Pikes in Service

Late 20th and early 21st century conflicts have also seen their share of Pi Kappa Alphas serving in the military. Almost as soon as American troops were first deployed as part of the Gulf War in August 1990, reports came in that brothers of PiKA had joined the conflict. According to lists published in The Shield and Diamond during 1991, 183 Pikes served in the military during the six-month conflict. 

Pi Kappa Alpha lost three members during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. James B. Reilly (William and Mary, Gamma '95), Davis G. "Deeg" Sezna, Jr. (Vanderbilt, Sigma '98), and John M. Grazioso (Florida Tech, Zeta Sigma '91), worked in World Trade Center Towers One and Two and were killed during the attack. Two other Pikes  – James J. Minck, (Florida Tech, Zeta Sigma '82) and Denham Schiff (Southern California, Gamma Eta '98) – also worked in the World Trade Center buildings, but thankfully survived. At least six Pi Kappa Alphas enlisted, reenlisted, or were activated in the Reserves in the weeks immediately following 9/11. More Pi Kappa Alphas would serve in the military as the United States entered into the War in Afghanistan later that year. As of the end of 2018, at least 54 Pi Kappa Alphas have served in the military in Afghanistan and 6 lost their lives during their service. 

The Iraq War, which began in 2003, also included Pikes. At least 160 Pikes served during the 8-year conflict. The Iraq War witnessed the first Pi Kappa Alphas added to the Gold Star roll since the Vietnam War. These two casualties –  Lt. Col. William R. Watkins III, (North Carolina State, Alpha Epsilon '85), and 1st Lt. Jeffrey J. Kaylor (Virginia, Epsilon 2000)  – were killed in just the first weeks. 

Learn more about Pikes who served in Afghanistan by scrolling through articles in the 2011 Kappa Alpha Alumni Association newsletter, The Advancement.