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On the Cover: Corps of Cadets Baseball Team Member, Will Pace ’14, winds up for a pitch. Pictured Above: During the early days of March to the Brazos, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were
invited to attend the day’s festivities with the Corps of Cadets. Members of Squadron 7 (Seagram’s 7) pose with a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader at the 1984 March to the Brazos. Kneeling left to right: Rick McNealy ’85 (half person on left side), Guillermo Elizondo ’85 (looking up), and Col Kenneth Allison ’85, Professor of Aerospace Studies, Texas A&M Air Force ROTC. Standing left to right: Mark Elliott ’85, Ronald Holifield ’85, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Eddie Elizalde ’85, and Juan Contreras ’85. Standing behind are upperclassmen, Jay Marsh ’84 and Paul Hill ’84. photo courtesy of Texas A&M University Archives
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TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
DEPARTMENTS 4 9 28 30
Cadet News Aggie News Aggies in Service New Members
FEATURES 4
4
South Korea Excursion
25 Cadets travel to Korea with the Corps International Excursion Program.
10 A Completed Circle
Dukie Childs ’53 recounts his experience as an officer stationed at Ole Miss during the integration of the university.
14 Corps Baseball Reaches World Series
Recap of the season, schedule with complete win-loss record, roster, and closing remarks from Coach Chase Shimek ’12.
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21 CCA Former Cadets Directory Information on the upcoming CCA directory
32 Final Review 2012
A pictoral look at this year’s Corps of Cadets Final Review the Guidon
Managing Editor Bill Gutierrez ’91 Executive Editor Don Crawford ’64 Design & Layout Luke Donaldson ’12 Valerie Blakey ’07 Assistant Editors Juli Gesino Julie Pontikes ’95 Contributing Writers Bruce Bockhorn ’74, Ph.D. Contributing Photographers Lindsey Shelburne ’11 Jennifer Nguyen ’13
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the Guidon is printed quarterly by Insite Publishing, Bryan, TX.
For questions and address changes, please contact our office at 877.892.4222 or mail requests to 1134 Finfeather Rd., Bryan, TX 77803. Additional copies are $2.95 each, available online at www.corpsofcadets.org in the online store.
Additional photographs for many of these events and others may be found on the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association photo store at www.backprint.com/cca.
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THE CORPS IN
SOUTH KOREA
CADETS PARTICIPATE IN THE CORPS INTERNATIONAL EXCURSION PROGRAM
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T
he Corps International Excursion Program sponsored the last excursion of the 2011-2012 school year by sending twenty-four cadets, two military advisors, and a professor to South Korea. The Corps International Excursion program gives approximately 75 cadets each year a full scholarship to travel to an international location selected by the Office of the Commandant. The purpose of this program is to provide cadets an opportunity to gain international experience and perspective.
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The Excursion began on May 16 with two days of pre-trip education and preparation. During this time, the cadets watched films and heard presentations to educate cadets as to why South Korea is an important global player. On Saturday, May 18, the group departed from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport and traveled a total of twenty-six hours to Incheon Airport. Upon arrival, cadets were greeted by a staff member and taken to the Kyonggi Campus in Suwon, which is roughly a onehour drive from Seoul. The cadets spent four days at Kyonggi University and the remainder of the trip at the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul. Time at Kyonggi included a trip to the American Center at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, a tour of the Hyundai bus factory, the Korean National Museum, a Korean theater performance, and various interactions with Kyonggi students Cadets sleep on the plane ride to Korea. and staff. For their first official event, the excursion members took a bus to Seoul and visited the American Center, an extension of the American Embassy in Seoul. While at the American Center, the group was given a presentation by three embassy officials who specialized in military affairs, media affairs, and international trade. The brief ing included topics ranging from global diplomatic relations to international trade and the role that it plays in diplomatic relationships. The cadets were encouraged to ask questions throughout the presentations. Their participation created many rich and fulfilling discussions. The cadets were also taken to the Hyundai factory. After a short briefing from an employee on the history and the future goals of the company,
the group was given a tour of the bus production factory. The tour followed the factory floor in chronological order of the assembly of a Greyhound-style bus beginning with the chassis assembly and ending with the painting and brake testing. The tour gave a perspective of how far the South Koreans have advanced technologically and economically since having its infrastructure almost completely destroyed approximately sixty years ago. This destruction of infrastructure and rebuilding of the South Korean nation was a reoccurring point of emphasis throughout the trip. During trips to the Korean National Museum and the Korean War Memorial, cadets were able to see the entire history of the Korean Peninsula. The Korean National museum focused on the thousands of years before the Korean War, while the Korean War Memorial focused on the Korean War and post-armistice history. The Korean War Memorial was a favorite amongst the cadets. Cadet Marshall Stallwitz ’12 was impacted greatly by the memorial. He stated, “The U.S. was given a hall of honor listing the name and state of every American killed in the conflict. It was an especially moving exhibit to experience on Memorial Day.” The museum also has an outside courtyard displaying aircraft, boats, and other vehicles used in the Korean War.
Cadets listen as a government official explains the Korean law-making process.
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One fact that the cadets learned was that the Korean War has not officially ended. This lack of finality is due to the fact that South Korea refused to sign the armistice presented by the United Nations in 1953. As such, South Korea still functions in a constant state of readiness for warfare. The group saw this firsthand at their visit to the 8th Army Division’s headquarters on Yongsan Garrison. Because of military connections, the group was given the opportunity to sit in the 8th Army Division’s briefing room and hear non-classified briefs from the non-commissioned officer staff. This was a unique experience as the cadets were hearing about situations from the Army staff members who are actually in charge of being prepared for a possible all out war on the Korean Peninsula. In addition to seeing the perspective of U.S. servicemen, the cadets were able to speak with ROTC students from Kyonggi University and see, in great detail, the preparations Korean cadets go through. Part of this interaction came from every day interaction with cadets, as well as from a formal tour of the Kyonggi Military Sciences Building. This tour included a question and answer session, a presentation on the four-year ROTC program, and one-on-one discussion between Aggie cadets and Kyonggi cadets. One of the prevailing themes was the high level of cooperation and interdependence between the U.S. and Korean forces. This was most evident when the group visited the Joint Security Area in the D e m i l it a r i z e d Zone, commonly referred to as the JSA. The JSA is a joint effort between U.N. forces and the South Korean forces to keep peace along the Staff from the Kyonggi University ROTC deliver a presenation on border. This is Korean ROTC training. one of the few 6
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Cadets pose for a group photo in front of the Korean National Assembly Building.
areas where South and North Korean security personnel are face-to-face on a daily basis. The tour also included visits to guard outposts used to monitor North Korean activity in the Demilitarize Zone. A visit the Military Demarcation Line, the official boundary between the two Koreas, was also on the itinerary. In the context of a U.N. controlled conference building, the group was even able to cross the border and stand inside of North Korea. While the diplomatic relations and military operations of the Korean Peninsula were a large focus of the trip, the cadets were also exposed to several cultural experiences. In addition to regular interaction with Korean university students, the Aggie cadets were taken to two different traditional Korean villages and experienced Korean food on a regular basis. The first traditional Korean village the group visited is located in the center of Seoul. While at this village, the entire group of cadets was given an hour-long Tae Kwon Do lesson from a grandmaster instructor at the World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters. Afterward, the group attended a Tae Kwon Do and tradition Korean dancing exhibition in the center of the village.
TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
The second traditional the Kyonggi Campus and village the group visited the Yongsan Garrison to is located outside of explore and discover local Seoul and is much more culture on their own. At expansive than the Kyonggi, the cadets were previously mentioned taken out on the town village. This village has by university students to buildings relocated experience local restaurants from all over Korea and participate in karaoke, representing several a favorite pastime amongst different eras and a Koreans. Cadets pose with a Korean national during staff of employees that thier visit to a traditional village . In Seoul, the cadets used inhabit the village and demonstrate what their liberties to visit the traditional Korean life was like. Aside from separation several famous shopping districts within Seoul. “I based on era, the houses within the village are separated thoroughly enjoyed visiting the markets around Seoul based on the social class of the inhabitants. Accordingly, and experiencing the various aspects of South Korean the village represents both the lives of the rich upper culture including the food, music, commerce, logistics, class as well as the life of peasants. and tradition,” said Stallwitz ’12. In the center of the village, the group attended a tight rope acrobat show as well as a traditional Korean farmers’ band. The whole experience was a reminder for cadets that the Koreans have a rich history that predates the Korean War and that a separated Korean Peninsula is a historically new concept to the Korean people. Throughout the trip, the cadets were given evening liberties during which they were encouraged to leave
As the trip drew to a close, the cadets found themselves reflecting on the experience and realizing how blessed they were to have the opportunity to go on such a trip. “My time in Korea was an incredible experience and a great opportunity for me to travel abroad. It provided me with understanding of issues important to the U.S., Korea, and our allies in the region. Any opportunity for a cadet to travel abroad is a invaluable catalyst for growth as a student and future leader in the public and private sectors,” stated Stallwitz ’12.
Corps Excursion Advisors & Participants Advisors
Col Glenn Starnes ’81 Major Eric Weeks Prof Michael Greenwald
Participants
Cadet Spencer Kitten ’15 of N-1 during a group Taekwondo lesson.
Brendan Crouch ’15 Joshua Davis ’12 Kim Deblois ’13 Thomas DeMoore ’14 Luke Donaldson ’12 Morgan Cochran ’15 Michael Froebel ’13 Eric Gil ’14 Michael Grubb ’12 Josh Hewett ’14
Eitze Huisman ’14 Trevor Jackson ’14 Spencer Kitten ’15 Andrew Lipinski ’15 Nathan Newton ’15 Jeffrey Ng ’13 Jennifer Nguyen ’13 Nicholas Parrish ’13 Angela Ruffino ’15 Marshall Stallwitz ’12 Alyson Stetina ’13 Timothy Walker ’12 Devin White ’12 Paul Wolf ’14 David Wood ’13
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Introducing:
Sponsored By:
The Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit On March 16 and 17, the newly formed Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit (CCMU) attended the Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Competition sponsored by the Elite Army Marksmanship Unit. A team of seven cadets, three juniors and four sophomores, shot against collegiate teams and individual competitors from across the United States. Commandant, BG Joe Ramirez, Jr. ’79, approved the formation of the unit in January 2012. As such, the team only had 8 weeks of practice with coach Keven Jimmerson ‘89 prior to their first competition. At the end of the match, however, the team emerged triumphantly with a close fourth in the Scholastic Steel Challenge portion of the competition. This accomplishment was made sweeter by the fact that the CCMU defeated four out of six West Point teams in the competition to achieve this place. These results are impressive considering that most of the teams competing were made up of seniors that have been shooting together for four years. The team also entered two cadets in the trap and skeet competition. Cadet John Lenderman ’15 showed his experience and poise when he placed 1st overall Collegiate and 3rd overall skeet in the Scholastic Clay Target Program Championship. The CCMU traces its origins to Team Captain Matt Hawes’ ’13 desire to create a practical shooting program within the Corps of Cadets. While successful shooting programs exist at Texas A&M, these programs require membership fees to run and place the financial burden of competition on team members. Additionally, none of these university teams directly represent the Corps of Cadets.
members of the Corps to participate in shooting sports and win. He also emphasized that the team will give future military leaders a level of competence with firearms that their peers in other schools do not have, setting them up for success in their careers. Cadet Hawes stated that proficiency with firearms is very applicable to civilian leadership and requires a great deal of drive and selfdiscipline to compete successfully. Perhaps one of the greatest skills that shooting teaches is calmness under pressure. Shooting at the national level requires constant flexibility, though, and change under great artificial pressure. The challenge of competitive shooting produces a dynamic person and, combined with the leadership training of the Corps of Cadets, allows cadets a more robust leadership learning experience. During the 2012-2013 academic year, the CCMU will produce a Unit of 22 cadets and compete in multiple shooting competitions. The CCMU and Office of the Commandant wish to extend our deepest thanks to the individuals and organizations that have supported the CCMU. In particular Jack Baumann, owner of Gunsmoke Shooting Range in Snook, who has given the CCMU free use of his range for practice. In addition, the unit is supported by Penny and Karl Rehn of KR Training, GT Distributors in Austin, LaRue Tactical, Glock, Dawson Precision, and STI firearms. The CCMU is actively searching for additional individual and corporate sponsors. If you or your company would like to be a part of the growth and success of the CCMU, please contact the Corps of Cadets Association or join the CCA Sporting Clays Tournament on October 19.
Until the summer of 2010, the CCMU remained only an idea. It was at this point, after his return from Army Infantry basic and Advanced Infantry Training, Hawes began to formulate a workable plan to present to the Office of the Commandant. In January of 2012, Hawes presented his idea for the team to the Office of the Commandant saying that he wanted to create a program that allows
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TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
AGGIE NEWS
The Newly Rennovated Memorial Student Center Opens its Doors
When members of the Class of 2012 entered the newly renovated Memorial Student Center on April 21, 2012, it was the first time they had entered in the building since their fish year. The building had been closed for renovation since the summer of 2009 under a plan that was originally approved by a 2007 student body vote. This vote approved a $120 million renovation to the building that included adding square footage and updating existing facilities to best suit the student body and comply with building codes. The construction was originally set to finish in the summer of 2012. This time line strategically ensured that every class of students would have at least one year of their time at Texas A&M in which the MSC was open. However, as the construction moved forward, it became apparent to University officials that an early reopen date was a possibility. In a decision that is a clear homage to the original dedication date, April 21, 1951, it was decided that the reopening date would be moved forward and the newly renovated MSC would be rededicated on April 21, 2012. Sixty-one years after its original opening, the MSC reopened and welcomed the students of Texas A&M to its hallowed halls, which are dedicated to the over 1,100 Aggies who have given their lives in defense of the United States.The entire Corps of Cadets attended the opening and listened as speakers, including campus President, Dr. R. Bowen Loftin ‘70, and Texas Governor, Rick Perry ‘72, spoke about the meaning of the MSC, and how it is the “living room” of the campus and a living memorial. During his speech, Governor Perry ’72 emphasized the magnitude and quality of the renovation by saying that the new MSC is “an MSC like we’ve never had before.” Additionally, Perry ’72 recounted fondly that the MSC is “where the heart first started beating for many young Aggies—and their home away from home . . . It’s where countless friendships were
Ceremony attendees file into the newly rennovated MSC photo courtesy of Texas A&M University
