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By Robin Nelson ‘22, Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets - March 7th, 2025

There are 41 different home units within the Corps of Cadets that students may join. Each of these units, also referred to as “outfits”, are unique with their own personalities, traditions and special focuses.

Company L-1’s identity as “the Lonestar Company” is rooted in the outfit’s focus on the state of Texas, its history and its culture.

“Since Company L-1 was founded in 1969, we have always been committed to honoring the legacy of heroic Texans. There is a reason our amazing state has the biggest and strongest reputation when compared to all of the others. We do our best to represent the deeply ingrained Texan value of standing up for what we believe in, no matter the consequences,” said Justice Jenson ‘25, who serves as the Commanding Officer of L-1.

To cadets in L-1, who are also known as “rebels”, Texas’ declaration of independence from Mexico on March 2nd, 1836 and the historical events that followed embody the Texan spirit.

“Texas is completely unique. It was its own nation for about 10 years. We declared independence from the Mexican government on March 2, 1836 due to perceived tyranny from General Santa Anna of Mexico. We fought and achieved our independence, culminating at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Our culture as Texans has, from the very beginning, been based upon the idea that you are to stand up for what is right,” Jenson said.

L-1’s acknowledgement of the historic date can be traced back to the unit’s founding in 1969, with present-day recognition efforts including a unit-wide “Rebel Run” around campus and a Texas Independence Day BBQ.

“Rebel Run is a physically difficult event. We loop the entirety of campus in the afternoon at a pace that most people could not hold for just a few miles. L-1 values doing physically difficult events such as this because they train mental toughness and self-confidence,” Jenson said.

“Additionally, L-1 is one tight family. To celebrate the heritage of our amazing state and to celebrate the completion of a physically difficult event, we come together as a unit on Texas Independence Day to break bread and develop deep and meaningful relationships with one another. We pride ourselves on being able to balance both of these aspects of our identity,” he continued.

For L-1 cadets originally from areas outside of Texas, their membership in the unit has helped deepen their understanding of the Lone Star State’s history and gain an appreciation for what makes it unique.

“In my time in L-1, we have had members from California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Georgia and even Chile. Being from Peachtree City, Georgia, I have found Texas to be an incredibly special place that I will not soon forget. Immersing yourself in what makes Texas special and different from other states is an invaluable part of being a student at Texas A&M,” said Mitch Luebke ‘25, L-1’s 1st Platoon Leader.

Company L-1’s unique culture is just one of many opportunities for students to find a community within the Corps of Cadets. For those interested in joining the Corps, Jenson says that students looking to grow their capabilities as leaders are looking in the right direction.

“If you want to learn how to be a ‘rock’ that people can depend on, the Corps of Cadets is the place for you. If you want to learn how to make sound decisions under pressure, the Corps is the place for you. And, if you want to be a part of a tight-knit family that produces elite cadets, L-1 is the place for you.”