IN THE MILITARY

Phi Kappa Psi is proud to recognize and honor our members who have served and are currently serving in the military. We invite all brothers to share their military service with us for a chance to be featured in future editions of The Shield. Your service reflects the bravery and dedication we deeply value, and we’d love to showcase your story. While photos are not required, they are greatly appreciated and add a personal touch to your submission.

Below is a list of recent submissions from brothers in the military, including those featured in the Summer 2024 issue of The Shield.

Submit your own military service to us by clicking the button below!

Arizona Beta - ASU 

Ricardo Aponte ’99 served in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years, from 2002-12. During that time, he achieved the rank of captain, was deployed to Al Uedid AB, Qatar, and he received the Meritorious Service Medal.

California Kappa – UC Irvine

Capt. Michael P. Lyons ’02 has been serving in the U.S. Army since 2013 and is currently stationed in California.

Delaware Alpha – Delaware

Donald A. Turner ’85 served in the U.S. Navy from 1996-2000. During that time, he was deployed to the Adriatic, achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and received the Navy Achievement Medal with a gold star.

District of Columbia Alpha – GW

Patrick M. McLaughlin M.D. ’98 was a lieutenant commander (O-4) in the U.S. Navy from 2004-2015. Served as a pediatrician in the U.S. Navy caring for the children of active-duty servicemen and women across all branches of the U.S. military. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his service, spending most of his time at Naval hospitals in Portsmouth, Virginia, and Beaufort, South Carolina. He also served in Bethesda, San Diego, and Guantanamo Bay.

Florida Alpha - Florida State 

Staff Sargeant Nick Long ’23 has been serving in the U.S. Air Force since 2019 and plans to continue until 2025.

Florida Beta – Florida

Cpl. Colton Lawrence ’22 is serving in the Marines until 2026. He began his service in 2020 and has been deployed to Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Indiana Delta - Purdue  

Capt. David Rosone ’13 was recognized as the 2024 Major General James F. Cantwell Company Grade Officer of the Year for the New Jersey Army National Guard. According to Brother Rosone, “This award is not just a testament to my individual efforts, but rather a reflection of the unwavering dedication and selflessness of my command team, senior leaders, non-commissioned officers and soldiers. Without their constant support and hard work, I would not have become the leader I am today. I am grateful for their teamwork and selfless service.”

Indiana Eta – Indiana State  

Petty Officer Second Class Jacoby Raugh ’17 has been serving in the U.S. Navy since 2020. Brother Raugh is an accomplished search-and-rescue swimmer.

Indiana Iota – Ball State

Austin C. Smith ’14 has been serving in the U.S. Army since 2012, with plans to continue until 2032. SSgt. Smith has received the Army Commendation Medal.

Kentucky Beta – Kentucky

Lt. Col. Robert R. Burress ’92 is serving in the U.S. Army and has been since 2004. Brother Burress plans to continue his service through 2034. He has been deployed overseas and is currently stationed in South Carolina.

Mississippi Alpha – Ole Miss

Jack F. Speed Jr. ’68 served in the Marine Corps from 1970-72, during which time he achieved the rank of second lieutenant. He also was an Expert Marksman and received the Meritorious Unit Citation.

New York Kappa – Oneonta 

Peter Soguero ’22 is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. He graduated bootcamp as an Airman with a Navy League of the United States Outstanding Recruit Award and Recruit Honor Ribbon (ribbon only given to six recruits). Brother Soguero also received a Letter of Commendation from the commanding officer of RTC Great Lakes, Captain Froberg, for superior performance of duty by demonstrating exceptional professionalism, maturity, integrity and leadership.

Ohio Delta – Ohio State 

Jerry Milner ’82 served in the U.S. Air Force from 1978-83. SSgt. Milner was stationed in New York, D.C., Ohio, and Illinois during his service.

Ohio Zeta - Bowling Green 

Col. John Gargus ’53 (retired), served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-83 and is a veteran of the Cold War and the Vietnam War (1967-68, 1970).

Pennsylvania Gamma – Bucknell 

Guy C. Hatfield ’66 served in the U.S. Army from 1969-72 achieving the rank of first lieutenant.

Pennsylvania Eta - F & M

Major Raymond T. Weicker III ’89 served in the U.S. Army from 1992-2016. He was deployed to Iraq and Egypt, where he was Commander for PSYOP missions in Sanai (1999-2000) and Baghdad (2005-06). His Military Occupational Specialties included Judge Advocate, Psychological Operations, 1-502nd Infantry/Air Assault Division and Multinational Force & Observers.

Pennsylvania Nu – IUP 

Capt. Donald P. Watkins Jr. ’71 served in the U.S. Navy from 1976-2000. Brother Watkins was deployed globally, and he received the Legion of Merit and Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device – indicating exceptional conduct and acts of valor.

Tennessee Delta - Vanderbilt 

Court R. Horncastle ’85 served in the U.S. Army from 1992-2003. Major Horncastle was deployed to Iraq, was a scout platoon leader and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Texas Alpha – Texas

Tyler J. Waterman ’12 has been serving in the U.S. Army since 2020. First Lieutenant Waterman has been deployed to the United States Indo-Pacific Command, and he has earned the basic aviator badge, Army achievement medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He plans to serve until 2027.

Washington Alpha - Washington

In May 2024, Stephen Murphy ’63, along with a “Band of Brothers,” took part in the Puget Sound Honor Flight, which he said was “exhilarating.” LTJG Murphy served as gunnery officer on board the USS Goldsborough (DDG 20) during 1968-1969 offshore the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Vietnam, providing naval gunfire support to Marines in battle. He separated from service in 1970 to the U.S. Naval Reserve. Puget Sound Honor Flight is a non-governmental organization (NGO), with connections to Veterans of Foreign Wars, who sponsors veterans to Washington, D.C., for a whirlwind visit to VFW groups, national memorials and the Pentagon. “Fifty vets from metro Seattle made the trip – one from WWII, six from Korea and 43, including me, who served in Vietnam,” Brother Murphy stated. There are 40 such Honor Flight groups nationwide. Interested Phi Psi veterans should contact their local VFW. Volunteers pay their way to serve as guardians to all veterans.

West Virginia Alpha - West Virginia 

Preston Miller ’64 served in the U.S. Army from 1988-75. He achieved the rank of captain and was deployed both to Vietnam and Iran. During his service he received the Bronze Star Medal, American Campaign Medals, and Joint Service Commendation Medal.