Brothers of Omega,
As we approach the 250th anniversary of our country, the success of this nation is largely due to the strength of the United States military. As we chronicle every major event in the history of America, every instance, when needed, people of color have answered the call to protect the tenets outlined in our Constitution with everyone who calls themselves citizens of this land.
From the Revolutionary War, we have laid down our lives supporting a cause larger than ourselves, the pursuit of those unalienable rights – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”, which for most of our history were not automatically granted to us. Notwithstanding that, we held fast to the concept for ourselves and our posterity.
As we celebrate and honor our veterans this year, let us remember that their service came at a personal cost to them and their families. Returning home from wars, Black men were not appreciated for their support of the nation’s agenda and, rightfully so, felt betrayed. We served as soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, coast guardsmen, actively and in the reserves, attaining the highest ranks within those services, not as a token selection, but earned through our leadership and abilities in performance of the tasks required for those offices.
Perseverance prevailed, and we collectively (and men of Omega) turned our energy to producing an outstanding citizen-soldier movement, which resulted in men who excelled in all levels of civilian life, earned degrees through VA-funded education opportunities, became leaders in civic government, created businesses, and earned the respect we rightfully deserved.
From the legacy created by BG Brother Charles Young, and the people of color who fought to preserve the Union during the Civil War; that so-called experiment called Fort Des Moines, that proved the character, leadership and abilities of black college educated men to be military leaders for World War I (Founders Frank Coleman and Bishop Edgar A. Love were graduates of this training camp) and the then COL Young’s Negro Officer Training School at Ft. Huachuca, AZ (six weeks before Fort Des Moines); from World War II and Vietnam where LTC Brother Charles C. Rogers, was the highest ranking African American Officer to earn the Medal of Honor to date in 1968; and the numerous brothers of Omega who have served as enlisted members, ROTC cadets and academy cadets to those who attained the highest ranks of leadership in today’s military: Brother Kaleth O. Wright (the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer for the US Air Force – Retired), Brothers GEN (R)/ former US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, GEN (R) Rosco Robinson, GEN Xavier Brunson, and ADM Alvin Holsey, to name a few.
America continues to be the home of the free because of the brave among us, who we call veterans. Thank you, men of Omega, who have served and continue to serve our nation through community involvement, activism, and service to our fraternity. May God continue to bless and keep you and your families. We are honored for the service you have given us and to this nation.
Your dedication and service continue to inspire us all. You give us the role models needed for our children and the innovation that continues to fuel the focus and mission for Omega. Thank you for protecting our country and making a difference every day.
Today, Brothers, we salute you.
Fraternally,
Bro. Ricky L. Lewis
42nd Grand Basileus
