Honoring WSU Betas Who Served Across America’s Wars

Jim Pappas
Nov 22, 2025
2 min read

At Washington State University, the men of Beta Theta Pi Gamma Theta Chapter have always carried a deep tradition of service and sacrifice. From World War I to today’s global conflicts, our brothers have answered the nation’s call. Some never came home. Others endured the harsh reality of being Prisoners of War (POWs), and some returned home to have families, give back, and be part of today's Beta Alumni Volunteer Network.

The Brothers who have served our Country

World War I:

59 men

World War II:

143 men

Post WW2/Pre Vietnam Era:

Joe Buchanan USA

Don Cromer USN

Vietnam War Era:

Lew Shattuck USAF

Donald McHugo USAF

Guy Perham USAF

Allan Flansburg USA

Bob Hall USA

Robin Montgomery USMC

Richard Worthington USA

Roger Aldrich USAF

Post Vietnam War Era:

Ken Robertson USA

Mark Lewis USA

Rob Monroe USN

George Barrington USA

Mark Baggerly USAF

Jim Pappas USAF

Erik Price USAF

Bryan Grenon USA

Dave Spak USAF

Matt Camel USA

Jay Weaver USAF

Matt Yusen USA

A Century of Service

Over the last ten major U.S. conflicts, from World War I to the present, including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as other military actions, WSU Betas stood shoulder to shoulder with their classmates and countrymen.

Many wore the uniform with distinction. Some were decorated for valor. A few faced unimaginable conditions in enemy camps, their freedom stripped, but their courage unbroken. These men remind us that Beta’s principles of mutual support, integrity, and honor don’t stop at the chapter house door.

Please send us your photos in Service so we can build out a slideshow with names, dates, and places you have served.

The POW/MIA Legacy

The POW/MIA flag flies across America with the words: “You Are Not Forgotten.” For our fraternity, those words carry weight. While not every name is widely known, we remember that among our 100+ years at WSU, brothers were captured, missing, or lost in service to their country. Their sacrifice is part of our chapter’s legacy.

Why It Matters Today

As alumni, actives, and friends of Gamma Theta, it’s our duty to share these stories, keep their memory alive, and support today’s veterans. When we gather at Homecoming, celebrate Beta milestones, or raise a glass with old pledge brothers, we stand on the shoulders of men who gave far more than most of us will ever be asked to provide.

A Call to Remember

This November is a great time to celebrate our veterans. Let’s pause to honor those brothers. Their spirit continues to inspire us as Cougs, as Betas, and as Americans.

If you know of any service men, this is our 1st Draft of a comprehensive list of Gamma Theta men who served in the military. We are not aware of any list in our archives or history, so it is up to you, Alumni, to help provide the names of those who have served.