Corps Staff

James Guandolo ’25

September 23, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Highland Park, Texas

Major: Computer Science

Outfit: Corps Staff/Company S-2

Originally from Company S-2, James Guandolo ’25 currently serves as the 2024-2025 Deputy Corps Commander. Prior to being named the Deputy Corps Commander, James served as the First Regiment Sergeant Major.

In addition to his leadership position on the Quad, James is a member of the Ross Volunteer Company and the Recon Company. As a freshman, James was a member of the Fish Drill Team, where he was part of the team's 12th consecutive championship win at Tulane University's NROTC Mardi Gras Drill Meet.

Off the Quad, James is a member of Texas A&M's Cyber Leadership Development Program.

“My experience in the Corps of Cadets has profoundly shaped my character and abilities; equipping me with essential skills for life. From the very beginning, Texas A&M's core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service were ingrained in me,” James said of his time in the Corps.

"The Corps provided me with numerous resources, from academic support to practical experience. These resources were invaluable in my academic and personal growth, teaching me the importance of taking initiative and seeking guidance when necessary. I've grown more assertive, resilient, creative and confident. These lessons in critical thinking, decisive action and effective communication will continue to guide me as I step into future challenges. I am confident in the foundation that the Corps has provided me," he continued.

After graduation, James plans to commission into the United States Marine Corps.

Deandre Macri ’25

May 7, 2024 by rnelson

Hometown: Killeen, Texas

Major: Meteorology

Outfit: Corps Staff/Squadron 6

Originally from Squadron 6, Deandre Macri ’25 currently serves as the 2024-2025 Corps Commander. Prior to being named the Corps Commander, Deandre served as the Corps Sergeant Major.

In addition to his leadership position on the Quad, Deandre is currently a member of the Corps Marathon team. Deandre was also previously a member of the Class of 2025 National Champion Fish Drill Team, the Corps Color Guard and the Cadet Awareness Diversity Expansion Team (C.A.D.E.T.).

Off the Quad, Deandre is a member of the Texas A&M Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (TAMSCAMS).

“The Corps of Cadets has developed me as a leader by providing an environment that empowers me to lead confidently while simultaneously providing a safe place to fail at 100% and learn from my mistakes. This experience has made me resilient and prepared for challenges I will face in life beyond graduation,” Deandre said of his time in the Corps.

After graduation, Deandre plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where he hopes to serve as a Weather Officer. Deandre also plans to obtain his PhD in climatology and research satellite warfare with the United States Space Force.

Ready To Lead: Caitlynn Walsh ‘24 Named 2023-2024 Corps Commander

March 23, 2023 by rnelson

The Corps of Cadets recently announced the organization’s leadership selections for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. At the top of this list lies the Corps’ third-ever female Corps Commander: cadet Caitlynn Walsh ‘24.

A Political Science major from Double Oak, Texas, Caitlynn currently serves as the Corps’ Sergeant Major for the 2022-2023 school year. As she prepares to officially step into the Corps Commander role next month at Final Review, Caitlynn took time to reflect on her unique path to Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets.

“I transferred to Texas A&M during my sophomore year from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. After reflecting on what I wanted in a university experience, I decided to make the switch to Texas A&M and joined the Corps as a transfer cadet in Company D-1. I have always wanted to serve in the military and saw the Corps as the best place to immerse myself in a community of service-driven individuals with many opportunities to further develop my leadership skills,” Caitlynn said.

With her sights set on military service, Caitlynn has chosen to pursue a Marine Corps contract through the Platoon Leaders Class, an undergraduate commissioning program.

“Before joining the Corps of Cadets, I had not really considered the Marine Corps. Since joining the Corps, I am grateful to have made many friends that shed light onto the opportunities and values of the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps ultimately drew me with its strong esprit de corps, values and mission that I resonated with, and the unique opportunities to serve my country that it offers,” Caitlynn explained.

As Corps Commander, Caitlynn looks to lead the Corps by example and serve as a source of inspiration to those around her.

“I hope to inspire others by setting an example and showing commitment to the Corps’ values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, Discipline, Respect and Selfless Service through my actions. I also aim to foster an environment where every member feels supported, valued and encouraged to succeed and grow as a leader in this organization,” Caitlynn said.

“As the third-ever female Corps Commander, I also hope to inspire other women within the Corps and beyond by serving as an example that leadership is not limited by gender. The role of Corps Commander holds great responsibility, regardless of gender, and I see it as a tremendous opportunity to serve the university that I love.”

With her tenure as Corps Commander about to begin, Caitlynn offered a few pieces of advice to the incoming freshman class of 2027.

“Commit yourself to the Corps’ values. Honor, Integrity, Courage, Discipline, Respect, and Selfless Service are central to the Corps experience and the Aggie identity. Embrace them and they will serve you well as you use them to guide your actions as a cadet and beyond.

Be disciplined, but don’t be afraid to seek help. The Corps experience is a challenging one, and it is supposed to be. It is designed to develop values and strong leadership skills in each member, which takes dedication and hard work. Realize that there is no shortage of people who are invested in your success and are willing to mentor, guide and help you overcome any challenge you may face.”

For over 145 years, the Corps of Cadets has served as Texas A&M’s premier leadership organization, developing leaders from all walks of life. Though Caitlynn took a non-traditional path to the Corps of Cadets, the opportunities available to her were endless. The Corps of Cadets serves as a place for every individual, regardless of their goals for the future, to develop into well rounded leaders prepared for any challenge they may face.

Story By: Robin Nelson ’22

Though Caitlynn has chosen to serve in the United States Marine Corps after her time at Texas A&M, a majority of graduating cadets go on to serve in the public and private sectors. Fill out the form below to learn more about the professional, educational and scholarship opportunities available in the Corps of Cadets.

Emily Shireman ’23

November 28, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Major: Aerospace Engineering

Outfit: Squadron 12

Emily Shireman ‘23 currently serves as the Corps Scholastics Officer on Corps Staff.

On the Quad, Emily is a member of the O.R. Simpson Honor Society, where she serves as a tutor and mentor resource to her fellow cadets. As a freshman, Emily was a member of the Class of 2023’s National Champion Fish Drill Team.

Off the Quad, Emily is an active member of Texas A&M’s Women in Aviation chapter and Aggie Valor, a Christian organization on campus.

“Being in the Corps has given me so many opportunities I would never have expected. From competing on Fish Drill Team, to going out to the airport to see flyover planes, to getting to mentor younger cadets; the connections I’ve built and experiences I’ve had have been incredible,” Emily said of her time in the Corps.

Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Emily plans to commission into the United States Air Force, where she hopes to become a pilot.

Leslie Contreras-Ruiz ’23

September 21, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Major: Business Marketing

Outfit: Squadron 16

Originally a member of Squadron 16, Leslie Contreras-Ruiz currently serves on Corps Staff.

Off the Quad, Leslie is involved in the Texas A&M Collegiate Sales Team, where she has competed at the national level. Leslie is an active member of the Sales Club, and serves as a campus brand ambassador for Samsung and Celsius.

“I can certainly say that these past three years have not been easy, but they have been worth it. I have made long life friends and have seen myself and others grow along the way. I found myself getting out of my comfort zone and always eager to achieve more, whether it was through leadership opportunities or a chance to make an impact on someone. What comes easy won’t last, what does last won’t come easy,” Leslie said of her time in the Corps.

After graduating from Texas A&M in December, Leslie plans to work full-time in the oil & gas industry as a sales representative.