started—for cram sessions, for example, and first dates that led to many marriages.” In another homage to the 1951 grand opening, the Ross Volunteers finalized the ceremony by placing a wreath at the entrance to MSC. This time, however, the seven core values of Texas A&M were pinned to the wreath by seven different individuals who played key roles in the renovation process. Those who had experienced the MSC before its closure in 2008 were struck with an odd familiarity as they first stepped foot in the newly renovated MSC. The same reverent air that the sacred halls have always held has been preserved, and the same feeling of Aggie unity is ever present in the Flag Room, which has remained basically the same. While the overall feel of the building has remained the same, massive updates have been made to the facilities that allow the MSC to better serve the student body. The theme of the renovation was, “Modern, with respect to the past.” The tributes to each Medal of Honor recipient have been completely overhauled. In place of the original framed citations, the new Hall of Honor features enlarged photographs of each Medal of Honor recipient printed on the wall with a replica medal and a print of each respective citation. Because of the orientation of the windows, as well as the size of each portrait, the face of each Medal of Honor recipient can be seen easily from O.R. Simpson Drill Field. Additionally, an alcove has been added to the end of the Hall of Honor. The walls of this alcove are lined with glass plates that hold the etched names of the Aggies that have given their lives in defense of their country. Inscribed in the first plaque is the verse that means so much to each Aggie cadet: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” –John 15:13
Ross Volunteers provide a saber arch for the ceremony photo courtesy of Texas A&M University
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A Completed Circle
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AEastern Conference (SEC), John “Dukie” Childs ’53 can’t s the Aggies enter competition with the schools of the South
help but remember a period of time he spent at the University of Mississippi (or “Ole Miss”) at Oxford, MS, a member of the SEC, while serving in the Army. As a former Yell Leader, Mr. Childs was commissioned into the Army Infantry upon graduation. In the fall of 1962, he was ordered to the Ole Miss campus to assist James Meredith, the first black student to enroll at the school, as he matriculated at the southern school during the civil rights movement. In October of 1962, after nine years of service, Childs was a captain with the 1st Airborne Battle Group, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. At that time in our nation’s history, there were three powerful events developing that would impact the nation for decades to come. First, the Russians equipped the Cubans with tactical nuclear weapons and rockets that could reach the East Coast of the United States. Second, President Kennedy sent U.S. Army advisors to help a small South Asian country by the name of Vietnam. The third event was a part of the civil rights movement and it took the 327th and Captain Childs to the campus of Ole Miss. The event surrounded James Meredith, a 9 year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Meredith was inspired by a speech given by President John F. Kennedy and, subsequently, decided to enroll in the deeply segregated University of Mississippi. He was denied admittance twice, but the United States Supreme Court finally ruled in his favor. Meredith’s admission into the University of Mississippi was opposed by the state of Mississippi, most especially by the Governor, Ross Barnett, and the University of Mississippi students. Despite the heavy opposition, Meredith started enrollment procedures at the University of Mississippi on October 1, 1962. After numerous death threats were received, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy sent several hundred federal marshals to protect Meredith. Following the Attorney General’s decision to send protection, riots broke out that night on the campus around the Lyceum, the school’s elegant 155-year-old administration
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building. Upon their arrival near dawn, military policemen helped the marshals and National Guardsmen repel a final assault on the Lyceum. They assisted as barrage after barrage of tear gas and smoke grenades finally drove back the howling mob whose numbers had peaked to 2,500. During the riots, 160 marshals were wounded, some by gun fire. In addition, two bystanders were killed, including French journalist Paul Guihard who had been on assignment for a London newspaper. Captain and Mrs. Childs watched the events taking place in Mississippi on television with great interest. They had no idea that the 101st, which included Dukie, would become involved. The next day, President Kennedy officially ordered the 18th Airborne Corps, including the 82nd and the 101st Airborne Divisions, from Fort Bragg, NC, to take over the University of Mississippi and to help Mr. Meredith enroll at the university. Childs was ordered to get to Ole Miss as soon as possible to work out the details for the arrival of the 327th Airborne Battle Group onto the campus. So, he hitched a ride on an Air Force plane leaving that evening from Fort Campbell to Oxford. Ironically, the aircraft was assigned the mission of picking up the body of the Frenchman who had been killed in the riot. It was only a three hundred mile flight, but it flew through the worst thunderstorm many of the passengers had ever seen. No one on that flight thought they would survive the vicious storm. They hoped it was not an omen of what they would find upon their arrival. The flight did make it through the storm and it landed in an airport near Oxford around one o’clock in the morning. Childs found a ride to the campus for his first visit to the University of Mississippi. At 4:00 a.m., the morning air around the Lyceum was still sick with heavy tear gas lingering from the day before. There were broken bottles, a half an inch thick, covering the ground for a block around the Lyceum. Strangely, the campus was deathly quiet and eerily still. A short time later, the 327th billeted two or three rifle companies with a small headquarters unit in the middle of the campus on an empty lot. The soldiers set up the tents, the kitchens, motor pool and began the task of seeing that Mr. Meredith made it to his classes each day, safely, and on time. Those men were the first
TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
federal troops seen on the Ole Miss campus since Reconstruction Days. While there, the unit guarded every entrance to the campus 24/7. No vehicle could gain admittance without a search from the airborne soldiers who were outfitted in full battle gear. In addition, FBI agents and U.S. Marshalls escorted James Meredith to class each day. As they went about their jobs, a jeep of Military Policemen followed closely behind. The 327th was on call to send reinforcements. No one on either side was happy about the military’s presence. 2 Childs says that looking back, three interesting events took place during his days at the University of Mississippi. The first one involved the troops who guarded the road blocks. They reported that one young woman would not let them search her vehicle. They finally persuaded her to do so, and to the embarrassment of all, they found a brassier in her glove compartment. The second one involved the Rebel football team under the direction of the famous Coach Johnny Vaught. The team was scheduled to play the University of Houston, an undefeated team, that Saturday at Ole Miss. Some of the troops even went to the stadium to watch practice for that game. Cooler heads and fears for safety won out and the game was moved to Jackson, MS, where Ole Miss stopped Cougar High’s undefeated season. The final event that stands out was another riot that almost happened during the earliest of Meredith’s student days.
3 The third evening the 327th was on campus, a call for help was received about 9:00 p.m. There was a riot about to burst forth in the student area. As Childs approached the dorms, it was evident that a crowd of about 1,000 students had gathered, and they appeared to have someone surrounded. He got out of the jeep and walked into the crowd, trying to look stern and tough in his combat outfit with an unloaded pistol on his hip. The students made an opening for him to walk through, and they closed ranks behind him. They counted cadence as Childs boldly walked to the center of the trouble. The students had gathered because a young MP Lieutenant (a ‘leg’ or non-airborne type, I might add) had arrested an Ole Miss student who was wearing a little army helmet with an MP brassard on his arm.
