On April 25, following Final Review for the Spring 2026 semester, sophomore cadets Camila Ospina of Company K-1 and David Berry of Company P-2 saw a man collapsed near Texas Avenue. 

After assessing the situation, Ospina placed the man in a recovery position. The man was unresponsive and began convulsing. Berry contacted emergency personnel while assisting Ospina in keeping him safely on his side. The cadets remained with the man until paramedics arrived and transported him to the hospital.  

Ospina and Berry both credited the Corps with fostering mutual trust and confidence in each other’s abilities, enabling them to tackle the emergency as a team. 

“The Corps taught me to wholeheartedly trust my buddy. After going through fish year together, which was difficult, it taught me to have faith in my buddy and her instructions. Through her guidance, we were able to safely place the man into a recovery position until Paramedics arrived,” said Berry.  

In a separate incident, senior cadet Benjamin Claypole of Company E-1 came to the aid of a woman who had been struck by a vehicle while riding a moped. Claypole used his shirt to apply pressure to the woman’s wound and continued assisting her until medical personnel arrived. 

To Claypole, the response was instinctive. In a stressful and rapidly unfolding moment, he said muscle memory and faith took over.  

“I really believe the Lord put me in the right place at the right time for a reason. In moments like that, all your training kicks in to keep you from hesitating, and I just trusted my faith that God gave me the calm mindset I needed,” said Claypole.  

“I focused entirely on the person in front of me, taking it one step at a time and acting as fast as I could. For me, serving others is a big part of both my faith and what we learn in the Corps.” 

For Ospina, Berry and Claypole, the recognition reflects more than their immediate response in an emergency. It reflects the Corps values of selfless service, integrity and leadership in action.  

“These cadets are a perfect embodiment of what our Corps Values demand, and how the Corps of Cadets develops leaders of character who are prepared to step forward when circumstances demand it,” said Mackenzie Cronin, 2026-2027 Corps Commander. 

 “Cadets Ospina, Berry and Claypole demonstrated that leadership is not just a title or a position. It is the willingness to act immediately, and with compassion and courage, when another person needs help most.” 

“This award is one of the highest forms of recognition that we have the privilege of giving in the Corps of Cadets. It is only given to cadets who exemplify the highest standard of character, and who act immediately in the face of adversity to save someone’s life. This award is given very rarely, and it is an honor to be able to give it to not one, but three cadets who have displayed our values so clearly,” Cronin explained. 

Their actions serve as a reminder that leadership is not always a grand gesture. Sometimes, it means stopping when others pass by, remaining calm amid uncertainty and using one’s skills to care for a stranger. 

In honor of the Corps’ 150th anniversary celebration, renowned artist & former cadet, Benjamin Knox, has unveiled his latest work. This commemorative piece celebrates each of the Corps of Cadets’ historical eras, iconic traditions and the organization’s unwavering commitment to Texas A&M’s values.

Though the original painting will soon be on permanent display in the Sanders Corps Center, a limited run of 150 prints are now available for purchase. 100% of the proceeds from these prints will benefit the Corps of Cadets.

Framed and unframed prints are available below:

Framed: tx.ag/FramedCorps150

Unframed: tx.ag/Corps150Print

Aggie family, 

I am deeply saddened to share that Colonel James “Jim” Woodall ‘50, has passed away.
 
In the final years of his distinguished 34-year long career in the U.S. Army and Navy Reserve, Colonel Woodall served as the Commandant of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and Professor of Military Science from 1977 to 1982.
 
During his tenure as Commandant, Colonel Woodall dutifully served the very organization where he once was a cadet. His commitment to developing the next generation of America’s finest leaders was evident each and every day. 

Even following his time as Commandant, Colonel Woodall remained dedicated to Texas A&M and the Corps, working tirelessly to preserve the history of both. Colonel Woodall’s dedication remains visible in the multiple historical Aggie publications he authored and edited, and in the four original Medals of Honor awarded to Aggies that he located for display at the Sanders Corps Center. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with Colonel Woodall’s family, friends and all lives that he impacted. Service details for Colonel Woodall are accessible here.

