International Service Fraternity Holds Military Veterans Affairs Breakfast

A special day of connection for military veterans who are also members of the international fraternal service organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Leaders of the fraternity’s Midwest region held their annual military breakfast in Indianapolis, Indiana, recognizing veterans across 12 states and Canada, who are also members of the fraternity, for their service to the country.

“This year’s breakfast was a tremendous success, marked by powerful storytelling, recognition of accomplishments, and valuable information sharing,” said retired Col. Harold V. Anderson, chair of the fraternity’s Midwestern Region Military Veterans Affairs committee, in a statement released to Military.com. “We brought together brothers and community members to celebrate military excellence and shared commitment to service.”

An annual event for the past five years, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Midwestern Region Military Affairs Breakfast was held Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Indianapolis JW Marriott Hotel. It’s been a staple of the group’s regional conference, drawing hundreds of members of the fraternity for professional networking, multi-generational fellowship and to conduct important fraternity business.

For many, the military breakfast was a highlight of the week-long conference.

“Our military breakfast serves multiple purposes. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of military recruitment efforts,” said Col. Anderson in his statement to Military.com. “We highlight the vital contributions of fraternity members in uniform, and reinforce the importance of military service to our country, states, and local communities.”

Honorees Recognized As Community Servants 

This year’s program focused on three distinguished honorees, who are members of the fraternity and decorated members of the military:

Robert “Bob” Raby, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha since 1954 and a veteran who served in the U.S. Army in the 1960s, was recognized for both his military service and community impact. Raby is affectionately known as the “Flower Man” among his neighbors in Indianapolis, where he has spent decades sharing plants with neighbors, encouraging community growth and unity. 

Lieutenant-Commander Alex K. Wood, a public affairs officer of the Royal Canadian Navy and member of the fraternity, shared how his service and connection to the fraternity followed in the footsteps of another Alpha member, Dr. K.M.B. Simon, who served in the Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1915. Lt. Commander Wood’s presentation further emphasized the fraternity’s international military legacy.

Colonel Ellis Gales, Jr. is a U.S. Army officer serving with the Army’s Recruiting Command Public Affairs Office. He provided insights into the Army’s recent success in meeting recruiting goals, while outlining key initiatives designed to support prospective soldiers in meeting academic and physical fitness standards.

“Each year, we leave this gathering better informed and better prepared to serve,” said Col. Anderson. “The information and inspiration shared directly benefits the communities and young people we support.”

International Fraternity Celebrates Military Ties

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the nation’s first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. Founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, it was created by seven college men known as the "Jewels."

“Our military breakfast honors the legacy of service embedded in the fraternity’s history, said Col. Anderson. “Notably, two of the fraternity’s founding 'Jewels' were military veterans, underscoring a long-standing tradition of leadership and patriotism.”

According to an official fraternity biography reviewed by Military.com, Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy had significant military achievements, including becoming the first African American to pass the military commissioning examination and serving as a first lieutenant in the 15th Infantry of the New York State National Guard.

Additionally, Jewel George Biddle Kelley attended the Troy Military Academy, a military preparatory school in New York and was the son of Richard Kelley, a veteran of the Civil War from Massachusetts.