Captain Childs questioned the MP lieutenant, “What’s going on here?” He simply stated, “Sir, I arrested this student who was making fun of us.” Childs was dumbfounded. These students were not going to let that happen without a fight. Childs states that he looked sternly at that lieutenant and said, “Let him go!” The MP lieutenant protested, “But sir……!” Captain Childs said, “Let him go, now!” The student was promptly released. To his great relief, the crowd immediately faded away and went back to their dorms. The 327th and 101st left Ole Miss after about a week and were relieved by the Mississippi National Guard, which had been federally activated by President Kennedy. At the time, Childs questioned why both the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions were needed for such an operation. Upwards of 30,000 troops were not necessary to assist in the enrollment of Mr. Meredith. It was, in his opinion at the time, a classic case of overkill. About two weeks later, we received an answer. President Kennedy had challenged the Russians and Cubans and the United States was blockading the island. The 101st and 82nd were to be dropped into the invasion of Cuba. They figured out that the Ole Miss operation was not only a protection operation for Mr. Meredith, but it was also used as preparation for the movement of troops and logistics for the Cuban invasion. In November of that same year, Childs received orders for South Vietnam and became an advisor to a Vietnamese Rifle Battalion in February of 1963. Four and a half years later, he returned to Vietnam, this time as battalion Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, of the 101st Airborne Division. (This was the famous “Band of Brothers” battalion of WW II fame.) In July of this year, Childs and his wife, Thelma Ruth, visited the Ole Miss campus and they walked around the beautiful area surrounding the Lyceum. “It brought back a flood of memories especially when we found the area near the Lyceum,” stated Childs. Today, a National Park Historic Landmark commemorating the events surrounding the enrollment of James Meredith in the fall of 1961. That completed the circle: Oxford, Cuba, Vietnam and a visit back to Ole Miss in Oxford this past summer. 1 -James Meredith surrounding by US marshals and jeering students on the Ole Miss campus. Lynn Pelham/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images 2 -Troopers of the 327th searching a vehicle on the Ole Miss campus. Photo from collection of Bob and Betty Dupree. 3 -Troopers of the 327th searching a vehicle on the Ole Miss campus. Photo from collection of Bob and Betty Dupree.
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SENIOR DINING IN T
he Class of 2012 saw the culmination of their Corps careers at their Senior Dining In, which took place on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 and was held in the Grand Ballroom at the MSC. The Office of the Commandant as well as over 100 distinguished guests of the Corps of Cadets Association were in attendance. The event was sponsored by the Corps of Cadets Association. Each year, the Senior Dining In is a formal dinner at which the senior cadets, former cadets, and members of the Corps of Cadets Association gather to celebrate the accomplishments of the senior class throughout their Corps careers. Those in attendance had the pleasure of hearing Astronaut Mike Fossum ’80 speak about his experience in the Air Force and as an astronaut at NASA. Fossum ’80 spoke in detail about his latest mission which involved working with Russian cosmonaut Sergei Volkov and Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa aboard the International Space Station.
CLASS OF 2012
One of the highlights of the speech was Fossum’s description of the challenges and the rewards of working as part of an international effort. In fact, part of Fossum’s assignment required him to live in Russia and learn the language. The speech ended with Fossum describing the challenges that will be faced by the cadets as they enter the “real world” and challenging cadets to become informed and influence the world around them. Corps Commander Patrick Reeves ’12 presented the annual cadet awards, sponsored by the Corps of Cadets Association, to the following cadets: Ol’ Army Award – Dalton Fuss ’12; Spirit Award – David Benac ’12; and the James Earl Rudder Outstanding Senior Award – Hank Miner ’12. Additionally, the Corps of Cadets Association presented Colonel Jake Betty ’73 with the Lawrence Sullivan Ross Award for his steadfast dedication to the Corps of Cadets over the years.
Class of ’12 Seniors from D Company, CCA Colonels and USAA guests perform a toast. 12
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TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
SPONSORED BY
CCA President, Tony Best ’72, presents Cadet and German Exchange Student, Michael Gentsch ’12 with a Corps coin
Dalton Fuss ’12 Ol’ Army Award
David Benac ’12 Cadet Spirit Award
Hank Miner ’12 James Earl Rudder Outstanding Senior Award
Col. Jake Betty ’73 Lawrence Sullivan Ross Award
Speaker, Astronaut Mike Fossum ’80 poses for a picture with Seniors from Squadron 21
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2012 Corps Baseball Team Reaches the NCBA World Series!
T
he Corps of Cadets Baseball Team was officially established in 2006. Having the team allows cadets who are not competing with the Texas A&M baseball team to continue competing at the collegiate level. In 2010, the team marked its first season in the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA), Division II. This season, after finishing second in District VII during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, the team made their first trip to Columbus, GA to compete in the NCBA DII World Series. The head coach for the 2012 season was Cadet Chase Shimek ’12, Company A-2. The assistant coach for the team was Bryson Sutterfield ’13, Company E-1. Coach Shimek states, “This was the season that the team was able to prove to the NCBA (National Club Baseball Association) and themselves that they belong and can compete in this league.” The team’s 2012 campaign began with the cadets being one of three unknown and untested opponents at a tournament at Texas Christian University (TCU). Almost all of the games are played as three game series – double headers on Saturday and an afternoon game on Sunday – unless circumstances required the team to reschedule. The cadets won the first two games on Saturday, March 3, at TCU’s home field with scores of 13-2 and 8-4 respectively. Starting Pitcher Will Pace ’14, Company E-1, threw 4 innings, allowing 0 earned runs, while striking out 10 batters. Pace also led the team in hitting by going 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 1 homerun. The second game saw senior Matt Jones ’12, Company E-1, and sophomore Reed Ryan ’14, Company E-1, combine to throw 6 innings of 1 run baseball, with Ryan striking out 5 in his first game experience with the cadets. Freshman Garrett Scoggins ’15, Company E-1, led the hitting by going 4 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. On Sunday, the cadets failed to hold a lead in the final inning and lost by a final score of 6-5. Shimek stated that this loss came in such a fashion that the entire team vowed they would not let this happen again. “They held true to their word, and went on to win 5 out of
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their next 6 games against Lone Star College, Tomball on March 24 and 25, and Victoria College, on April 14 and 15,” added Shimek. One of the games against Lone Star Tomball was a “come from behind” win with a walk off hit produced by 3B Zach Othold ’13, Squadron 18, in the bottom of the 8th inning. With these victories, the team clinched a spot in the first Division 2, District 7 Championship Series. The series would pit the cadets versus the Rice Owls on May 5 and 6. The Corps won the first game 3-0 on a Will Pace ’14 complete game, 12 strikeout effort, and an offensive attack led by Cullen Pickett ’14, Company D-1, who went 2 for 2 with 2 of the 3 total runs scored. Ultimately, the cadets defeated the Owls 13-7 behind a gritty pitching performance by Reed Ryan ’14 coupled with timely hits by Miles Torres ’13, Squadron 17, Stuart Hogue ’15, Company E-1, and two runs scored by Zach Othold ’13. With this win, the team clinched their division title and a berth in the NCBA World Series in Columbus, GA. Shimek states, “The team was extremely proud and excited to be representing the university and the Corps for a chance to
Will Pace ’14 makes contact with a ball against LSC-Tomball
TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
Number
Players
8 29 21 2 18 23 22 17 9 14 33 13 12 16 6 11 28 10 24 15 19 3 5
Ben Pecot Benjamin Smith Chris Byrne Cullen Pickett DJ Riddle Ethan Pulliam Garrett Scoggins Joe Pfluger John Hodges Matt Galindo Matt Jones Miles Torres Parker Hutchins Parks Walker Paul Horton Paul Mathy Reece Grey Reed Ryan Shaun Boyer Stuart Hogue Travis Gardner Will Pace Zach Othold
7 27
Chase Shimek Bryson Sutterfield
Coaches
Roster Position
Outfit
Year
CL RE RF CF CL RP 1B OF SS, 2B C RP OF, DH 2B 2B SS C C SP, OF OF SP, OF LF SP, OF 3B
SQ 2 A-1 SQ 2 D-1 SQ 17 B-2 E-1 E-1 E-1 B-BATT E-1 SQ 17 SQ 17 E-1 E-1 B-2 C-1 E-1 L-1 E-1 SQ 2 E-1 SQ 18
2014 2015 2014 2014 2015 2013 2015 2015 2013 2014 2012 2013 2014 2015 2014 2015 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2013
Head Coach Assistand/3B Coach
A-2 E-1
2012 2013
compete in the National Championship.” He added, “They also knew a tough task awaited them and chose to show their determination to win through their intense devotion to practice in the week leading up to their departure for the tournament.”
to practice baseball. The field itself, historic Golden Park, is a legendary site for fans of professional baseball. Giants of the game such as Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Cal Ripken, Jr., Jackie Robinson and many, many other Hall of Famers are all listed on a bronze plaque on the façade of the stadium as notables that had once played baseball in the former professional league year... and not a stadium.
