Conclave is known as a time for SigEp brothers and friends to gather to celebrate, and in some cases, to celebrate the lives of our departed brothers. This morning, SigEp veterans and active duty service members gathered at the Nashville National Cemetery to honor Lt. Colonel Kim S. Orlando, Baylor ’82. 

Upon arrival, the group of SigEps marched together towards Orlando’s final resting place. When the formation came to a halt, U.S. Navy Reserve Lieutenant Commander Troy Hanson, Valparaiso ’02, began the ceremony and spoke about Orlando’s character and life.

“His brothers-in-arms from the 101st Airborne Division remember him as a man who led his soldiers personally,” said Hanson. “He took the time to learn each of his 400 soldiers’ names.”

Orlando was the commanding officer of the 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Airborne Division. He was killed while attempting to negotiate with armed men who were congregating on a road near a mosque after curfew in Iraq. 

After sharing part of Orlando’s story with the group, Hanson called upon Marine Corps veteran Renato Villacorte, CalPoly-Pomona ’91, and Air Force veteran Adrian Edsall, Middle Tennessee State ‘02, to place a wreath at the final resting place of Brother Orlando. 

Brother Orlando was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. 

“He was the true definition of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love,” said Hanson.

Those present also took a moment to remember other young men who left this Fraternity far earlier than expected.