A Golden Hearted Hero In February, 2011, Oklahoma City Police Officer, and Kappa Sigma Brother Chad G. Peery, (Nu-Phi, Northeastern State University, ‘96) was off duty, enjoying a basketball game with his family at a local res- taurant. Knowing he was an officer, employees asked him to help es- cort three belligerent patrons from the establishment. When Brother Peery attempted to escort the men out, they brutally beat him. One held him, one beat him, and one held patrons back from helping him. Brother Peery was left paralyzed from the attack. All three men were subsequently charged and sentenced in the attack. For the past two years Brother Peery worked tirelessly in his recovery efforts. He began to regain some use of his arms, as well as his legs, never giving up. During his recovery he was dedicated to remaining involved in Oklahoma City and other local communities, working on efforts for others, despite his own needs. He also remained a dedicated single father to his four children. Brother Peery’s family rallied beside him in his recov- ery and healing. Just two months prior, Brother Peery stood to receive the Devon Energy Community Hero Award in front of the entire audience at an Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game. Likewise, with assistance, he was able to dance with his sister at her wedding. He was making incredible strides in his recovery and even returned to work with the OCPD in their Cyber Crimes division. On Sunday, April 14, 2013, at approximately 5:30pm, the van in which Brother Peery and his children were passengers, driven by his caretaker, sustained a blown tire, causing the vehicle to veer and roll several times, ejecting Brother Peery and several of his children from the vehicle. Brother Peery suffered critical injuries and all other occupants received injuries as well. 24 The Caduceus of Kappa Sigma • Summer 2013 “Even in his toughest times, he was seen with a smile on his face. He will remain forever a hero in our hearts.” The Golden Heart Award Past ReCIPIents Robert Mason McConathy Theta-Psi, Oklahoma City University Eric Daniel Davis Lambda-Tau, Baylor University Evan Bradley Morris Kappa-Eta, Widener University Richard Gregory Dixon Kappa-Pi, University of Central Oklahoma Lt. Col. Keith Michael Sweaney Eta, Randolph-Macon College Carl Cameron Stinnett Kappa-Mu, Tennessee Technological University Remington Alan Franklin Gamma-Rho, University of Arizona Brother Peery accepting the Devon Energy Community Hero Award. Jonathan Garrett Phillips Lambda-Xi, George College & State University On Monday, April 15, 2013, Brother Peery succumbed to his inju- Dean Wellington Schwartz ries. Even in death, he continues to give by way of organ donation so Pi-Delta, University of Virginia’s College at Wise that others may live. He was called to protect and serve; he was dedi- Andrew John Tong cated to helping those in need. He was a loving son, father, brother Gamma-Mu, Washington State University and friend to all who met him. Even in his toughest times, he was seen Erik R. Diaz Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central Florida with a smile on his face. Determined. Driven. Dedicated. Honorable. W. Christopher Dowda Compassionate. Funny. Loving. Faithful. That is how Brother Peery Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central Florida lived. He will forever remain a hero in our hearts. Joshua E. Frost The Kappa Sigma Fraternity award- Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central Florida ed the 20th Golden Heart Award to Nicholas G. Pena Brother Peery at the Nu-Phi 20th anni- Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central Florida versary celebration held in May 2013. Todd Shannon Hopkins Accepting the award on his behalf was Lambda-Phi, Sam Houston State Chad’s brother, Kappa Sigma Brother Louis Silvie Zamperini Delta-Eta, University of Southern California Mark E. Peery (Nu-Phi, Northeastern Christopher Keith Raible State University, ‘94). H Delta-Alpha, Carnegie Mellon University Jeff Glenn Atherly, Gamma-Nu Right: Brother Peery (L) with his brother Mark Gamma-Nu, Washburn University of Topeka (Nu-Phi, Northeastern State University, ‘94) at the Medal of Honor Award Ceremony. Arabo Avetick Babakhani Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central Florida Summer 2013 • The Caduceus of Kappa Sigma 25.