PI CHI OMEGA SUPPLEMENT: The Greatest Generation

The young men and women who led the Allies to victory during World War II have been called America’s "greatest generation." They showed great faith and courage in a time of great need for this country. Yet despite their remarkable accomplishments they asked for little in return. They returned from the battlefields of Europe, North Africa and the Far East and rolled up their sleeves, eager to rebuild their lives in quiet pursuit of the American dream. And, to our good fortune, they were successful.

That same generation of Americans laid the foundation for the growth and development of the structural pest control industry. Men like Norm Ehmann, John Osmun, Bill Brehm, Jim Steckel and Clayton Wright donated their time and talent for the benefit of future generations of pest management professionals.

For the pest control industry, the birthplace of the "greatest generation" of PCOs was West Lafayette, Ind., home of Purdue University. It was 50 years ago this past May that Dr. John Osmun and six forward-thinking Purdue students formed Pi Chi Omega, the industry’s highly regarded pest control fraternity that has awarded dozens of generous scholarships, sponsored prominent industry speakers at the annual NPMA Convention and promoted professionalism for half a century. Today, from those humble beginnings, the organization continues to thrive, boasting nearly 500 members, including such well-known names as Dr. Robert Corrigan, Bob and Judy Dold, Bill Clark, John O’Reilly and Dr. Austin Frishman.

Through the ongoing contributions of these generous men and women – and hundreds of others like them – Pi Chi Omega continues to build upon the legacy of the "greatest generation" of PCOs, a generation of pest management professionals we’re proud to honor in this special editorial supplement published in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of this valuable organization.

Dan Moreland
Publisher
PCT Magazine