24 The Caduceus of Kappa Sigma • Summer 2013

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.

A Golden Hearted Hero

On Monday, April 15, 2013, Brother Peery succumbed to his inju-ries. Even in death, he continues to give by way of organ donation so that others may live. He was called to protect and serve; he was dedi-cated to helping those in need. He was a loving son, father, brother and friend to all who met him. Even in his toughest times, he was seen with a smile on his face. Determined. Driven. Dedicated. Honorable. Compassionate. Funny. Loving. Faithful. That is how Brother Peery lived. He will forever remain a hero in our hearts. The Kappa Sigma Fraternity award-ed the 20th Golden Heart Award to Brother Peery at the Nu-Phi 20th anni-versary celebration held in May 2013. Accepting the award on his behalf was Chad’s brother, Kappa Sigma Brother Mark E. Peery (Nu-Phi, Northeastern State University, ‘94). H

“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 AwardPAST ReCIPIeNTS

Robert Mason McConathy Theta-Psi, Oklahoma City UniversityEric Daniel Davis Lambda-Tau, Baylor UniversityEvan Bradley Morris Kappa-Eta, Widener UniversityRichard Gregory Dixon Kappa-Pi, University of Central OklahomaLt. Col. Keith Michael Sweaney Eta, Randolph-Macon CollegeCarl Cameron Stinnett Kappa-Mu, Tennessee Technological UniversityRemington Alan Franklin Gamma-Rho, University of ArizonaJonathan Garrett Phillips Lambda-Xi, George College & State UniversityDean Wellington Schwartz Pi-Delta, University of Virginia’s College at WiseAndrew John Tong Gamma-Mu, Washington State UniversityErik R. Diaz Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central FloridaW. Christopher Dowda Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central FloridaJoshua E. Frost Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central FloridaNicholas G. Pena Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central FloridaTodd Shannon Hopkins Lambda-Phi, Sam Houston StateLouis Silvie Zamperini Delta-Eta, University of Southern CaliforniaChristopher Keith Raible Delta-Alpha, Carnegie Mellon UniversityJeff Glenn Atherly, Gamma-Nu Gamma-Nu, Washburn University of TopekaArabo Avetick Babakhani Lambda-Epsilon, University of Central Florida

Summer 2013 • The Caduceus of Kappa Sigma 25

Brother Peery accepting the Devon Energy Community Hero Award.

Right: Brother Peery (L) with his brother Mark (Nu-Phi, Northeastern State University, ‘94) at the Medal of Honor Award Ceremony.