^^^Nate;
The later part of this thread (ie the off-topic/high-jack) got me to thinking a bit. I recall my Dad, when I may have been in grammer school telling me that he was in and a member of a Fraternity. A Service Fraternity. I never gave it a second thought, then or now.
And I found the following which should answer many of the questions put forth about this matter. They answered mine.
Service fraternities and sororities:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service...and_sororities
Fraternities and Sororities:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpag...efid=761575922