Omegan 2016 Winter Edition

Voice of the Second District
The Omegan
Columbia, MD. December 24, 2015. Bro. Shawn Lamb, Bro. Anthony
R. Yates, Bro. Philip N. Anderson III, and Bro. Richard A. Negri of the
Tau Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated helped organize
and host the Annual Christmas Eve Gift Giving held on December 24,
2015 at the St. John’s Baptist Church in Columbia, MD. This is the 7th
year that the chapter has aided in this Social Action effort to provide gifts
to needy families in the Howard County Community.
Due to the unfortunate nature of our economy in recent years, the number
of needy families has increased each year. This year, over 100 gift bags
were prepared for distribution and delivery to families in need. During the
event, many families within the Howard County Community, who were
not able to purchase Christmas gifts for their children this holiday season
had arrived to pick-up their gifts from gracious donors; while others received
their donated gifts via delivery.
Many men representing various Maryland chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fra-
Tau Pi 7th Annual Christmas Eve Gift Giving
ternity Incorporated and others had volunteered their time to ensure the
effort was completed smoothly. Some of the chapters of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, Incorporated represented at the event were the Beta Kappa
Chapter at Frostburg University; Chi Delta Chapter at the University of
Maryland College Park, Epsilon Sigma Chapter at Bowie State University
and Pi Chapter at Morgan State University.
The Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated believe whole heartedly
in the need for charity and benevolence, a creed that they live out not
only during the holiday season, but in their day-to-day lives. The belief
being, if they can help one or any person, it can change the direction
of their life, hopefully for the better. The Tau Pi Chapter of Omega Psi
Phi Fraternity, Incorporated continues to be a positive influence and presence
in the Howard County Community. No work or cost is too much
when making strides towards improving the lives of those in the Howard
County Community.
Tau Pi Bro. Gerald Q. Greenfield 75 Years of Service to Omega
Bro. Gerald Greenfield recieves his 75 year Service Award at the Fall Distrct Council Meeting
Columbia, MD. November 7, 2015. District Representative Milton Harrison
presented Bro. Gerald Q.Greenfield his 75 Year Service Award at
the Fall Council Meeting held at Altholton High School in Columbia,
MD. Bro. Greenfield due to age and physical health was unable to attend
the Leadership Conference held in Jacksonville, FL. during July. Since
Tau Pi Chapter was hosting the Fall Council Meeting, a request was made
to the DR to have him present Bro. Greenfield this prestigious milestone
achievement. The presentation award ceremony was a true demonstration
of Omega Uplift. Since the number of Brothers who achieve this milestone
is minimal, the fraternal gift is a Certificate, lapel pin and matching
cufflinks each engraved with 75 years.
Bro. Greenfield was initiated on December 16, 1940 into Rho Psi Chapter,
Tennessee State, on a line of 15 Lampados. He later became a Charter
member of Theta Rho in 1965 (Germany) and Tau Pi in 1975 (Columbia,
MD). He served as Tau Pi first Vice Basileus. He represented the chapter
very well by attending and being a Delegate at Conclaves and District
Conferences. He is a Life Member and proudly shares with anyone who
will listen that he has been financial since 1940. One of his most noble
contributions has been his personal involvement with the Tau Pi Foundation.
Each year he has donated an additional scholarship of $1,000.00 to
the best applicant recommended by the Scholarship Committee.
As with most African American males during his era, he entered into the
Armed Forces since he was only able to get menial employment after
www.opp2d.org
graduating from Tennessee State. He enlisted in 1943 but was denied
to attend Officer Candidate School. Unfazed, he saw it through and attained
the rank of Master Sergeant. To fulfill his dream he later enrolled
in graduate school at the University of Denver. This required him to drive
65 miles each way three nights per week. He successfully earned a Master
Degree in Social Work in 1957. After over 20 years he was eventually
recommended for OCS and successfully obtained the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel. He bravely served in WWII, Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam
War. Subsequently, he obtained his Honorable Discharge after 30 years of
dedicated and commendable service.
Bro. Greenfield penchant to stay active led him to a position of Social
Worker with the Department of Social Services in Baltimore, MD. He
later transferred to the Veteran Administration at the Virginia Hospital
and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Washington, DC. Finally at the tender age
of 72, he retired.
Today, he is an active member of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church in Columbia,
MD. He served on a number of committees including Stewardship,
Finance, Lay Organization, and the Senior Ministry. His first wife Dorothy
has transition to Glory, but from this union came two sons, Gerald
Quentin and Damion. In 2010 at the 76th Conclave in Raleigh, NC, Bro.
Greenfield was due to receive his 70th year Service Award. However, he
was unable to attend because he was on his honeymoon with his lovely
wife Blanche.
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