Sutterfield stated, “Our trip to Georgia “We will be back next at the end of May single team there will know what hit them.” After practice, the Corps was was one that every veteran player of the more than ready for their first team had been anticipating for three years. The bus provided game against Hofstra on May 18. Unfortunately, the late for our travel was extremely nice and helped us to realize game push by the good guys was not enough to overcome the seriousness of what we were doing. Sutterfield went early game mishaps. They were eventually out scored by the on to add, “Georgia itself was beautiful; passing over the future National Champs 9-5. With that loss, the cadets would Chattahoochee River into Columbus, GA, was surreal and be forced to play an elimination game against Maryland the everyone was eager to take the field for our scheduled on- next morning on Saturday, May 19. Shimek recalled that as field practice.” the team woke up, they were eager to rectify the previous day’s mistakes. They proved it on the field by eliminating The team was surprised to hear that out of eight teams, only Maryland by a final score of 5-1. Sadly, the following day, the our team and the team from Georgia (Kennesaw State) had team would be outscored by Wisconsin by the same score of elected to take practice; every team from up north said that 5-1, ultimately ending their 2012 season. 85 degree weather with a mild breeze was “WAY TOO HOT” WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
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Garrett Scoggins ’15 runs to first base
Cullen Pickett ’14 recieves the 2012 NCBA Division II District VII Playoff Most Valuable Player Award
Even with an unexpected loss to end the season, the team accomplished every goal that it set before itself at the beginning of the season. The goals the team set were: •
Win the Division 2, District 7 West Pennant and make it to the District Championship
•
Win the Division 2, District 7 Championship
•
Earn a spot in the NCBA World Series in Columbus, GA
•
Conduct itself in a professional manner
Zach Othold ’13 taking warm-up swings
The team finished with a final record of 13-6 and a 10-2 record in their Western Division. This record, and their success in Georgia at the National Championships, secured the team a final ranking of 6th in the nation out of 95 teams. There truly is no limit to the future success of this team. On the bus ride back from Georgia, all the team could say was “we will be back next year…and not a single team there will know what hit them.” After a long and hard fought season, the Corps baseball team enjoyed being spotlighted as they topped postseason polls. Through the voting process, the team secured 126 out of a possible 180 points, also helping to secure a national ranking of number 6. The cadets finish the year as the only team from the great State of Texas in the Top 15, with District VII rival, Rice, coming in at number 16, with 20 points in the polls. Thanks to all of our supporters. Join us again next season for the 2013 season as the cadets continue their tireless pursuit of perfection on the diamond with the motto, “Win the Last Game.”
The team huddles before their game against LSC-Tomball
Baseball Team Sponsored By: 16
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TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
2011-2012 Schedule Date
Opponent
Location
Result
March 03 March 03 March 04 March 24 March 24 March 25 April 14 April 14 April 15 April 21 April 21 April 22 May 05 May 06 May 18 May 19 May 20
TCU TCU TCU LSC-Tomball LSC-Tomball LSC-Tomball Victoria College Victoria College Victoria College UTSA UTSA UTSA Rice Rice Hofstra Pride Maryland Wisconsin
Ft. Worth Ft. Worth Ft. Worth
W, 13-2 W, 8-4 L, 5-6 W, 2-1 L, 3-6 W, 8-7 W, 10-2 W, 3-0 W, 2-1 W, 7-0 W, 7-0 W, 7-0 W, 3-0 W, 11-7 L, 5-9 W, 6-1 L, 1-5
A&M Consolidated A&M Consolidated A&M Consolidated A&M Consolidated A&M Consolidated A&M Consolidated
San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio Kingwood Kingwood
Golden Park, Columbus, GA
Final Words from the Coach:
”I would like to thank the Corps of Cadets, Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association and all its members, Commandant BG Joe Ramirez, Jr. ’79, Lt Col Jeff Gardner ’82, and Will Schrank ’84 for their continued support of the Corps Baseball Team and assisting in the creation of a team that is destined to become a national powerhouse in this league. I would also like to thank each and every player and their parents for allowing me the opportunity to coach you and your sons throughout this past season. I learned more about myself than I ever dreamed possible, and I will cherish this past season as my favorite memory from my time in the Corps. Good luck next season, and BTHO whomever you guys meet in the Championship.” -Gig’em! Chase A. Shimek ’12 WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
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Fish Drill Team Banquet
Sponsored By:
March 30, 2012
The Association of Former Fish Drill Team Members (AFFDTM) hosted the annual Fish Drill Team Banquet on May 30, 2012. The annual event is part of Parents’ Weekend at Texas A&M University and serves as an important step for each team member. Friends, family, and guests of team members came together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the current Fish Drill Team. It is at this banquet where the freshmen receive the coveted Fish Drill Team citation cord.
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 20, 2012
REGISTER TODAY!
WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG/RALLY 18
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TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
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AGGIELAND MUSTER “If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.” These words are the very essence of what Muster means to Aggies past, present and future.
APRIL 21st
Aggie Muster began when ex-cadets of the A. & M. College gathered together on June 26, 1883 to remember their college days. In the 1890’s, field day events took over the annual gathering which coincided with the celebration of Texas Independence Day on San Jacinto Day - April 21st. During his tenure as president of the college from January 1891 to January 1898, Lawrence Sullivan Ross had the Corps participate in trips to the San Jacinto Battlefield, which included mock battles. These grand celebrations would end with a picnic and parade in the city of Houston. After World War I, the observance of April 21st was for current and former cadets. Over time, the Muster tradition has changed, but its very essence has remained. In 1922, April 21st became the official day of events for all Aggies, and Aggie Muster, as we know it today, was born. In 1924, the tradition of reading the roll call of the dead began. During World War II, Major Tom Dooley ’35 arranged the most well-known Musters on the island of Corregidor in 1942. This Aggie Muster would make national headlines and boost morale stateside. In April of 1945, three Aggies conducted a Muster on Corregidor; eight weeks after “the Rock” had been recaptured. After the war, Texas A&M held a Victory Homecoming Muster on Easter morning in 1946. Over fifteen thousand Aggies gathered to listen to a speech by General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The 900 Aggies who died in World War II, and the names of the four deceased World War II Aggie Medal of Honor recipients, were called. Today, the Aggie Muster is celebrated in more than four hundred places worldwide, with the largest ceremony on the Texas A&M campus in College Station. This year’s Muster speaker was Dr. John R. Hoyle ’57.
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“Let comrade answer ‘Here’...”
TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
May 2012 Commissionings UNITED STATES ARMY - COL MICHAEL L. GIBLER ’85 - PROFESSOR OF MILITARY SCIENCE
David Alexander Jacquelyn Apodaca Hope Arensdorf Roy Aviles Steven Bauer Travis Beaty Ryan Becker Bradley Bergfeld Ileene Berrios
Thomas Bynum Edward Choe Jason Clarry Ryan Cook Jonathan Duran Clayton Farrar Sean Fiorella Dalton Fuss Rodolfo Garcia
Abby Griffin Michael Grubb Jordan Hancock Matthew Harris Andrew Howerton Jason Juch Sean Kase Matthew King Michael Knight
Neil Krotzer Brett Lancaster Matthew Leary Brandon Nesrsta Patrick Reeves Zachary Robinson Travis Schecher Kyle Smith Zachary Smith
Christopher Torres James Wegenhoft Catherine White Brent Woodall Clayton Woods
UNITED STATES NAVY - COL GERALD L. SMITH ’82 - PROFESSOR OF NAVAL SCIENCES Troy Abney James Adams Marshall Atwood
Andrew Briggs Travis Garrett Douglas Haby
Philip Hendrix Clayton Huber Philip Robinson
Alexander Schirripa Benjamin Sculley William Sczepanik
Carson Talley
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS - COL GERALD L. SMITH ’82 - PROFESSOR OF NAVAL SCIENCES Colton Bartek Michael Blanchard Landon Gant Clayton Hall
Peter Hess Seth Mabry Matthew Morris Ian Nelson
Nicholas Orsino William O’Neal Connor O’Sullivan James Sebesta
Brandon Sims Mallory Stewart Kristan Volk Adam Van Wagenen
Elizabeth Wolf Matthew Wright Gilbert Yguerabide
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE - COL KENNETH ALLISON ’85 - PROFESSOR OF AEROSPACE STUDIES Paden Allen Steven Butcher Alex Clawson Ryan Clyburn Kolby Elliot
Matthew Feltmann Paul Ferris Brent Gonsoulin Jarrett Gouge Johnathan Green
CCA Former Cadets Directory
I
n celebration of our 20th Anniversary, the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association (CCA) is publishing a new Directory of Former Cadets in 2013. We have added a number of lost cadets and an even larger number of address changes to our records since our last Directory. Not only will these valuable updates be included, but this 20th Anniversary project will provide information on each individual’s outfit and special unit. The 2013 Directory will be the most up-to-date membership record of the “Keepers of the Spirit and Guardians of Traditions.” The CCA will publish the 2013 print edition of the Directory of Former Cadets in collaboration with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI), a Dallas-based publisher of alumni directories. The 2013 Directory will include five sections: a section dedicated to Former Cadet Stories and Photos (in color); an Alphabetical Section; an Outfit Section; a Geographical Section; and a Career Networking Section. Very soon you will receive a postcard and email asking you to call a toll free number at PCI to update your information for the directory. We want to assure you this is an important project for the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association, and that your information will be kept secure. When you receive the postcard, please take a couple of minutes to call the toll free number as soon as possible to confirm your information in the directory and assist in locating any former cadet that is not on our rolls. You will be able to review your outfit by class year at a website provided by PCI, this will enable you to notify us – via the site – if a former cadet’s is
Cassandra-Lorraine Levario Andrew Petering Daniel Torres
missing. You do not have to order any of the products listed below to have your information updated or added to the directory.You may purchase any of the products offered below. No purchase is required. Products Offered: Price Basic Package: (Either Product) •Softbound Directory $99.95 OR •CD ROM $99.95
(S & H)
Value Package: $139.95 INCLUDES: • Airline Companion Ticket • CD ROM • Softbound Directory
($15.95)
Pride Collection: $189.95 INCLUDES: • Airline Companion Ticket • Sweatshirt and T-shirt with CCA logo • CD ROM • Softbound Directory
($19.95)
Corps of Cadets Outfit CD ROM: $49.95 INCLUDES: • Outfit CD ROM
($9.95)
**Foreign Shipping
WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
($9.95) ($9.95)
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Corps Athletics Banquet Sponsored By: April 24, 2012 The Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association sponsored the second annual Corps Athletic Banquet on Tuesday, April 24, at the indoor basketball practice facility in the Cox-McFerrin Center. The purpose of the banquet was to recognize the accomplishments of those cadets who compete on a Corps sports team during the 20112012 school year. Keynote speaker and Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Gary Blair, congratulated cadets on their dedication to sports and offered encouragement in the form of his life story.
The Corps of Cadets Association (CCA) sponsored the Athletics Banquet and CCA Executive Director, Col Don Crawford ’64 presented each cadet with their Corps Block “T” Athletics pin to be worn on the uniform by any cadet that participates in the Corps Athletic Program.
The CCA’s sponsorship of Corps Athletics covers a wide variety of capacities and includes, but is not limited to, uniforms, entry fees, and travel expenses. In addition to the participation ribbons, Blair spoke about his (unlikely) road to coaching individual cadet awards were given to cadets with women’s basketball and how he made a hobby into a outstanding athletic performances. Corps Athletics career, which resulted in a NCAA National Champion are an excellent example of CCA donors directly in 2011. The end of Blair’s speech was marked with supporting quality of life programs. a rousing round of applause, a standing ovation, and the presentation of a Corps of Cadets officer’s saber to Coach Blair.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Col Don Crawford ’64, Head Women’s Basketball Coach Gary Blair, Corps Sergeant Major Marquis Alexander ’13, and Commandant BG Joe Ramirez, Jr. ’79 22
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TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
Soccer
Lacrosse
Women's Basketball
SoftBall
Marksmanship
Bataan
Baseball
basketball
Marathon
WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
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Corps Recruiting Banquet New Student Conferences 18 Conferences Recruited 814 fish at FOW 874 total Spend the Day With the Corps 2 Sessions 243 Students Junior Cadet Accessions Programs 2 Sessions 213 Students Aggie Eagle Program 2 Sessions 213 Students 4-H & FFA Program 1 Session 10 Students Christmas Hometown Recruiting 232 Visits 140 High Schools 97 Cities 8 States Spend the Night with the Corps 27 Sessions 864 Students
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TEXAS AGGIE BAND SHOW PREPARES FOR ITS 18TH YEAR OF BROADCASTS With the start of the 2012 football season for Texas A&M University fast approaching, Aggies across the state of Texas are excited about the move to the SEC. While the upcoming football season offers a host of changes and challenges, one consistent item will be the half-time performances of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band at both home and away games. When the Aggie Band steps out for its first performance in Shreveport, LA, as the Texas A&M football team takes on Louisiana Tech in the opening game of the 2013 season, it will mark their 118th year of existence, making them the oldest college band in Texas. Covering the performances of the Aggie Band for the 18th consecutive season of broadcasts will be the Texas Aggie Band Show. Once again this year, the Texas Aggie Band Show remains the nation’s only regularly scheduled college band program on public television. Originally created by Bob Barker, ’71 and hosted by Dr. Don Powell, ’56 following the centennial celebration of the Aggie Band in the fall of 1994, the show made its debut in the fall of 1995. Each 30-minute weekly broadcast will provide viewers with an inside look at life in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band which remains the nation’s largest and finest collegiate military marching band. The broadcast features each week’s Aggie Band halftime drill at the Texas A&M football game. For the past nine years, the show has been underwritten by the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association. This year, the CCA has again committed to financially support the program, due to a contribution from corporate sponsor, BJ’s Restaurants. Don Crawford ’64, CCA Executive Director stated, “This program is a great way to promote the Aggie Band and the entire Corps of Cadets, both of which truly represent the Spirit of Aggieland. The show helps to increase the visibility of the Corps.” The show is produced by Barker Productions of Bryan, and is made available to PBS audiences throughout Texas by Texas A&M’s station KAMU-TV. The show will continue to be posted on the CCA website where viewers can access each show as it is posted. The Texas Aggie Band Show typically airs not only in Bryan-College Station, but in Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, Killeen, Odessa, San Antonio and Oklahoma City. In recent years, the program has even been telecast in Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago and Tulsa and last year was finally able to access the Houston market. Interested viewers should contact their local PBS station and encourage them to run this program that is offered free of charge and commercial free. The program also can be seen via live stream video on computer when the show is airing on KAMU. This season the show will have regular updates on its Facebook page. Fans are encouraged to log on and follow the production, obtain information on feature stories, and participate in ‘fan’ surveys that will be posted each week.
