D-1 Devils

Caitlynn Walsh ’24

May 3, 2023 by rnelson

Hometown: Double Oak, Texas

Major: Political Science

Outfit: Corps Staff / Company D-1

Originally from Company D-1, Caitlynn Walsh ’24 now serves as the 2023-2024 Corps Commander.

Prior to being selected to serve as the Corps Commander, Caitlynn served the Corps as the Corps Sergeant Major throughout the 2022-2023 school year. In addition to her service in these leadership positions, Caitlynn is also a Ross Volunteer.

Off the Quad, Caitlynn is a member of the Student Conference On National Affairs (SCONA).

“The Corps of Cadets has prepared me for life after college by giving me the opportunity to build a strong foundation of leadership, character, and professional development. I wake up every morning and have the privilege of working with a team of my peers as we develop our leadership skills through every decision we make. This year, I hope to inspire others by setting an example and showing commitment to the values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, Discipline, Respect and Selfless Service through my actions,” Caitlynn says.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Caitlynn plans to commission as a Second Lieutenant into the United States Marine Corps.

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.

Cadet Jake Worrell ‘23 Wears Former Governor Rick Perry ‘72’s Senior Boots at March-In

September 7, 2022 by rnelson

As a member of Company D-1 in the Corps of Cadets, Jake Worrell ‘23 has dreamed of donning the Corps’ coveted senior boots since he was a child.

“Growing up, I always saw my dad’s senior boots in a display case, so I knew that what they symbolized was the real deal. They’re a symbol of everything and everyone that the Corps represents,” Jake explained.

While the first march-in of the season is always a momentous time for every member of the Corps, this past Saturday was extra special for Jake.

“When my dad was in college here, as a cadet in L-1, class of 1994, he worked for the Board of Regents and actually drove Governor Perry to a game, and then back to the airport once it was over. My dad was killed in Iraq in 2006 and Governor Perry attended his funeral. He called my family and I just about every month after that to check in on us. He’s always told me to give him a call when I was a senior in the Corps so I could wear his boots to a game. It’s really cool to see this actually happen,” Jake said of the experience.

An iconic part of every senior cadet’s uniform, Jake spoke to the importance of what wearing his boots means to him.

“Wearing my senior boots has made everything up to this point worth it. It is a really nice reward. The pressure is on to do a great job at being a leader when I’m wearing them.”

When asked what wearing former Governor Perry’s boots meant to him, Jake was quick to highlight the significance of what these boots in particular symbolize.

“Governor Perry has done so much for my family and I, in addition to the state of Texas, Texas A&M, and our nation. Being able to have the privilege of wearing these 50 year old boots, representing him and everything he stands for, is so special to me. It is an honor more than anything, being able to literally walk in his shoes. My brother, Luke, is a fish in Company L-1 this year, so I am looking forward to him having this same opportunity in a few years.”

With the promise to his father, Major Matthew Worrell ‘94, United States Army, of being a member of the Corps of Cadets fulfilled, Jake is able to take a look back on what his time as a cadet has meant to him.

“Being a cadet, I feel like I represent the university in a very significant way. Not a lot of schools have a huge organization that’s as nationally known as the Corps. It is cool to be a part of something that’s been around for so long, carrying on old legacies and traditions, being a Guardian of Tradition and Keeper of the Spirit. Being those two things is very serious to me, and being able to exemplify those things everyday is something that I really wanted to immerse myself in. I wanted to fulfill this promise to my dad,” Jake said.

As a University Studies Leadership major and the Public Relations and Athletics Officer for Company D-1, Jake maintains a very busy schedule and has managed to overcome many challenges throughout his college career. Most notably, Jake transferred to Texas A&M in 2020 after beginning his journey at Tarleton State University.

“Obviously, I would’ve loved to have come to A&M on my first try, but if I got the chance to go back and do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. This is the path that I was supposed to take. I made some of my best friends at Tarleton State and even had some of them transfer with me into D-1. I didn’t get the “normal” Corps experience, but I get MY Corps experience, which is something I’m so grateful for. Initially, I was devastated when I didn’t get accepted into A&M. The spirit of Aggieland is real, and I’ve felt its impact throughout my whole life. There’s no way I wasn’t going to do whatever I could to get to the greatest university in the world,” Jake said.

With his senior year off to a strong start, Jake took time to reflect on why he chose to join the Corps.

“I chose to join not because I wanted to pursue a military contract, but because I wanted to be a part of something greater than myself. It is the best decision that I have ever made, looking at who I am now. It is a challenge, but is so worth it in the ways that you will grow. The bonds I have made here are incomparable to anything I’ve ever experienced in the past. It is so much fun being able to represent Texas A&M in this way.”

The Corps of Cadets is home to many outstanding individuals, and Jake Worrell is a shining example. Through years of hard work, determination, and support from his loved ones, Jake has represented Texas A&M, the Corps, and his family well in all of his endeavors. Jake’s experience at the first march-in is symbolic of the Aggie family, its commitment to supporting one another, and the strength of the Spirit of Aggieland.

We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we.

In Memory of Major Matthew Worrell ‘94.

Story by: Robin Nelson ’22

Luke Jenkins ’23

September 7, 2022 by rnelson

Hometown: Dripping Springs, Texas

Major: Political Science

Outfit: Company D-1

The current Commanding Officer for Parsons Mounted Cavalry, Luke Jenkins '23 is also a member of Company D-1. Outside of his involvement on the Quad, Luke is active in the MSC's Student Conference On National Affairs (SCONA).

“The Corps experience has opened up pathways to develop myself as a leader and role model. I want to be able to leave behind a legacy and a model that underclassmen can follow to improve themselves and the Corps as a whole,” Luke said.

After graduation, Luke plans to commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.