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 2025 issue of The Shield.

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

Arizona Alpha – Arizona

Lt. Roy M. (Milt) Lynnes Jr. Arizona ‘53 served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-61. During that time, he was deployed overseas for three years. Lynnes was stationed in the northern Pacific on the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line (a system of radar stations), searching for Russian submarines.

California Theta – CSUN

Major Peter Leon II ‘90 served in the U.S. Navy and Air Force from 1998-2018. Based out of California, Brother Leon was deployed overseas multiple times. 

Delaware Alpha – Delaware

Perry Smith ‘21, a recent graduate, commissioned into the U.S. Air Force. He had the privilege of receiving his first salute from chapter brother, Connor Atkinson ‘21. Smith will be entering active duty as a contract specialist officer. Senior Airman Atkinson will continue to serve in the USAF as a fireman.

Indiana Beta – Indiana

1st Lt. David Gelb ‘61 served in the U.S. Army from 1965-69.

Louisiana Gamma – Loyola

Major Kerry Lewis ‘93 served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy along with the Georgia and Louisiana Army National Guard. Brother Lewis served from 1994-2021 and spent six months deployed to the Middle East. He received several commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement, Marine Good Conduct, National Defense, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Award, and the Army Unit Commendation Award.

New York Eta – Buffalo

PFC James Oppedisano ‘06 served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2001-05, during which time he spent six months in Iraq.

Ohio Beta – Wittenberg

LTC Greer Illingworth ‘02 has been serving the U.S. Army since 2011 and currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserves Judge Advocate General’s Corps. During his service, Illingworth served a year overseas deployed in Afghanistan. HIs distinctions include: Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leak Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, NATO Service Medal, Afghan Campaign, Global War on Terrorism Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Citation, Airborne, and Air Assault.

Ohio Epsilon – CWRU

Cpl. Tejasvin Shrikanth ‘24 served in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) from 2021-23. Brother Tejasvin was posted to Supply Base East, Base Headquarters, and Manpower Branch as a Base Supply Assistant (Generic). During his tenure, he was part of the media team and was involved in video editing, photography, and graphic design.

Ohio Eta – Toledo

Capt. Richard E. Bush ‘60 served in the U.S. Army from 1969-71. He was deployed to Vietnam for a year, working in the medical corps in a MASH unit. His brave service earned him a Bronze Star.

CMSgt. Paul J. Martin ‘91 served in the U.S. Air Force from 1988-2025, during which he spent six months stationed at Incirlik Airbase, Turkey. His distinctions include: Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Achievement Medal.

Pennsylvania Eta – F&M

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert C. Housten ‘58 served our country in the U.S. Army from 1961-99.

Tennessee Delta – Vanderbilt

Major Chuck Higgins ‘67 served in the U.S. Army from 1971-91 and spent time in West Germany.

Texas Beta – Texas Tech

Col. Bob Bayless ‘67 served in the U.S. Air Force from 1970-2000, and during his tenure spent two years in Vietnam. Some of his commendations include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Air Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.

Virginia Beta – W&L

Capt. Michael Holifield ‘86 served in the U.S. Navy from 1992-2025. Three of those years were spent overseas — six months each in Iraq and Afghanistan and two years in Italy. His distinctions include: Legion of Merit (three awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and Navy Achievement Medal.