Page 1 - Marching Along - Winter 2013-14

MARCHING ALONG A Publication of Beta Theta Pi at the University of Florida | Winter 2013/2014 | Gamma Xi Chapter Alumni Relations Offce | P.O. Box 80828, Atlanta, Georgia 30366 | 770-903-3987 | www.ufbeta.org From the Alumni Spotlight: Alumni Association President Doug ell it has Wilkinson Wbeen an “interesting” fall here in ’91 Gainesville to say the least. While I have only been through 25 years of Florida Beta as we had far fewer visitors Beta in the Sky Football, this has defnitely been the worst one I have had to endure. Besides the football aspect, it has also been a big loss to come to the house for game days by Fred Wallrapp ’79 this fall. Fortunately, early signs show that our basketball team is Dennis Wilkinson with his F-4 Phantom, Udorn AFB, Thailand, 1972. looking good and our Gators will oug Wilkinson ’91 still has the 1969 mom couldn’t believe it when the car broke down soon be in the spotlight for the D Pontiac Lemans he drove while a student at in the middle of the Arizona desert and he called right reason! UF parked in his garage. Other than being his car up an uncle who lived nearby. The active chapter, already one in college, the car has a certain sentimental value After graduating from UF, Dennis joined of the General Fraternity’s largest to him. During our recent conversation, Doug said the United States Air Force during the height chapters, has made strides this that he wanted us to tell the story of his hero – his of the Vietnam War. Initially he served on year to improve their overall father, Dennis. You see, Dennis, also a Gamma Xi refueling aircraft, but was transferred to a fghter standing and are hoping to secure Beta, bought the car as a Valentine’s Day present squadron for his second tour of duty. The U.S. our frst ever Knox award at next for Doug’s mom back in 1969, the year after Doug Air Force staged heavy air strikes against North summer’s 175th annual convention was born. Prior to buying the Lemans the family Vietnam in response to their Spring Offensive in Oxford. The Knox award is our had an old Dodge Dart that was always breaking in South Vietnam in 1972. On the frst day of fraternity’s highest award which down. Doug’s mom was regularly amazed when Operation Linebacker II, Dennis was serving as honors chapters for scholarship, the Dart broke down and Dennis found a family the weapons system offcer and navigator of the community service, brotherhood, member in the area who could help them get back F-4E Phantom jet being fown by Captain Jeffrey and many other qualities that help on the road. That was understandable in Florida, distinguish Betas as gentlemen and where the Wilkinsons had a long history, but his Continued on Page 2 leaders. This year Beta Theta Pi is celebrating its 175th anniversary with a special celebration in BΘΠ Oxford with what should be the single largest gathering of Betas in our history. Those interested in celebrating with the delegates from the active chapter, please contact us as we are trying to secure a large group for Gamma Xi. Hopefully you will get to witness the guys bringing home our frst Knox. Hopefully everyone has very safe and Happy Holidays. Yours in_kai_ Brad Fortune ’92 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the Panther Pack, at Udorn AFB, Thailand 1972. Dennis pictured second row from top, sixth from right.