Along with the band’s halftime performance, each show includes feature reports on campus activities and events involving the Aggie Band, interviews with band members and staff, and other university students and administrators. Highlights of other bands performing at games in which the Aggies play also are included along with background of their campus when the Aggie Band is traveling to an away game. The show runs even on weeks in which the football team does not play, using archived performances. The 2012 season will consist of 12 shows. The upcoming season of broadcasts will once again incorporate some features that highlight individual or special units in the Corps of Cadets. As has been the tradition for the past five years, the show will again allow the Aggie Band Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Public Relations Officer to nominate subjects for the Weekly Cadet Reports that start each show. Obtaining the cadet leadership input over the past several years has resulted in some outstanding features about cadets who have a unique story to tell. The upcoming season will again be hosted by Dr. Bruce Bockhorn, ’74. A former drum major of the Aggie Band, this will be Dr. Bockhorn’s 11th season with the program and his 9th as writer and host. DVD’s of the 2011 season of shows can be obtained by contacting Barker Productions at (979) 8461660. Bruce F. Bockhorn, PhD, AIA ‘74
Dr. Bruce Bockhorn ’74, Host/Writer for the Texas Aggie Band Show interviews Heather Ortega ’13 Executive Officer and Infantry Band Drum at the start of Freshmen Orientation Week for the Corps of Cadets.
WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
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Sponsored By:
March to the Brazos T
he 36th Annual March to the Brazos in support of the March of Dimes was held on Saturday, April 28. Cadets raised $86,000 for the local chapter of March of Dimes during their annual campaign. The fundraising takes the form of anything from “Fill the Boot” collections to auctions and soliciting donations. The top twelve outfits that raise the most money will receive the privilege of being the Officers of the Day for Texas Aggie football games for the upcoming football season.
In 1977, the March to the Brazos was revived as a worthwhile way to benefit a very important nationally based charity. The March to the Brazos fundraising campaign by the Corps is the largest student-led fundraiser for the March of Dimes in the country. Through its efforts, the Corps of Cadets has collected over $2.1 million from 1977 to 2012. Since 1977, March to the Brazos has provided the venue for the cadets to “hand down” or “pass down” rank to the rising class. This serves as a rite of passage for cadets. For many, this march will be one of toughest physical challenges due The tradition of the march goes back a century. On to the 18 mile round-trip march in high temperatures April 1, 1908, the cadets of the A. & M. College went and humidity. Today, the units march off road across on strike and did not attend classes on that day. This pastures, creeks, and ravines to the Beef Center in action, along with other April Fool’s Day pranks, were staggered waves by major unit. becoming a little too regular of an occurrence for the Commandant. The next year, the Commandant issued Upon arrival at the Beef Center, cadets participate General Order No. 27 and began what became know in an unofficial change of rank and command, BBQ as the “Hike to the Brazos” and eventually the “March lunch, and the traditional announcements of the top to the Brazos.” The hike originated in 1909 and was fundraising outfit within the Corps. Upon completion held March 31 through April 1 to keep the cadets of the activities, the senior class boards busses for a from playing April Fool’s jokes on each other and their ride back to the Quad while the underclassmen march instructors. The hike was held annually until 1912 at the nine miles back to campus. The BBQ lunch and which point it was discontinued. bottled water consumed by cadets during the march is sponsored by BMI Defense Systems.
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TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
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Aggies in Service
1LT Bill Grantham ’10 giving the Gig ‘Em with a group of children in Afghanistan.
Left to right: 1LT Tom Martin ’10 and Karl Yurik ’09 are currently deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division to the Ghanzi province of Afghanistan.
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1LT Stuart W. Davis, D2 ’09, returned 29 July from a 10 month combat tour in Afghanistan. He led the 2d Platoon of Company C, 2d Battalion, 5th Infantry against enemy forces in Regional Command - East. For his service in theater Stuart was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. During the deployment his wife of two years, Dana Robbins Davis, TAMU ’10, stepped up and ran the Company C wives Family Readiness Group. Now reunited the couple are stationed with the 1st Armored Division at Ft Bliss, Texas (El Paso).
Send your Aggies in Service Pictures TEXAS to luke@corpsofcadets.org AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
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George Kitchen '62 Memorial Car Show on the Quad
March 31, 2012 Sponsored By: This year the Annual George Kitchen ’62 Memorial Car Show was held during Parents’ Weekend. The Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Car Show was renamed to the George Kitchen ’62 Memorial Car Show when George was killed in an automobile accident on April 27, 2010, while driving his Cobra Replica. He was a longtime supporter of the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association and represented Aggies that had served during the Vietnam War as part of the 125th Corps Reunion halftime ceremony held on Kyle Field. George also entered his Cobra in many car shows on the Quad. This year, the car show had over 20 participants including members of the North Texas Mustang Club including a 2006 Mustang Stampede Edition which is number 351 of 500 made. Also attending was Diane Kitchen, George’s widow. “I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to the family that you have chosen to name the show in George’s memory. He so looked forward to the Corps car show and loved showing off his cars,” stated Diane. “His association with Texas A&M and the U.S. military were his proudest memories,” she added. This car show is very unique in that any special interest, classic, or unique automobile may be entered. Cars representing various American makes and models were represented. Awards were presented in various categories including: Best Exterior, Robbie Spencer ’86, 1957 Chevy Truck; Best Interior, Reba Warbington, 2006 Mustang Stammpede Edition; Best Engine, Ron Glenn, 1964 Chevy Impala; Corps Pick, Rosalie Glenn, 1968 Chevy Camaro and Best of Show, Kurt Nauck ’83, 1939 Buick Special.
WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
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NEW MEMBERS OF THE CCA
Order of the Saber Mr. George Kelt Jr ’57 Mr. William McCarty Jr ’60 Mr. James Singleton IV ’66
Colonel
Mr. Robert Clapper ’68 Col. M. Eberts Mr. Joshua Fields ’97 Mr. William McCarty Jr. ’60 Mrs. Charles McMullan Mr. Carl Pendergrass ’65 Mr. M. Thurmond ’51
Ol’ Sarge
Mr. & Mrs. James Beal Mr. Bryan Boggs ’04 COL Gerald Brown USAR(Ret.) ’63 Lt Col Christopher Cantrell ’92 Mr. Timothy Connally ’85 Mr. John Davenport Jr ’97 Mr. Dennis Dean ’11
Mr. Michael Dearing ’79 Mr. Clint Gharis ’98 Mr. Richard Gonzalez ’70 Mr. David Grissom ’63 Mr. Klaus Guenther ’85 Mr. Homer Haber ’33 Mr. Stephen Hawes ’86 Mr. Larry Hearn ’68 Mr. Joseph Hefner ’77 Mr. Jack Hering ’42 Mr. Noel Hoff ’98 Mr. Dennis Holle ’59 Mr. Raymond Jordan ’70 Dr. David Kerns ’85 Mr. Shelby King ’47 Mr. Walter Kirk ’48 Mr. David Lorms ’61 Mr. Charles Lundberg Mr. Bruce Lynn Jr. ’72 Mr. Benjamin Martin ’99 Mr. Gavin Moore Mr. Charles Moreland ’62
Project Aggie Valor Most people are aware that seven Texas Aggies have been awarded the Medal of Honor, but how many Aggies have been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross or Air Force Cross? Those medals are the nation’s second highest award yet a list of Aggies awarded one of those medals does not exist. Project Aggie Valor is an effort to correct this oversight. General George F. Moore ’08 So far, 36 individuals have been identified and there may be more. The following list shows the names of those identified, medal awarded and the conflict they were involved in. If you know of someone who should be on the list the information should be sent to the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association (bill@corpsofcadets.org) or 877.892-4222. Names Currently Accounted for: George F. Moore ’08 USA DSC (WW2) Jesse Easterwood ’09 USN NC (WW1) Robert W. Nolte ’13 USA DSC (WW2) Herbert N. Peters ’13 USA DSC (WW1) Haydn P. Mayers ’14 USA DSC (WW1) John H. Moore ’15 USA DSC (WW1) Andrew D. Bruce ’16 USA DSC (WW2) George F. Wellage ’16 USA DSC (WW1) Walter T.H. Gulliford ’17 USMC NC (WW1) Albert M. Bledsoe ’17 USN NC (WW2) Herbert W. Whisenant ’17 USA DSC (WW1) Hugh McFarland ’17 USMC DSC (WW1) 30
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New Members as of Apr 16, 2012- Jul 31, 2012 RENEW OR UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP AT WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG OR BY CALLING 877.892.42222
Mr. Clarkson Moseley ’55 Mr. Donald Napp ’51 Mr. Brian O’Mara ’63 Mr. Curtis Parker ’41 Mr. G. Powell ’59 MAJ William Price ’82 Brig General Joe Ramirez, Jr. ’79 Dr. Clifford Ray ’60 Mr. Jose Rodriguez ’12 Mr. Billy Sewell ’61 Mr. Ray Shanklin ’54 Mr. Stephen Smith ’71 Mr. Rex Smith Jr. ’69 Mr. Russell Sutton ’68 CAPT Michael Todd USN(Ret.) ’76 Mr. Tommy Vicknair ’64 Mr. Mark Waters ’78 Mr. Donald Weber ’57 Mrs. Michelle Westover Mr. Jean Whitehead ’50 Mr. Kerry Williams ’68 Mr. Vernon Yanta ’61
John T. Walker ’17 USMC NC (WW2) John C. McKimmey ’18 USA DSC (WW1) Robert B. Williams ’23 AAF DSC (WW2) James E. Rudder ’32 USA DSC (WW2) John R. Smith ’34 USA DSC (WW2) Raymond L. Murray ’35 USMC NC (WW2) NC, DSC (Korea) Horace S. Carswell, Jr. ’38 AAF DSC (WW2) David L. Hill ’38 AAF DSC (WW2) John M. Cook ’39 USA DSC (Korea) Glenn E. Duncan ’40 AAF DSC (WW2) George H. Gay, Jr. ’40 USN NC (WW2) James F. Hollingsworth ’40 USA DSC (WW2) 2DSC (VN) Jay T. Robbins ’40 AAF 2DSC (WW2) William J. Stewart ’40 DSC (WW2) Andrew C. Sorelle Jr ’42 USA DSC (WW2) Wesley M. Hays ’44 USN NC (WW2) William C. Knapp ’44 USA DSC (Korea) John K. Wells ’44 USMC NC (WWII) William L. Wathen ’45 USA DSC (WW2) William P. Brown, Jr ’46 USMC NC (WW2) NC (Korea) Guy S. Meloy III ’52 USA DSC (VN) James R. Taylor ’59 USA DSC (VN) Byron Stone ’60 USA DSC (VN) David B. Robinson ’62 USN NC (VN) Neil Keltner ’65 USA DSC (VN) USA-US Army AAF-US Army Air Force USAF-US Air Force USMC-US Marine Corps USN-US Navy
TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
SHORT BURST
Cadets Claudia Martinez ’14, SQ 12, Adam Hallmark ’14, A-Co, Corps Commander Marquis Alexander ’13 and Eric Gil ’14, N-1 presented former Texas A&M Athletic Director Bill Byrne with a saber in appreciation for his steadfast support for the Corps of Cadets.
S-2 Marauder Reunion
Company I-1 Reunion
Join us for the annual fall gathering of Old Marauders 10.20.2012. We’ll be gathering again in Spence Park, same location as last year, along the East Side sidewalk. Start time of the reunion is TBD based on TV Schedule. Beat the hell outta LSU. For more info contact: Roy Parsons ’89 royparsons@earthlink.net
This year’s Ord Reunion will be held Saturday, 09.29.2012. The BBQ will be held at Southwood Pavilion, time dependent on kickoff for the Arkansas football game. Catering will be provided by Buppy’s. Register online at: www.corpsofcadets.org/ordreunion
Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit to Host Sporting Clays Tournament On Friday, October 19th, the Corps of Cadets Marksmaship Unit will be hosting the Corps of Cadets Association Sporting Clays Tournament at Gunsmoke Shooting Range. The Tournament will feature a 100 bird Sporting Clays course, a Steel Challenge stage that is similar to what the CCMU fires in competition (pistol and ammo will be provided), BBQ and a commemorative CCMU challenge coin are also included. There will be prizes for first place finishers and the first place 4 person team. The tournament is from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., tickets are $150, and there will only be 140 spots open for registration. Spectators and family are encouraged to attend. To sign up please visit https://corpsofcadets.org/ccmuclays or email marksmanship@corpsofcadets.org WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
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Final Review 2012 32
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TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG
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TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
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Get 2,500 rewards points after your first purchase with your CCA USAA Rewards ds World MasterCard. 2
What’s more, USAA Bank contributes to CCA with every new account opened and with each eligible purchase, helping the organization advance the issues that are important to you.
Apply today. usaa.com/ccacc | 877-940-2677 Insurance Banking Investments Retirement Advice USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its insurance, banking, investment and other companies. 1
Offer subject to approval. As of 5/1/2012, regular APRs on purchases, cash advances and balance transfers are 10.9% to 25.9%, depending on your credit history and other factors. APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. There is a transaction fee of 3% on cash advances ($200 maximum on balance transfers and convenience checks) and 1% on foreign transactions. Rates and fees subject to change. Please contact us for the most current information. If your credit history and other factors qualify you for a credit limit under $5,000, you will receive a USAA Platinum MasterCard with the same rates and fees. 2Rewards points terminate if account is closed, delinquent or program ends. Earn 1 point for every $1 in credit card purchases. Other restrictions apply. USAA Rewards Program terms and conditions will be provided with your card. Use of the term “member” or “membership” does not convey any legal, eligibility or ownership rights. Availability restrictions apply. Purchase of a bank product does not establish eligibility for, or membership in, USAA property and casualty insurance companies. USAA Savings Bank, Member FDIC. CCA receives financial support from USAA for this sponsorship. © 2012 USAA. 136880-0712 WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG the Guidon 35
1134 Finfeather Rd Bryan, TX 77803
RALLY TO THE GUIDONS March In with the Corps of Cadets before the Texas A&M vs LSU football game
OCTOBER 20, 2012
Register Today! www.corpsofcadets.org/rally or 877.892.4222
“Rally to the Guidons is one of the most visible ways for a former cadet to show their support for the Corps of Cadets.” - Marquis Alexander ’13, Corps Commander
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the Guidon
TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION