirmed for me that I wanted to be a part of something. Being a brother was special, and it took effort—you couldn't just sign up. I realized I didn't just want a job that paid the bills, I wanted to be a part of something bigger. For me, that was the military." –Bill "My experience with Theta Xi was very impactful. I studied environmental engineering and, while I enjoyed it, I was also exposed to a lot of very IT-savvy people at the house, so I also became interested in computers and networking. When I graduated, the Army assigned me to the signal corps, which is responsible for all the Army's communications and IT services, so even though I didn't realize it at the time, it turned out to be a perfect fit. If it wasn't for what I learned from talking with other brothers at the house, I would have been very out of my comfort zone and potentially wouldn't have stayed active duty for as long as I did." –Rob Q: How do you think Theta Xi helped you become who you are today? "I think living and getting along with a group of college-age guys forced us to grow up quickly. Living at 1490 Sage, we had to figure things out for ourselves. We made all the decisions ourselves, and we had to live with the consequences. That's a lot different than living in the dorms or in an apartment with only one or two other folks. I think learning that responsibility early helped me greatly in my career." –Bill "I joined Theta Xi as a slightly introverted, awkward freshman that really didn't have any friends in high school. I honestly believe that it helped me open up and learn how to socialize and be a "normal person." Twenty-seven years ago, I never would have thought that I would make the amazing friendships that I still have to this day." –Kevin Colonel Bill Uhrig '95 (A1373) and his family. Vic Galante '86 (A1243) on his birthday in 1999. Service Never Ends A Q&A WITH OUR MILITARY ALUMNI

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