Here.

The following statement was made by LtGen James W. Bierman, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets, on the passing of Frank M. Muller Jr. ’65.

Aggie Family,

I am deeply saddened to share that former cadet and longtime friend of the Corps, Frank M. Muller Jr. ‘65, passed away last Friday.

While a student at Texas A&M, Muller was a member of Company E-2 and the Ross Volunteer Company. During his senior year, he was elected to serve the university as the Student Body President. 

Upon graduating from Texas A&M with bachelor’s degrees in English and Economics, Muller was commissioned in the United States Army, where he served multiple tours in Vietnam. Across his service, Muller earned several awards for valor, to include the Silver Star with two oak leaf clusters, and ultimately earned the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged. 

In the years following his military career, Muller’s commitment to Texas A&M and its students did not waiver. Muller served on several of Texas A&M’s councils and committees, including the Corps of Cadets Development Council and on the Corps of Cadets Association’s Board of Directors. In recognition of his service to Texas A&M, Muller was named Distinguished Alumnus in 1992 and a member of the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor in 2001.

Frank’s loss is one that is felt deeply across the Aggie family, but especially here in the Corps of Cadets. Frank’s life is one that embodies those exact values and leadership characteristics that our organization exists to instill, and we’re proud to call him one of our own. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as they navigate this difficult time.

I encourage each of you to join us in celebrating Frank’s life on Saturday, August 22, at 10:00 am

at A&M United Methodist Church in College Station. Burial service will follow at the Field of Honor in College Station. 

Here.

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Jun 25, 2026 — The Corps of Cadets will represent Texas A&M in Washington D.C. at one of the nation’s largest Independence Day celebrations. 

As part of the National Independence Day Parade on July 4th, members of the Corps Color Guard, Ross Volunteer Company and the Fish Drill Team will march alongside military units, marching bands, drill teams and floats as they pass before thousands of spectators. Details on the parade, to include timing and live-stream broadcasting, are accessible here.

“We’re honored to participate.  The cadets who will march know they proudly represent Aggies everywhere, our great university and the Corps,” said Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets. 

“The national Independence Day parade ties together our nation’s past, present and future; it is fitting for Aggies to be a part of it. For 150 years, Texas A&M has answered whenever America has called. Aggies are currently serving well and faithfully across the country and around the world. In keeping with our most cherished traditions, Aggies will continue to be counted.”  

As one of the nation’s most unique leadership development programs, the Corps of Cadets is home to students from all majors, interests and backgrounds. Though the Corps experience is deeply rooted in its iconic, military based cultural model, the skills that cadets develop in the program are applicable in every environment. In recent years, around 60% of cadets have gone on to lead in the public and private sectors after graduation, while approximately 40% of cadets pursued a military commission, helping Texas A&M uphold its reputation as the largest producer of officers outside of the service academies.

Cadet Trent Ford from Magnolia, Texas will serve as the primary caretaker for the university’s official mascot.

Cadet Trent Ford was announced as Texas A&M’s newest mascot corporal on Friday as part of the university’s Family Weekend activities. Ford will serve as the primary caretaker for Reveille X during the 2026-2027 academic year. 

Ford is a member of Company E-2 in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Since 1959, Company E-2, known also as the Mascot Company, has had the distinct privilege of caring for Reveille, the official mascot of Texas A&M. 

Over the course of the 2026-2027 school year, Ford and the rest of E-2’s rising sophomore class will care for and accompany Reveille X to all of her appearances. As mascot corporal, Ford will serve the university in a high-profile capacity, often speaking on Reveille’s behalf to media, faculty, staff, students and visitors. 

Prior to his selection as mascot corporal, Ford and the rest of E-2’s freshman class of 2029 underwent a semester-long tryout process. This process involved researching the tradition of Reveille and delivering a series of informative speeches on the previous nine Reveilles. 

