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Madison Beall ’22

May 11, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Katy, Texas

Major: Biomedical Sciences

Outfit: Company E-2

The 2021-2022 Second Regiment Major Unit Commander, Madison Beall ’22 is originally from Company E-2.

In addition to her role as a Major Unit Commander, Madison also served as a Ross Volunteer, and was a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society. Previously, Madison served as E-2’s 1st Sergeant and as the Second Handler to Miss Reveille IX as a sophomore.

“The Corps has provided an opportunity for personal growth and development through leadership opportunities. Through the respectful environment, self-discipline and integrity were instilled, enabling success in the future,” Madison said of her time in the Corps.

After graduation, Madison will attend Texas A&M’s College of Medicine and has been admitted into the U.S. Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program. After graduating from the College of Medicine, Madison plans to commision into the U.S. Army and serve in the Army’s Medical Corps.

Michael Rodriguez-Garza ’22

May 4, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Harlingen, Texas

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Outfit: Company A-1

The 2021-2022 Commanding Officer of Company A-1, Michael Rodriguez-Garza also serves as a Ross Volunteer.

Previously, Michael served as a Weapons Squad Leader for Rudder’s Rangers.

“I joined the Corps of Cadets to define who I was. To me, the Corps is a place to practice discipline and show erudition. Over my four years here, I have been able to hone my skills and become the leader I was meant to be. I have endured many challenges throughout my Corps experience, and I am able to look back on them and be proud of what I have accomplished,” Michael said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Michael will commission into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. Michael would like to serve as an Engineering Officer.

PMC Gives Old Boots New Purpose

May 4, 2022 by rnelson

One of the most iconic symbols of the Corps of Cadets are the coveted senior boots. A part of every senior cadet’s uniform, these handcrafted boots are also the most expensive piece. Each year, hundreds of cadets are unable to afford purchasing their own boots. Recognizing the need for a solution to this issue, the Sam Houston Sanders Corps Center established the generous Boot Loan Program in 2003. Through the Corps Center, cadets are loaned a pair of boots for their senior year, and add their names to the rich history of cadets that have worn the same pair before them.

Naturally, after many years of wear, older boots become unserviceable and can no longer be used by the Boot Loan Program. Though their use as senior boots comes to an end, members of Parsons Mounted Cavalry’s Leather Chain are able to repurpose them and extend their useability through a number of different projects.

“It’s amazing to me to be able to give these boots a new purpose. There is so much history and tradition imbued in them, and to be able to continue using them by turning them into useful items allows us to preserve their beauty and purpose,” Jackson Ghatalia ‘23 (Company A-1) said of the opportunity.

Not only do these projects allow for the leather to be repurposed, they also allow cadets to express their creativity while developing a new skill.

“My favorite part about working on these projects is the ability to gain and develop such an amazing skill. I love learning new things, and to learn more about a skill that not many people have is quite amazing. You gain a level of respect for the amount of work that it takes to craft many everyday leather products, and gain the skills to start doing your own work and making things for yourself and others that will be cherished for years,” Jackson said.

These leather projects are just one of the many opportunities that cadets have to express themselves and learn new skills. The Corps of Cadets enables and encourages every member to discover, explore, and develop new passions.

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22

Ivan Carrasco ’22

April 27, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Spring, Texas

Major: Computer Science

Outfit: Squadron 21

The current Commanding Officer of Squadron 21, Ivan Carrasco ’22 also previously served as the outfit’s First Sergeant. In addition to his leadership within the outfit, Ivan is a member of the Ross Volunteer Company.

Off the Quad, Ivan is a member of the Canterbury Episcopal Student Center and Texas A&M’s Defense Cyber Leadership Development Program.

“The Corps of Cadets has provided me with challenges that helped develop me into the man that I am today and has given me lifelong friends,” Ivan said of his experience with the Corps.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Ivan plans to commission into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant, where he hopes to work as a Cyber Warfare Officer.

Ross Brusenhan ’22

April 20, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Tomball, Texas

Major: M.S. in Biomedical Sciences

Outfit: C-Battery

The current Finance and Logistics Officer for C-Battery, Ross made the decision to join the Corps of Cadets during his Junior year of his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M. He is currently a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society.

“The Corps has allowed me to achieve a more enriched experience at Texas A&M as compared to just being a regular student. Because I joined as an undergraduate junior, it was cool to be so accepted into my buddy class and outfit as a ‘fish’. My Master’s program allowed me to continue on with the Corps for 4 years and complete my whitebait years as a graduate student,” Ross said of his time in the Corps.

Outside of his involvement with the Corps of Cadets, Ross works as a Student Researcher with the Texas A&M Vet School and is a member of the Biomedical Sciences Association.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Ross will attend the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. Ross hopes to one day return to Texas and open his own veterinary practice or find a career in the veterinary research field.

View the video below to learn more about Ross and his journey with the Corps of Cadets.