Dr. Tyler Jury (Western Kentucky 2012) and Clay Simpson (2012) are producing COVID-19 face shield to protect doctors and nurses in Kentucky. Tyler and Clay share their story:
"Last week, we embraced the difficult reality of temporarily closing our workshop. This was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make since the day Clayton & Crume was founded, but we were confident in our ability to move beyond this pandemic and focus on eventually resuming operations.
"Monday morning, we arrived to a quiet, empty leather shop, void of its usual conversations and buzzing sewing machines. Our workspace sat silently, an engine of potential, waiting to be put to use again. As our awareness of our medical community's needs grew, and our resources at our shop continued to nudge us to respond, we turned to what we know how to do best: create.
"We wanted to figure out a way to make a difference, even if a small one, while our workshop and retail store were shut down. Hearing about the shortage of medical PPE (personal protective equipment) nationwide, we spent the entire day sourcing fabrics, plastics, padding, foam & various other materials from around town in an attempt to make face shields to help healthcare workers on the frontline of this crisis.
"Our goal was to make 1,000 of these by the end of the week— allowing us to deliver them to local hospitals and immediate care centers. We landed some material, made a rudimentary prototype, and picked up the phone to call our contacts in the medical field. Within 24 hours, not only did we have our initial stock spoken for, but the Commonwealth called and asked if Clayton & Crume could use our knowledge of design, manufacturing and assembly to tackle a large-scale production effort of face shields to supply throughout Kentucky. We immediately began to line up materials, suppliers and additional resources to allow us to respond to our state's demand and to serve our frontline medical providers.
"Production will start Monday morning (March 30) on over half-million face shields for our state. We’re eager to put our skills to use in the fight against COVID-19 and to help play a small role in keeping the state we love safe.
"Clayton & Crume began with a mission to make leather goods that last. While we anxiously await for life to return to "normal," we are responding to the challenge that lies ahead with that same spirit and intention - to create, by hand, what is tested and lasting. We plan to share this journey and encourage you to follow along as we tackle something beyond what we ever imagined we would create."
Brendan Roe (Iowa 2021) is stepping up to be a Bone Marrow donor through Be the Match. Brendan said, "I would have never guessed two years ago, when I signed up with my 30 fraternity brothers at Iowa's Dance Marathon, that I would get the phone call to donate. With starting nursing school in the fall, I couldn't think of any better way to start off a career of helping others than helping someone else that needs it. I ask everyone in a time of the unknown to not forget about others, to remember to give a helping hand and give someone hope. You give hope to a mother, father, daughter, son, child or friends."
If Brendan's story inspires you, join at join.bethematch.org/Brendan and indicate you need a cheek swab kit mailed to you.
John Rowell (Idaho 1948) received his Diamond Owl certificate, celebrating 75 years as an initiated brother. The certificate was presented by John Koyama (1986) (pictured below).
Brother Rowell's has an amazing Fiji history. His father, Paul (1922), uncle, Ralph (1922), and brother, Peter (1947) were also Phi Gams from the Mu Iota Chapter. John and Ralph attended Idaho during WWII, and they lived in the Phi Delta Theta house with other Phi Gams and members of three other fraternities. John transferred to Oregon State University and moved into the Kappa Omicron chapter house. He graduated from OSU.
