Frat shows support for U.S. troops

Standing on Locust Walk in front of a sheet spray-painted as an American flag yesterday, Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers conducted a letter writing campaign to soldiers stationed in the Middle East. Less than 300 hundred yards from students protesting U.S. involvement in the Gulf, PiKA brothers urged University students who passed them to write letters stating their support for the troops' efforts. They handed out flyers with the address of the troops along with yellow ribbons to remind students of those serving in the Gulf. PiKA brothers said yesterday that although the entire fraternity has not taken an official stance on the war, all the brothers believe that the soldiers deserve the support of civilians. "We want to do anything we can to try and bring cheer to the troops during this time of fear," said PiKA brother Michael Berman. "It must be very distressing for the soldiers when all they read about are the protests [against the war]," the Wharton sophomore added. "It's not their fault they're there." Over 50 PiKA brothers participated in the day-long campaign, which began at 10 a.m. and lasted until 5 p.m. They took turns soliciting student support, handing out over 600 copies of the address as part of a national writing campaign called Operation Ann Landers. Most passersbys said that they supported the fraternity's letter drive. "It's nicer to see them out here than the protesters at the library," said College junior Stacey Lane. "Instead of going against the troops and abandoning them, [the protesters] should be sticking up for them like these guys." "It's good that the fraternal organization is supporting the war effort," College freshman Jennifer Channick said. "I'm glad to see it happening on campus." The brothers said that they are intent on making sure the troops know that they are appreciated, despite the brothers' own feelings about the use of military force. The campaign was originally organized as a community service project for the present pledge class, but the fraternity quickly decided that they wanted to involve the entire house. "This project was too important to just be pledges," Davison said. "We wanted the whole house to participate." PiKA Secretary David Doft said that since the house received such positive responses today, brothers will remain outside soliciting support into the beginning of next week.

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