Brother in Service: Mason Whitis Named Dyess Air Force Base’s Military Firefighter of the Year
Mason Whitis, Ball State ’19, has built a career in leadership and service. After graduating with a degree in telecommunications and digital video production, Mason served as the live-in leadership adviser for the Texas Delta Chapter at Southern Methodist University for two years. He then started with Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters as a chapter support coordinator for the Midwest region, where he supported chapters and cultivated connections. In pursuit of a new challenge, Mason enlisted in the United States Air Force and now serves as an active-duty firefighter for the 7th Civil Engineering Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. Recently recognized as Dyess Air Force Base’s Military Firefighter of the Year, Mason attributes much of his success and lifelong friendships to his time in Phi Delta Theta, where he embraced brotherhood and leadership opportunities that continue to inspire him today.
How have you stayed connected with Phi Delta Theta after graduation?
After graduation, I became the live-in leadership adviser for Texas Delta (SMU) for two years, then worked at General Headquarters as the Midwest chapter support coordinator for another two years.
What accomplishments or career milestones are you most proud of, and how do you attribute them to your experience?
Recently, I was awarded Dyess Air Force Base’s Military Firefighter of the Year and even though Phi Delta Theta had no direct role in this accomplishment, I believe everything I learned while I was a brother played a major role in helping me earn this achievement. Phi Delta Theta teaches us to become the best versions of ourselves and I truly stand by this.
Do you feel that Phi Delta Theta made a difference in your life?
100 percent. Phi Delta Theta has given me so much and truly shaped me to be the best version of myself. I would go as bold to say I owe more to Phi Delta Theta than my alma mater for helping me be who I am today.
Any advice for current students?
Get out and volunteer. Phi Delta Theta provides so many opportunities to better the organization, your chapters, and yourself, so please seize every opportunity to get out and give back. Not only will you learn a thing or two, but you’ll meet some great brothers from other chapters.