Outstanding Corps Color Guard Award, sponsored by the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), the award is presented to the color guard that accrued the highest rating in graded march-ins and reviews.  The award is named for Lieutenant General Ormond R. Simpson, a member of the Corps of Cadets, Class of ’36.

Corps Color Guard

Outstanding Major Unit Staff Award, established and sponsored by USAA, this award is presented to the Major Unit Staff achieving the highest cumulative total point ratings derived from academics, military proficiency, inspections and physical fitness tests.

1st Wing Staff

The Commandant’s Flag, sponsored by The Comal County A&M Mothers’ Club to recognize the outstanding university involvement/proficiency and Career Readiness activities of the members of a company, squadron, or battery.

1st Place | A-Battery
2nd Place | Squadron 17
3rd Place | Company K-2

The Robert M. Gates Public Service Award, endowed by Gerald Ray and Donald Zale, the award was established to recognize the outstanding public service of a company, squadron, or battery.

1st Place | Squadron 17
2nd Place| Company E-1
3rd Place| A-Battery

The J.J. Sanchez Recruiting and Retention Award, sponsored by The Austin Texas A&M Mothers’ Club, the award was established to recognize the outstanding recruiting and retention achievement of a company, squadron, or battery.  The award is named in memory of former cadet J.J. Sanchez ’93.

1st Place Company K-2
2nd Place Squadron 11
3rd Place Squadron 1

The George P.F. Jouine Award, sponsored by The Houston A&M University Mothers’ Club, the award was established to recognize the outstanding academic achievement of a company, squadron, or battery.  The award is named for George P.F. Jouine, Class of ’07.

1st Place Company B-1
2nd Place B-Company
3rd Place Squadron 17

The Bruno A. Hochmuth Award, endowed by Colonel Max and Judy Cottrell through the Eternal Aggie Corps Endowment, the award was established to recognize outstanding achievement in military proficiency, inspections and physical fitness standards of a company, squadron, or battery.  The award is named for Major General Bruno A. Hochmuth, U.S. Marine Corps, Class of ’35,

1st Place B-Company
2nd Place Company G-2
3rd Place Company K-2

The Taylor A. Gillespie Most Improved Outfit Award, sponsored by the Friends of Taylor’s Place, the award is presented to the company, squadron, or battery demonstrating the greatest overall improvement from one year to the next.  The award is named for former Cadet Taylor Gillespie ‘11

1st Place Squadron 8
2nd Place Squadron 5
3rd Place Company K-2

The President’s Flag, sponsored by Texas A&M University President, the award was established to recognize the outstanding Minor Unit as it relates to Scholastic and Military Proficiency as well Recruiting and Retention and cadet activities.

Artillery Band

The General George F. Moore Outstanding Unit Award, endowed by Gerald and Susan Sullivan, the award was established in 1946 to recognize the outstanding company, squadron, or battery in the Corps of Cadets.  The award is named for General George F. Moore, U.S. Army, Class of ’08.

1st Place Company K-2
2nd Place B-Company
3rd Place Squadron 17

Early ideas for the program began after Dr. Kristen Neill, Associate Director of the Hollingsworth Center, recognized the need for a mentoring program on the Quad. From there, Neill engaged in several intentional steps toward initiating the new resource. 

“As someone who was neither a former cadet nor an Aggie, I knew there was much to understand about how the Corps operates in order to effectively serve cadets through a mentorship program. To build that understanding, I interviewed cadets and engaged in conversations with students during my School of Military Sciences (SOMS) courses to gain insight into their experiences and needs,” Neill explained. 

“My goal for the mentor program was simple: connection and impact; ultimately enhancing the overall Corps experience. I see the mentor program as a leadership accelerator – a way to get even better, faster. I also researched mentorship programs across the country to identify best practices and common challenges. That process reinforced the significant benefits of one-to-one mentoring. At the same time, I drew on consistently strong feedback from our SOMS courses, which demonstrate meaningful impact each semester,” she continued. 

Leaning on those conversations and her research, Neill says that the program’s initial model integrates individualized mentorship with the proven framework of SOMS. In its first pilot year, the Corps of Cadets Mentor program welcomed in 27 cadets from across all majors and classifications. Individual mentors were assigned to each cadet through as the product of a personalized selection process. 

“Individuals were chosen because they were already engaged with the Corps community and had established trust with cadets, allowing for authentic and meaningful connections from the outset. Rather than assigning mentors based on career alignment, pairings were made intentionally to foster personal growth, leadership development and holistic support. Cadets were matched with mentors who could provide guidance, encouragement and perspective, prioritizing relational fit and accessibility over professional similarity,” said Neill. 

Across the fall and spring semesters, the program facilitated monthly lunch-time gatherings for all mentors and mentees. At the lunch sessions, cadets and their mentors heard from guest speakers on various leadership topics. From there, the mentors and mentees would arrange one on one “debrief meetings” to review the topics together. 

“This allowed for guided discussion at first, but the more the relationship grows, mentors and mentees can eventually branch off into cadet specific personal development,” Neill explained.

One program participant, Preston King ‘26, a mechanical engineering major on the Infantry Band Staff, says that his mentor, Major General Randy Fullhart, has already had a significant impact on both his Corps career and his personal life.

“Whether recounting difficult conversations he had as Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech, or brightening the day of the landscaping staff at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library where he and his wife volunteer, Maj. Gen. Fullhart displays a humble excellence that I can only hope to replicate. Those actions don’t depend on my future career.”

As the program looks to continue to grow in its second pilot run next academic year, its positive impacts on the Corps are already evident. 

“I hope the Hollingsworth Center’s mentorship program doubles in size in the next two years. With the impact Maj. Gen. Fullart has already had on my life, I wish every cadet had access to this kind of guidance,” King said. 

“The greatest value of the program is that it enriches the lives of every cadet by surrounding them with ‘best‑of‑the‑best’ individuals who are interested in investing in their cadet’s success. Whether military-contracted or drill & ceremony, cadets gain guidance, support and a relationship that benefits their life long after they graduate from Texas A&M University,” he continued. 

Through the Hollingsworth Center and the resources it offers, students from across Texas A&M’s campus can gain invaluable experience and unique insight from experienced leaders. For cadets in specific, resources like the mentorship program help equip them with the tools they need to make positive contributions to their communities, the state and the nation. 

Interested in learning more about the Hollingsworth Center’s impacts across campus? Visit tx.ag/HCEL. 

Two cadets were identified to fill the senior-level leadership positions of Corps Commander and Deputy Corps Commander:

• Corps Commander: Mackenzie Cronin, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
• Deputy Corps Commander: Jonathan Varnan, Rowlett, Texas.

Four cadets were selected to serve as Major Unit Commanders for the Corps’ four major units:

• 1st Brigade Commander: Ethan Hernandez, Frisco, Texas.
• 1st Regiment Commander: Dora Gibbons, Howell, New Jersey.
• 1st Wing Commander: Collin Jarvis, Sachse, Texas. 
• Aggie Band Commander: Anthony Mabins, San Antonio, Texas.

The Corps’ leadership selection process for these positions is formal, merit-based and entirely cadet-driven. The process combines applications, interviews at multiple board levels and slating to place leaders into positions where they’re best fit to serve the organization. 

“I firmly believe the selection process that was executed by the senior cadet leadership has aligned the Corps of Cadets for success for years to come. The cadets are proud of the process and the outcomes it has delivered. I am confident the class of 2027 will continue the hard work to solidify this cadet-led and cadet-supported selection process,” said John Andruss ‘26, the 2025-2026 Corps Commander.  

Following the upcoming announcement of the Minor Unit and Company level Commanders, all rising senior leaders will manage an additional selection process to identify the Corps’ rising junior leaders. The slated junior leaders will serve as the Corps Sergeant Major, Major Unit Sergeants Major, Minor Unit Sergeants Major and Company First Sergeants. 

All 2026-2027 cadet leaders will assume their roles for the upcoming school year during the second pass of Final Review on April 25, 2026.